what is pilgrimage tourism in india

What is pilgrimage tourism and why is it important?

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Pilgrimage tourism is an extremely popular type of tourism , but what exactly is pilgrimage tourism and where does it take place? Read on to learn all about it…

What is pilgrimage tourism?

For the pilgrims, for the destination, non-religious pilgrimages, camino de santiago, western wall, vatican city, pilgrimage tourism- further reading.

Pilgrimage tourism is essentially the process of visiting pilgrimage sites. These are primarily religious destinations, and can even be said to have formed a very early version of tourism. 

Typically, pilgrimages are long journeys taken over days, weeks or even months for religious purposes. They are a whole journey, one that people of faith take in order to strengthen their relationship with their religion. However, pilgrimage tourism can include visits to specific churches or mosques or other religious landmarks in the city you might be visiting on holiday. It doesn’t have to be a long drawn-out journey (a typical pilgrimage), it can be a quick visit that forms part of any other kind of tourism. 

In his paper The Issues and Perspectives of Pilgrimage Tourism Development in Thanjavur, S. Vijayanand strengthens this definition of pilgrimage tourism as follows:

Pilgrimage tourism is the type of tourism that entirely or powerfully motivates tourists for the achievement of religious attitude and practices. One of the oldest types of visiting the attractions and a global experience in the olden times of spiritual growth, it can be differentiated into different forms. The temporary religious sightseeing is well-known by excursions to close by pilgrimage centers or religious conferences. The durable implies visits of quite a few days or weeks to nationwide and worldwide pilgrimage sites or conferences.

Why is pilgrimage tourism important?

When talking about the importance of pilgrimage tourism, we can split this in two. How important is pilgrimage tourism for the destination, and how important is pilgrimage tourism for the pilgrims themselves?

Traditional pilgrimages are important to many people. They are linked to almost all religions across the globe; people travel to certain destinations to experience religious enlightenment. The journey itself, often long and sometimes difficult, is a chance to reflect. Whether taken alone or in a group, a pilgrimage is something that helps people in some way. This might be something people choose to do after a loss: being alone with your grief as you journey to somewhere spiritual can be a great way to healing. 

Or, you might just want to change your life in some way. The chance for reflection and being alone with your thoughts for days at a time might help you make a tough decision that you’ve been pondering on for a while. If you’re trying to decide whether to take a new job, for example, or whether to stay in your relationship and so on. Big life decisions are often made during pilgrimages!

Pilgrimages can be a way to deepen your relationship with your religion too. It is a way of showing how dedicated you are to your faith, certainly, and it is a chance to learn more about the religion itself. Pilgrimages tend to echo the footsteps of prominent figures from different religions, or they end at somewhere that is very significant. 

Another reason why pilgrimages are so important to so many people is that it can be a chance to ask for forgiveness of, or seek a favour from, the deity you worship. Because the destination tends to be such a holy place, many people believe that praying here means there is a higher chance of your prayer being answered…

Pilgrimage tourism is all about going somewhere. There are many destinations that are popular with pilgrims, as they hold such significance for different religions.  As with any type of tourism, pilgrimage tourism has a huge economic impact. Some pilgrimage destinations and locations rely entirely on this kind of tourism for their income. This, in turn, is passed on to the surrounding areas. B&Bs get bookings, restaurants see more foot traffic, local shops gain customers. Jobs are created: for tour guides, for people making handmade souvenirs, for photographers and so much more. 

NBC News says: Religious travel generates at least $8 billion a year for shrine-centered economies and provides employment for thousands, according to academics — and being able to measure the celestial and spiritual elements of pilgrimage in monetary terms is far from a modern phenomenon; it’s as ancient as the act of spiritual travel itself.

It is also important in that it allows people who work at these religious pilgrimage destinations to share their faith. This is a big thing for many.

Many destinations see day-visitors too. That is, people who have not undertaken a long journey to get there (i.e the pilgrimage itself) but who still want to visit the location as a tourist. This ploughs a lot more money into the industry!

It should be mentioned that the term ‘pilgrimage’ does not always have to be used in relation to religious destinations. The term can often just mean someone going somewhere that is *really* special to them for one specific reason. This is more of a personal pilgrimage. It is still a type of tourism, of course! Examples include Elvis superfans visiting Graceland , or someone travelling to another country to finally watch their favourite football team in action.

Popular pilgrimage tourism destinations

There will be a few destinations on the list that are instantly recognisable to most. And there will likely be some that don’t automatically spring to mind. All are places that people visit for the purposes of pilgrimage tourism…

Located in southwestern France , this is a popular Catholic pilgrimage site. It rose to prominence when a peasant girl claimed to see an apparition of the Virgin Mary. Pilgrims tend to visit between March and October. Since 1860, over 200 million people are said to have visited here – and 68 miraculous healings are said to have taken place. The spring water from the grotto is said to have healing properties.

This holy city in Saudi Arabia is a Muslim pilgrimage site. The journey here is known as Hajj, and it takes place annually. This is a mandatory duty for all adult Muslims, who are expected to go at least once in their lifetime if physically and financially able to do so. It takes around 5-6 days, and millions of Muslim men and women take this journey together every year to Islam’s holiest city.

There are several routes to choose, but all lead to the shrine of the apostle Saint James the Great in the cathedral of Santiago de Compostela, located in Galicia, Spain. His remains are said to be buried here. This is a long journey, but one that is very popular and has a huge impact on pilgrimage tourism. There are several hostels/B&Bs to stop in along the way, and you can spot many scallop shapes along the route as this is the symbol of this pilgrimage.

In Nepal, this is said to be the birthplace of Buddhism. As such, many Buddhists from across India and beyond make the journey here every year to where Siddhartha Gautama was born in 623 BC. A beautiful and bright location, it is an important spot for pilgrims who want to see the stone slab where he was born and the pool he was bathed in.

Also known as the Wailing Wall, this is located in the old town of Jerusalem. It is the most important place of pilgrimage for people of the Jewish faith because of its proximity to Temple Mount. This is where God’s presence is felt and manifested the most. Because Jewish prayer is forbidden at Temple Mount due to its Islamic connections, the wall is the next best place. People pray and mourn here, with prayers written down and stuffed into the many cracks in the wall itself.

Jerusalem has many other sites that are considered to be important sites for Jewish pilgrims. People also visit Via Dolorosa, Mount Zion and the Mount of Olives among other famous places.

Located in the central west bank of Palestine, Bethlehem is a popular location when it comes to pilgrimage tourism. According to the Nativity, it is the birthplace of Jesus which is why so many Christians are keen to visit. There is a church here with a grotto, said to be the exact place of Jesus’ birth. Around 2 million people visit every year.

A smaller pilgrimage location that is definitely not as popular, this is a town in Bosnia and Herzegovina. Since the ‘80s, quite a few children have seen apparitions of the virgin Mary. This is why Medugorje is gaining recognition as a somewhat untraditional site of pilgrimage. It currently sees around 1 million visitors annually.

This is an incredibly popular location although not necessarily a pilgrimage site. It is of great importance to Catholicism, however, so it earns a place on this list. Many Catholics come here to pray, for an audience with a pope and to admire the beauty of the Sistine Chapel and the rest of this tiny enclave.

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30 Best Pilgrimage Sites in India

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1. Varanasi

At a distance of 125 km from Allahabad, 163 km from Aurangabad, 208 km from Gorakhpur, 239 km from Rewa, 250 km from Patna, 258 km from Gaya, 321 km from Lucknow, and 327 km from Kanpur, Varanasi is an ancient city located on the banks of river Ganga in Uttar Pradesh, India. It is one among the most revered places of Pilgrimage in India and also one of the best places to visit in Uttar Pradesh . Also known as Kashi and Banaras, the city gets its name from two rivers Varuna and Assi. Nicknamed as the cultural capital of India, Varanasi was the seat of learning in the past. Legend has it that Lord Shiva himself established this holy city as his abode. It is one of the twelve Jyotirlinga sites in India and also one of the Shakti Peethas. Varanasi is an important destination among Hindus as they believe those who die in Varanasi will attain salvation. Varanasi is also a preferred site for immersing ashes of the dead in river Ganga. Performing funeral rites and cremation in the pyres are the common sights here. The holy city of Varanasi is more than 3000 years old and is one of the oldest living cities of the world. The early settlements around Varanasi began in the 18th century BC according to archaeological evidence. During the time of Gautama Buddha, the city of Varanasi was the capital of the Kashi Kingdom. Lord Buddha is believed to have founded Buddhism here around 528 BCE when he gave his first sermon at nearby Sarnath. ...

2. Haridwar

Haridwar, or Hardwar is an ancient religious city in the Haridwar district of Uttarakhand. About 192 km from Chandigarh, and 208 km from Delhi, it is one of the must include places in Uttarakhand tour packages , and among the prominent pilgrimage sites near Delhi . Situated on the banks of the River Ganges, Haridwar, literally translated as Gateway to God, is one of the seven holiest places for Hindus. It is the place where the river Ganga descends to the plains. It serves as a gateway to the Char Dham destinations of Uttarakhand which are Badrinath, Kedarnath, Gangotri, and Yamunotri. Haridwar is also one of the well known places to visit near Chandigarh . Har-ki-Pauri is one of the most important Haridwar places to visit where thousands of people take a dip in the holy waters of the Ganges. Chandi Devi Temple, Mansa Devi Temple at Bilwa Parvat, Vaishno Devi Temple, Bharat Mata Temple, Maya Devi Temple, Bhimgoda, Shanti Kunj, Sapt Sarovar, Triveni Ghat, Kanva Rishi Ashram, Chila Wildlife Sanctuary are the other placesto visit as part of Haridwar packages . Haridwar is one of the venues for the famous Kumbh Mela which takes place once every 12 ...

Shirdi is a pilgrimage town located in the Ahmednagar district of Maharashtra. About 180 km from Pune, and 258 km from Mumbai, this is one of the popular places pilgrimage in Maharashtra, and among the best places to visit near Aurangabad . Shirdi is home to the shrine of Shirdi Sai Baba, the star attractions of Shirdi Tour . Sai Baba, who belonged to the 20th century, is known as one of the greatest saints of India. Sai Baba visited Shirdi when he was 16 years old and stayed there until he died in 1918. Shirdi is the place where he attained his 'Samadhi' or final abode. This is one of the must include places in Maharashtra holiday packages . The Shirdi temple complex covers an area of about 200 square meters. It includes Gurusthan, Samadhi Mandir, Dwarkamai, Chavadi, and Lendi Baug. Shirdi Temple is one of the richest temples in India with estimated donations of INR 4 billion per annum. Maruti Temple, Khandoba Mandir, Sai Heritage Village, Shanisinghnapur, and Nashik are the other Shirdi places to visit .

4. Rameshwaram

Rameshwaram is one of the popular places of pilgrimage in Tamilnadu as well as in India. Situated at a distance of 562 km from Chennai, the town is home to the famous Rameshwaram Temple, among the must include places in Tamilnadu Tour Packages . Dedicated to Lord Shiva, Rameshwaram Temple is one of the Jyotirlinga temples in India, and is one of the top attractions you must visit as part of Rameshwaram tour packages . It is significant for Hindus as a pilgrimage to Banaras is incomplete without a Pilgrimage to Rameswaram. This is also the place where Rama worshipped Lord Shiva to cleanse away the sin of killing Ravana. Rameswaram along with Dwarka, Puri and Badrinath form the four Char Dhams. Sri Ramanathaswamy Temple, Agnitheertham, Gandamadana Parvatham, Dhanushkodi , Kothandaraswamy Temple and Erwadi are some of the most visited attractions of Rameshwaram. Sri Ramanatha Swamy Temple is renowned for its magnificent corridors and massive sculptured pillars. The third corridor of Ramanathaswamy temple is the longest one in the world.

5. Rishikesh

Located at the foothills of the Himalayas, Rishikesh is a holy city on the banks of the River Ganges in Uttarakhand. It is one of the top pilgrimage sites near Delhi , and among the prominent places to visit in Uttarakhand . It is about 42 km from Dehradun, 201 km from Chandigarh, and 233 km from Delhi. Rishikesh is the gateway to the upper Garhwal region and the starting point for the Char Dham pilgrimage (Gangotri, Yamunotri, Badrinath, and Kedarnath). Rishikesh is one of the the best places to visit near Chandigarh . Rishikesh has several famous ashrams and temples. Triveni Ghat, Neel Kanth Mahadev Temple, Swarganiwas Temple, and Bharat Mandir are the important Rishikesh places to visit . Rishikesh is now famous as the Yoga Capital of the World. Every year during the February month one-week-long International Yoga Festival is hosted here. One can also try several activities like mountain biking, bungee jumping, and white water rafting as part of Rishikesh packages . It is also the base for several trekking trails in Uttarakhand state. Rishikesh can also be visited along with Haridwar tour packages .

Situated on the banks of the River Vaigai, Madurai is the third-largest city in Tamilnadu and one of the most famous places of pilgrimage in India . The city is situated about 209 km from Coimbatore and 464 km from Chennai. Also referred to as Athens of the East, Madhurai is the oldest continually inhabited city in the Indian peninsula, with a history dating back to the Sangam period of the pre-Christian era. Madurai was the seat of power of the Pandyan Empire. Often considered the cultural capital of Tamilnadu, Madurai is one of the top places to visit in tamilnadu . The city is very well known for Madurai Meenakshi Temple, among the most visited temple in South India tour packages . Meenakshi Temple, also known as Madurai Meenakshi, is the biggest landmark of Madurai and is one of the largest temples in India. The temple has stunning architecture and a significant testimony for Vishwakarma Brahmins for their master architecture in sculpting this temple. Along with Meenakshi Temple, Thirumalai Nayak Mahal & Koodal Alagar Temple are other important places to visit as part of Madurai tour packages .

Gokarna is one of the famous places of pilgrimage in Karnataka , and among the top places to visit as part of Karnataka tour packages . It is about 514 km from Bangalore. Sri Mahabaleshwar Temple which houses the Atmalinga is one of the must-visit places as part of Gokarna holiday packages . Gokarna is considered to be the Mukti Stala, where Hindus perform funeral rites. Gokarna is also home to some of the best beaches in Karnataka including Om Beach, Kudle Beach, Gokarna Beach. Among the beaches in Gokarna, the Om Beach is extremely popular among surfers. The beach gets its name due to the natural formation of the holy Om symbol. Explore our Gokarna Travel Guide for complete details on Gokarna. Gokarna can also be visited along with Dandeli tour packages .

8. Murudeshwar

Murudeshwar is one of the most famous places to visit in Karnataka and among the popular places of pilgrimage in Karnataka . It is about 162 km from Mangalore & 497 km from Bangalore. Murudeshwar is the abode of Lord Shiva. The temple town is famous for the world's second tallest Shiva statue (123 ft) & tallest temple tower (249 feet). The sea on three sides surrounds the Murudeshwar Temple towering on the small hill called Kanduka Giri. This is a great place to watch the sunset. Murdeshwar Beach, Kollur Temple are popular sites to visit as part of Murudeshwar holiday packages . Gokarna, Karwar, Kollur, Udupi, Jog Falls, Sirsi & Sringeri are the nearby attractions. Maha Shivaratri during February is the important festival celebrated here with much devotion and religious rituals. The best time to visit Murudeshwar is from November to February. Murudeshwar can also be visited along with Gokarna packages . Explore our Murudeshwar Travel Guide for complete details on the beautiful and sacred placce.

Udupi is one of the most famous pilgrimage sites in Karnataka, and among the top places to visit near Mangalore . Located between the verdant mountains of the Western Ghats and the Arabian Sea, Udupi is the land of breathtaking beauty. It is about 59 km from Mangalore, and 403 km from the city of Bangalore. Udupi is famous for Sri Krishna Temple which attracts pilgrims from all over India. This temple has a fascinating idol of Lord Krishna that is richly adorned with jewels. Apart from the temple, Malpe Beach, Kaup Beach & St Mary's Island are the top places to visit as part of Udupi holiday packages . Udupi can also be visited along with Murudeshwar packages . It is also the source of renowned Udupi cuisine, which is served all over India in the efficiently-run Udupi restaurants, famous for dosas, idlis and other snacks. The tradition of this cuisine started in the great kitchens of the Krishna Temple which serve meals in the form of prasad to the thousands of devotees who come to pray at the holy shrine. Explore our Udupi Travel Guide for complete details on the holy shrine.

