Assignment on Tourist Destination

AMRITSAR

Submitted to: Submitted by:

Mr. M.P. VERMA Manmeet Saini

MBA HM

TOPIC OF THE ASSIGNMENT

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Select  a popular destination  as per your choice. Find out hospitality services ( reception, Information section, proper eating joints, bank service, medical facility, transportation)  offer to the tourist. Its connectivity(how well its connected to other places, accessibility), type of accommodation, tourist inflow, safety  and security procedure for the tourist. Also mention your suggestion for improvement of  same destination if required.Prepare  a word doc and submit a hard copy along.

INTRODUCTION

Amritsar, literally 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. In one sense, it is - with bustling markets, haphazard traffic, unyielding cattle, crowds and congestion typical of small town India. But Amritsar stands head and shoulders above any other city, its status elevated and sanctified by the presence of the venerable Golden Temple.

Located in the heart of Amritsar, the temple complex is surrounded by a maze of narrow lanes, or katras, that house one of the busiest markets in India. But the Golden Temple is a serene presence, radiating a calm that makes people bow their heads in reverence. The gurudwara, as Sikh temples are called, is the holiest of Sikh shrines. It is not just Sikhs who travel to the Golden Temple to pay homage, the sacred shrine is equally revered by Hindus and people of other faiths who, too, make the pilgrimage to offers prayers at Harmandir Sahib.

There's more to Amritsar than that - amongst other sights is Jallianwala Bagh, site of the gruesome massacre of unarmed Indians by British troops. A major tourist attraction these days is the Indo-Pakistan border crossing at Wagah, just a short distance from Amritsar, with its elaborate change-of-guards drill with a lot of strutting and intimidatory showing off by both sides.

If you are 'doing' north India, Amritsar is a city you should not miss. It's easy to travel there from Delhi by road and by rail. It is easy to navigate through the city; few guides bother you as tourism is not the most important commercial activity here. Ask them in Amritsar, and they will tell you that if for nothing else you must travel here for the roadside chhola-bhaturas.

Contents 2

History………………………………………………….. 4 Partition of 1947……………………………………….. 5 Modern Amritsar………………………………………. 5 Geography and Climate……………………………….. 6 Demographics…………………………………………. 6 Transport………………………………………………. 6

o Air

o Rail

o Road

o Local transportation

Tourist attractions…………………………………….. 7o The Golden Temple

o Wagah Border

o Jallian Wala Bagho Ram bagh

Accommodation ……………………………………….. 9 Stay Safe……………………………………………….10 Problems faced…………………………………………10 References………………………………………………11

HISTORY

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The Origin of the city of Amritsar lies hidden in the mists of time due to the scanty evidence available in its early history .On the development of the city, the generally accepted view is based on the Amritsar District Gazetteers, the authoritative works of reference on local history.

The various Opinions that the land was granted by emperor Akbar to Guru Amar Das (later on transferred to Guru Ram Das), or was acquired by Guru Ram Das before the grant was actually obtained, or the land was purchased by the Guru on a payment of Rs.700 from the zamindaar of the village at tung at the instance of Emperor Akbar, or presented by the people of village Sultanwind out of regard and reverence for the Guru are all versions based on popular tradition .There are no documentary evidences to support or contradict these views. But the version regarding the purchase of the land by Guru Ram Das is in keeping with the tradition of Sikh Gurus who never took any land grants from the rulers.

It seems that originally the site of Amritsar was a community land lying between the village of Sultanwind, Tung, Gumtala and Gilwali, and later it was acquired by the Sikh Gurus either on payment or was received by them free of cost. Opinions may vary on the question of acquisition of the site, but it is certain that the selection of the site was planned and not accidental. It was the choice of the Gurus themselves, and the site of Amritsar was revenue free land.Even the early name of the city chak Guru,bears testimony to the nature of the settlement as detached or revenue free. Probably, Chak Guru was granted exemption from land revenue by the Mughal government during the reign of Emperor Akbar,Whose policy of religious toleration and religious grants even to non-Muslims centres is a well known fact.

First of all a boundary line of the settlement was drawn. The foundation was laid by Guru Ram Das and the village was named Ram Das Pura .Opinions vary on the date of the founding of the city. Probably the foundation was laid in 1573 AD but the popular view is that it was done in 1577.

