AMRITSAR

Amritsar is found in the state of Punjab in North India. The state is predominately Sikh in religion, and the Golden Temple at Amritsar is the spiritual center of the Sikh religion.

Although largely rural in character Punjab is one of the wealthiest states in India, largely due to the willingness of the population to embrace new technology. So there is now an amazing mix of traditional and modern within the Punjab. Huge shopping malls sit alongside old markets, modern 4 x 4's share the road with tractors... and the population have the most amazingly positive outlook on life, embracing change and moving forward.

Historically the Punjab was the region most affected by the Partition of India. It was the state that was divided in half to create Pakistan, so a huge number of the current population of the Punjab were wrenched from their birthplaces and forced to relocate on the Indian side of the border. So nowhere in India are issues related to the Partition more keenly felt.

GOLDEN TEMPLE, Amritsar

One of the most magnificent temples to be found in India. The Golden Temple is the centre for the Sikh religion. The temple has often been described as the most intensely spiritual place in India. A must visit for any trip to North India.

As well as the Gold covered Harminder Sahib, a visit to the Langar Hall is a must. 1,000 meals are prepared here every hour, for any visitor to the temple to enjoy, a symbol of the equality of all people at the heart of Sikhism

WALKING TOUR, Amritsar City

After a tour of the Golden Temple why not take some time to explore the city of Amritsar. A guided walking tour will give you the opportunity to explore the back streets and alleyways that used to be used by the defenders of the city to move between the Temple and the walls on the outskirts. In addition you will also get to visit Jalwania Bagh site of the civilian massacre by the British armed forces as Indians pushed for Independence.

PARTITION MUSEUM, Amritsar

The Partition of India was one of the most defining events in the history of the subcontinent, leading to the largest mass migration in human history. The Partition Museum was created as a memorial to remember all those millions.

One of the most important exhibits of the museum are its collection of oral histories. Recordings have been made of the survivors of partition, recording their experiences and memories of the largest mass migration in history and its accompanying violence and bloodshed. Partition was such a huge element of the history of the Punjab, to understand the area and its people you have to understand the impacts of Partition on the people.

ROCK GARDEN, CHANDIGARH

The Rock Garden is an awe inspiring and unique site of outdoor art. Created by Nek Chand, the site is over 3 acres and inhabited by all manner of sculptures created from rocks from the nearby Himalayan streams. The theme for the site is one of reincarnation - Nek Chand decided to create a space where as the souls left the bodies of people recently passed, the souls could have a place in which to rest before they recommenced their journey ... and so the Rock Garden was born.

CAPITOL COMPLEX, CHANDIGARH

Chandigarh is the capital city of the state of Punjab and gives visitors a completely new perspective on India. Built shortly after partition the city, designed by the swiss architect Courbousier, has been completely planned and is considered the greenest city in India. This is what India can look like without all the hustle and bustle.....

Prime Minister Nehru grasped the chance to create something startlingly radical. “Let this be a new town symbolic of the freedom of India,Unfettered by the traditions of the past".

Chandigarh, all order, reason, and planning - it is an experimental Western city in an Eastern setting.

VIRAT E KHALSA

The amazing Virasat-e-Khalsa , created by Amardeep Bahl, was conceived as a repository of the rich heritage of the Sikh `Khalsa`, and showcases the history and culture of the Punjab.

The Virat E Khalsa sits in the Himalayan foothills just outside of Chandigarh. The location was chosen because of its links to Anandpur Sahib, the birth place of the Sikh Khalsa. It was here in 1699, on the day of Baisakhi, that the 10th Sikh guru, Guru Gobind Singh, founded the Khalsa Panth.

The Museum building, is shaped like hands offering prayers.The project has two main complexes, which are joined with a connecting ceremonial bridge. The western complex houses an auditorium with a seating capacity of 400. It has a huge exhibition gallery and a library (including a library of Music), housing all journals, magazines, books and periodicals on Sikhism.

The eastern complex has a north wing also known as flower building.

The roof of the flower building is shaped in form of five petals – depicting Panj Piaras of Guru Gobind Singh or perhaps even the five tenets of the religion. Each petal houses a gallery tracing the life history of all gurus from birth to attaining salvation/ martyrdom. The petal at the highest altitude has information and exhibits on the Guru Granth Sahib.

geoindia tours