Spirit of nationalism overpowers all others when at the border

Wagah Border - One of the interesting things that tourists often engage in during their trip to Amritsar is to visit the Wagah Border. It is a 45-minute drive from Amritsar. Every evening Indian and Pakistani soldiers do a march-off in order to close the border. Taxis leave for the border from the back of the Golden Temple. The timings for the march off are from 5:45-6 PM in the summers and from 4:45-5 PM in the winters.

Tarn Taran - Situated at a distance of 24 kms from Amritsar, Tarn Taran is an important religious centre. Guru Arjan Dev founded the town in 1590. The gurudwara at Tarn Taran is very famous and is a must visit for pilgrims. Built by Guru Arjan Dev it is built alongside a large tank believed to have healing properties on patients suffering from leprosy. Hundreds visit the shrine during the fair held here on every Amavas.

Goindwal - Located at a short distance from Tarn Taran is the town of Goindwal. Guru Amar Das founded the town and also set up a centre to teach Sikhism. A well paved bath well or a baoli with 84 steps was constructed in this area. It is believed that if the devout recite the Japji Sahib or the divine word revealed to Guru Nanak Dev at each step after taking a bath in the well, then one attains salvation.

Khadur Sahib - Located at a distance of 43 kms from Amritsar, this place is associated with Guru Angad Dev who spent most of his time here. The succession of Guru Amar Das as the third guru also took place at Khadur Sahib. The place is known for its five gurudwaras.

Khem Karan - A small town bordering India and Pakistan, Khem Karan is located at a distance of 65 kms from Amritsar. Located within the Indian boundary is the tomb of Baba Sheikh Braham, a Sufi saint, who was a contemporary of Guru Nanak. The place draws a lot of devotees from both sides of the border during the annual fair, which happens after the monsoons.

Harike Wetland - This area formed at the confluence of the Beas and the Sutlej River falls midway between Amritsar and Ferozpur. During winter 350 odd species of birds descend on this area to make it their home. Birds from China, Siberia, Afghanistan, Pakistan can be seen in the wildlife sanctuary.

Kanjli Wetland - Located at a distance of just 4 kms from Kapurthala City, the area came into the forefront in 1992. The Kanjli Wetland is a man-made fresh water rivurine system. The biodiversity that this part natural and part artificial wetland supports is varied.