Described as the most unfortunate and shameful incident in the history of India’s struggle for freedom, Jallianwala Bagh Massacre in 1919 is deeply etched in the memory of every Indian. On the occasion of Baisakhi, thousands of people performing peaceful celebrations at the bagh (garden) were mercilessly subjected to about 1,600 rounds of bullets by the British troops. While hundreds of the innocent people died in the firing, many jumped into the well present in the garden in an attempt to save their live.
The Indian Government established a memorial at the garden in 1951 which is a must-visit site on any visit to Amritsar. One can still find walls with uncountable bullet marks as well as the aforementioned well. The memorial in the shape of a flame honours the martyrs of the incident. An eternal flame which burns day and night was also added later. Other highlights of the place include a gallery displaying portraits of brave Indian freedom struggle revolutionaries and leaders and a light and sound show held every evening.
Connectivites
Road:
The road leading to the Golden Temple, the holiest Sikh shrine in the world, allows convenient access to the memorial as well. Local bus routes as well as taxis, cabs, auto-rickshaws and cycle-rickshaws are available to reach the location.
Railway:
Only about 3 km. from the memorial is Amritsar Junction Railway Station which is connected to many popular cities across India by regular trains. From the station, you can hire an auto-rickshaw or a cycle-rickshaw.
Airway:
The airport of Amritsar is only about 12.5 km. from the memorial of Jallianwala Bagh. Taxis and auto-rickshaws are available in large numbers for the tourists landing at the airport.