10. Amritsar

At a distance of 82 km from Jalandhar, 140 km from Ludhiana, 240 km from Chandigarh, 207 km from Dalhousie, 244 km from Patiala, 366 km from Shimla, 443 km from Srinagar and 466 km from New Delhi Amritsar is an ancient pilgrimage town and headquarters of Amritsar district in Punjab state. It is the most popular Sikh shrine in Punjab and also one of the top places of pilgrimage in India. Amritsar literally means 'the pool of nectar'. The name Amritsar is derived from Amrit Sarovar, the holy tank that surrounds the marvelous Golden Temple. The town of Amritsar was founded in 1577 CE by Guru Ram Das, the 4th Sikh guru and the village was named as Ram Das Pura after him. Amritsar is the place where the tragic episode of the Jallianwala Bagh Massacre took place under the British rule. It also witnessed Operation Blue Star in 1984 under the late prime minister of India, Smt. Indira Gandhi. Amritsar is world famous for its Golden Temple, the seat of Sikh religion. Also known as Harmandir Sahib, the Golden Temple in Amritsar is famous for its full golden dome and is one of the most popular places of pilgrimage in Punjab. Jallianwallah Bagh, Durgiana Temple, Gobindgarh Fort, Central Sikh Museum, Maharaja Ranjith Singh Museum, and Wagah Border are the other popular places to visit in Amritsar.   There are many fairs and festivals celebrated in Amritsar. One of the most famous festivals of Amritsar is Guru Nanak Jayanti held in the month of October/November. Lohri ...

11. Kanchipuram

Kanchipuram or Kanchi is one of the most famous places of pilgrimage in Tamilnadu . It is situated at a distance of 75 km from Chennai. It is one of the most popular places to visit near Chennai . Located on the bank of the Palar River, Kanchipuram is one of the oldest cities in India and was served as the capital of the Pallava Dynasty. Kanchi is known for its temples and silk sarees which are woven manually. Kamakshi Amman Temple is the landmark of Kanchipuram, and among the most popular places to visit in Kanchipuram . Varadharaja Perumal Temple, Kailasanathar Temple, Karchapeshwarar Temple, Sri Ekambarnathar Temple are the other prominent temples to visit as part of Kanchipuram tour packages . The temples of Kanchipuram are known for their grandeur and great architecture. Kanchipuram is a traditional center of silk weaving and handloom industries for producing Kanchipuram Sarees. In 2005, 'Kanchipuram Silk Sarees' received the Geographical Indication tag, the first product in India to carry this label.

12. Kanyakumari

Located at the southernmost tip of the Indian Peninsula, Kanyakumari is one of the famous pilgrimage places to visit as part of Tamilnadu tour . It is about 242 km from Madurai and 707 km from Chennai. A place of great natural beauty, Kanyakumari is one of the popular href='/tamilnadu/best' target='_blank'>Tamilnadu Tourist Places . Swami Vivekananda is said to have been lived here for a while and meditated. Situated at the confluence of the Bay of Bengal, the Arabian Sea, and the Indian Ocean, this is the only place in India where one can enjoy the unique spectacle of Sunset and Moonrise simultaneously on full moon days. One of the main attractions in Kanyakumari is the Kumariamman Temple . Thiruvalluvar Statue, Vivekananda Rock Memorial , Gandhi Memorial, Padmanabhapuram Palace, Suchindram, Pechiparai Reservoir, Vattakottai Fort, St Xavier's Church and Udayagiri Fort are some of the top places to visit as part of Kanyakumari tour packages . Kanyakumari is also known for its spectacular beaches. Thengapattinam Beach, Sanguthurai Beach, and Chothavilai Beach are the important beaches near Kanyakumari.

13. Mathura

At a distance of 56 km from Agra, 159 km from Delhi, 419 km from Lucknow and 224 km from Jaipur, Mathura is an ancient city and also the district headquarters of Mathura in the state of Uttar Pradesh. Mathura is one of the popular tourist places near Agra and also one of the best places to visit near Delhi . Mathura is one of the seven cities (Sapta Puri) considered holy by Hindus, the other six are Ayodhya, Haridwar, Varanasi, Kanchipuram, Ujjain and Dwarka. Mathura has been chosen as one of the heritage cities for HRIDAY - Heritage City Development and Augmentation Yojana scheme of Government of India. Mathura is also one of the popular Delhi weekend getaways for 2 day trip. Mathura is located at the banks of river Yamuna and is popularly known as the Brajbhoomi, the sacred land of Lord Krishna. The Sri Krishna Janmabhoomi temple is home to a prison cell called Garbha Griha that is believed to be the exact birthplace of Krishna. Large number of devotees visit this temple every year on Janmashtami. The city of Mathura has a rich history. In the traditional times, Mathura was an important point of culture and civilization. According to the Archaeological Survey of India, the city is mentioned in the epic, Ramayana. In the epic, the Ikshwaku prince Shatrughna slays a demon called Lavanasura and claims the land. ...

14. Chidambaram

Chidambaram is a pilgrimage town in Tamil Nadu. Well known for Nataraja Temple, Chidambaram temple is one of the most celebrated shrines in South India and also one of the famous Tamilnadu places to visit . It is about 66 km from Pondicherry, and 217 km from Chennai. Also known as Thillai, the town is known for the Thillai Nataraja Temple which is dedicated to Lord Shiva. Built during the 11th century, Chidambaram Nataraja Temple has a great religious as well as historic and cultural significance. This is one of the Panchabhoota Stalas signifying the five elements of wind (Kalahasti), water (Tiruvanaikka), fire (Tiruvannamalai), earth (Kanchipuram) and space (Chidambaram). Thillai Kaali Amman Temple, Pichavaram , Sattanathar Temple, Bhuvanagiri, Parangipettai, Annamalai University, Kollidam (river) and Poompuhar are the other prominent places to visit as part of Chidambaram tour packages . Brahmotsavam, Ani Thirumanjanam, Thai Poosam and Arudra Dharshan are some of the Nataraja Temple festivals that attract large crowds from far and nearby places. Natyanjali Dance Festival is a major festival held in February. Many eminent dancers give their performances during this festival.

15. Vrindavan

At a distance of 13 km from Mathura, 70 km from Agra, 155 km from Delhi, 400 km from Lucknow and 235 km from Jaipur, Vrindavan is a holy town situated on the banks of Yamuna River in Mathura district of Uttar Pradesh. It is also among the sacred places to visit near Delhi for a 2 day weekend trip and also one of the popular places to visit near Agra . Vrindavan is a major pilgrimage center for the Hindus and one of the oldest cities in the country. The holy town of Vrindavan has a very rich history associated with the Hindu god Lord Krishna. It is said to be the place where Lord Krishna spent his childhood. Chaitanya Mahaprabhu, a great devotee of Lord Krishna is credited with rediscovering of Vrindavan. The place was later developed by various kings of the region. The name Vrindavan is derived from the words vrinda meaning tulsi (or basil) and van meaning grove and most likely refers to the two small groves at Nidhivan and Seva Kunj. While Seva Kunj is believed to be the place where Krishna performed Raaslila with Radha and the Gopikas, Nidhivan is said to be the place where the divine couple rested. The place is also one of the Shaktipeeths, named Bhuteshwar Mahadev. The place is believed to have been the site where the hair of Devi Sati fell. Vrindavan is also one of the most prominent sites for ISKCON, ...

Nashik or Nasik is the third-largest city by population in Maharashtra. Situated about 182 km from Mumbai, and 211 km from Pune, it is one of the popular places of pilgrimage in Maharashtra , and among the famous places to visit near Mumbai . Situated at an altitude of 700 m, Nashik is famous for its numerous temples that can be visited as part of Nashik Tour Packages . Panchavati, Someshwar, Ram Kund, Muktidham Temple, Coin Museum, Pandavleni Caves, Sinnar, Anjaneri, and Trimbakeshwar are some of the popular places to visit in Nashik . Nashik also holds Kumbha Mela, the largest religious gathering held once every 12 years. A large number of pilgrims, sadhus, and holy men attend this magnificent fair and take bath in the holy river Godavari. Apart from its religious importance, Nashik has numerous vineyards that dot the countryside and is known as the wine capital of India. Nashik can be visited along with Shirdi Tour Packages .

17. Tirupati

At a distance of 71 km from Chittoor, 413 km from Vijayawada, 556 km from Hyderabad, 763 km from Vizag, 134 km from Chennai and 259 km from Bangalore, Tirupati is a pilgrimage city in the extreme southeast of Andhra Pradesh in Chittoor district. It is often referred as a synonym to Tirumala (called as Tirumala Tirupati), which is a sacred temple town famous for Sri Venkateswara Temple also known as Tirumala Tirupati Balaji Temple. Tirupati along with Chandragiri is an ideal Chennai getaways for a two day trip and also one of the top Andhra Pradesh tourist places . Tirupati is one of the most ancient and sacred pilgrimage sites in India. Tirumala, the home of Lord Venkateswara is at a distance of 22 km from Tirupati. However, Tirupati is the town and transport hub to Tirumala at the bottom of the hill. The initial temple at Tirumala was built by the Tamil king Thondaimaan. The Pallavas of Kanchipuram (9th century), Cholas of Tanjore (10th century), Pandyas of Mathura and Vijayanagara Kings (14th & 15th centuries) regularly visited the temple and contributed largely to the temple. Especially, Sri Krishna Devaraya of Vijayanagara Empire contributed a lot to the temple. Now the temple is under the maintenance of TTD. Spread over an area of 450 sq. km, Tirupati offers a magnificent ...

18. Thanjavur

Thanjavur, also known as Tanjore, is one of the popular places of href='/tamilnadu/heritage' target='_blank'>heritage in Tamilnadu as it has a rich historical heritage and is a prism of ancient as well as the modern south Indian civilizations. It is situated about 170 km from Madurai, and 326 km from Chennai. Situated on the banks of River Cauvery, it is one of the top places to visit as part of Madurai tour packages . The city was once the stronghold of the historic Cholas. Since then, Thanjavur has been one of the chief political, cultural and religious centers of South India. Thanjavur is famous for the Brihadeeswarar Temple built by Rajaraja Chola in the year 1010 AD. Also known as the Big Temple, Brihadeeswarar Temple is one of UNESCO World Heritage Sites and among the most important heritage sites in India. The temple is considered to be one of the best specimens of South Indian temple architecture and among the must-visit places as part of Thanjavur tour packages . Apart from Brihadeeswarar Temple, Thanjavur and the surrounding areas have several important tourist attractions like Thanjavur Palace, Kumbakonam , Darasuram, Gangaikonda Cholapuram, Thiruvaiyaru, Thirubuvanam, etc.

19. Ganpatipule

Ganpatipule is a small pilgrimage & beach town on the Konkan coast of Maharashtra in India. About 307 km from Pune, and 345 km from Mumbai, it is one of the top places to visit near Kolhapur , and among the must include places in Maharashtra packages . Ganpatipule is mainly known for its 400 years old Ganapati Temple which is the prime attraction in Ganpatipule holiday packages . The idol of Ganesha is believed to be a monolith that was self-incarnated and discovered over 1600 years ago. It is one of the Ashta Ganapati Temples of India and is known as 'Paschim Dwar Devata'. The temple is at the base of a hill, and pilgrims walk around (pradakshina) the hill as a mark of respect. Ganpatipule can be visited as a day trip along with Mahabaleshwar tour packages . Besides, Ganpatipule has some of the most spectacular beaches that can be visited along with Konkan packages . It is an ideal getaway that attracts peace-seekers, beach lovers, and pilgrims alike. Jaigad Fort, Prachin Konkan Museum, Arey Ware Beach, Guhagar Beach, and Velneshwar are the other prominent places to visit in Ganpatipule .

20. Kedarnath

At a distance of 224 km from Rishikesh, 264 km from Dehradun and 439 km from Delhi, Kedarnath is a town and a famous center of pilgrimage in Uttarakhand situated in Rudraprayag district. Kedarnath is a popular pilgrimage destination for Hindus and is one of the four major Places to visit in Uttarakhand known as Chota Char Dham pilgrimage that also includes Badrinath , Gangotri and Yamunotri . It lies at an altitude of 3584 m near Chorabari Glacier, the head of river Mandakini. It is the most remote of the four Char Dham sites and is flanked by breathtaking snow-clad peaks. Kedarnath is named after King Kedar. According to a mythology, King Kedar ruled Kedarnath during the Satya Yuga. It is believed that the temple existed even during the time of Mahabharata. It is the place where Lord Shiva absolved Pandavas from the sin of killing their own cousins Kauravas in the battle of Kurukshetra. The famous Kedarnath temple is one of the twelve Jyotirlingas and is thronged by thousands of tourists each year. Other than Kedarnath temple, Bhairavnath temple, Chorabari Tal, Shankaracharya Samadhi and Hans Kund are the some other religious places near Kedarnath. Kedarnath temple is a major tourist attraction and pilgrims book their hotels way in advance. Rooms in budget hotels and dharamshalas are available under Rs 500 ...

21. Badrinath

At a distance of 293 km from Rishikesh, 335 km from Dehradun and 523 km from Delhi, Badrinath is an ancient holy town in Chamoli district of Uttarakhand. It lies at an altitude of 3133 m in the Garhwal Himalayan ranges along the banks of River Alaknanda near India - Tibet border. It is one of the most famous centers of pilgrimage in India and also one of the most popular Uttarakhand places to visit as part of Char Dham. Badrinath is the most important of the four sites of famous Char Dham pilgrimage; the other three being Puri, Dwarka and Rameshwaram . It is also visited as part of Chota Char Dham Pilgrimage along with Kedarnath, Yamunotri and Gangotri in Himalayan region of Uttarakhand. Surrounded by Nar and Narayana mountain ranges and the Nilkantha peak, Badrinath has great mythical significance. This holy town is mentioned as Badari or Badarikashram in many ancient texts and scriptures. According to the epic Mahabharata, Badrinath is the site where Nara and Narayana, the dual forms of Vishnu, did meditation. It is also believed that the Pandavas passed through Badrinath on their way to heaven. Legend has it that Sage Vyasa authored Mahabharata at a cave in Mana, which is about 4 km from Badrinath. Badrinath is ...

22. Srisailam

At a distance of 160 km from Nandyal, 181 km from Kurnool, 229 km from Hyderabad, 263 km from Vijayawada and 527 km from Bangalore, Srisailam is one of the twelve Jyotirlingas of Lord Shiva situated on the banks of River Krishna in Kurnool district of Andhra Pradesh. It is one of the most important pilgrimage centers of Lord Shiva in India and also one of the top Places to visit in Andhra . Srisailam is also one of the most popular weekend getaways from Hyderabad. Srisailam is famous for Srisailam Dam & Bhramaramba Mallikarjuna Temple which is dedicated to Lord Shiva. The sanctum enshrines Lord Mallikarjuna in the form of a linga protected by a three-hooded cobra. This ancient temple built in the Dravidian style with lofty towers and sprawling courtyards is one of the finest specimens of Vijayanagara architecture. Though the exact origins of the temple are not available, the Satavahanas of the 2nd century AD have referred to it. The Kakatiyas and the Vijayanagara kings have made several endowments here. The unique feature of this kshetram is the combination of Jyothirlingam and Mahasakthi (in the form of Bhramarambika) in one campus, which is very rare and only one of its kind. The great religious leader Aadi Sankara is said to have visited this shrine and composed his immortal Sivananda Lahiri here. Srisailam is ...

23. Kumbakonam

Kumbakonam is an ancient temple town located amidst the two rivers Cauvery and Arasalar in the Thanjavur district of Tamil Nadu. About 235 km from Madurai, and 282 km from Chennai, it is one of the famous places of pilgrimage in Tamilnadu , and among the popular places to visit near Chennai . Kumbakonam is known for its temples and mutts (monasteries). There are around 188 Hindu temples within the municipal limits of Kumbakonam. Adi Kumbeswarar Temple , Nageswaraswamy temple and Kasi Viswanathar temple are the prominent temples to visit as part of Kumbakonam tour packages . Sarangapani temple is the largest Vaishnava shrine present in Kumbakonam. Patteeswaram, the Oppiliappan Kovil, the Swamimalai Murugan temple and the Airavateeswarar Temple are the other temples located in the vicinity of Kumbakonam. The town is well - known for its prestigious educational institutions and carved Panchaloha idols, silk products, brass, and metal wares. The important festival of Kumbakonam is the Mahamaham festival. It takes place once in 12 years during the Tamil Month of Masi (February/March) and lakhs of pilgrims visit Kumbakonam and takes a holy bath in the sacred Mahamaham Tank.