The construction of the new centre was started with great enthusiasm.Some huts and houses were built and then excavation of the tank was startad . when a portion of the project was completed, Bhai Jetha went to Goindwal to report the progress of the work.This time Guru Amar Das directed Ram Das to dig another tank at the low level area near the site of the tank under construction.On his return, Guru Ram Das selected the site for the second tank surrounded by a large number of Jujube trees.

Partition of 1947

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Partition of undivided India into India and Pakistan had the most profound effect on the

demographics, economics, social structure and culture of Amritsar. The state of Punjab was

divided between India and Pakistan and Amritsar became a border city, often on the front lines

of India-Pakistan wars. Prior to partition, the Muslim league wanted to incorporate Amritsar into

Pakistan because of the Amritsar's proximity to Lahore (a distance of 30 miles) and a nearly 50%

Muslim population, but the city became part of India. The Indian National Congress had similar

aims of incorporating Lahore into India as Lahore was the cultural, economic, and political

capital of undivided Punjab and Hindus and Sikhs constituted nearly 50% of the population, but

Lahore became a part of Pakistan. Amritsar and Lahore experienced some of the worst

communal riots during the partition of India. Muslim residents of Amritsar left the city en-masse

leaving their homes and property behind due to violent anti-Muslim riots in the city. Similar

scenes of communal carnage against Hindus and Sikhs were witnessed in Lahore and led to their

mass evacuation.

Modern Amritsar

Amritsar is currently witnessing rapid urban growth. Government of India and Government of

Punjab have unveiled a Rs. 3,150 Crore plan to modernize Amritsar. Money from the plan would

fund construction of roads, water and sewage management, and a mass Rapid transit system.

Amritsar has witnessed a spurt in high-end residential property and multiplex development,

courtesy the government’s decision to set up a special economic zone there.

Leading property developers from north India have lined up a series of townships comprising of

villas, luxury apartments, service apartments and penthouses. About a dozen malls are also in

various phases of completion. A new city Convention Centre has been planned (as of October

2007), as are four 5-star hotels by the Radisson group (set to open by October 2008), the Taj

group of hotels, the Holiday Inn Group and the Marriott group.

New localities like Sahej enclave are set up by Puda for the Elite in town. Amritsar lately has

become hub for medicare for North India. To protect Amritsar's historical and religious heritage,

part of the new budget is dedicated to the preservation of religious shrines in the city.

Geography and Climate

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Amritsar is located at 31.63°N 74.87°E [2] with an average elevation of 234 metres (768

ft).Amritsar has a continental climate, typical of Northwestern India and experiences four

seasons primarily: winter season (November to March) with temperature ranges from 4 °C (39

°F) to about 16 °C (61 °F), summer season (April to June) where temperatures can reach 45 °C

(113 °F), monsoon season (July to September) and post-monsoon season (September to

November). Annual rainfall is about 790 millimetres (31.1 in). Since 1970, the lowest

temperature, −2.6 °C (27 °F), was recorded on 21 Jan 2005 and the highest temperature, 47.7 °C

(117.9 °F), was recorded on 21 May 1978.

Demographics

Sikhs form a majority in Amritsar consisting about 74% of the population, Hindus being the largest minority at 26%. Males and females constitute 55% and 45% of the population, respectively. Amritsar has an average literacy rate of 75% (which is higher than the national average of 59.5%). 15% of the population is under 6 years of age. The main spoken language in Amritsar and in the surrounding villages is the Punjabi dialect of Maajhi, considered to be Standard Punjabi. Other languages spoken in the city are Hindi and English.

Transport

Best time to visit Amritsar is in the winter, between October and March

AIR

Raja Sansi International Airport (IATA: ATQ) is about 11 km and a 15-20 minutes drive from the city center. It's one of the modern airports in India and quite adequate if not exactly exciting. Most flights are to Delhi, an hour away, but there are an increasing number of international connections: Jet flies to London, Air India flies to Toronto via London and Air Slovakia flies to Bergamo, Barcelona and Birmingham via Bratislava. There are also surprising numbers of flights to Central Asia (eg. Turkmenistan, Kazakhstan).

