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Golden Temple, also known as Sri Harmandir Sahib is named after Hari(God) the temple of God. The Sikhs all over the world, daily wish to pay visit to Sri Amritsar and to pay obeisance at Sri Harmandir Sahib in their Ardas. Sri Harmandir Sahib, is built on a 67ft. square platform in the centre of the Sarovar(tank). The temple itself is 40.5ft. square. It has a door each on the East, West, North and South. The Darshani Deori (an arch) stands at the shore end of the causeway. The door frame of the arch is about 10ft in height and 8ft 6inches in breath. The door panes are decorated with artistic style. It opens on to the causeway or bridge that leads to the main building of Sri Harmandir Sahib. It is 202 feet in length and 21 feet in width.

The main structure of Sri Harmandir Sahib, functionally as well as technically is a three-storied one. The front, which faces the bridge, is decorated with repeated cusped arches and the roof of the first floor is at the height of the 26 feet and 9 inches.

At the top of the first floor 4 feet high parapet rises on all the sides which has also four ‘Mamtees’ on the four corners and exactly on the top of the central hall of the main sanctuary rises the third story. It is a small square room and have three gates. A regular recitation of Guru Granth Sahib is also held there. On the top of this room stands the low fluted ‘Gumbaz’(dome) having lotus petal motif in relief at the base inverted lotus at the top which supports the ‘Kalash’ having a beautiful ‘Chhatri’ at the end.

The chants of the devotees sanctify the entire area from dawn till dusk and the pilgrims and tourists strolling in its vicinity and around the marbled concourse encircling the pool, experience a spiritual nirvana too powerful to be contained in mere language.
 

The word Amritsar means the holy pool of nectar. 1573 Work began on digging the holy pool. 1601 Harmandir Sahib completed. 1604 Guru Granth Sahib installed. Alongside people representing 52 professions settled. In Maharaja Ranjit Singh’s time Amritsar had superceded Lahore as the pre-eminent city of the Orient

Amritsar, literally a Pool of Nectar, derives its name from Amrit Sarovar, the holy tank that surrounds the fabulous Golden Temple. First time visitors to Amritsar could be forgiven for the impression that Amritsar is like any other small town in northern India. But Amritsar stands head and shoulders above any other city, its status elevated and sanctified by the presence of the venerable Golden Temple.

Amritsar has various historical and religious sites. The most famous of them all in the Golden Temple which was founded by the fourth Guru of Sikhs, Guru Ramdas and completed by his successor Guru Arjan Dev. Another revered shrine is the Durgiana Temple which is dedicated to goddess Durga.

Amritsar is one of the most ancient and fascinating cities of India. It is an important seat of Sikh history and culture. Being the gateway for travellers coming to India on the overland route from central Asia it soon became the centre of various commercial activities.
 

Maharaja Ranjit Singh War Museum : The museum was founded in the year 1990.The reason behind its construction was to aware nation about the defence services, not only for its role in defending the country but also in strengthening the bonds of national integration and unity. The museum is still under construction.However, it conducts regular shows in a light and sound hall. These presentations showcase the stories of Indian heroes especially Punjabi soldiers in upholding the dignity of the motherland.

Lodhi Fort : The fort was constructed by Muslim ruler Sikander Lodhi over 500-years before.This old Lodhi fort was placed on a strategic location along the banks of Sutlej in city.This old fort has gone to rack & ruin but due to contribution of the officials and the city residents, the fort still survives.The old fort earlier stood as a strong citadel,and holds position of a military fort.It has even withstood large number of invaders but now it has crumbled under the onslaught elements in last five centuries.

Nehru Rose Garden : Nehru Rose Garden is the largest rose gardebn in India .It was established in the year 1967.Owing to its greenery, it is regarded as one of the ideal spot for picnic.The garden extends to an area of 27 acres. The place exhibits nearly 17,000 plants representing some 1,600 varieties of roses as well as several fountains. The museum also displays a musical fountainwhich further add to ita beauty.

Punjab Agricultural University Museum : The Punjab Agriculture University was founded in the year 1962.This world renowned museum is located on the outskirts of the city. It is modelled after the Land Grant College of America. The university encompasses a rural museum which displays local arts and crafts and objects belonging to the ancient times.The University also organizes a Kisan Mela every year.

Bhir : Bhir displays the famous mosque built by Mohammad Ghori in the year 1911.The mosque was constructed by 150 years old Khangah of Abdul Rehman Khan, mausoleum of Alawal Khan.He built this mosque during Shah Jahan’s regime.The mosque is octagonal in shape.Ludhiana dates back to Emperor Jehangir’s time.It surmounts the tomb of Bahadur Khan with sloping walls.The dome is double pear shaped.It also surmounts double tomb of Husain Khan, Bilwanwali Masjid, mosque of Kamal-ud-din Khan.The main way exhibits Sarai Doraha.

Hardy’s World : Hardy’s world is located at 7 Kms from the main city.This is visually stunning amusement park in the city.It offers a complete fun-package for the tourists.The place is most suitable for theme parties, cafes.The joy rides and shopping complex are the main entertainment bonanza for all age groups.

Jalandhar is located at a distance of 146 kilometers from Chandigarh in Punjab. The city has an area of 3,401 square kilometers. Jalandhar is a commercial hub. The roads of the city are free from traffic so you can drive at a good speed. Jalandhar is well connected to all major cities by a good network of rails, roads and airways.There are textiles, leather goods, wood products and sporting goods producing industries. Finished products from these industries are transported to all the parts of the country.

Time To Visit

Summer season extends from April to July in Jalandhar. Moonsoon Rains start around early to mid July and last through August and end in September. It becomes quite cold in Dec-January. Best time to visit Jalandhar is January to March, as this time climate is quite pleasant.

