About Gobindgarh Fort:
The fort occupied a unique place in the Indian military history. Built in 1760, it was called Bhangian Da Kila (Bhangis was one of the twelve Sikh misles). According to historians, during 1808, the fort was known as the fort of Gujjar Singh Bhangi. Later it was re-built by Maharaja Ranjit Singh with the help of Jodh Singh. The legendary Maharaja strengthened the fortification of the fort in order to keep his treasures and treaties in safety. The specially constructed Toshakhana, in the centre of the fort, also stored large amount of grains and provisions for the 12,000-strong army. The fort was constructed with brick and lime with numerous army bastions and iron gates with 25 cannons on the ramparts, now replaced with modern weaponry. The fort was constructed on a square pattern with a parameter of 1500 sq mt with two strong gates, four large bastions and well-defined rampart. The majestic entrance has been named Nalwa Gate, after the great Sikh warrior. The other end of the gate is known as Keelar Gate and it is rumoured that in its close proximity existed an escape tunnel, connecting to Lahore tunnel. However, the army authorities said that they had not been able to locate any such tunnel so far. The British Army had added Darbar Hall, Hawa Mehal and Phansi Ghar (hanging place) to the fort after the annexation of Punjab. After Partition, the fort provided a temporary shelter to a large number of refugees from Pakistan. In October 1948, the fort was handed over to the Indian Army. This fort holds a special significance in the freedom struggle. It has been a witness to many nameless freedom fighters who kissed the gallows willingly. Gen O Dyer’s office-cum-residence was located just opposite the Phansi Ghar. It is said that he got sadistic pleasure watching the hanging of the patriots in the Phansi Ghar. Even the staunchest critics agree that the army had tried its best to keep the buildings in the fort intact. However, reservations are already being expressed whether the state government would be able to preserve (and restore) its original glory. A large number of city residents, who had lost their dear ones during summary trials under the British rule, have been trying to gather information about their relatives who were hanged to death in the Phansi Ghar. Some of the freedom fighters had sought the permission of the government to build a suitable memorial at the Phansi Ghar, which had stood out as a place of resistance against the atrocities of the British military general, General O Dyer, the perpetrator of the massacre of Jallianwala Bagh in 1919.
General Information about Gobindgarh Fort:
Location: Amritsar
State: Punjab
Capital: Chandigarh
Language: Panjabi, Hindi, English
Temperature: Max 37˚C, Min 23˚C (summer), Max 27˚C, Min 8˚C (winter)
Best Season: November to March
How to Reach Gobindgarh Fort:
By Air
Amritsar has an extremely well developed airport, Raja Sani International Airport. It has a chain of flights operating both within and outside the country. In fact, it is the only airport in Punjab to operate international flights. It is located hardly 11 km away from the city centre. The proximity of the airport from the city accounts for a comfortable ride to the visitors. Various domestic airlines, like the Indian Airlines, Air Deccan, Kingfisher, Spice Jet and others, come in and go out of this airport at regular intervals, connecting Punjab with major cities of India, like Delhi, Bangalore, Chennai, Kolkata, and Mumbai. Besides, international flights like Turkmenistan Airlines, Uzbekistan Airlines, and Air India also connect Punjab with foreign countries like London, Toronto (via Birmingham), Singapore, Turkmenistan, Kazakhstan, and others.
By Rail
Amritsar has an extensive rail network connecting the city to all the major places in the country, like Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Bangalore, etc. If you are travelling from Delhi, Shatabdi Express will be the best option. The journey takes around 6 hours and the train passes via Ambala, Jalandhar, Ludhiana, Phagwada and Beas. Amritsar is connected with Lahore in Pakistan by the Samjhauta Express. The railway station in Amritsar is centrally located; at a distance of hardly 15 minute drive from the Golden Temple. It has the facilities of ATM Centre and tourist information centre. Make sure you book your train tickets well in advance, as the trains to and from Amritsar usually run full, owing to heavy tourist traffic.
By Road
A broad network of road runs through country, connecting it to different places in and around the state. One can reach Amritsar from most of the northern states in just a day’s time. Pathankot is about two and half hours drive from the city. Grand Trunk Karnal Road connects Delhi to Amritsar. Regular buses are available from I.S.B.T Delhi to Amritsar. There are daily direct buses operating to and from Jammu, Katra, Chandigarh, and Dharamshala as well. A number of government and private buses run on regular basis to and from Amritsar. Thus, Amritsar is adequately connected by road to the places within Punjab as well as outside the state.