History of Jallianwala Bagh
In April of 1919, Brigadier General R.E.H Dyer arrived in Amritsar and occupied the city under his rule as the civil administration under Miles Irving had come to a halt. Suspecting a revolt, General Dyer announced a ban on meetings and conventions by the people, but this information was not widely propagated. On the 13th of April, 1919 a peaceful gathering of people convened in the Jallianwala Bagh to celebrate the festival of Baisakhi. Upon getting the first information about the assembly, General Dyer marched towards the Bagh with a battalion of ninety Sikh, Gurkha, Baluchi, Rajput troops from 2-9th Gurkhas, the 54th Sikhs and the 59th Sind Rifles. Dyer and the troops ascended a raised platform in the garden and announced indiscriminate and unprovocative firing on thousands of nonviolent and unarmed Indians. Dyer continued firing until the ammunition was exhausted, making innocent and unarmed men, women and children its victims. Officially, the British Indian sources identified 379 people dead in the incident with 1,200 wounded. However, the number of casualties estimated by the Indian National Congress was a staggering 1,500 with 1,000 people succumbing to the bullet wounds.
The Wall and Well in Jalliawala
The wounds that were hurled at Jallianwala Bagh by the British find a tangible existence at two very particular structures in the garden. One of them is the wall towards the end of the park, which is still riddled with the marks of up to 36 bullets that were fired at the crowds. A well is situated near the entrance of the park was where many people attending the meeting had jumped in order to dodge the bullets. After the firing has subsided, hundreds of dead bodies were retracted from the well. These two structures are solemn reminders of our freedom struggle and the sacrifices made by our predecessors to build an independent India.
Best time to visit Jallianwala Bagh
Best time to visit during the day is towards the morning hours. Best season to visit is winter from October - March.
How to Reach Jallianwala Bagh
The Jallianwala Bagh is located in close vicinity of Golden Temple in Amritsar, at a distance of 1.3 kilometers only. You can take a short walk here from the temple itself. You can easily reach the park via auto rickshaw, taxi or bus available from all parts of the city.
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Where to Stay
If you wish to stay near the Jallianwala Bagh, you can book an accommodation at the Robin Hotel, Hotel CJ International, Hotel Holy City, Hotel Sawera Grand, Hotel HKJ Residency and Temple City Guest House. There are other hotels here as well in case none of the above suit your taste.
Best Restaurants Nearby
There are a number of famous eateries near the Jallianwala Bagh. Some of these include Bharawan Da Dhaba, Neelam's, Shudh Dhaba, Kesar Da Dhaba, Brother's Amritsari Dhaba, Food Express and New Punjabi Rasoi.
Tips
1. Carry a water bottle, umbrella, sunglasses and sunscreen if you are visiting this destination in the summers2. Do not litter the premises
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