As you, all know India is a land of different religions and culture thus it attracts lots of spiritual travellers. Tourists from all around the corner come here to witness utmost peace and harmony. With a great number of sacred destinations, you will get a chance to explore different religion of India.
All the religious and pilgrimage tourist destination in India will offer you an amazing spiritual experience. Due to its different religion, faith and divine spirituality, it is a prime tourist destination for all religious travellers. So here is the list of some best religious places in India that gives you a unique peace and positivity.
Vaishno Devi, Jammu & Kashmir
Located in Trikuta hills of Katra, Vaishno, perched at an altitude of 1560 m above sea level, it is the most visited religious places in India. Every year millions of tourists came here to take the holy blessing of Mata Vaishno Devi. Further, a 13 km long trek leads to Vaishno Devi Temple which offers breathtaking views of surrounding hills and picturesque landscapes. One can also find various shops selling snacks, food items and various religious goods on the way to temple. By exploring this site you will get a unique kind of peace and spirituality thus we placed it on top in the list of best religious places of India.
Amarnath – One of the holy trinity, Shiva is living God
Amarnath temple is Lord Shiva in the form of a lingam which naturally formed of an ice- stalagmite. Himalayas is Abode of Shiva and Amarnath Cave is the place where Shiva revealed the secret of immorality to deity Parvati and to ensure that no living creature heard the secret, he fire the surrounding and destroyed all life. Pigeon’s egg beneath the Siva’s deerskin heard secret of immorality (Amar Katha) and pair of pigeons born from the egg can be seen today also nesting in the holy cave. Situated at the height of 12,600 ft., Amarnath cave visited by thousands of pilgrims every year to pious glimpse of naturally formed and shaped Shiva Lingam from water.
- Must Read: Popular Shiva Temples in India
Tirupati, Andhra Pradesh
The entire region of Tirupati in Andhra Pradesh famous for its various religious shrines and temples. Among all these religious shrines Tirumala Venkateswara Temple or Tirupati Balaji Temples is the famous ones, dedicated to Lord Vishnu. It is also said that the temple attracts around 50000 devotees every day that makes it a perfect holy places in India for all spiritual travellers.
Spread an area of 26 km, it is also referred to as the Temple of Seven Hills. The main key attraction of this temple is a huge idol of Lord Venkateswara which is adorned with gold and diamonds. Besides that, it is considered to be the richest temples of India due to receiving a staggering number of donations.
Ajmer Sharif, Rajasthan
The Ajmer city of Rajasthan is another spiritual destination for Muslims and Hindus alike. Home to World famous Sufi Saint Khwaja Moinuddin Chishti Tomb, it is frequently visited by followers of every faith. This place has an enormous contribution to spreading the ethical and spiritual values of Islam. Further, the religious spot displays rich Mughal Architecture in forms of various structure like Nizam Gate, Buland Darwaza, Jama Masjid, Aulia Masjid and Dargah Shrine. During the Urs Festival, the entire region comes alive and it is the best time to visit Ajmer Sharif Dargah. One can also indulge themselves in various religious activities that give you a spiritual vibe.
Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh
The oldest city of Varanasi is a hub of many ancient temples and Ganga Ghats. Along with its religious significance, it is also famous for its colourful culture that creates an amazing atmosphere for all pilgrimage. The sacred city of Varanasi always remains crowded by devotees who came here to attain Moksha and to wash away their sins. Further, the most ritual activity Ganga Aarti performed at each and every Ghat in Varanasi in the evening time that enhances the divinity of this place.
See Also: Popular Places to Visit in Varanasi
Haridwar, Uttarakhand
Located in the Garhwal region of Uttarakhand, Haridwar is one of the seven holiest cities in India and a popular pilgrimage centre for Hindus. The popular religious city set alongside the bank of holy river Ganga and also dotted with numerous Hindu temples and ashrams attracts millions of devotees who are seeking inner peace.
It is also believed that by taking a dip in the holy water of Har Ki Pauri will cleanse all your sins. Further, don’t forget to witness a special rituals Ganga Aarti at the various Ghat of Haridwar. The religious site also hosts a World famous Kumbh Mela along with Prayagraj, Nashik and Ujjain that attract millions of visitors from all across the World.
See Also: Sapta Puri – The Seven Holy Lands of India
Char Dham of Uttarakhand
Uttarakhand, Abode of Gods is home to Badrinath, Kedarnath, Gangotri and Yamunotri, Popularly and religiously known as Char Dham. Situated in the lap of Mother Nature, Char Dham is not just religious places like many other in India but it is believed in Hindu culture that Char Dham is gateway to the Moksh. Moksh is the stage where human stopped rotating in endless cycle of Birth, Life & Death and head towards the eternal union with God. Millions of Devotees step outside for pilgrimage to Char Dham to get the ultimate Moksh.
Kedarnath, Uttarakhand
Located on the bank of Mandakini River in the beautiful state of Uttarakhand, Kedarnath is one of the famous spiritual places for Char Dhams Yatra in India. Famous for its ancient Shiva Temple or Kedarnath Temple, it is one of the busiest pilgrim centres in India. The temple situated in the lap of Garhwal Himalayan ranges at an altitude of 3550 m above sea level. So located on such a great height, it offers a stunning view of surrounding mountain peaks which are mostly covered by snow. Kedarnath remains open between the months of April and October like the rest of months get heavy snowfall.
See Also: Opening and Closing Dates of Kedarnath Temple
Badrinath, Uttarakhand
Guarded on both side by Nar and Narayan Mountain peaks, the glorious Neelkanth Peak provides a splendid backdrop to Badrinath, one of the ‘Four Dhams’. One of the most celebrated pilgrim spots in the country, it plays host to the famous & holy Badrinath Temple. Facing the temple at the bank of Alaknanda River is a hot water spring known as “Tapt Kund”, a bath in which is very refreshing to all pilgrims. Dham is a scenic place with picture book sceneries, undulating peaks and sacred ponds. Badrinath makes the devotees spellbound with its unparalleled gorgeousness. The Majestic look of Badrinath is attributed much by the presence of the magnificent rivers Rishi Ganga and Alaknanda.