RAILWAYS

Amritsar (IR station code : ASR) is an important railway station and is well connected to major cities in India through daily trains. Onward/return trains can be booked online at the train station or, most conveniently, at the small booking office in the Golden Temple Complex. Amritsar is connected by direct trains to major Indian cities like Delhi, Jammu, Mumbai, Nagpur, Calcutta and Puri.

ROADWAYS

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Amritsar is located on the historic Grand Trunk Road(G.T Road) also known as National Highway 1 and therefore, very well connected to the road network. Daily bus services run to and from Ambala, Delhi, Chandigarh and Jammu. A sum of Rs 450 crores is being spent to expand the Amritsar-Jalandhar stretch of G.T. Road to four lanes. the government of Punjab finalized plans for the construction of an elevated road with four lanes connected to the National highway for better access to the Golden Temple.

Local transportation

For transportation within Amritsar city, rickshaws, auto rickshaws, taxis and buses are easily available. Recently, the government of India and Punjab pledged Rs. 2,100 Crore for the development of a Mass Rapid Transport system for the city. It is hoped that this will help in relieving traffic congestion and improving air quality.

Tourist attractions

Golden Temple is the main attraction in the city, and the most important religious place to the Sikhs. It's a stunning complex, and always full of thousands of pilgrims from all over India, excited to be at a place that they usually only see on television. The excitement to be here is infectious, and many people will be more than happy to tell you all about their religion and customs, and show you around the temple itself. Cover your head, remove your shoes and wander around one of the most amazing places in India. The complex is open almost 24 hours (from 6 AM until 2 AM) and is worth visiting twice: once during the day, once at night, when it's beautifully lit up.

As you arrive near the complex, you will more likely than not be accosted by hawkers trying to sell you bandannas to cover your head. It's not a bad souvenir for Rs.10, but there's also a big barrel of free ones to choose from at the entrance itself. Deposit your shoes at the subterranean building to the left of the entrance, wash your feet at the entrance and head in.

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.

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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.

All Sikhs are expected at some point in their lives to volunteer for a week at the temple, and everyone you see working here is fulfilling that duty. It's likely possible that you can join in if you feel so inclined - you could start by chatting up the people outside peeling vegetables, or those washing dishes.

Wagah Border

The international border between India and Pakistan. The pomp and pageantry of the Beating Retreat and the Change of Guard within handshaking distance of the Indian and Pakistani forces makes for a most charming spectacle.

Wagah, an army outpost on Indo-Pak border - between Amritsar and Lahore, is an elaborate complex of buildings, roads and barriers on both sides. The daily highlight is the evening "Beating the Retreat" ceremony. Soldiers from both countries march in perfect drill, going through the steps of bringing down their respective national flags. As the sun goes down, nationalistic fervour rises and lights are switched on marking the end of the day amidst thunderous applause.

Jallian Wala Bagh

The memorial at this site commemorates the 2000 Indians who were killed or wounded, shot indiscriminately by the British under the command of Gen Michael O"Dyer on April13, 1919 while participating in a peaceful public meeting. This was one of the major incidents of India's freedom struggle.The story of this appaling massacre is told in the Martyr's Gallery at the site. A section of wall with bullet marks still visible is preserved along with the memorial well, in which some people jumped to escape. "The impossible men of India shall rise and liberate their mother land", declared Mahatma Gandhi, after the Jallian Wala massacre. "This disproportionate severity of punishment inflicted upon the unfortunate people and method of carrying it out is without parallel in the history of civilized govt." wrote Rabindra Nath Tagore the noble laureate while returning knighthood.

Ram Bagh

Ram Bagh a beautiful garden ,an accustomed listener to the Neighs of thousand horses, announcing the arrival of the statesman of the century Maharaja Ranjit Singh (1780-1839) the Lion of Punjab, has in its heart the summer Palace of this great ruler. Maintenance free inbuilt

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cooling system designed in the Palace exhibits the architectural excellence and invokes a keen interest.The king of his time brought local chieftains under his control and virtually finished any eventuality of possible attacks on the kingdom raised by him. To commemorate the memory of his velour Ram Bagh on its one end has a lively statue of Maharaja Ranjit Singh saddled on a horse in a winsome posture. 