24. Sabarimala

Sabarimala is one of the most famous places of pilgrimage in Kerala . Situated about 70 km from Pathanamthitta, this temple is one of the oldest temples in India, with a history of more than 5000 years old. Regarded as one of the popular places to visit in Kerala , Sabarimala temple is dedicated to Lord Ayyappan, and is believed that Lord Parasurama installed the idol of Ayyappa here. The pilgrimage season begins in the month of November and ends in January (the temple remains closed during the rest of the year except for the first five days of each Malayalam month). The devotees following Ayyappa Vratam (Ayyappa Maala - a 41 days Vratam with strict restrictions) carry Irumudi Kettu containing traditional offerings to the Lord. Mandalapooja (Nov17th) and Makaravilakku (Jan 14th) are the important events of the temple. Makara Jyothi (a celestial star) appeared on Jan 14th is the most crowded occasion of this temple that one must witness as part of Sabarimala packages . Sabarimala temple has no restrictions on caste and religion. The temple is open to males of all age groups, but women between 10-50 years of age are NOT allowed into the temple. Pamba, Erumeli, and Malikappurathu Amma Temple are some other Sabarimala places to visit .

25. Shravanabelagola

Shravanabelagola is one of the most popular Jain places of pilgrimage in Karnataka . About 83 km from Mysore, and 140 km from Bangalore, it is one of the popular places to visit near Bangalore . Shravanabelagola is famous for the Bahubali Statue, among the must include places in Shravanabelagola tour packages . With a height of 58 feet carved out of a single block of granite, the statue is supposed to be the tallest monolithic stone statue in the world. Gomateswara temple, Odegal Basadi, Tyagada Kamba, Siddhara Basadi, Chennanna Basadi, Akhanda Bagilu, Chamundaraya Basadi, Chandragupta Basadi, Chandraprabha Basadi, Kattale Basadi, and Parshwanatha Basadi are important places to visit in Shravanabelagola . Once in 12 years, Shravanabelagola celebrates the Mahamastakabhisheka festival which attracts thousands of devotees and tourists from all over India. Shravanabelagola can also be visited along with Mysore tour packages .

Ajmer or Ajmere is one of the popular pilgrimage sites near Delhi , and among the most important religious places to visit in Rajasthan . It is situated about 132 km from Jaipur, and 390 km from Delhi. Ajmer is can be visited along with Jaipur tour packages . The city of Ajmer gets its name from 'Ajay Meru' which means invincible hills. Ajmer is home to the famous Dargah Sharif, which houses the Tomb of Garib Nawaz, also known as Moinuddin Chishti, the founder of the Chishti order of Sufism. Considered to be one of the holiest cities in India, it attracts hordes of Hindu and Muslim devotees every year as part of Ajmer packages . Anasagar, Taragarh Fort, Akbar Palace & Museum, Adhai Din Ka Jhonpra, the Nasiyan Temple, Nareli Jain temple, and Kishangarh are other popular tourist places in Ajmer . Urs of Khwaja Moinuddin Chishti is the popular fair celebrated with great pomp and fervor in Ajmer. It is held every year in the month of May to mark the death anniversary of the Sufi saint.

27. Somnath

Somnath is a temple town situated in the Gir Somnath district of Gujarat. Also known as Prabhas Patan, it is one of the most important places of pilgrimage in India, and among the prominent places to visit in Gujarat . It is about 197 km from Rajkot, and 408 km from Ahmedabad. The town of Somnath is famous for the Somnath Temple, among the must include places in Somnath packages . Dedicated to Lord Shiva, the temple is one among the twelve prominent Jyotirlinga shrines and also one of the oldest pilgrimage sites in Gujarat. Somnath Beach, Gita Mandir, Bhalka Tirtha, Rudreshwara Temple, Triveni Sangam Temple, Suraj Mandir, Parshuram Temple, Kamnath Mahadev Temple, Junagadh Gate, Somnath Museum, Panch Pandav Gufa are some other tourist places in Somnath . Somnath Mahadev Fair which is held on Kartik Purnima and Maha Shivaratri are the two major festivals celebrated in Somnath with great pomp and fervor. The temple town witnesses a huge number of tourists from various parts of the country during these festivals.

At a distance of 36 km from Konark, 58 km from Bhubaneswar, 82 km from Cuttack, 390 km from Rourkela, 407 km from Jamshedpur, 434 km from Vizag, 495 km from Kolkata, and 522 km from Ranchi, Puri is an ancient temple town situated along the coast of Bay of Bengal in Odisha. Puri is one of the places of original holy Char Dham Yatra of Hinduism and also one of the top places to experience Odisha Tourism. Earlier called as ShriKhetra, Purushottama Khetra, and Jagannath Puri, Puri is home to the world famous Sri Jagannath Temple. Often referred as the spiritual capital of Odisha, Puri forms the Golden Triangle of Orissa along with Konark and Bhubaneswar. Puri became an important center of pilgrimage with the arrival of Gangas in the 12th century and emerged as one of the centers of Vaishnavism. Anantavarman Chodaganga, one of the powerful rulers of Puri, established the Purushottama Temple and later came to be known as the Jagannath Temple in the 15th century. According to history, Puri and the Jagannath Temple were invaded 18 times by Hindu and Muslim rulers from 4th century AD till the early 19th century. Puri was declared as the capital of Odisha under the British till 1816 CE. In 1828 CE the whole territory was separated into three regions, Katak, Balasore, and Jagannath Puri. In 1936 CE Odisha was divided from the state of Bihar and Puri was formed in 1948 CE. Dedicated Lord Vishnu, Lord Jagannath Temple is one of the prime places to visit in Puri and is a ...

29. Khajuraho

At a distance of 47 km from Chhatarpur, 118 km from Satna, 179 km from Jhansi, 223 km from Kanpur, 265 km from Jabalpur, 283 km from Gwalior, 283 km from Allahabad, 388 km from Bhopal and 624 km from Delhi, Khajuraho is a historical town located in Chhatarpur district of Madhya Pradesh. Khajuraho is one of the top places to visit in Madhya Pradesh and among the must include places in your Madhya Pradesh tour packages . Earlier, Khajuraho was the cultural capital of Chandela Rajputs who ruled this part of India during 10th to 12th centuries AD. Khajuraho Temples were built by the Chandela monarchs over a span of 200 years, from 950 to 1150 AD. After the fall of Chandela rulers, these temples were abandoned and long-forgotten until rediscovered by British Captain T.S. Burt, in 1838 AD. Known around the world for its stunning temples adorned by erotic carvings, the Khajuraho group of monuments has been listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and is considered to be one of the seven wonders of India. The marvelous architecture and erotic carvings are the best and most notable aspects of Khajuraho temples. There were originally over 80 Hindu temples, of which only 25 now stand in a reasonable state of preservation, scattered over an area of about 8 square miles. The temples also have numerous other sculptures depicting the life of a common man in that era. Khajuraho ...

Dwarka is one of the most significant pilgrimage sites near Rajkot , and among the best places to visit in Gujarat . It is about 224 km from Rajkot, and 442 km from Ahmedabad. Located on the western tip of the Saurashtra peninsula in Gujarat, Dwarka is popularly known as the 'home of Lord Krishna' and is believed to have been the first capital of Gujarat. Also, Dwarka is one of the foremost Char Dhams for Hindus and among the seven most ancient religious cities (sapta puris) in India. For this reason, the town attracts thousands of pilgrims throughout the year as part of Dwarka packages . The present-day Dwarka is a prominent pilgrimage site that boasts of several shrines. Among the temples, the 2000-year-old Dwarkadhish temple is the most notable one. Nageshwar Jyotirlinga Temple, Gomti Ghat, Rukmani Devi Temple, Beyt Dwarka, Gopi Talav, Bhadkeshwar Mahadev Mandir, Swaminarayan Temple, Dwarka Beach, Shivrajpur Beach, and Okhamadhi Beach are some of the important tourist places in Dwarka . If you specifically want to participate in the grand festivities of the Janmashtami festival, visiting the town during August and September will be eventful.

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Pilgrimage Tourism in India

Home / Blog / Pilgrimage Tourism in India

India is a major central point for Pilgrimage Tourism in the world. Devotees from all over the world come to India to dive deep into the whirlwind of mysticism. India is the oldest land in the world. It has been the birthplace of many religions, gods and saints etc. Its attraction lies in its ancient traditions, myths and culture. Here, spirituality is a part of daily life.

• Major Religion in India – Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism, Sikhism, Islam, Christianity
• Char Dham of India – Badrinath, Dwaraka, Puri and Rameswaram
• Popular Religious Cities in India – Haridwar, Varanasi, Rishikesh
• Must Visit Temples in India – Badrinath, Kedarnath, Gangotri, Yamunotri
• Popular Religious Yatra- Char Dham Yatra, Vaishno Devi Yatra, 12 Jyotirling Tour, Amarnath Yatra, Kailash Mansarovar Yatra, Panch Kedar Yatra

Explore Popular Pilgrimage Tour Packages in India

About Pilgrimage Tourism in India

You will scarcely find a place in India where there are no temples, masjids, gurudwaras etc.It is the best country for Pilgrimage Tourism. Do you want to know why? If yes, then come to India and heal your soul. You never know which temple or religious site would complete your transcendent goal.

No matter where you live, India will always attract tourists with its rich heritage and culture and amazing tourist destinations. India’s charms lie in its rich culture and heritage and its pilgrimage sites. India, no doubt has the highest number of religious places in the world.

From East, West, South to North, India with its numerous magnificent temples, pilgrimage sites, and religious sites will tickle your spiritual imagination. India is a melting pot of different religions and each religion has infused their way of life in the corners of India, the glimpses of which you can get in the form of pilgrimage sites in India.

There are numerous mosques in India, where Muslims can chant hymns from the Quran and surrender themselves to the will of God. Hindus embark on a physical spiritual journey through time and space to seek their sacred goal of becoming one with God.

India houses some of the very prominent Hindu pilgrimage sites. It is a storehouse of India’s spiritualistic and ancient myths. Amarnath Yatra is one of the most difficult pilgrimage journeys in India.

Amarnath Cave is covered in snow most of the year, only in summer you can get a glimpse of the self-manifested form of God and incarnations of Jyotirlingas. Vaishno Devi houses the holy shrine of Goddess Vaishno Devi and the most sacred Hindu pilgrimage destination in India. Thousands of devotees from all over the world come here to seek blessings. Best from the rest would be the most important Yatra- Chota Char Dham Yatra – The yatra of Gangotri, Yamunotri, Kedarnath and Badrinath to get Moksha and eternal bliss.

There are a plethora of Churches and Gurudwaras that serves the religious and spiritual needs of Christians and Sikhs. Jain Tirthankaras and Buddhists followers also have sacred places of worship like monasteries, gompas and stupas to quench spiritual thirst.

Many of the spiritual sites have been declared Heritage Sites for its architecture and craftsmanship. There is also no dearth of spiritual ashrams and Sufi sites to seek divine grace.

India is a poetry of spirituality, if you want to dive deep into this spiritual whirlwind then you should definitely take a pilgrimage Tour in India.

Popular Pilgrimage Destinations in North India

Haridwar, uttarakhand, rishikesh, uttarakhand, badrinath, uttarakhand, kedarnath, uttarakhand, gangotri, uttarakhand.

• Yamunotri, Uttarakhand

Vaishno Devi, Jammu and Kashmir

• Amarnath, Jammu & Kashmir

Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh

Mathura, Uttar Pradesh

Vrindavan, uttar pradesh.

Sweet smelling incense sticks, temple bells and holy water of Ganges sets the landscape of one of the most sacred pilgrimage destinations in India – Haridwar. Thousands of devotees from all over the world come here to take a dip into the holy waters of river Ganga to wash their sins. Entire vibe of Haridwar is spiritual. You will see priests; sadhus gather at the Ghats of Ganges. You must visit some of the prominent temples of Haridwar like Mansa Devi Temple, Chandi Devi Temple, Bharat Mata Temple, Har Ki Pauri, Daksha Mahadev Temple etc.

Surrounded by the Shivalik range of Himalayas all around Rishikesh is one of the most popular Pilgrimage destinations in India. It is said that because of sage Raibhya’s rigorous penance, God appeared in the form of Hrishikesh, hence this holy place was named as Rishikesh. It is a starting point of another very prominent yatra- Chota Char Dham Yatra.Some of the most visited pilgrimage sites of Rishikesh are Neelkantha Mahadeva Temple, Bharat Mandir, Shri Trimbakeshwar Temple, Swarg Ashram, Triveni Ghat etc.

Situated in Chamoli District, Badrinath is one of the sacred pilgrimage sites of the holy Chota Char Dham Yatra. It is located between Nar and Narayan Peaks. It is one of the most sacred worship sites of Hindu devotees. It is believed that sage Narada told Lord Vishnu to meditate in Badrinath because of his distraction towards worldly pleasures. Hence this place is a sacred abode of Lord Vishnu. Devotees seek holy blessings in the temple of Badrinath, also known as Badri Vishal. Without Badrinath Darshan your journey of self-introspection and your pilgrimage will be incomplete.

Kedarnath is the most prominent Hindu Pilgrimage destination in India. It is an integral part of Chota Char Dham Yatra. The shrine of Lord Shiva in the temple of Kedarnath is the highest of the 12 Jyotirlingas. Hot springs, alpine meadows, pristine Mandakini river along with other sacred spots make Kedarnath Ethereal.The 1000-year-old temple of Lord Kedarnath holds a very important religious significance for Hindus. It is said that Kedarnath darshan releases people from all the karmic backlogs. Along with the temple of Kedarnath, also visit Vasuki Tal, Chorabari tal, Gauri Kund and Triyuginarayan Temple etc.

One of the Char Dhams, Gangotri is dedicated to Goddess Ganga. Also known as Bhagirathi, Goddess Ganga is said to have originated in this place for the first time. The temple of Gangotri attracts devotees from all over the world. It is said that the actual origin point of river Ganga is Gaumukh in Gangotri Glacier. It is the most sacred pilgrimage site of Hindus as river Ganga is the holiest of all the rivers in India. Apart from the temple, Bhagirathi Shila is the major attraction. It is a place where mythical King Bhagirath meditated for the atonement of his ancestors’ sins. Also visit Submerged Shivling, Bhairon Ghati and Tapovan to enrich your spiritual experience.

Yamunotri , Uttarakhand

Yamunotri is an abode of one of the most sacred rivers of India- River Yamuna. Decked with glaciers and thermal springs, it is one of the prominent Hindu Pilgrimage destinations and a part of Char Dham Yatra. It is believed that if one bathes in the holy waters of Yamunotri, he or she will not suffer a painful death and it also prevents untimely death.Yamunotri is the starting point of Char Dham Yatra which will lead you to Gangotri and then to Kedarnath and Badrinath.While at Yamunotri, take a holy bath in Gaurikund and Surya Kund. Apart from that, Uttarkashi, Jan ki Chtti, Barkot are some of the major attractions near Yamunotri.

Vaishno Devi is one of the popular Hindu pilgrimage sites in North India. It is dedicated to Goddess Shakti who is worshiped as Maha Kali, Maha Saraswati, Maha Laxmi. These goddesses are worshipped in the form of three stone pindis of different colours and textures. The white rock represents Goddess Saraswati, Black represents Goddess Kali and Goddess Yellow represents Laxmi. It is said that 700 years ago Vaishno devi took a vow of celibacy at this place, since then this temple is the abode of Maa Vaishno. Thousands of devotees embark on a difficult journey to reach at the height of 5200 ft to seek holy blessings of Vaishno devi. Apart from Vaishno Devi temple, Peer Kho Temple, Raghunath Temple, Shiv Khori and Shahdara Sharief are major religious attractions.

