Table of Contents
Location
Jallianwala Bagh is a public garden in City Amritsar which houses a monument of extreme national significance. The monument was established in 1951 by the Government of India.
The memorial stands tall in the memory of those killed during the Jallianwala Bagh Massacre.
It is situated vicinity of the Golden Temple complex, near Golden Temple, Amritsar 143006, India.
Distance
- From Amritsar Railway Station
Driving distance between Amritsar Railway Station and Jallianwala Bagh is around 2 km (1.2 miles or 1.1 nautical miles).
It takes 5-10 minutes to travel from Amritsar Railway Station.
- From Airport
The approximate driving distance between Amritsar Airport and Jallianwala Bagh is 12 km (7.5 miles or 6.5 nautical miles). It takes around 14 minutes to drive from the Airport to this Public Garden.
Jallianwalla Bagh Specifics
The Jallianwalla Bagh monument is administered by the Jallianwala Bagh National Memorial Trust. The trust was established as per the “Jallianwala Bagh National Memorial Act”, Act No. 25 of 1 May 1951.
The act was further retrieved on 10 August 2016.
The garden is 6.5-acres (26,000 m2) of land with five entrances. It houses a well, Amar Jyoti, the memorial and a gallery.
History
The place gets its name from the former proprietor of this garden. The land was owned by the family of Himmat Singh. He was from the village of Jalla.
The family were collectively known as Jallhevale or simply Jallhe or Jalle. Thus, the name Jallianwalla came into existence.
Tall Buildings surrounds the garden from all sides with a narrow
entrance.
- Timings
Timings for the garden:
Summers: 6 am – 7 pm
Winters: 7 am – 6 pm
Timings for the Gallery:
Summers: 9 am-5 pm
Winters: 10 am-4 pm
- Best Time To Visit
The best time to visit the place is from October to March as per to avoid the unbearable summers of the city.
Jallianwala Bagh Massacre
Date
April 13th, 1919 (Sunday)
About the massacre
Jallianwala Bagh is the tragic site where thousands of innocents were murdered by the British troops on April 13th, 1919.
The massacre is undoubtedly one of the most sordid episodes of the history of India.
The festival of Baisakhi is one of the most significant affairs for the Sikhs. On this occasion, a festive Sunday, the life in Amritsar, and even across the country came to a standstill.
The Massacre Day
On that day, under the leadership of General Dyer, 90 soldiers of the British Indian army reached Jallianwala Bagh Amritsar. There, a peaceful gathering was taking place.
25 shooters were from Baluchistan, which is now a part of Pakistan, and the rest were Gorkha soldiers.
These 90 soldiers were armed with guns. Along with that they also had a couple of armored cars with mounted machine guns.
Since the entrance to the ground was narrow, the cars were left outside.
Dyer first marched his shooters to a raised platform. From there he ordered them to fire. Having got there, they began to shoot on the innocent people who had gathered there. They fired 1,650 rounds in all.
The riflemen shot at the densest parts of the gathering. The firings ended only when the soldiers ran out of ammunition.
The shooting was, however, not the only cause for the deaths. Numerous people lost their lives in the ensuing stampede as well.
Many people tried jumping into the well located in the garden.
Even after 100 years of Jallianwala Bagh Massacre, the hearts still grieve for the massive loss of life that happened at that time.
The massacre is still capable of sending shivers down the spine of every Indian who knows the story of how it transpired.
No of Casualties
According to estimates by British Raj, at the end of the shooting spree, 379 individuals had lost their lives.
According to Dr. William DeeMeddy, a civil surgeon of that time, there were 1,526 casualties.
Indian National Congress estimated the number of casualties to be 1,500. Also, with around 1,100 people losing their lives.
The Martyrs Well
The Martyrs Well is located inside the premises. The well stands witness to the pitiless killings of innocent who jumped into it in a panic to spare themselves from the firing.
120 dead bodies were later collected from the well.
Bullet Marks
The shots that hit the walls and structures in the Jallianwala Bagh have been preserved. The holes from the bullets are still present on the walls to this day.
Bullet Marks Closer view of the Bullet Marks. History and Description of the Bullet Marks.
The Martyrs Gallery
Located inside Jallianwalla Bagh, the Martyrs Gallery showcases freedom fighters and their glorifying history. The gallery has some interesting historical artifacts.
How to reach
Personal Conveyance
One does not have to worry about timings and comfort if you have your own conveyance. You can park your vehicles in the Golden Temple Complex parking, not far away from this Public Garden.
Taxi
Taxi services are readily available from every part of the city to Jallianwalla Bagh. The taxi fare from Amritsar Railway Station is Rs. 38.
Places to halt
Gian Di lassi
Location- Katra Sher Singh opposite Regent Cinema, Amritsar.
Timings: 5:30 AM – 9:00 PM
This place serves mouthwatering lassi in different variants topped with malai and butter. It has the authentic taste of Punjab.
Lassi with malai and butter is available at a meager price that is 40 bucks per glass. They also serve peda, lassi, chocolate lassi, strawberry lassi, mango lassi, etc.
Mahajan Kulfi Wala
Location-Hall Bazar, Katra Ahluwalia, Hathi Gate, Amritsar.
Timings- 9 am – 11 pm
Mahajan Kulfi Wala is a must-try in Amritsar. The kulfis are worth trying here. The taste of kulfi is rich and authentic.
The shop has maintained its facades old aura and taste.
Bharawan Da Dhaba
Location-Near Amritsar Municipal Corporation, Town Hall, Amritsar.
Timings- 7 A M – 12midnight
You cannot complete your food journey in Amritsar without visiting Bharawan Da Dhaba. It is the place famous for its authentic Punjabi flavors and Desi Ghee (clarified butter) servings.
Brothers Dhaba is a favorite eatery for young and old. The cuisine includes North Indian, Chinese, South Indian, Sandwich, Pizza, Fast Food and Ice Cream.
Shopping-Amritsar Kapda Market
Location: near the Town Hall of Amritsar, Amritsar – 143006.
Timings: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Both locals and tourists enjoy shopping in this market as it is famous for all types of traditional Punjabi apparel. The market is also famous for its Patiala salwar. It is available in a variety of colors and sizes.
Traditional Indian suits embellished with beautiful phulkari work are available in most of the shops. One can also buy earrings, bindis, bracelets, and bangles from the Kapda Bazaar.
Partition Museum
Location-Town Hall, Amritsar | 5-minute walk from Golden Temple, Amritsar 143001, India.
Timings-10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Inaugurated on 25 August 2017, the Partition Museum is a public museum in Amritsar.
The museum aims to become the central treasury of stories, materials, and documents related to the post-partition riots in India and Pakistan.