The pure air in India genuinely carries the aroma of Karma, Dharma, and Forgiveness. A secular country under whose roof dwells various religions with peace and harmony. India is called as 'Land of Faith.' Walkthrough the majestic mountains and you will experience spiritual presence or cross through the wandering lanes, where religiosity combined with a history that tends to satisfy your spiritually thirsty souls. Spiritual Tours of India are world-famous as the country boasts terrific places.
So let's dive into the top 20 religious places in India that you can explore:
Vaishno Devi Temple (Jammu and Kashmir)
From the peak of huge mountains, Mata Vaishno Devi calls out to her devotees. Dwelled on the Trikuta Hills in Jammu, the house of Mata Vaishno is the most popular pilgrimage tour package in India. Experience an incredible pleasure by taking a challenging trek that leads to the caves where the goddess presides over and offers countless blessings. Beautiful landscape, saturating divinity, and thrilling adventure, makes Vaishno Devi an unforgettable journey!
Golden Temple (Amritsar)
Golden Temple is a unique structure that reflects on the lake, making it a fascinating pilgrimage place. The elegant shrine empowers thousands of visitors to this to explore this popular religious place in India. Built by the fourth Sikh Guru- Ramdass Sahib Ji, Gurdwara Harmandir Sahib is the most prominent Sikh pilgrimage site to visit in India. The Golden temple honors several Sikh historical events.
Jagannath Temple, Puri, Odisha
Crucial pilgrimage tourism in India is done in Jagannath Temple, which is a magnificent monument in Odisha. The main goddesses presiding over the temple are Lord Jagannath, Goddess Subhadra, and Balabhadra. This famous pilgrimage place becomes alive during the annual Rath Yatra when a huge number of people throng the temple. The sacred shrine is believed to be a genuine reflection of Indian culture.
Dargah Gharib Nawaz, Ajmer, Rajasthan
Khwaja Moinuddin Chishti resides here in peace, hearing to people's wishes, and fulfilling them. As soon as you enter through the gate of the Dargah, you will feel peaceful. A holy shrine in Ajmer, Gharib Nawaz Dargah Sharif, is toured by millions of devotees every year from all over the world. The Dargah, for many reasons, delights one's heart; there is undoubtedly something enchanting about this place that people from a different religion come and worship here. Although the Dargah is always overcrowded, the best time to visit Ajmer Sharif is during the Urs festival.
Velankanni Church, Tamil Nadu
When you're on a religious trip to India, it seems to be incomplete if you miss out on Velankanni Church, located in the Nagapattinam district of Tamil Nadu. Like many mysterious style churches, Velankanni Church or the Basilica of Our Lady of Good Health has elegant architecture, but what fascinates tourists to this Church is the formation history of the Church. Built by a Portuguese sailor who survived a violent sea storm, this Church is a gratitude to the Supreme Power, which indeed makes it one of the critical pillars of faith in India.
Tirumala Venkateswara Temple, Tirupathi, Andhra Pradesh
The physical abode of Lord Venkateswara (manifestation of Vishnu), Tirumala Venkateswara Temple, is dwelled on the last hill of the Seshachalam range in Tirupati, Andhra Pradesh. Like many temples in south India, this holy temple is well-recognized for its elegant architecture. It is one of the top-visited Hindu temples in India, as it is mentioned that the temple attracts 60,000 pilgrims each day. One must attend the Puja that is conducted by many hymns and praises, giving it a touch of matchless divinity. The Laddoo Prasadam is yet another fascination of the Tirumala Venkateswara Temple.
Somnath Jyotirlinga, Gujarat
Considered to be the first Dwadash Jyotirlinga (Pillar of Light) of Lord Shiva, Somnath Jyotirlinga in Gujarat endures as an essential place in India. Somnath Jyotirlinga is the major source of holiness and spirituality for many Hindu pilgrims. Located on the shores of the Arabian Sea, this holy shrine calls out to devotees from distant and blesses innumerable times.
Amarnath, Jammu, and Kashmir
Baba Barfani calls out his devotees spread across the world to first take up an enchanting trek and then receive abundant blessings from him. The holy Amarnath Cave is dwelled in the beautiful state of Jammu and Kashmir and can only be reached after an uncompromising trekking journey. The cave holds greatness as one of the ancient pilgrimages in India. The saga has it that Lord Shiva revealed the mystery of immortality to his wife, Goddess Parvati, here, which was overheard by a pair of pigeons. Amarnath is known for the Linga that is created naturally by ice here every year.
Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh
A core of faith for the Hindus, Varanasi in the state of Uttar Pradesh, is a renowned pilgrimage in India. Amazingly colorful and sacred, the beauty of Varanasi lies in the crowd of believers who visit this place every single day across the globe. The holy Ganga rambling through the city surely magnifies the holiness of Varanasi. More so, the Ganga Arti is performed ritualistically every morning and evening that intensifies the divinity. Believing in the power of the city to provide Moksha and cleansing their sins, attracts devotees towards Varanasi.
Dwarka, Gujarat
Dwelled on the western tip (Gujarat) of India, Dwarka is the land of exceptional spirituality. Once, the capital of Lord Krishna, when he disappeared from Mathura, Dwarka is one of the sites of the Char Dham Yatra. The white attire of local men keeps up with the holiness of the place. A charming town has the power to take you back in the time of the Mahabharata.
Rishikesh, Uttrakhand
The local people in India, especially in rural areas, are some of the most generous and most hospitable people you would encounter when you travel to India. Whether you are welcomed into a local’s home for a traditional feast or just simply roam the streets and meet children playing, you’ll surely be impressed by the warmth of the locals.
Mathura, Uttar Pradesh
Mathura is the birthplace of Lord Krishna, which is situated in Uttar Pradesh, which can be called a blessed land. Presently, this town is filled with hundreds of temples, including the Krishna Janmabhoomi Temple that is visited by a large number of believers all through the year. However, Janmashtami is one festival when this small town becomes overcrowded and colorful.
Haridwar, Uttrakhand
Haridwar, positioned in the lap of mystical Uttarakhand, is nothing short of paradise for the Hindus. Settled by the holy river Ganga, the divine town offers great peace of mind. Witness the flickering Diyas floating on the shimmering river along with the vigorous Ganga Aarti in the evening and stroll around Har ki Pauri to solicit unmatched holiness in Haridwar. The Kumbh Mela, which happens once every 12 years, attracts millions to the city.
Rameshwaram, Tamil Nadu
Rameshwaram is one of the sites of the sacred Char Dham yatra in India, located in Tamil Nadu. Dwelling on the island called Mannar, this holy destination is said to be the place where Lord Rama praised and regretted after killing Raavana. Piousness is set deep in Rameshwaram, and this beautiful temple is recognized for its incredible architecture that conceives divinity and culture together.
Badrinath, Uttrakhand
Snuggled in the pristine Himalaya, Badrinath in Uttarakhand is a gateway to unparalleled spirituality. It is the place where you'll find divinity everywhere. Badrinath is the home of Lord Vishnu or Badrinathji, who came here to meditate after being scolded by Narad for being too lax in human affairs. Thus, today Badrinath offers accouchement from the mundane world and takes you a step closer to the Supreme Power. It is the essential destination for Chardham yatra in India and Chhota Chardham in Uttarakhand.
Bodhgaya, Bihar
Witness the ancient place called Bodhgaya situated in Bihar, where Lord Buddha reached the enlightenment stage. Bodhgaya is the most precious place for Buddhist pilgrims, providing them a great place to meditate and pray the almighty. It feels great to be on the land where Budhha once himself walked on. Mahabodhi Temple and several other temples in Bodhgaya are visited by many pilgrims every year.
Shirdi, Maharashtra
No matter you belong to which religion, caste, creed, and other forms of discrimination, Shirdi in Maharashtra is the holy place to sheer holiness. All his life, the highly respected Sai Baba informed about One God (Sab Ka Maalik Ek) and so gained himself many followers. Now, his native place, Shirdi, is visited by an abundance of devotees irrespective of religion, color, or creed seeking peace, spirituality, and paying tribute to this great saint. Therefore, Shirdi is one of the most-visited religious places in India.
Hemkund Sahib, Uttrakhand
Dwelled in one of the most picturesque locations in the country, Hemkund Sahib adds charm to pilgrimage. Hemkund Sahib has a unique pentagonal construction. The beauty of the place is worth considering as this shrine is nestled amidst tall hills that are covered with snow. One shall be amazed at the dedication that the pilgrims show here despite the unfavorable climatic conditions.
Ranakpur Temple, Rajasthan
Humility is the highest virtue, and Jainism addresses just that! Dwelled in Ranakpur village in Rajasthan, the Ranakpur temple is one of the oldest Jain temples in India and therefore endures a lot of value for devotees. Pilgrims from all over the world visit to this temple that has dignified architecture and stunning surroundings. Inspire yourself in the peaceful ambiance here, and you shall seek divinity that does not match anything regular.
Sun Temple, Konark, Odisha
The gem of Indian architecture, Sun Temple, is the essence of fine architecture and matchless spirituality. Located in Konark, Odisha, the Sun Temple boasts of large size and is an incredible symbol of wisdom. The Sun God sitting on a grand chariot describes the victory of King Narsimhadeva I, who defeated thousands of Muslims, attackers.