Amarnath, Jammu and Kashmir

Amarnath is situated at the height of 3,888 m and is a blissful abode of Lord Shiva. It is one of the must visit Hindu Pilgrimage destinations in North India. Lord Shiva is worshipped as Amarnath in Amarnath Cave. There are four or five big ice formations which represent various gods but the largest ice formation represents Lord Shiva.There is a small cave inside Amarnath Cave where holy ash is distributed to the devotees. It is said that Lord Shiva chose this location to tell the secret of the creation of the world to Devi Parvati but a pair of pigeon’s eggs fell on his head due to which it attained immortality. Pairs of pigeons can still be seen in the cave and if you have seen them, you are very lucky. Apart from the cave, also visit Martand Sun Temple.

Varanasi is a land of Temples. It is the land of Moksha. It is the pious land where one can be free from karmic backlog. It is said that if you die at Varanasi, you will definitely attain Moksha. Varanasi is one of the most popular pilgrimage destinations that should not be missed if you are on a pilgrimage Tour in India. Its mysticism, magnificent temples, old myths and tales, and cultural heritage attracts tourists from all over the world.Ghats of Varanasi gives a spiritual vibe as it is decked with temples where rituals are performed. Temple bells, aarti, priests and Sadhus set the pious landscape of Varanasi Ghats. There are numerous pilgrimage sites to visit in Varanasi. Some Of the most popular pilgrimage sites are Kashi Vishwanath Temple, Bharat Mata Temple, Durga Mata Temple, Ghats, Tulsi Manas Mandir, Sarnath etc.

Mathura is the birthplace of Lord Krishna. It is one of the most sacred destinations for Hindus in India. It is one of the seven sacred cities (Sapta Mahapuris). The land of Mathura is dipped in spirituality. Numerous lanes, Ghats echoes the stories of Lord Krishna. There are numerous temples to visit in Mathura. The temple of Dwarkadhish, dedicated to Lord Krishna is the prominent pilgrimage site. The festival of Holi and Krishna Janmashtami is celebrated with huge pomp and show which attracts thousands of devotees from all over the world. The Krishna Janmabhoomi Temple is the major pilgrimage site in Mathura which tells the story of the legends of Lord Krishna. Apart from these temples, Prem Mandir, Potra Kund, Pagal Baba Temple, Nidhivan, Gita Mandir, Madan Mohan Temple, Shri Rangji Temple etc.

It is the twin city of Mathura where Lord Krishna had spent his youthful days. Vrindavan is a home to numerous temples of Lord Krishna. The most prominent among them are the temples of Banke Bihari, ISKCON, Gopeshwar Mahadev, Shahji and Govind Dev. If you are on a pilgrimage tour in India, the festive season of Holi and Janmashtami is the best time to visit Vrindavan. The colourful atmosphere of Vrindavan will make your day. The sacred city of Vrindavan was lost for many years. In the 16th century, Chaitanya Mahaprabhu , a sage, discovered the lost city of Vrindavan. It is also the place where the limbs of goddess Sati fell and is known as Bhuteshwar Mahadev hence it is also one of the major Shakti Peethas in India.

Popular Pilgrimage Destinations in South India

Madurai, tamil nadu, thanjavur, tamil nadu, chennai, tamil nadu, mahabalipuram, tamil nadu.

Madurai is one of the oldest cities, situated in Tamil Nadu. It is decked with numerous magnificent ancient temples which are the masterpiece of rich architecture. If you are planning a pilgrimage tour in India then you must visit Madurai to embrace Peace. One of the most popular temples in Madurai is the Meenakshi Sundareswarar Temple, visited by thousands of devotees from all over the world.Another prominent temple of Madurai is Azhagar Kovil Temple which is dedicated to Lord Vishnu. It is one of the oldest temples in Madurai. Apart from that Koodal Azhagar Temple, Shri Solaimalai Murugan Temple, Shri Mavoothu Velappar Temple, Shri Radha Mathurapathi Temple etc are the major temples to visit in Madurai.

The temples situated in Thanjavur are the work of South Indian art and rich architecture. It houses the UNESCO Heritage site Brihadeshwara Temple which was built in the 11th century. It is the most prominent pilgrimage destination to visit in Thanjavur. It is said that Thanjavur is named after a demon who was defeated by Lord Vishnu in a battle, after his gentle request of naming the region in his name to Lord Vishnu. Apart from visiting the legendary Brihadeshwara Temple, Shri Airavatesvara temple, Ramaswamy temple, Punnainallur Mariamman, Thyagaraja Temple are some of the major temples to visit in Thanjavur.

The temples and religious places in Chennai not only lures devotees but also history lovers. The city of Chennai has a rich cultural and historical heritage which is reflected in its temples. The temples of Chennai are epitome of art, architecture and peace. If you are on a temple tour in India then Chennai is the place to be in. Some of the major temples to visit in Chennai are Kapaleeswarar Temple, Marundeeswarar Temple, Ekambareswarar Temple, Parthasarathy Temple, Kalikambal temple etc. Karaneeswarar Temple is one of the oldest temples in Chennai that should not be missed. There is a tank inside the temple called Gopathi Saras and its holy waters are believed to have healing properties. If you take a dip here at full moon night then your illnesses will be cured.

Mahabalipuram is one of the most popular destinations to visit for a temple tour in South India.Mahabalipuram is one of its kind as it houses UNESCO heritage listed temples which depicts the tale of Mahabharata. The temples are a fine example of rich art and architecture. They are made of granite. Shore temple is one of the most prominent temples to visit in Mahabalipuram. It is a fine example of dravidian style of architecture. Apart from that Varaha Cave, Mahishamardini Cave, five rathas and Arjuna’s penance are major places to visit for temple tours.

Popular Pilgrimage Places in West India

Shirdi, maharashtra, nashik, maharashtra.

• Dwarka, Gujarat
• Somnath, Gujarat

Shiri is one of the major pilgrimage destinations in India. It is the home of the former spiritual leader Sai Baba. His mortal remains are buried here. The temple of Sai Baba in Shirdi is a major pilgrimage site for Hindu devotees. The temple houses the samadhi of Sai Baba. Another prominent spot to see in Shirdi is the Gurusthan where Sai Baba was first spotted meditating by the locals of Shirdi. Located near the temple complex is Dwarkamai, a mosque where baba stayed for 60 years until his samadhi in 1918. It houses Dhuni which was lit by baba over 100 years ago.

Nashik is a blissful spiritual abode for Hindu Devotees.It holds a great cultural and historical significance. It is believed that Lord Rama spent 12 years of his life in exile at this place. Thousands of devotees from all over the world come here to witness the Maha Kumbh Mela which is held every 12 years. It is the starting point to reach two major pilgrimage sites- Trimbakeshwar and Shirdi.Kalaram Mandir, Ramkund, Ved Temple, Someshwar Temple, Bhakti Dham, Mukti Dham are some of the major pilgrimage sports to visit in and around Nashik.

If you are planning a temple tour in India then a visit to Gujarat is a must.It is an abode of Lord Krishna. Numerous temples with rich art and architecture will definitely blow your heart away. Gujarat’s famous pilgrimage destinations include Dwarkadhish Temple, Kirti Mandir, Legendary Somnath Temple, Bala Hanuman Mandir, Rukmini Temple, Sun Temple, Bhadkeshwar Mahadev Temple and Shamlaji Temple etc. What are you waiting for? Get ready to discover your soul.

Popular Pilgrimage Places in East India

Puri, odisha, konark, odisha.

• Bhuvaneshwar Odisha

It is not wrong to consider Puri a spiritual Dham of India. It houses the most famous Jagannath temple. The annual festival Ratha yatra is celebrated here with full grandeur and glory during the month of July-August. In this festival the decorated chariots of lord Jagannath, Balrama (his brother), Subhadra (his sister). It is also a place where Shri Adi Shankaracharya established a Math- Gobardhana Matha. Some of the most important temples to visit in Puri are Varahi temple, Panchatirtha temple, Dakshinkali temple, Shyama Kali temple and Gundicha temple etc.

Konark is worldwide famous for its Sun temple which is an UNESCO World Heritage Site. The temple is dedicated to the Sun god. It was built in the 12th century by Narasimha Deva. The major attraction of this temple is the Konark dance festival held every year from 1st-5th December to showcase India’s dance forms to the tourists. Apart from the Sun temple, Ramchandi temple is the most famous temple to visit in Konark.

Bhuvaneshwar, Odisha

Bhuvaneshwar is one of the ancient cities of India and a prominent pilgrimage site for Hindu devotees. It is famous for Trimbakeshwar temple of Lingaraj temple who is an incarnation of Lord Shiva. Another major temple to visit in Bhubaneswar is Ananta Vasudeva temple which is dedicated to Lord Vishnu. Also visit Mukteshwar temple which is dedicated to Goddess Saraswati, Lord Ganesh, Lord Shiva. It is the best example of Orissan architecture. Apart from that Rajarani temple is one of its kind. No deity is worshipped there. The temple has sculptures of Lord Indra, Agni, Yama and Varuna etc.

Popular Pilgrimage Tours (Yatra) in India

• Chardham Yatra Uttarakhand: Chardham Yatra in Uttarakhand covers four major pilgrimage destinations which hold a great spiritual and religious significance for Hindu devotees. It is considered as the most sacred pilgrimage destination of India. The Chardham Yatra consists of Yamunotri, Gangotri, Kedarnath and Badrinath. The ultimate aim of visiting these sacred destinations is the redemption from the karmic backlogs of life and attain eternal peace and Moksha.
• 12 Jyotirlinga Tour: For the devotees of Lord Shiva, 12 Jyotirlinga Tour is the ultimate bliss of life. In Hinduism, Jyotirlinga means ‘Radiance sights of Lord Shiva’. The darshan of 12 Jyotirlinga makes the soul pure and sinless. Those who visit 12 Jyotirlingas get the divine grace of Lord Shiva and great spiritual wisdom. The 12 Jyotirlingas are situated in eight states – Gujarat, Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Jharkhand, Uttarakhand and Uttar Pradesh.
• Kailash Mansarovar Yatra: Kailash Mansarovar Yatra holds a great religious and cultural value. Not only is it an important pilgrimage site for Hindus but also for Jains and Buddhists. For Jains their first law giver Rishabhdev attained Nirvana in Mt Kailash and according to Buddhist it is a spiritual seat of Buddha Demchok. It is said that taking a dip into the holy waters of Mansarovar would elevate your spiritual experience and parikrama around Mt Kailash mountains would purify your soul.
• Amarnath Yatra: Amarnath Yatra is one of the most important pilgrimage Yatras in India. Devotees from all over the world come here to seek blessings of Lord Shiva in the month of June and August who is perched at the height of 3,888m at the farther end of Lidder Valley. The Amarnath Cave houses four or five ice formations which represent the figure of various gods. The largest Ice formation represents Lord Shiva. It is a place where Lord Shiva revealed the secret of the creation of the universe to Goddess Parvati.One would definitely find eternal bliss after witnessing the divine image of Lord Shiva.
• Vaishno Devi Yatra: It is one of the most popular pilgrimage Yatras in India. The divine temple of Vaishno Devi is situated at Trikuta Hills in Katra in Jammu and Kashmir. It is said that if you visit Mata Vaishno Devi, all your wishes will be granted. It is a place where the skull of goddess Sati fell. Goddess Vaishno Devi is worshipped in the form of a five and a half feet tall rock which has three pindis of different colors and textures. The white Pindi represents Goddess Saraswati, Black Pindi represents Goddess Kali and Yellow pindi represents Goddess Laxmi.
• Panch Kedar Yatra: Apart from Char Dham Yatra, Panch Kedar Yatra is of great importance for hindu devotees. Panch Kedar Yatra is a darshan of body parts of Lord Shiva that appeared at five places at Kedarnath Temple. Pandavas of Mahabharata are said to have built these five temples which are called Panch Kedar. It will take 14 days to visit all these five temples. The names of these temples are Kedarnath, Tungnath, Rudranath, Madhyamaheswar, and Kalpeswara. Devotees from all over the world come here and seek blessings from Lord Shiva.

Pilgrimage Travel Tips

• If you are on a pilgrimage Tour in India then you should wear decent covered dresses to maintain the sanctity of the place of worship.
• Please avoid smoking, tobacco and alcohol while you are on a pilgrimage tour.
• You need to be physically fit if you are visiting the Char Dhams or any pilgrimage sites in North India.
• In shrine board outlets, please obtain cash receipts.
• Keep warm clothes if you are planning a pilgrimage tour in North India.
• Deposit all the baggage in cloak rooms of the temples and take proper care of your belongings.
• Book your rooms and pooja booking if any, online in advance.

Interesting Facts About India pilgrimage Tourism

• The most Popular Konark Temple of Odisha is the only UNESCO world Heritage site of Odisha.
• The most interesting fact about Rajarani temple of Bhubaneswar is that it has no deity to worship.
• The Shivling of Amarnath Cave is a natural Shivling made of Ice. It is said that goddess Parvati’s peeth is located inside the cave and it is also one of the 51 shakti peethas of Goddess Parvati.
• The lingam of Amarnath cave waxes and wanes with the lunar cycle which is the power of God and nature.
• Badrinath Temple of the Chota Char Dham is the only temple situated in the Himalayas.
• The temple of Gangotri was constructed by Amar Singh Thapa 250 years ago, he was a Gorkha born Nepalese commander.
• During winters the doors of Gangotri Temple are closed but the most amazing fact is that the oil lamp in the temple remains lit for over 6 months when there is nobody to look after the temple.
• It is said that Somnath Temple since ancient times had been the meeting point of three rivers Kapila, Mythical Saraswati and Hiran River.
• It is said that the initial structure of Somnath Temple was built by moon god with gold. The sun god used silver for its construction and Lord Krishna made it with the help of Sandalwood.
• There is a small well inside the temple of Kashi Vishwanath which is known as Jnana Vapi. It is said that during the time of Mughal invasion the main priest of the temple jumped in the well along with the shiv ling to protect it from the invaders.

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28 Best Pilgrimage Places In India

Unveiling India's Treasures from the eyes of an insightful author

India is a land of spirituality, culture, and religion. Home to numerous pilgrimage sites, India has been the destination for millions of devotees from all over the world, who come here to seek solace and enlightenment in the footsteps of their spiritual guides.

From riverbanks and hills to temples and shrines, this list contains some of India’s most sacred pilgrimage places that offer a serene experience and opportunity for spiritual growth. Read on to discover the 28 best pilgrimage places in India that will inspire you!

Table of Contents

What is a pilgrimage?

A pilgrimage is a spiritual journey or search, typically undertaken to find spiritual guidance or to satisfy a vow. Pilgrimages have been a part of every major religion since time immemorial and continue to be an essential part of the spiritual practice of millions of people worldwide today.

India is home to some of the world’s most sacred and famous pilgrimage sites for Hindus, Buddhists, Sikhs, and Jains. From the Char Dhams of Uttarakhand to the Vaishno Devi temple in Jammu & Kashmir, many destinations offer devotees the opportunity to connect with their faith and achieve inner peace.

So, if you’re looking for a pilgrimage destination in India that best suits your spiritual needs, here is a list of some of the most popular ones:

Why do people go on pilgrimages?

There are many reasons why people go on pilgrimages. For some, it is a religious experience and a way to connect with their faith. For others, it is a cultural experience and a way to learn about other traditions. And for many, it is simply a way to see the world and explore new places.

Whatever the reason, there is no doubt that pilgrimage is an enriching experience. It is an opportunity to step out of your everyday life and into a different world. To slow down and appreciate the simple things in life. To connect with nature and with something larger than yourself.

What are the benefits of going on a pilgrimage?

There are many benefits to going on a pilgrimage, including gaining a sense of spiritual enlightenment, developing a stronger connection with God, and gaining a greater understanding of one’s religion.

Expeditions can also be physically and mentally challenging, providing an opportunity for personal growth. In addition, pilgrimages often take place in beautiful locations, providing a chance to appreciate the natural world.

How to choose the best pilgrimage place for you

When choosing the best pilgrimage place for you, remember a few things. India is home to many different religions, each with its own holy sites. You’ll want to consider your own religious beliefs and traditions when deciding.

