Amritsar
meaning "holy pool of nectar" is home of spiritual and cultural
centre of the Sikh Religion - the Golden Temple. Also known as Sri Harmandir
Sahib, the Golden Temple was initiated by the fourth Guru of Sikhs, Guru
Ramdas Ji and completed in the year 1601 by his successor Guru Arjan Dev Ji.
Today, Golden Temple a major travel and pilgrimage destination with Raja
Sansi International Airport connecting it to few of the major cities of the
world. The international airport at Amritsar receives flights from
Birmingham, London and Singapore.
How to Reach ?
Since the city owns an international and domestic airport, it is easily
accessible by air from few major cities of India and world. The Indian
railways offers good number of trains to the city, so for those who are
looking for train travel can access the city very easily. From the nearby
cities and neighboring states one can also take a bus or private vehicle to
Amritsar.
What to See ?
The Golden Temple, Jalianwala Bagh, Durgiana Mandir, Baba Atal Rai Tower,
Wagah Border
Vrindavan :
At
a distance of 15 km from the holy city of Mathura lies another holy place -
Vrindavan. Vrindavan is another major place of pilgrimage in India. Noted
for its numerous temples - both old and new, the name of Vrindavan evokes
the playfulness and lovable character of Lord Krishna. This is the place
where Lord Krishna frolicked with the gopis and tenderly wooed Radha. Today
this mythologically revered place is noted for its numerous temples and
spiritual ambience.
How to Reach ?
Vrindavan is connected to Mathura and all other places of interest in Braj
by rail and bus services and is on direct road link from Delhi & Agra.
What to See ?
The Madan Mohan Temple, The Banke-Bihari Temple, Radha Vallabh Temple.
Mount Abu :
Situated
at the highest peak of the Aravali at an altitude of 1220 meters, Mount Abu
is the only hill station in the desert state of Rajasthan. Mount Abu is
religiously significant for the Jains as well since Jain scriptures record
that Lord Mahavira, the 24th Jain Tirthankar (spiritual leader), also
visited Mount Abu and blessed the city.
Apart form being one of the prettiest hill stations in the country, Mount
Abu is also a major Hindu and Jain pilgrimage center. Till 11th century,
Mount Abu was an important Vaishnav and Shiva pilgrimage center, but now it
has gained importance as a Jain pilgrim center. Rich vegetation and thick
forest dominates this hill station making it an oasis in the arid
surroundings. The pleasant climate picturesque surroundings attracts
tourists in large numbers for pleasure trips and relaxation.
How to Reach ?
The nearest airport is at Udaipur and the nearest railhead at Abu road.
Mount Abu has well defined roads which links it to almost all the cities of
Rajasthan.
What to See ?
Gaumukh Temple, Delwara Jain Temple, Adhar Devi Temple, Nakki Lake are some
of the attractions which you should not miss.
Pushkar :
Pushkar
is a quiet little town of eastern Rajasthan, located about 11 km from Ajmer.
Set on the edge of a small and beautiful lake, Pushkar is a city of 400
temples and 52 bathing ghats, which are the major attraction of the place.
The only temple of the Hindu God of Creation, Brahma is located at Pushkar,
which draws large number of pilgrims to the place. In the month of
October-November (Hindu month of Kartik), Pushkar comes alive with the
vibrancy and colour of the famous Pushkar Fair and the full moon (Kartik
Purnima) festivities at the Ghats.
How to Reach ?
Nearest airport is at Jaipur, nearest railhead at Ajmer (11km) and Pushkar
itself has good network of roads, which connects it to rest of the state.
What to See ?
Pushkar Lake, the holy lake has 52 ghats and pilgrims taking a ritual dip
in the lake is a common sight, temples among which the Brahma Temple is the
prime attraction. Pushkar Fair is another attraction held on Kartik Purnima
(October - November).