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Amritsar

The most important Sikh pilgrimage site

Amritsar, literally ‘the lake of ambrosia’, is a spiritual centre for the Sikh faith, named after the pool that surrounds the Golden Temple – a spectacular, gilded monument that offers spiritual solace to people of every caste, creed, race and faith. A significant pilgrimage site for Sikhs, Amritsar offers the most interesting insight into the faith and their traditions. It is also known for the Mata Temple, a pilgrimage site for women seeking fertility boons, and the infamous Jallianwala Bagh massacre, a grim chronicle of the British rule. Amritsar also has a rich tradition of Sikh food – from chickpea curries and stuffed breads, to spicy meat and fish preparations, and a thriving shopping culture with traditional crafts like embroidered, twirly-toed footwear and embellished material for clothing.