In addition, think about what kind of experience you’re looking for. Do you want a quiet, reflective trip or a more lively one where you can interact with other pilgrims? There are pilgrimage sites to suit all kinds of travelers.

Finally, consider your budget and time constraints. India is a vast country with many different pilgrimage sites spread out across it. If you’re short on time or money, you’ll need to be selective about which ones you visit.

Consider all these factors when choosing the best pilgrimage site for you. With so many options available, you’re sure to find the perfect place to deepen your faith and connect with your spiritual side.

1. Shirdi Sai Baba

Shirdi, located in the Indian state of Maharashtra, is one of India’s most popular pilgrimage destinations. Every year, millions of devotees from all over the world come to Shirdi to seek the blessings of Sai Baba, a revered saint who lived here.

The town of Shirdi is home to several historical and religious sites, including the Sai Baba Temple, one of India’s most visited temples. Devotees also flock to the tomb of Sai Baba, located within the temple complex.

Other popular attractions in Shirdi include the Dwarkamai Mosque, where Sai Baba spent a lot of time meditating, and the Gurusthan Grove, where he is said to have attained enlightenment.

2. Vaishno Devi

Situated in Jammu and Kashmir, Vaishno Devi is one of India’s most popular pilgrimage destinations. It is also one of the “Char Dhams,” the four holiest Hindu pilgrimage sites. The temple is situated at an altitude of 5200 feet and within a cave.

Pilgrims usually undertake the journey to Vaishno Devi on foot, which takes around 3-4 days. However, there are also options to travel by helicopter or pony. The journey is considered holy; many pilgrims believe it cleanses them of their sins.

Once at the temple, pilgrims offer prayers and offerings to the goddess Vaishno Devi. They also generally take part in a special puja ceremony. After taking the darshan of the goddess, they return home with a sense of joy and satisfaction.

3. Golden Temple Amritsar

Amritsar is located in the state of Punjab in northwestern India . It is home to the Harmandir Sahib, also known as the Golden Temple, one of Sikhism’s most sacred sites. More than 100,000 pilgrims visit the temple daily to worship and pay their respects.

Amritsar was founded in 1577 by Guru Ram Das, the fourth guru of the Sikhs. The city’s name comes from the nectar pool (amrita) surrounding the Golden Temple. Amritsar is also home to the Akal Takht, the highest seat of authority for Sikhs worldwide.

Sikhs believe that anyone who visits the temple will be blessed with peace and happiness regardless of their religious beliefs. The temple is open to all visitors, and there is no charge for entry. However, donations are welcome and used to support the running of the temple and its many charitable initiatives.

The best time to visit the temple is early morning when the sun rises over the building and casts a beautiful golden glow on its exterior. This time also coincides with the daily recitation of hymns from the Guru Granth Sahib, which can be heard throughout the complex.

4. Ajmer Sharif Dargah

Ajmer is one of the best pilgrimage places in India and is also known as the Ajmer Sharif Dargah. It is situated in Ajmer in Rajasthan and is the final resting place of the Sufi saint Hazrat Khwaja Moinuddin Chishti.

People from all over India and abroad come to visit this dargah. The dargah complex comprises several tombs, mosques, and a large courtyard. The main tomb belongs to Hazrat Khwaja Moinuddin Chishti and is considered very holy by the devotees.

There are many stories and legends associated with this dargah. One of the most popular ones is that it will surely come true if you make a wish at this dargah.

Thousands of people come here yearly to make their wishes and leave behind chadars (sheets) and flowers as offerings. If you plan to visit Ajmer, spend some time exploring this Holy Dargah.

5. Kedarnath

Kedarnath is a holy town in the Indian state of Uttarakhand and has been a popular pilgrimage destination for Hindus for centuries. Located in the Garhwal Himalayan range near the Mandakini river, Kedarnath is home to the Kedarnath Temple – one of the twelve Jyotirlinga temples dedicated to Lord Shiva.

Pilgrims from all over India flock to Kedarnath to seek blessings from Lord Shiva. The temple is only accessible by foot or pony/doli and is open for six months yearly (between April and November). The rest of the time, it is covered in snow and inaccessible.

A visit to Kedarnath is considered incomplete without also visiting the nearby lakes of Saraswati and Vishnu. These lakes are said to have sacred waters that can cleanse away all your sins.

6. Badrinath

Badrinath is a Hindu pilgrimage town in Uttarakhand, India. It is one of the four main Char Dham pilgrimage sites. The temple of Badrinath is dedicated to Lord Vishnu and is one of the 108 Divya Desams, holy shrines for Vaishnavites. The town is located at an elevation of 3,133 meters (10,279 ft) above sea level on the right bank of the Alaknanda River.

The image of the Badrinath temple complex, along with that of the deity installed inside it, is carried on a palanquin during processions held during special occasions like the Makar Sankranti festival, which falls on 14 January every year.

Badrinath is one of the “Chota Char Dham” pilgrimage sites, which includes Yamunotri, Gangotri, and Kedarnath. It is also one of the four “dhams,” or religious centers considered essential for all Hindus. The other three dhams are Puri, Rameswaram, and Dwarka.

Adi Shankaracharya built the Badrinath temple in the 8th century CE. It has undergone several renovations over the centuries. The present structure of the temple was built by Maharaja Ranbir Singh of Jammu and Kashmir in the 19th century CE.

The Badrinath Temple is open from April to October every year as it is located in a high-altitude region that experiences heavy snowfall during winter. During this period, the idol of Lord Badrinarayan was taken to Joshimath and worshipped there for six months.

The temple complex also includes hot springs known as Tapt Kund

7. Yamunotri

The temple of Yamunotri is situated in the westernmost part of the Himalayas. It is the first temple of the Char Dham Yatra.

The shrine is dedicated to Goddess Yamuna, one of the most sacred pilgrimage sites for Hindus. The temple opens only a few months a year, and lakhs of devotees visit the shrine yearly.

8. Gangotri

One of the most popular pilgrimage sites in India is Gangotri. Located in the state of Uttarakhand, Gangotri is the source of the River Ganges.

Every year, hundreds of thousands of Hindus pilgrimage to Gangotri to bathe in the holy waters of the river.

 It is a Hindu pilgrim town situated on the banks of the river Bhagirathi. It is the starting point of the holy river Ganges. This town is located on the Himalayan Range and at the height of around 3100 meters, i.e 10200 ft.

As per the popular Hindu legend, Goddess Ganga came here when Lord Shiva released the vast river from his hair.

9. Rameswaram

Rameswaram, located in Tamil Nadu , is one of India’s most important pilgrimage sites. It is situated on an island in the Gulf of Mannar and is considered a holy place for Hindus.

According to Hindu mythology, Rameswaram is where Lord Rama built a bridge to Lanka to rescue his wife Sita from the demon king Ravana. The Ramanathaswamy Temple, dedicated to Lord Rama, is one of Rameswaram’s most popular tourist attractions.

Dwarka is one of the seven sacred cities of Hinduism and is situated on the western coast of India. The city was established by Lord Krishna and was known as the capital of his kingdom. Dwarka is also mentioned in the Mahabharata and is said to have been submerged by the sea.

Today, Dwarka is a popular pilgrimage destination for Hindus from all over the world. The city has several temples and shrines that pilgrims visit throughout the year. Some famous temples in Dwarka include the Dwarkadhish Temple, Nageshwar Temple, and Gomti Ghat.

11. Puri – Sri Purushottama Dharma

Puri is one of India’s four major pilgrimage sites, also known as Sri Purushottama Dharma. It is located on the eastern coast of India in Odisha and is home to the world-famous Jagannath Temple.

Every year, millions of pilgrims flock to Puri to participate in the annual Rath Yatra festival, which sees devotees pulling massive chariots carrying the statues of Jagannath, his brother Balabhadra, and sister Subhadra through the streets of Puri.

12. Haridwar

Haridwar is one of the most popular pilgrimage sites in India. Located in the state of Uttarakhand, Haridwar is situated at the Himalayas’ foothills on the River Ganga banks.

Every year, millions of pilgrims visit Haridwar to take a dip in the holy river and wash away their sins. The city is also home to many temples and ashrams, making it an important religious center for Hindus.

13. Kanchipuram

Kanchipuram is a city in the Indian state of Tamil Nadu. It is located on the Palar River in the southeastern state. The city is about 80 kilometers (50 mi) from Chennai and 550 kilometers (340 mi) from Tirupati. Kanchipuram has been inhabited since at least the 2nd century BC and was a citadel of the Chola dynasty in the medieval period.

Kanchipuram is known for its temples and silk sarees. The city houses Varadharaja Perumal Temple, Ekambareswarar Temple, Kamakshi Amman Temple, and Ulagalantha Perumal Temple, some of the major Hindu temples in Kanchipuram.

Of these, Varadharaja Perumal Temple and Ekambareswarar Temple are among the five significant abodes of Mahavishnu (Pancha loga sthalams). Kailashnath temple, Jain fortification ruins Sittannavasal, Rock cut Shiva Temples, and Thirupparankunramare some other notable religious attractions in the Kanchipuram district.

The city’s historical monuments include Kailasanathar Temple, Kachapeswarar Temple, and Vaikunta Perumal Temple. The archaeologically important site of Keezhaperumpallamis, also located near Kanchipuram

14. Mathura

Mathura is a holy city located in the state of Uttar Pradesh , India. It is believed to be the birthplace of Lord Krishna and, thus, is an important pilgrimage site for Hindus. Mathura is home to several temples and shrines dedicated to Krishna and other deities.

The most important temple complex is the Krishna Janmabhoomi Temple, which is said to be the precise location where Krishna was born. Other notable temples include the Dwarkadhish Temple, Vishram Ghat, and ISKCON Mathura.

15. Vrindavan

Vrindavan is a town in the Mathura district of Uttar Pradesh, India. It is one of the most important pilgrimage sites for Hindus and is considered a sacred place by Vaishnavites.

It is believed that Krishna, the eighth avatar of Vishnu, was born in Vrindavan and spent his childhood there. The town is home to many temples dedicated to Krishna and Radha, including the famous ISKCON temple.

16. Dwarkadhish Temple

The Dwarkadhish Temple is a Hindu temple dedicated to the god Krishna, also known as Dwarkadhish, or “King of Dwarka.” It is located in the city of Dwarka, Gujarat, India. The temple is one of the four main temples of Krishna in India and is considered the most sacred.

The temple was built by Raja Bhattaraka of the Anarta dynasty in about the 15th century CE. However, the present structure of the temple was constructed by Vallabhacharya in the 16th century CE. The temple has a black granite idol of Lord Krishna, about 2.1 meters tall. The idol is adorned with gold and jewels.

The temple complex also includes a museum with a collection of artifacts related to Krishna and his life. There is also a library on the premises, which has a collection of religious texts.

The Dwarkadhish Temple is one of the most popular pilgrimage destinations in India. Thousands of pilgrims visit the temple yearly to offer their prayers and worship Krishna.

17. Jagannath Temple

The Jagannath Temple is one of India’s most sacred and famous pilgrimage sites. It is located in Puri, Odisha, and is dedicated to Lord Jagannath, who is considered to be a form of Lord Vishnu.

The temple complex covers an area of over 10 acres and includes many shrines and temples. The complex’s main attraction is the main temple, built in the traditional Oriya style. The temple complex also houses the famous chariot festival , which occurs every year in July or August.

18. Konark Sun Temple

The Konark Sun Temple is one of India’s most popular pilgrimage destinations. It is situated in Odisha and was built in the 13th century.

The temple is dedicated to the sun god, Surya, and is a significant tourist attraction. Konark Sun Temple is also known for its unique architecture and sculptures.

The Konark Sun Temple is a 13th-century Hindu temple dedicated to the sun god Surya. It is located in the state of Odisha, India. The temple is situated on the banks of the Chandrabhaga River. It was built by King Narasimhadeva I of the Eastern Ganga Dynasty in 1255 CE.

The Konark Sun Temple is renowned for its architecture and sculpture. The temple’s main attraction is its chariot-shaped structure with twelve pairs of wheels and seven horses. The walls of the temple are adorned with intricate carvings and sculptures. The temple is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the Seven Wonders of India.

Every year, thousands of pilgrims visit the Konark Sun Temple to offer their prayers and worship the sun god Surya.

19. Mahabodhi Temple

The Mahabodhi Temple, also known as the Great Awakening Temple, is a Buddhist temple in Bodh Gaya, Bihar. It is one of the most important pilgrimage sites for Buddhists, as it is where Siddhartha Gautama, the founder of Buddhism, attained enlightenment.

The current temple complex was built in the 5th century CE and has been designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The temple is surrounded by several other historical and religious sites, making Bodh Gaya a popular tourist destination.

20. Mansarovar Lake

Mansarovar Lake is a freshwater lake in the Tibet Autonomous Region. The lake is considered sacred by Buddhists, Hindus, and Jains. Pilgrims visit Mansarovar to take a dip in the holy waters and pray for world peace.

Mansarovar Lake is situated at an altitude of 4,590 meters (15,060 ft) in the Himalayas. The lake is round and has a circumference of 88 kilometers (55 mi). The lake’s depth varies from 20 to 140 meters (66 to 459 ft).

The water of Mansarovar Lake is crystal clear and has a bluish tinge. The shores of the lake are covered with sandy beaches. The lake has nine islands, which are believed to represent the nine planets of Hindu mythology.

Mansarovar Lake is fed by four rivers – the Indus, Sutlej, Brahmaputra and Karnali. The lake has no outlet, so the water evaporates completely every three years. This results in a significant increase in the salt content of the water, which is then replenished by fresh water from the rivers.

Mansarovar Lake is home to many fish species, including carp, trout, and yak dung-feeding nematodes. Birds such as ducks, grebes, gulls, and cormorants can also be found on the lake.

21. Mecca Masjid

Mecca Masjid, Hyderabad, is one of India’s oldest and largest mosques. It is located in the city of Hyderabad in the southern state of Telangana. The mosque was built in the 16th century by Sultan Muhammad Quli Qutb Shah, the fifth ruler of the Qutb Shahi dynasty.

The mosque has a large central prayer hall with a capacity of 10,000 people. It also has a courtyard with a fountain and a massive granite pillar in the middle. The mosque is named after the holy city of Mecca in Saudi Arabia, Islam’s birthplace.

22. Omkareshwar Temple

The Omkareshwar Temple is one of the most popular pilgrimage destinations in India. The temple is situated on an island in the Narmada River and is dedicated to the Hindu god Shiva. The temple is one of the twelve Jyotirlinga temples, considered among the most sacred shrines in Hinduism.

The Omkareshwar Temple attracts devotees from all over India and is a popular tourist destination. The temple complex includes several smaller shrines and temples, a large pond, and a garden. The temple is open daily from early morning until evening, and there is no charge for entry.

23. Padmanabhaswamy

Padmanabhaswamy is a Hindu temple located in Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala , India. The temple is dedicated to Lord Vishnu and is one of the 108 Divya Desams, holy abodes of Vishnu. It is also one of the 20 Vaishnavite temples held in high esteem by Sri Vaishnavites. The temple is situated on the southern side of Thiruvananthapuram city.

The city of Thiruvananthapuram (earlier Trivandrum) derives its name from the Malayalam word Thiru-Anantha-Puram (‘holy abode of Anantha’), referring to the deity of Padmanabhaswamy Temple. The temple has been dubbed “One of the wealthiest temples in the world” due to its numerous gold and jewelry offerings.

The main attraction inside Padmanabhaswamy Temple is the sanctum sanctorum, which houses the image of Padmanabhaswamy in a reclining posture on Adishesha, with his right hand resting on Sridevi and his left hand on Bhu Devi.

His consort Lakshmi resides on his chest. In front of this image is a Naga Pushpa Yantra, an instrument used to propitiate Nagaraja, considered a powerful deity who protects devotees from evil spirits. There are also several others.

24. Somnath Temple

The Somnath Temple, located in Gujarat, is one of India’s most famous pilgrimage sites. The temple is said to have been built by Lord Krishna and is one of the twelve Jyotirlinga temples dedicated to Lord Shiva.