Here are few places which is must Visit in Jalandhar.

Devi Talab Mandir : In Devi Talab, there is a large masonry 200 year old tank sacred to Hindus.The temple is situated at 1km away from the railway station.A picturesque of Amarnath Yatra has been carved out recently to add to the beauty of the temple.The whole temple has been renovated including the idol of Devi,and a new temple has been constructed in the middle.An old temple of goddess Kali is also located beside the temple of the Devi Talab. The gilded Mandir is famous for the Hariballabh Sangeet Sammelan is the major attraction of the place.It held every year in December at its precincts for the past 125 years. Famous classical music exponents – both instrumental and vocal come together and perform at this gathering.

Shiv Mandir : Shiv Mandir is located at Gur Mandi.Imam Nasir mausoleum is located nearby.The temple dates back to the Lodhi Era.The foundation of this temple is laid down by the Nawab of Sultanpur Lodhi.The main feature of this temple is that it is a blend of Muslim Hindu architecture. The main gate is carved in the style of a mosque while the rest of the building is in Hindu style.Acoording to the history,it is believed that when Jalandhar was Nawabs territory, he had eyed a newly married Hindu girl who was a staunch devotee of Lord Shiva.

Wonder Land : Wonderland Theme Park is located about 6 kms from Jalandhar Bus terminus and 8 kms from the Railway Station on Nakodar Road .The Park spreads over 11 acres with many thrilling rides offering healthy entertainment to all age groups.It is an amusement water park with water games and water rides. The water rides like bumper cars, flying jets, horror house, boating, kiddies’ boating, play house, flying dragon and a slide splash are major attractions.

Pushpa Gujral Science : City Science City is built with the aim of learning, fun & amusement using Scientific ideas.It is an ideal place for people of all ages. It also aims at arouse creativity in young minds.Its main objective is to build a scientific temper in the state. The projects are dynamic in its concept which enables it to adapt to the rapidly developing modern technology.The project will help in creating awareness of science in the community etc.

Ludhiana is located on the Grand Trunk Road from Delhi to Amritsar. Ludhiana is renowned all over the world for its hosiery goods. From Moscow to Montreal, shopping malls retail both cotton and woollen products from Ludhiana. It can be visited either for bulk hosiery shopping or making it a base for the Rural Olympics held in Killa Raipur nearby. Ludhiana is a part of the Ludhiana-Moga-Ferozepur-Bhatinda-Malout-Muktsar-Faridkot tourist circuit in Punjab.

Time To Visit

Ludhiana experiences very hot summers and mild winters. Winter set in November,when the city experiences very cold climate during the night.The best time to visit Ludhiana is from February to mid April.The monsoon visits this city around July and extends up to the beginning of September.

Below are some places of interest in Patiala.

Moti Bagh Palace : The palace was founded in the early 20th century,Its construction was started during the reign of Maharaja Narinder Singh and it was completed under Maharaja Bhupinder Singh . The Old Moti Bagh Palace now encompasses the National Institute for Sports. The facade is adorned using Rajasthan-style jharokas and chhatris.The palace is located admist a beautiful garden with terraces, water channels and a Sheesh Mahal.

Sheesh Mahal : The Sheesh Mahal was located behind the Moti Bagh Palace to serve as a pleasure complex. The paintings in two of its well maintained , mirror-worked chambers are of Kangra and Rajasthani qalam.The paintings depict the poetic visions of Keshav, Surdas and Bihari.The Sheesh Mahal also encompasses a museum, an art gallery, and also the North Zone Cultural Centre set up by a society to preserve art.

Qila Androon : Androon is a single interconnected building,however it is considered as a series of palaces.The series of rooms form a cluster around the courtyard and each holds a name:Sheesh Mahal, Toshakhana, Jalau Khana, Chand Mahal, Rang Mahal, Treasury and Prison.In a tiny portion of the complex is a little British construction which displays Gothic arches and fire places carved out of marble.The entrance is through an imposing gate. The architectural style of this palace is a synthesis of late Mughal and Rajasthani.Burj Baba Ala Singh even today has a fire smoldering ever since the time of Baba Ala Singh, along with a flame brought by him from Jwalaji.

Lakshman Jhoola : Lakshman Jhoola is located across the small Lake in front of Sheesh Mahal.It is a magnificent suspension bridge.It forms a replica of the famous Lakshman Jhoola at Rishikesh and therefore is also named as Lachman Jhoola.It links the Sheesh Mahal with the Banasar Ghar on the other side of the lake. The Banasar Ghar now houses the North Zone Cultural Center.

Diwan Khana : This hall is used for holding important public occasions. The Darbar has been transformed into a museum exhibiting dazzling chandeliers and armor, including the sword and dagger of Guru Gobind Singh.It also displays Nadir Shah’s sword. The hall was built on a high platform over a network of tunnels . The delicately worked wood-and-glass doors open into a huge 15m-high chamber.The ceiling is hung with a fabled collection of chandeliers.At the far end of the chamber is a raised platform, where the Maharaja used to sit.

Patiala district is one of the famous princely states of erstwhile Punjab.It is surrounded by the districts of Fatehgarh Sahib & Rupnagar and Chandigarh in the north, Sangrur district in the west, Ambala and Kurukshetra districts in the east and Kaithal district in the south.Patiala is located on the National Highway #1 (Delhi-Amritsar) and is about 250 Km from Delhi.

Time To Visit

The summer season extends from March to June.The monsoon set in month of July and extends till the end of August.The winters are cool and pleasant.The best time to visit Patiala is from February to mid April.