Yamunotri, Uttarakhand
Situated amidst the Garhwal Himalayas and encircled by lofty peaks, Yamunotri is naturally bestowed with abundant beauty and charm. One of the holiest centres in the Hindu pantheon, this sacred abode of the Asti Muni boasts of so many unparallel vistas of nature. Highly revered as the birthplace of the majestic River Yamuna, Yamunotri is famed for its glaciers, Hot water springs and Surya Kund is most sacred one that makes Yamunotri Dham first stop in the Hindu pilgrimage. It is believed that bathing in water of Yamuna cleanses all sins and protects from untimely and painful death. Devotees boil rice and potatoes in the Kund and accept it as a Prasad of the Devi.
Shirdi, Maharashtra
The popular religious spot Shirdi located in Nashik city of Maharashtra which is home to great saint Sai Baba. Dotted with numerous temples and historical sites, it gains much fame for the famous Sai Baba Temple. The famous saint Sai Baba worshipped by followers of different religions with great faith and reliance. Today, Shirdi flanked by the multitude of devotees irrespective of religion, caste and creed which soothes your mind and soul.
Golden Temple, Amritsar
Famous for its most exotic architectural style, Golden Temple in Amritsar is a perfect religious spot in North India. The entire city of Amritsar famous for its heroic character, religion and culture. With many other tourist attraction, it is an ideal place for those who are looking for spiritual bliss. Built by the fourth Sikh Guru, Ramdas Sahib Ji, the temple hosts a number of Sikh historical events. Besides that, the temple complex surrounded by a beautiful lake which offers it a magnificent look.
Rishikesh, Uttarakhand
Popularly known as ‘Yoga Capital of India’, Rishikesh located on the convergence of Ganga and Chandrabhaga River. Every year thousands of tourists come here to learn Yoga and Meditation techniques. There are many famous temples and yoga ashrams in Rishikesh which makes it one of the most spiritual place on earth. By exploring this place you will feel a different kind of spirituality that can’t be found anywhere else in India. Besides its religious significance, it is a popular adventure tourism destination in India. Some of the most popular adventure activities here like White Water Rafting, Bungee Jumping, Flying Fox, Mountain Biking and Camping.
Also Read: Best Places to Visit in Rishikesh
Dwarka, Gujarat
Known as the home to Lord Krishna, Dwarka is a land of unparalleled spirituality. It was the Capital of Lord Krishna when he escaped from Mathura. Further, the site is one of the famous Char Dham Yatra and out of 12 Jyotirlingas in India. Located on the western tip of the Saurashtra region, Dwarka literally means to ‘door to salvation’. The site has a remarkable religious significance thus it attracts thousands of pilgrims from all around India.
Also Read: Popular Places to visit in Dwarka
Somnath, Gujarat
Somnath is highly famed pilgrim centre houses first of the 12 Jyotirlingas or symbolic representation of Lord Shiva. Located in Saurashtra, Somnath temple is first made by Lord of Moon, Som in respect to Lord Shiva and present day temple is architecture in Chalukya Style which looks mesmerising with the backdrop of vast blue Coloured Ocean and positioned amidst the greenery. Shri Hanuman Temple and beautiful sunset point Vallabh Ghat gives pilgrims eternal experience. Temple illuminate every evening along with sound & music show, ‘Jay Somnath’.
Jagannath Temple, Odisha
Located in the coastal town of Puri in Orissa, Jagannath Temple dedicated to Lord Jagannath, the temple visited by lots of devotees every year. Further, an annual festival Rath Yatra takes place here every year in the month of June. During the festival time, the whole city comes alive and the event witnessed by lots of devotees. One can also take a glimpse of the authentic reflection of Indian culture along with spirituality and peace.
Sun Temple (Konark), Odisha
Sun Temple in Konark (Odisha) is a perfect blend of excellent architecture and unmatched spirituality. Dedicated to Sun God, it is an important pilgrimage centre in India thus it attracts all spiritual travellers. Along with religious significance, it is a great place for art lovers. You can see a beautiful idol of Sun God sitting on a majestic chariot including 12 pairs of carved wheels that offers it a glorious look.
Madurai, Tamil Nadu
Located on the banks of River Vaigai in the state of Tamil Nadu, there are a number of ancient temples in this region hence it is popularly known as ‘Temple Town of India’, it attracts around 15000 pilgrimages every day. Among all these temples, Meenakshi Amman Temple is the most famous one. Adorned with beautiful sculptures of different Gods and Goddesses, the temple offers you a unique peace and spirituality.
Rameshwaram, Tamil Nadu
Rameshwaram is one of the four pilgrimage sites, Char Dham of India it modestly invites followers of Lord Shiva from everywhere to pay visit at least once in their lifetime to the Jyotirlinga installed in the Ramanathaswamy Temple. Vaishnavites are also not left in their devotion to come to this place which is believed to be associated with Lord Rama and his successful rescuing of Goddess Sita after killing demon Ravana. On their way back to Ayodhya, Lord Rama worshipped Lord Shiva for killing a Brahman. Located on Small Island connecting to India through Pamban Bridge, Sri Ramanathaswamy Temple is known for its intricate works, majestic towers and corridors, this temple is a legendary example of marvellous Dravidian style of architecture.
So these are the most famous religious places to visit in India that makes it a great hub for all spiritual travellers. Being a land of the different religion and culture, tourist nook here from all across the World to find some peace and divinity.