The temple is situated on the shores of the Arabian Sea and is a significant tourist attraction. Every year, millions of pilgrims visit the Somnath Temple to offer their prayers and seek blessings from Lord Shiva.

25. Tirupati Balaji

Tirupati Balaji is one of the most popular pilgrimage destinations in India. It is located in Andhra Pradesh and is known for its Venkateswara Temple. This temple is dedicated to Lord Vishnu and is one of the 108 Divya Desams, which are the holiest abodes of Vishnu. Every year, millions of devotees from all over India and abroad come to Tirupati Balaji to seek the blessings of Lord Venkateswara.

The temple complex at Tirupati Balaji is vast and has several shrines and gopurams. The main shrine houses the image of Lord Venkateswara, which is made of black granite. The idol is said to be self-manifested or Swayambhu, and it is believed that anyone who worships at this temple will be blessed with good fortune and prosperity.

Pilgrims can also have darshan of other deities like Sri Rama, Sri Krishna, Sri Hanuman, and Goddess Lakshmi at Tirupati Balaji. There are also several holy tanks and lakes in the temple complex where pilgrims can take a dip to wash away their sins.

Apart from the Venkateswara Temple, many other temples are worth visiting in Tirupati. These include the Govindaraja Temple, Kapileswaraswamy Temple, ISKCON Tirupati, and Kaliya Mardana.

26. Khajuraho Temples

The Khajuraho temples are a group of Hindu and Jain temples in Madhya Pradesh , India, about 175 kilometers southeast of Jhansi. They are one of the most popular tourist destinations in India. The temples are noted for their erotic sculptures.

The Chandela dynasty built the Khajuraho temples between 950 and 1050 CE. The temples are in two groups: the Western and Eastern. The Eastern Group has six temples, including the Kandariya Mahadeva Temple, the largest and most well-known temple at Khajuraho. The Western Group has five temples, including the Lakshmana Temple and the Varaha Temple.

The Khajuraho temples were rediscovered in 1838 by a British officer on a hunting expedition. They have been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1986.

27. Ganga Sagar Mela

Ganga Sagar Mela is an annual Hindu pilgrimage at the confluence of the River Ganges and the Bay of Bengal. It is one of the largest religious gatherings in India, with an estimated 10 million people attending each year. The mela lasts for three days and is held on the occasion of Makar Sankranti, a Hindu festival that marks the beginning of spring.

During the mela, devotees dip in the Ganges’ holy waters to wash away their sins. Several rituals, such as puja (worship) and havan (sacred fire), are also performed. The mela is also an opportunity for pilgrims to meet spiritual gurus and get their blessings.

The Ganga Sagar Mela is a truly unique experience and one that should not be missed if you visit India during Makar Sankranti.

28. Manikaran Gurudwara

Manikaran Gurudwara is one of the most popular pilgrimage places in India. It is located in the state of Himachal Pradesh and is visited by hundreds of pilgrims yearly. The Gurudwara is situated at an altitude of 1760 m and provides stunning views of the Pir Panjal range.

The Gurudwara was built in 1558 by Guru Nanak Dev Ji and is a beautiful example of Sikh architecture. The main attraction of the Gurudwara is the holy spring which is believed to have medicinal properties. Pilgrims take a dip in the spring to wash away their sins.

The Gurudwara also has a langar (community kitchen) which serves free food to all visitors irrespective of caste, creed, or religion. Manikaran Gurudwara is genuinely a place of peace and religious harmony.

How to dress when visiting holy places

When visiting holy places in India , it is essential to dress modestly and respectfully. Both men and women should avoid wearing shorts or revealing clothing. It is also necessary to remove your shoes before entering a holy place.

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Introduction to the Pilgrimage Places of India

India is a vast country, peopled with diverse and ancient civilizations, and its religious geography is highly complex. To grasp the complexity of the situation, it is important to consider two aspects of Indian life: its characteristic of being an ethnic and cultural mosaic, and the ancient rural foundations of many of its religious and cultural patterns.

The process of racial and cultural mixture that began in India 5000-10,000 years ago has been continuous into historical times. Although isolated from the rest of Asia by oceans on three sides and impassable mountain ranges to the north, India has experienced a near-constant influx of differing cultural influences, coming by way of the northwest and the southeast (including extremely ancient migrations from the drowned continent of Sundaland, which had been in the general region of contemporary Indonesia). India in the third millennium BC was inhabited in the tropical south by a people called the Dravidians, in the central and northeastern regions by aboriginal hill and forest tribes, and in the northwest by the highly advanced Indus Valley civilization known as the Harappan culture.

The religion of the city-building Harappan peoples seems to have been a fertility cult centered on the Great Mother, while the rural Dravidians and the various tribal cultures worshipped a wide variety of nature spirits, both benevolent and demonic. Anthropological theories of the 1800’s and 1900’s (deriving from a biased Eurocentric outlook) stated that around 1800 BC a nomadic people, called the Aryans, entered northwest India from the steppes of Central Asia. A large amount of archaeological, scriptural, linguistic and mythological research conducted during the past few decades has now shown this earlier theory to be inaccurate. While it is certainly true that migrations of different cultural groups did enter India from the northwest during ancient times, it is now abundantly clear that a highly sophisticated culture had already been thriving in the Indus valley region long before the supposed entrance of the hypothetical invaders from Central Asia.

What these archaic people already living in northwest India called themselves we do not know, but the term ‘Aryans’ is no longer considered suitable for them. Current scholarship has accepted the term ‘Harappan’ following the naming of one of that culture’s great cities as Harappa in the early 1900’s. Scholars have also significantly pushed back the date of the Harappan culture to approximately 3000 BC (or earlier), rendering it simultaneous with the oldest cultures of Egypt and Mesopotamia. The Harappan culture possessed a sophisticated religion called Vedism (again, we do not know what the people themselves called their religion), which worshipped powerful gods such as Indra, the god of rain; Agni, the god of fire; and Surya, the sun god. During the millennia of the Harappan culture the religion of Vedism developed an increasingly complex form with esoteric rituals and magical chants, and these were later codified in the sacred Hindu texts known as the Vedas.

The religion identified as Hinduism did not actually appear until the centuries preceding the Christian era. Hinduism is an aggregation of the religious beliefs and practices deriving from the Vedism and fertility cults of the Harappan peoples, and the animistic, shamanistic, and devotional practices of the widely varying, rural-dwelling indigenous cultures of south, central, and eastern India. Adding to and further enriching this mix were the concurrently developing religions of Jainism and Buddhism. Indian culture has thus developed a fascinating collection of religious beliefs and customs that range from simple animistic worship of nature spirits in a common rock or tree to the complex, highly codified Brahmanic rituals practiced at the great pilgrimage centers.

In India we find the oldest continually operating pilgrimage tradition in the entire world. The practice of pilgrimage in India is so deeply embedded in the cultural psyche and the number of pilgrimage sites is so large that the entire subcontinent may actually be regarded as one grand and continuous sacred space. Our earliest sources of information on the matter of sacred space come from the Rig Veda and the Atharva Veda. While the act of pilgrimage is not specifically discussed in these texts, mountain valleys and the confluences of rivers are spoken of with reverence, and the merits of travel to such places are mentioned. Following the Vedic period the practice of pilgrimage seems to have become quite common, as is evident from sections of the great epic, the Mahabharata (350 BC), which mentions more than 300 sacred sites spanning the sub-continent. It is probable that most of these sites had long been considered sacred by the aboriginal inhabitants of the region and only later came to be listed in the Mahabharata as different regions came under the influence of Hinduism. By the time of the writing of the Puranas (sacred texts of the 2nd to 15th centuries AD), the number of sacred sites listed had grown considerably, reflecting both the ongoing assimilation of aboriginal sacred places and the increased importance of pilgrimage as a customary religious practice.

Hindus call the sacred places to which they travel tirthas, and the action of going on a pilgrimage tirtha-yatra. The Sanskrit word tirtha means river ford, steps to a river, or place of pilgrimage. In Vedic times the word may have concerned only those sacred places associated with water, but by the time of the Mahabharata, tirtha had come to denote any holy place, be it a lake, mountain, forest, or cave. Tirthas are more than physical locations, however. Devout Hindus believe them to be spiritual fords, the meeting place of heaven and earth, the locations where one crosses over the river of samsara (the endless cycle of birth, death and rebirth) to reach the distant shore of liberation. Writing in Banaras: City of Light , Diana Eck speaks of tirthas as being

...primarily associated with the great acts and appearances of the gods and heroes of Indian myth and legend. As a threshold between heaven and earth, the tirtha is not only a place for the upward crossings of people's prayers and rites, it is also a place for the downward crossings of the gods. These divine descents are the well-known avataras of the Hindu tradition. Indeed, the words tirtha and avatara come from related verbal roots....one might say that the avataras descend, opening the doors of the tirthas so that men and women may ascend in their rites and prayers.

Although tirthas are primarily those places where a god or goddess or some spirit has dwelled or is still dwelling, there is another reason certain places may be accorded sanctity in the Hindu tradition. Saintly individuals who lead exemplary lives imbue their environments with the holiness that accrues from their spiritual practices. Devotees who had visited the saints while they were alive often continued to seek inspiration in the same places after the saint had died. Over many centuries, folk tales about the lives of the saints attained legendary proportions, attracting pilgrims from great distances. If miracles were reported at the shrine, the saint's legends would spread across the entire country, attracting still more pilgrims.

In India all temples are considered sacred places and thus religious visitors to the temples may be described as pilgrims. For the purpose of our discussion, however, for a temple to be considered a true pilgrimage shrine it must have a long-term history of attracting pilgrims from a geographic area beyond its immediate region. Given this condition, the number of pilgrimage sites in India is still extremely large; one text, the Kalyana Tirthanka, describes 1,820 shrines of importance.

Based on years of research and pilgrimage in India, I have chosen a smaller number of shrines, approximately 150, as the primary pilgrimage sites. Those sites include the Four Dhams or Divine Abodes at the four compass points; the Seven Sacred Cities and their primary temples; the Jyotir, Svayambhu, and Pancha Bhutha Linga temples; the Shakti Pitha temples; the Kumbha Mela sites; major Vaishnava sites; the Nava Graha Sthalas (temples of the planets); the seven sacred rivers (Ganga, Yamuna, Saraswati, Godavari, Narmada, Kaveri, and the Sarayu); the four Mutts of Sri Adi Sankaracharya (Badrinath/Joshimath, Puri, Sringeri, and Dwarka); the Arupadaividu (the six sacred places of Lord Kumara); and certain other shrines that do not fit into any of the categories listed here.

In discussing pilgrimage places in the Hindu tradition, it is important to say a few words about the number and diversity of deities in Hinduism and about the iconic and aniconic forms in which those deities are found. The personification of the mysterious forces of the universe into the anthropomorphic deities of the Hindu tradition involves both a convergence into certain supreme deities (the main three deities today are the gods Shiva and Vishnu and the goddess Shakti) and a splintering into a myriad of lesser deities. Certain writers call this polytheism, but the term is inaccurate in this case. No Hindu seriously believes in the multiplicity of gods but rather is aware that each of the many gods and goddesses are merely aspects of the One God (who is also the god of all other religions). The majority of Hindus ally their beliefs with one or the other of the three cults, worshipping Shiva, Vishnu, or Shakti as the highest principle. In doing so they do not deny the existence of the other two deities but regard them as complementary, though minor, expressions of the same divine power. Hinduism is thus, in its essence, monotheistic; a Hindu's worship of a particular personal deity is always done with the awareness that all deities are simply representations of one unconditioned, transcendental, supreme existence, known as Brahman. Each of the greater and lesser deities is understood as a sort of window or lens through which the whole of reality may be glimpsed.

The primary intention of a pilgrim's visit to a holy site is to receive the darshan of the deity resident in the temple's inner sanctum or open-air shrine. The word darshan, difficult to translate into English, generally means the pilgrim having a sight and/or experience of the deity. Hindus believe that the deity is actually manifest in the image, statue, or icon of the temple. To receive the darshan of the deity is to have a spiritual communion with it. The image of the deity may either be an iconic, or representational, image that bears some resemblance to its mythic subject; or an aniconic form that merely symbolizes the deity.

In a large number of celebrated shrines in India there are no beautiful statues of the gods and goddesses to be found, rather only aniconic blocks of stone or stumps of wood. This tradition of aniconic images derives from the rural folk religions of ancient India and bears witness to the great antiquity of the sanctity of certain places. The shrine in its initial phase may have been only a crude little hut covering a stone that both represented and contained some spirit of the natural world. As millennia passed and the small rural village slowly grew into a larger and larger town, both the myths concerning the stone and the shrine surrounding that stone were richly elaborated. It is therefore important when studying or visiting the monumental pilgrimage shrines of India to remember that many of them had their architectural genesis in the simple nature sanctuaries of the archaic rural folk.

The myths and legends of these sacred places have their roots in the ancient peoples' felt experience of the characteristics or qualities of the natural place. The various mythological personality characteristics of the deities in pilgrimage shrines may therefore be interpreted as metaphors for the way in which the spirit of the place has affected human beings. This spirit of place is not just a fanciful story, it is an actuality, an energy, a presence that touches human beings and affects them profoundly. Why are certain places said to be the dwelling place of a feminine deity and others the dwelling place of a masculine deity? Is it not perhaps because some ancient rural people, deeply in touch with the earth as a living entity, sensed either a feminine or masculine presence at a place and spoke about it in anthropomorphic terms? These terms were then given representational form by the artistic rendering of a statue or image.

Looking deeper into this matter, let us then ask why there are not simply male and female deities but, more precisely, why there are different kinds of male and female deities? Conventional explanations refer to such things as the fanciful human imagination, the rich and varied proto-religious inputs into formative Hinduism, and prehistoric deification of charismatic human figures into legendary archetypes. While all these things did occur, they are not the only explanations. The central premise of my theory is that the different personality characteristics of the deities derive from the various characteristics of the Earth spirit as it manifests at different geographical locations. To understand the quality, character or power of a specific place, we need only study the nature of the deity enshrined there. Encoded in the deity's mythological form is a clear message indicating how a particular sacred site may affect us.

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India is a land of culture and tradition. We are known for our rich heritage and some of the most beautiful pilgrimage sites. Every year, millions of devotees visit to seek the blessings of deities in these temples. In addition to their cultural and spiritual importance, some of these temples are also well-known for their remarkable beauty. Today, we are going to discuss some of the most famous Hindu pilgrimage sites in India.

Tirupati Balaji

One of the most visited temples in India is Tirupati Balaji. This temple is dedicated to Sri Venkateswara Swami, an incarnation of Lord Vishnu. It is located at an altitude of 3202 feet above sea level in the Tirumala Hills in Tirupati (Andhra Pradesh). As per the holy scriptures, it is said that Lord Vishnu took birth in the form of Vehkateshwar Swami to save humans from Kaliyuga. It is one of the most visited temples in India, and as per the report, more than 23 million people visited Tirupati Temple last year. The temple is run by Tirumala Tirupati Devsthanams (TTD) and is considered one of the richest temple trusts in India. Some of the prominent festivals celebrated in this temple are Vaikunth ekadasi and Brahmotsavas. There are thousands of miracles that happen around the clock around the temple, which boosts the belief of devotees in the deities. But the most prominent one that leaves everyone stunned is that, after the morning abhisheka of the lord, the idol sweats throughout the day, which is being wiped by the priest with a silk cloth at regular intervals. It is also said that the hair of the Lord is original and was donated by one of his devotees. Many people also claim that the sound of the ocean can be heard clearly when anyone places his or her ear on the backside of the idol.

Kedarnath Temple

The second most prominent Hindu pilgrimage site in India is Kedarnath Temple . Being a part of 12 jyotirlingas, panch kedar, char dham, and do dham temples, this is a dream destination for many devotees in India and abroad. This temple remains open just for six months a year and is closed during the winter season due to heavy snowfall in this region. Every year, millions of devotees take the Kedarnath Yatra to receive the blessings of Lord Shiva within a short time of six months. The exact date of construction of Kedarnath temple is yet unknown, but as per the holy scriptures, it is said that the temple was first constructed by Pandavas when they visited this place in search of Lord Shiva. This is also the only temple where shiv linga is found in the shape of a prism, as it is a part of panch kedar, and shiv linga is similar to the hump of a bull. So the bull-hump-shaped rock is being worshipped as shivlinga in this temple. Kedarnath temple got the most popularity after the flood of 2013, when buildings constructed using some of the most modern technologies shattered like a house of cards in the flood, but this temple, which was constructed more than 1200 years ago, came out unhurt after this flood.

