OVERVIEW OF AMRITSAR ATTRACTIONS IN AND AROUND AMRITSAR AmritsarAmritsar is a holy city in the state of Punjab, India. The name of the city derives from the name of the pool around the Golden Temple and means "holy pool of nectar" Amritsar is the spiritual and cultural centre of the Sikh religion centred around the impressive Golden Temple, initiated by Guru Ramdaas Ji, the fourth Sikh Guru, and completed in 1601 by his successor Guru Arjan Dev Ji. It is now a major pilgrimage and tourism destination. Its architecture represents a unique harmony between the muslims and the hindus way of construction work and is reputed as one of the best architectural wonders of the world. It is often quoted that this architecture has created an independent sikh school of architecture in the history of art in India. THINGS TO DO IN AMRITSAR The Golden Temple is the main attraction to this tourist destination. The main areas of the temple include: Darshani Deori. This is the main entrance, sporting a distinctly Victorian clock-tower. Amrit Sarovar. The giant pool of water that surrounds and reflects the Golden Temple. Sections (marked off by ropes) are set aside for (male) pilgrims wishing to bathe. Harmandir Sahib. This is the Golden Temple itself, floating above the Amrit Sarovar, housing the sacred Adi Granth scripture which is recited out loud during the day. This is the most crowded point, accessible by a bridge from the edge of the pool, and entry here is regulated by guards. Akal Takht, directly opposite the Harmandir Sahib. Meaning "the Timeless, this is where the highest council of Sikhs sits and deliberates. At night, the Guru Granth Sahib is taken to the Akal Takht. Central Sikh Museum, 2nd floor (entrance on the right side of the main side of the main entrance). Devoted to large gallery of paintings, mostly showing the gruesome ways countless Sikhs have been martyred, and various knick-knacks from the gurus. Free.