Destination : Amritsar

Amritsar is a frontier city at Indo-Pak border. The Indo-Pak link road leads through Amritsar. Border Check Post is at Attari 25 km to the west of the city. India and Pakistan on either side are in peaceful coexistence, with a 5 ft wide no man's land in between. The disciplined formal rituals of the army from sunrise to sunset are main features at Wagha border. Every day during sunset the ceremonial flag down is a treat to watch. In the evening at Wagha borders (18-45) the gates of the both the states are opened, National flags are brought down with military honor. The flag is hoisted on the next morning. Tourist visit the border buses, autos & taxis are available from Amritsar.

Surrounded by a fertile region, Amritsar is well-known for its agricultural produce, textiles and has a thriving chemical industry. Amritsar is also well-linked to the rest of India by air, road and rail, and is the gateway to neighboring scenic states like Jammu & Kashmir and Himachal Pradesh. These states offer fantastic nature, breathtaking mountainous landscapes, and a rich diversity of culture and history.

Amritsar, located in northwestern Punjab, has been the capital of the Sikh religion since the 16 th century and the Golden Temple is the most outstanding attraction in the city. Other tourist attractions include the Ram Bagh, a beautiful garden named after the city's founding father and the summer palace of Maharaja Ranjit Singh, which has a museum showcasing weapons dating back to the Mughal. Visitors will be drawn to the exciting colors and rhythms of this vibrant city.

In 1980 Golden Temple, i.e. Harmandir was turned into a fort by the extremists under the leadership of Sant Jamail Singh Vindranwalle. In order to break the seize within, Indian army started operation 'Blue Star' inside the Golden Temple on 4 June, 1984 and rescued the temple on 6 June amidst great losses and damages. Vindranwalle was killed at the Basement of Akal Takht, in an undeclared war between army and followers of Vindranwale after a 3 day seize of the Golden Temple. After this bloodshed and damage though extremism was to some extent under control, after 4 months on Oct 31, 1984 Prime Minister Mrs Indira Gandhi was assassinated in her residence by her own Sikh body-guard. In 1986 the Golden Temple again went under the control of the extremists. This time Punjab Police advanced operation Black Thunder and freed the temple with assistance from the army without blood shed. At last in 1988 Constitution was amended in order to stop political activities in religious places. In last two decades, Punjab has limped back to normalcy after the secessionist Khalistani movement lost the steam due to back of Public support as well as noholds bar army and police action. Amritsar is now normal and one may visit the place.

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