Maa Vaishno Devi Temple

Another most famous temple in India is Maa Vaishno Devi Temple. This temple is located at an altitude of 5200 feet on the Trikuta mountain in Jammu and Kashmir. As per the holy scriptures, it is said that before the war of Kurukshetra, Arjuna, the hero of the war, went to the Trikuta mountain to worship Maa Durga. Getting pleased with the tough penance done by Arjuna, Maa Durga appeared in front of Arjuna in the form of Maa Vaishno Devi and blessed him with victory in the war. Then Arjuna created the temple there out of gratitude. Since then, millions of devotees have visited this temple every year to seek the blessings of the deity.

One other temple of Bhairav Nath is also located just a few kilometres away from Mata Vaishnodevi Bhavan, and as per the holy scriptures, it is believed that a yatra to Mata Vaishno Devi is considered to be incomplete. Although this temple remains crowded throughout the year, this region experiences huge traffic during the Navratra season.

Mahakaleshwar Temple

Another famous jyotirlinga in India is the Mahakaleshwar jyotirlinga, which is located in Ujjain, Madhya Pradesh, on the bank of the river Sipra. This unique temple is known as Dhakshineshwar, as the face of the idol is in the southern direction. This temple is well known for its unique Bhasma aarti, which is said to have been done earlier with the ash of human corpses, but nowadays this tradition has changed, and this Bhashma aarti is performed with the ash of cow dung cake. This tradition is followed to awaken the Conqueror of Death, Mahakal. Mahashivratri is the main occasion on which this region observes huge traffic and full-night worship of Lord Shiva occurs in this region.

Known as the city of love, Vrindavan is one of the most spiritual cities in the Mathura district of Uttarakhand. This city has more than 5,500 temples dedicated to Lord Krishna and his chief consort, Radha Rani. As per the legends, it is said that Lord Krishna spent some of the quality time of his childhood in this region. Some other prominent places like Gokul, Govardhan Parvat, Barsana, Nandgaon, and Mathura are all around this place where Lord Krishna's childhood stories surround.

Out of the 5500 prominent temples around this region, Prem Mandir (Love Temple) is gaining huge popularity due to its beautiful architecture and serene environment all around the temple. Different leelas of Lord Krishna and Radha Rani were depicted on the wall of this temple, making it even more beautiful and attractive.

Jatayu Temple

Another most famous and one of the most beautiful temples not dedicated to any deity but to a bird, Jatayu Temple is the most prominent one. As per the holy scriptures, it is said that Jalayu, the giant vulture, tried to protect Maa Sita when Ravana abducted him. But Ravana had cut his feather, and he fell on a rock where the huge idol of Jatayu was being constructed in an area of 15000 square feet in Kollar district, Kerala. In addition to its historical significance, this place has also been developed as a natural park. Some other recreational activities also developed around the temple, which is primarily known for the beautiful views of sunset and sunrise from this location.

One of the most ancient cities and favourite cities of Lord Shiva is Varanasi, which is also known as Kashi and is located on the bank of the Ganga River in Uttar Pradesh. This is one of the most famous pilgrimage sites in India and is known for preserving its ancient culture, art, and tradition. Although this city has a lot to see and feel, one of the most prominent locations is Kashi Vishwanath Temple, which is considered the original and most ancient abode of Lord Shiva. It is also a part of the 12 jyotirlingas and, in fact, the most famous among all the jyotirlingas in India. Another one is Assi Ghat, which has recently been renovated by the government, and it's one of the most famous ghats in Varanasi. Another prominent ghat in Varanasi is Manikarnika ghat, which is the biggest crematorium in this area, and it is said that at Manikarnika ghat, cremation never stops. This is the only city in the world where death is celebrated. This place is also well known and famous for its unique style of Holi, called Masaan Holi. This is considered the Holi of Lord Shiva and Aghoris, but nowadays people from all over the world visit this place to witness this unique style of Holi. In this celebration, people apply ashes from the funeral pyre to each other. Varanasi is also known for its most ancient tradition, Ganga aarti, which holds multiple records worldwide.

Siridih Sai Mandir

Last but not least, Siridih Sai Mandir is another famous pilgrimage spot in India. Sai Baba was an Indian saint who did a lot for society and spread awareness about the malpractices in Hindu tradition. Some consider him a normal social activist, but many consider him the incarnation of Deity. The best part of Sai Baba is that he has disciples from Hindus, Muslims, and Parsis. The temple of Sai Baba is located in Siridih village in the Ahmednagar district of Maharashtra. The trust that manages this temple is the second richest trust in India after the Tirupati Balaji Temple Trust.

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• Pilgrimage Destinations in India

Religious Places in India

India Pilgrim Tours features 35+ pilgrim tour destinations in different religions - Hindu, Sikh, Jain and Buddhism. All destinations listed on India Pilgrim Tours can be further categorized on the basis of their regionality. Pilgrimage tour destinations are scattered in all parts of India and a fair share are located in North and Eastern parts of the country.

Each destinations is well-detailed with all major sights to see and major 'in and around' attractions. Each destination also features all relevant pilgrimage tour packages. For example, the destination Kedarnath in the Himalayas is featured in 5 different tours, each of which is mentioned on its page. Each destination page features the online query form which can be filled and submitted in a couple of minutes.

Most Popular Hindu Pilgrimage Sites in India

Badrinath Temple , Madurai Meenakshi Temple, Omkareshwar Temple (Jyotirlingas), Mata Vaishno Devi Temple , Shirdi , and Puri Temple, Dwaraka temple, Tirupati temple, jagannath temple.

Popular Sikh Pilgrimage Places in India

Golden Temple Amritsar , Hemkund Sahib, Anandpur Sahib, and Goindwal Sahib

Popular Buddhist Pilgrimage Destinations in India

Sanchi stupa, Amaravati, Bodh Gaya bhihar, Kapilvastu nepal and Lumbini

35+ Pilgrimage Places in India

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As old as the civilization, Haridwar is among the seven holy cities...

Famed as Banaras or Kashi, Varanasi is nestled along the banks of holy...

A major pilgrimage site in the Himalayas, the Gangotri Dham is an...

The seventh largest Indian state in terms of area, Gujarat has always been...

Amritsar, earlier known as Ramdaspur, is one of the most important and...

Madurai in Tamil Nadu, is situated on the banks of river Vaigai and...

Char Dham Yatra is one of the most sought after Yatra circuit in India. It...

 Bestowed with immense natural beauty and charm, Yamunotri, situated...

Agra is quintessentially romantic. It has to be, being the center of the...

Located in the Kanchipuram district in the state of Tamil Nadu,...

Puri, also known as Jagannath Puri, one of the holy cities of Char Dham of...

Rudraprayag, a small town in the Indian State of Uttarakhand is one of the...

Thanjavur, popularly known as Tanjore, is situated in the Thanjavur...

Mathura, a small town of the state of Uttar Pradesh, is the birthplace of...

Joshimath, also known as Jyotirmath is situated in Chamoli district of the...

Kathmandu, the capital city of Nepal, known as ‘Land of Gods’...

Lumbini, the birth place of Lord Buddha, is situated in Rupandehi district...

Placed at an altitude of 3775 meters above the sea level, Bhojbasa is a...

One of the ancient cities of India, Srasvasti, today finds its place in...

An ancient center of high- learning, Nalanda is situatedin Bihar....

Look close towards the Garhwal Himalayas and you will find four holy...

A small town in Puri District of Orissa, situated on the coast of Bay of...

Bhubaneshwar, the capital city of Orissa, is also as the Temple City of...

Chennai, the ‘Cultural capital of South India’, is located in...

Located 15 kilometers away from Mathura, Gokul is the place where Lord...

Delhi, the capital city of India, is a perfect amalgamation of what is the...

Located at a distance of around 18 km from Gangotri, the seat of the Holy...

Located in the state of Uttarakhand, on the way to famous Badrinath Dham,...

Top Selling Pilgrimage Tour Packages in India

Best Pilgrimage Places in India by Region

A pilgrimage tour in North India takes you to the famous Char Dhams allowing Badrinath Kedarnath Darshan, Gangotri Yamunotri and also Amarnath and Mata Vaishno Devi Yatra.Temple tours in South India allow you to sink in the spirituality and explore the glory of Indian heritage. In the same way, a number of holy places make for a spiritual tour in Western India. While the temples, culture and the virtue of the Bay of Bengal create a spiritual harmony in Eastern India.

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Famous Religious Places in North India

Famous Religious Places in South India

Famous Religious Places in Western India

Famous Religious Places in Eastern India

Best Pilgrimage Places in India by Theme

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Pilgrimage Tour Packages in India

This wonderful country called India is known to be the hub of religious and spiritual tourism. It is inhabited by people of several religious faiths. The country, thus houses various places of worship such as temples, mosques, gurudwaras, churches, mosques etc. A visit to these pilgrimage sites of India is truly a divine experience.

Tourism of India has carefully crafted pilgrimage tours in India to Haridwar, Jyotirlinga destinations , Amarnath, Kailash Mansarovar, Mathura, Char Dham destinations , Buddhist destinations, Vaishno Devi , Shirdi, Sikh destinations and several other religious destinations so that you can seek the blessings of your lord and pay homage.

You can pick a site as per your religious faith or can pick a destination related to another religion for getting a sneak-peak into their faiths and beliefs. The options are unending and include Dalai Lama’s home-in-exile- Dharamshala , the revered Sikh City- Amritsar, World’s Yoga Capital- Rishikesh , Hindu’s most revered Char Dham, one of India’s oldest city- Varanasi , the abode of Lord Shiva- Kailash Mansarovar, the stunning temples of Tamil Nadu and many more.

From the list of pilgrim tours of India, take your pick:

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Chardham Yatra by Helicopter

Amarnath yatra by helicopter from baltal, gujarat temple tour, 7 jyotirlinga darshan, do dham yatra by helicopter from haridwar, mata vaishno devi yatra by helicopter, mathura vrindavan agra tour package, chardham yatra, 12 jyotirlinga tour package, kailash mansarovar yatra.

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• Pilgrimage Destinations

Religious Places in India

Holy places and pilgrimage sites are where the individual with an external quest receives what he comes for, and the individual with an internal quest rises high from within.

A Spiritual City in Uttar Pradesh

Mathura is a popular pilgrimage hub. You will love temple hopping, exploring the ghats and the lively Holi celebrations. Mathura is also popular for its heritage monuments.

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2 Vrindavan

A sacred site for the Hindu deity Krishna.

Vrindavan, also spelled Vrindaban and Brindaban, is a historic town in Uttar Pradesh's Mathura district. Located in the Braj Bhoomi region, it is a religiously significant place, especially for Hindus as Lord Krishna, the Indian deity, spent most of his early life here. Vrindavan has approximately 5,500 temples devoted solely to Krishna and his supreme consort Radha.

3 Prayagraj (Allahabad)

Historical City with Sacred Sites

Allahabad is famous for its pilgrimage sites. You will love heritage walks, sightseeing and street food tours. Also, don't miss the heritage structures at Allahabad.

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Quaint Temple Town in Rajasthan

Home to rare temples, shrines and picturesque locations, Pushkar in Rajasthan is where tourists throng to find their peace, and lose themselves in the rare beauty of Mother Nature.

The Spiritual Capital of Punjab

Soak in the mystic hues of Amritsar, a famous pilgrimage spot! You will love exploring sightseeing attractions and attending various festivals. The local cuisines at Amritsar are worth trying out too.

One of the Char Dhams

Soak in the mystic hues of Dwarka, a famous pilgrimage spot! You can expect scorching heat which renders venturing out during afternoons, almost impossible. The beaches at Dwarka are also worth exploring.

Uttar Pradesh's Spiritual Capital

Pilgrimage sites are the highlight of Varanasi. You can expect extremely hot and dry weather. Varanasi also offers many culinary delights.

Spiritual City in Andhra Pradesh

Tirupati is home to the sacred Sri Venkateswara temple, sitting atop the beautiful Tirumala Hills, and thus considered as an epicenter of spiritual devotion.

Assam's Largest City

Located on the banks of River Brahmaputra against the backdrop of mighty Himalayan Ranges, Guwahati will steal your heart with its magnificent ancient temples, stunning hills, diverse wildlife and sprawling tea plantations.

10 Haridwar

Ancient Pilgrimage Town in Uttarakhand

Located on the banks of River Ganges, this sacred town is thronged by devotees in large numbers and serves as a gateway to the Char Dhams – Kedarnath, Badrinath, Gangotri and Yamunotri.

11 Kedarnath

The Land of Lord Shiva

Located at the base of white, snow-laden peaks in Uttarakhand, and home to one of the most iconic of the Char Dham temples, Kedarnath and its surrounding areas are an important pilgrimage site for Hindus who come here from all over the world.

Famous Pilgrimage Site in Odisha

Seek serenity with a pilgrimage to Puri. You can expect extremely hot and humid weather. Additionally, you can also relax by the beaches at Puri.

13 Rameshwaram

Beautiful Pilgrimage Site in Tamil Nadu

Rameshwaram glistens with sheer divinity. You can expect sunny afternoons with bearable heat. Don't forget to spend some time at the beaches of Rameshwaram.

Popular Pilgrim Places in India

Ganapatipule

Kanchipuram

Kanyakumari

Murudeshwar

Pilgrim Hotspots

Vaishno Devi

Omkareshwar

Mahabalipuram

Nagarjuna Sagar

Popular Temples In India

Yamunotri Temple

Tirupati Balaji, Lord Venkateshwara Temple

Shirdi Sai Baba

Golden Temple

Kamakhya Devi Temple, Guwahati

shree Mahakal Jyotirlinga

Shreenath Ji, Nathdwara

Ramanathaswamy Temple, Rameshwaram

Shree Somnath Jyotirling Temple

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Embark on a spiritual journey to a pilgrimage destination

Explore your spiritual self with an enlightening trip to a pilgrimage destination. India being a land of heritage and culture has a plethora of such incredible destinations where you seek blessings and find peace, whether it is located by a sacred river, on a hilltop or in a bustling city. There are also plenty such destinations around the world. Set your budget and decide on the duration for which you wish to travel. Scroll through the list of trip ideas and seek solace with a memorable trip to an incredible pilgrimage destination where you can pray for yourself and your loved ones. You may choose a weekend getaway or plan a longer vacation as per your ease.

Some of the eminent pilgrimage destinations in India include ancient and revered destinations such as Rishikesh, Mathura, Haridwar, Dwarka, Allahabad, Pushkar, Varanasi, Shirdi, Puri, Rameshwaram, Kolhapur, Madurai, Tirupati, Kanchipuram, Nashik, Kanyakumari, Amritsar, Murudeshwar, Tarapith, Ujjain, Varkala, Ganapatipule, Nandi Hills, Somnath, Kedarnath, etc. Most of these destinations also offer you mouth-watering local cuisines and vibrant culture, apart from other significant monuments to explore and an abundant choice of accommodation. Visit these locations during an important festival to make the most out of the trip by immersing yourself in the local culture and rituals.

Top Pilgrimage Destinations for a Spiritual Journey

Many religions evolved in the world with time. Some religions became popular while others were forgotten. The religions like Hinduism, Islam, Christianity, Buddhism were born thousands of years ago and are still followed all over the world. Hinduism is considered to be the oldest religion in the world. Islam is the second most practiced religion and Christianity is the largest religion with more than 2 billion followers. Some prominent places across the world have sacred legends attached to them and have become famous pilgrimage destinations over the years. Followers visit these holy places to seek solace and experience divine presence. Many non-followers also visit to experience the beauty of these holy places . Let us take a look at a few holy places in the world.

Top Pilgrimage Destinations in the World

Lumbini, nepal.

