Breakaway Destination Guides (International)
Breakaway’s Travel World
A Guide to Golden Lands and Faraway Places
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Golden Temple, Amritsar
Shining in the morning light, the gilded splendour of its panelling and big dome and small minarets, this temple is a fairy world palace. The first look
brings onto the innocent eye the image of a transcendent 'loving sight' peering into heaven from the legends of the miraculous cures by the touch of
the water in the pool of nectar.
Also Known As:
The Harmandir Sahib (or Hari Mandir) in Amritsar, Punjab, is the holiest shrine in Sikhism. Previously (and still more commonly) known as the Golden Temple,
it was officially renamed Harmandir Sahib in March 2005.
Where is It:
Amritsar, Punjab, India
How do I get There:
Amritsar is served by the Raja Sansi International Airport (ATQ), which is 11km or about 20-25 minutes from the city centre. There are many flights to
Delhi, an hour away. You can also take the Shatabdi Express train from Delhi to Amritsar. Amritsar is also connected by rail to Jammu, Dharamsala and the northern
parts of India via Pathankot.
 The temple (or gurdwara) is a major pilgrimage destination for Sikhs from all over the world, as well as an increasingly popular tourist attraction. Unlike
some historical sacred sites, the Golden Temple of Amritsar is as alive with religious fervor and sacredness as it ever was, and visitors are welcomed to join in
the experience. Although the building itself is of tremendous historical and architectural interest, it is the Golden Temple's great spiritual meaning for
Sikh believers (and others) that is most memorable.
The Golden Temple of Amritsar is open from as early as 6:00am in the morning, until 2:00am in the early morning. It is a very photogenic site and is worth visiting
twice, at different times of the day, to view it according to the changes in light. You need to cover your head - there would be vendors trying to sell you a headband,
which you can buy and keep as souvenir afterwards, or simply choose a free one from the barrel near the entrance. You need to leave your shoes at the shoe deposit station
to the left of the entrance and wash your feet before entering.
 The main entrance at the north is under a Victorian clock tower. It is known as Darshani Deori. Go up a flight of steps and then down again to the temple and the
tank. The temple is reached using a causeway known as the Guru's Bridge. Photograph is allowed everywhere except inside the shrine.
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Asian Guides
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