The garden was named by the ruler himself as a tribute to Guru Ram Das, the founder of the city. Now the summer palace of the Maharaja Ranjit Singh has been converted into a museum which speaks volumes on his times.On display are weapons dating back to Mughal times, portraits of ruling houses of Punjab and a replica of diamond "Kohinoor". In those days the garden was approached by a huge fortified gate which still exists in its original form and is just on the periphery of the garden.

Accomodation

All kind of accommodation is listed below in detail.

Budget

The Golden Temple offers free accommodation to pilgrims and tourists in very basic dorms or 3-bed rooms in Guru Ram Das Niwas, behind the temple. While free, donations are expected (Rs 50-100 minimum per person per night is appropriate). You should also remain quiet and respectful of the surroundings, keeping in mind that this is a holy place of pilgrimage more than a tourist attraction. Alcohol and smoking are strictly forbidden, not only within the temple complex but anywhere within eye-sight of the temple complex. If you can handle that, then this is arguably the best place to stay - watching people go about their routine, talking to the pilgrims, and absorbing the gorgeous atmosphere. Put your donations in the donation box near the entrance to Ram Das Niwas, as opposed to the guards who will ask you for it when checking out.

Mid-range

Hotel Sapphire, Hotel CJ International, Hotel Heritage Inn, Royal Castle , Hotel City Heart, Hotel Indus, Hotel Sarovar Plaza, most of these hotels are around the Golden Temple.

Splurge

Ista Amritsar, MBM Farms, G.T. Road (adjoins Alpha One City Center), 5 star hotel with a contemporary design, two restaurants, lounge and spa. Rooms starting at Rs 5000.

Hotel P.R. Residency, 4 Kms from Railway Station, Ranjit’s Svaasa, Grand Legacy, Ritz Plaza, 45 The Mall, A more classy hotel also located in the city with good rooms and service and a swimming pool.

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Stay Safe

The sectarian strife of the 1980s is just a bad memory and Amritsar is currently a safe and welcoming city, if a little polluted.

Amritsar is an important tourist destination and also a transit point, where from international and national tourists make onward journey to various other places. Amritsar is emerging as a tourism hub and it is one of the most visited places in the world. Everyday around one lakh people visit this place. A large number of devotees from other sates of India as well as from the foreign countries come

The ripple effect of Union ministry's endeavor to tap the country's full potential of tourism by introducing ‘Atithi Devo Bhava' campaign, is causing quite a stir in the city. Keeping in mind the hordes of visitors thronging the Golden Temple, the CM launched Amritsar Tourism Police (ATP)in 2008 to provide security to tourists. Taking the initiative further, ATP has begun holding gratitude exercises for "ambassadors" of hospitality industry.

In one such programme conducted, it taught cycle rickshaw-pullers, taxi and auto rickshaw drivers and dhabha owners some basic social etiquette.

With a majority of the audience being illiterate, the initiative caused much amusement all around. Nevertheless, even as most admitted to the importance of polite address and maintaining good personal hygiene, not many were hopeful of effecting a changeover.

Problems faced

By tourist:

Tourists as they face several problems related to transport, accommodations, getting tourism related information and many times they fall victims to cheats and touts losing their belongings and valuables.

Amritsar Tourism Police has been deputed at five points round the clock, namely Golden Temple, Airport, Bus Stand, Railway Station, and Attari Border. This is a part of service oriented policing which has been the top priority of Amritsar City Police and an attempt to present the Police as people friendly, especially to the tourist, who visits the city in large numbers from home and abroad.

By me:

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The exact information on tourist inflow is not available but of the sites mentions that “ everyday 1 lakh people visit this place” still was not able to find exact numbers.

Decent hospitals and entertainment services are available, as its more of spiritual destination, majority of the tourists fall in religious and spiritual tourism.

This place is functioning very well and don’t think so any recommendation as a tourist sport is required. As in the year 2008 they have also launched special ATP- Amritsar tourist police which takes special care of tourists.

References

http://www.sadapunjab.com/punjabi/history-of-amritsar.html

http://amritsartourismpolice.blogspot.com/

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Amritsar

http://www.mapsofindia.com/amritsar/history.html

http://www.sacred-destinations.com/india/golden-temple-of-amritsar

Falling Rain Genomics, Inc - Amritsar

http://amritsar.nic.in/html/about_district.htm

Tribune India

Official Website of District of Amritsar

Official Website of City of Amritsar

Amritsar travel guide from Wiki travel

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