Lumbini is the birthplace of Lord Buddha. It is one of the main holy places for Buddhists. Buddhists from all over the world visit Lumbini to see the garden where Lord Buddha was born and the pool in which he was bathed. Indian emperor, King Ashoka visited this place and a pillar was erected as a memorial. The attractions of this place are the Ashokan Pillar, the stone slab on which Buddha was born and the Maya Devi Temple. Lumbini is situated at a distance of 250 km from Kathmandu, the capital city of Nepal. You can take a domestic flight from Kathmandu to reach here.

Golden Temple, India

Located in Amritsar , the Golden Temple is a sacred place for Sikhism. Also known as Harmandir Sahib, the temple is made of marble and overlaid with gold leaf. It is one of the most visited holy places in the world . The Temple is built around a man-made pool known as ‘Amrit Sarovar’. The reflection of the Golden Temple in the pool looks beautiful in the evening. The community kitchen of the temple feeds thousands of people every day. Unlike other holy places in India , this shrine provides shelter and food to people, irrespective of their religion.

Vatican City, Europe

Vatican City is a famous pilgrimage destination . It is the headquarters of the Roman Catholic Church. Roman Catholics consider it to be the most holy place in the world. It is also home to the Pope, the head of the Catholic Church. The Pope’s speech and the mass led by him are the important events that attract many visitors to Vatican City. The other holy places in the country are St. Peter’s Basilica and Sistine Chapel. St. Peter’s Basilica is one of the largest churches in the world and it stands at the place where Saint Peter was buried. Sistine Chapel is known for its wall paintings that cover the walls and ceilings. Vatican City is also the smallest country in the world that comes under the list of most visited holy places in the world.

Varanasi, India

Varanasi is considered one of the holiest pilgrimage places in India . Located on the banks of the holy river Ganga, the city is known for its temples and ‘ghats’. Hindus believe that taking a dip in Ganga can wash away their sins, so a large number of people visit this holy city. Like many other holy places in India, Varanasi finds mention in many ancient scriptures. Evening prayers at the Dashashwamedh Ghat is a soulful experience. Manikarnika Ghat is a cremation ghat and it is believed that people who get cremated here attain salvation.

Mecca, Saudi Arabia

For Muslims, Mecca is the most holy place in the world . It houses Masjid al-Haram, the world’s largest mosque. The mosque is built around the Kaaba, a square building, considered the holiest site in Islam. Muslims all over the world perform their prayers facing the direction where the Kaaba is located. Every year millions of Muslims visit Mecca to perform Hajj - the annual pilgrimage and Umra - pilgrimage that can be done at other times of the year. Performing Hajj is one of the 5 pillars of Islam and compulsory for every able-bodied Muslim at least once in their lifetime. Other holy places in Mecca are Abraj Al-Bait Towers, Jabal al-Nour, Masjid Taneem and Mount Arafat.

Wittenberg, Germany

Wittenberg is known as the birthplace of the Protestant Reformation. Martin Luther wrote the controversial ‘Ninety-Five Theses on Power and Efficacy of Indulgences’ in Wittenberg. People come to visit the Castle Church that houses the tomb of Martin Luther. People also visit Luther’s restored house, St. Mary’s Church and the house of Phillip Melanchthon. Wittenberg is not like usual holy places as Protestants are not comfortable with holy objects or pilgrimage places, but it is an important destination for Protestants.

Kedarnath and Badrinath, India

These are the two most revered pilgrimage places in Uttarakhand. Kedarnath temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva. Located in the Garhwal Himalayan range, this Hindu shrine attracts many worshippers. Due to extreme cold weather, the temple is closed from December to May. Lord Vishnu is the presiding deity of Shree Badrinath Temple. The surroundings are scenic with natural wonders like hot springs. This temple also remains closed during the winter months. Hindus believe that a trip to the four holy places (Char Dham Yatra) opens the gates of salvation. Devotees flock here as these two holy places are a part of “Chota Char Dham Yatra”.

Shravanabelagola, India

Out of all the pilgrimage places in Karnataka , Bahubali Gomateshwara Temple is frequently visited by the followers of Jainism. The 57 feet tall monolithic statue of Bahubali, son of the first Tirthankara of Jainism, is one of the largest free-standing statues in the world. It is situated on top of a hill. Bahubalis’s statue is washed with curd, milk, sugar, saffron and flowers once every 12 years. This festival is called “Mahamastakabhishekam” and it attracts many tourists from all over the world. The marble statue of a Jain Tirthankara enclosed within the same complex is not-to-be-missed. There are other holy places of Jain religion in Shravanabelagola like the Chamundaraya Basadi, Odegal Basadi, Bhandara Basadi etc.

Western Wall, Jerusalem

Also called the Wailing Wall, it is one of the popular holy places of the Jewish people. It is located in the Old City of Jerusalem. The Western Wall is important because of its proximity to the Temple Mount, the holiest place in the Jewish faith. The followers are allowed to pray and recite prayers here. Thousands of Jewish people travel every year to offer their prayers at the Western Wall. These prayers are either recited or written on the wall. One area of the wall is reserved for women whereas the other portion is for men.

Sri Pada, Sri Lanka

This is an interesting pilgrimage place located on a tall, conical mountain in Sri Lanka. Also called Adam’s peak, it is well-known for a rock formation that looks like a giant footprint. Out of all the holy places in the world , Sri Pada is unique as followers of four main religions of the world regard it as a pilgrimage site. Buddhists worship the footprint as they believe that Lord Buddha left this mark when he visited Sri Lanka. Hindu tradition claim that the prints belong to Lord Hanuman or Shiva whereas the Muslims believe that Adam stood on one foot to seek repentance here. The Christians attribute it to Saint Thomas, one of the 12 disciples of Jesus Christ.

Visit these holy places to experience spiritual elevation and peace. Get exposed to age-old stories that made these pilgrimage places popular and get to know various religions and traditions of the world. Enjoy the beautiful locales, contemplate and create life-changing memories.

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Pilgrimage Tour Packages in India

Visiting the numerous pilgrimage sites of India is a highly spiritual experience. You can actually avail a holistic retreat by visiting this land of various religious beliefs. Indian Holiday offers tours to various religious destinations in India, such as Varanasi, Vaishno devi, Mansarovar, Mathura, Dharamsala, Amritsar, Rishikesh, Kedarnath, Badrinath, Dwarka, Bodhgaya, and Amarnath along with various other destinations for a spiritual experience in India. You can explore these destinations by booking our well-designed pilgrimage tour packages. India profoundly connects with the sacredness you can experience at various places. With your pilgrimage tour in India, you will learn about the mythological connection and catch the vibe of purity and peace.

In addition, there are multiple places where you practice meditation and yoga to enhance your traveling experience. India is home to people and pilgrimage sites of various religious faiths, including Hinduism, Sikhism, Buddhism, Jainism, Islam, Christianity, Parsis, and Judaism. In addition, several religions of the world have found their emerging roots in India.

Pilgrimage Tour Package

You can realize this by exploring its temples, churches, monasteries, and other places of religious importance. For example, you can opt for a tour to any of the well-known sites such as the holy Sikh city of Amritsar for the world-renowned Golden Temple; Dharamsala, the Dalai Lama’s home-in-exile; Rishikesh, the World’s Yoga capital and Varanasi, located on the banks of the holy Ganges, or taking a dip in the sacred waters of river Ganga at Har-ki-Pauri in Haridwar. India can be called the hub of spiritual tourism. Depending on your faith, you can opt for your place of visit. Every religious site in India attracts devotees from all around the world.

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India Pilgrimage Tours

Chardham Yatra by Helicopter

Dehradun - Yamunotri - Gangotri - Kedarnath – Badrinath – Dehradun

• Holy Darshan of Gangotri
• Take blessings at Yamunotri
• Divine blessings at Badrinath
• Sacred Darshan at Kedarnath

Do Dham Yatra by Helicopter

Dehradun - Kedarnath - Badrinath - Dehradun

• VIP Darshan at Badrinath and Kedarnath Temple
• Helicopter flying Ex Dehradun

Do Dham Yatra by Helicopter From Sirsi

Sirsi - Kedarnath – Badrinath - Sirsi

Ek Dham Kedarnath Jee Yatra by Helicopter

Shahastradhara Helipad (Dehradun) - Kedarnath Temple - Shahastradhara Helipad (Dehradun)

Amarnath Yatra by Helicopter From Baltal With Kashmir

Srinagar - Sonmarg - Baltal - Panjtarni - Amarnath - Sonmarg - Gulmarg - Pahalgam - Srinagar

Char Dham Yatra by Car Package 2024 From Delhi

Haridwar (1N) - Barkot (2N) - Uttarkashi (2N) - Guptkashi (1N) - Rudraprayag (2N) - Badrinath (1N) - Rishikesh (1N)

• Attend Ganga Aarti in Haridwar
• Worship at Yamunotri Gangotri shrine
• Pray at Badrinath Kedarnath Dham
• Outing to Rishikesh

Char Dham Yatra by Road 2024 from Haridwar

Haridwar – Barkot – Yamunotri –Uttarkashi – Gangotri – Guptakashi – Kedarnath – Guptkashi – Badrinath – Rudraprayag – Rishikesh – Haridwar

• Explore the blissful Barkot
• Pay regards at Divya Shila
• Seek blessings at Yamunotri Dham
• Uttarkashi spiritual tour
• Dip in the holy hot water kund
• Darshan at Gangotri Temple
• Praise the almighty at Guptkashi
• Visit Kedarnath Temple
• Take part in the abhishek rituals
• Holy dip in the Alaknanda River
• Revel in the chants at Badrinath Temple
• Local sightseeing around Badrinath
• Visit Joshimath Temple
• Rishikesh city tour

Maharashtra Jyotirlinga With Shirdi from Pune

Bhimashankar (1N), Aurangabad (1N), Nasik (1N)

Badrinath Kedarnath Yatra 2024

Haridwar - Guptkashi- Kedarnath - Badrinath - Rudraprayag - Devprayag - Haridwar

• Offer prayers at Kedarnath
• Visit Badrinath Temple
• Excursion around Badrinath
• Rishikesh sightseeing tour

Badrinath Kedarnath Yatra From Delhi

Delhi - Haridwar – Guptkashi - Kedarnath - Badrinath - Rudraprayag - Haridwar – Delhi

• Ganga Aarti in Haridwar
• Darshan at Kedarnath Temple
• Visit Neelkanth Temple
• Worship at Badrinath Dham

Appealing Andhra Pradesh Tour

Hyderabad - Warangal - Vijayawada - Nagarjuna Sagar - Srisailam - Kurnool - Puttaparthy (Puttaparthi) - Tirupati - Chennai

Orissa Tour Package from Bangalore

Bhubaneswar - Puri - Konark - Bhubaneshwar

Kashmir Vaishno Devi Tour

Jammu - Katra - Pahalgam - Srinagar - Gulmarg - Srinagar

Maharashtra Jyotirlinga With Shirdi

Mumbai – Bhimashankar – Shirdi – Shani Shingnapur – Aurangabad – Grishneshwar – Trimbakeshwar – Mumbai

• Visit 3 Jyotirlinga in Maharashtra - Bhimashankar, Grishneshwar, Trimbakeshwar
• Visit to Shri Sai Baba Samadhi in Shirdi
• Mumbai Sightseeing tour

Nau (9) Devi Darshan Tour

Delhi - Chandigarh - Mansa - Kangra - Dhramsala - Vaishno Devi - Amritsar - Delhi

• Darshan Maa Vaishno Devi & Mansa Devi Temple
• Visit 9 Durga Mata temples in India
• Seek blessings of Naina Devi
• Pay homage at Sheetla Devi, Chintpurni temple
• Pay obeisance at Jwala Ji & Kangra Devi temple
• Excursion to Wagah Border
• Cherish Amritsar city tour

Kedarnath Yatra From Delhi

Delhi - Haridwar - Guptkashi - Kedarnath -Rudraprayag - Rishikesh - Haridwar - Delhi

• Attend Ganga Aarti
• Trek to Kedarnath
• Worship at Kedarnath Dham
• Sightseeing in Rishikesh

Kedarnath Yatra From Haridwar

Haridwar - Guptkashi - Sonprayag - Kedarnath - Sonprayag - Rudraprayag / Srinagar - Rishikesh - Haridwar

• Bask in the bliss at Guptkashi
• Seek blessings at Kedarnath Dham
• Attend abhisheka ceremony of Lord Shiva
• Day trip to Rishikesh

Do Dham Luxury Yatra (Badrinath and Kedarnath)

Dehradun/ Haridwar - Guptkashi - Kedarnath - Guptkashi - Badrinath - Rudraprayag/ Kirtinagar - Rishikesh - Dehradun/ Haridwar

3 Days Do Dham Yatra by Helicopter

Dehradun – Badrinath

7 Jyotirlinga Darshan Yatra

Pune – Bhimashankar - Shirdi - Shani Shingnapur- Grishneshwar -Trimbakeshwar - Nashik- Mumbai -Porbandar- Dwarka- Porbandar- Mumbai - Indore- Ujjain - Indore

• Darshan of 7 Jyotirlinga in India
• Seeks blessings at the Somnath Jyotirlinga in Gujarat
• Visit the Om shaped town of the Omkareshwar Jyotirlinga in Ujjain
• Experience natural beauty at the Bhimashankar Jyotirlinga in Maharashtra
• Experience Bhasma aarti at the Mahakaleshwar

FAQs Pilgrimage Tour Packages in India

Ans:  The Murudeshwar temple is located in the Uttara Kannada District of Karnataka. The temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and here you can view the world’s second tallest statue of Lord Shiva. The place is easily accessible by air, rail, and road. The nearest Mangalore airport is at 153 Km and Murudeshwar Railway Sation is connected to Mumbai and Mangalore. Also, state-run busses operate between Murudeshwar, Bangalore, and Cochin.

Ans:  The rule is that one should take a bath in the Pushkar Ghat and visit the Varaha Swamy temple, then go for Venkateshwar Darshan and collect Laddu Prasadam.

Ans:  Navagraha temples are dedicated to nine celestial planets according to Hindu religion; Surya, Chandra, Mangala, Budha, Brihaspati, Shukra, Shani, Rahu, and Ketu. The set of beautiful stone-carved temples constructed during the Chola dynasty is located in Tamil Nadu. One needs to travel a distance of about 100 Km to visit all the temples together. So, you can complete Navagraha Temple Darshan in one day if you start early in the morning by road. You will start the tour at Kumbakonam or Thanjavur and visit Thingaloor Chandran or Moon temple first. Then go to the other temples and lastly visit the Thirunallaru Sani Temple in the evening.

• Parthasarathy Temple
• Kapaleeswarar Temple
• Sri Vadapalani Andavar Temple
• Ashtalakshmi Temple
• Mangadu Kamakshi Amman Temple
• Tirupati Tirumala Devasthanam
• Adeeswar Temple
• Ayyappan Temple

Ans: The Golden temple Amritsar is easily accessible by air, rail, and road. Amritsar Railway Station is 2 Km away from the temple and Sri Guru Ram Das Jee International Airport is at 10 Km from Amritsar. Also, a well-maintained network of road connects Amritsar to other neighboring cities.

Ans:  Yes, it is absolutely safe to visit Vaishno Devi. A large number of pilgrims visit this famous Shakti Peeth every year. You can reach Katra by air, rail, and road; from there you have to trek or hire a Pony, Palki, or electric vehicle to reach Vaishno Devi. You can also opt for Vaishno Devi Darshan Package by helicopter for a comfortable pilgrimage tour.

Ans:  Vaishno Devi temple is open for pilgrims throughout the year. As the place experiences chilled winter, the best time to visit Vaishno Devi is from March to October. 

Ans:  Yes, Golden Temple is open 24 hours and the view of Golden Temple at night is a treat for your eyes when the temple glitters in light and cast the glistening shadow on the water of the surrounding lake.

Ans:  The nearest Railway Station is in Rishikesh from where you can reach Gourikund by bus or taxi. The distance between Gaurikund and Rishikesh is 16 Km that you have to cross by trekking, a Pony or Palki. You can also opt for the Kedadarnath Darshan package by helicopter for a comfortable journey to this famous Dham.

Ans:  Shirdi temple is located at the heart of the Shirdi town and can be reached easily by air, rail, and road. The nearest airport is in Aurangabad, 130 Km away and Kopargaon railway station is at a distance of 22 Km from Shirdi.

Ans: 13 trains are functional between Chennai and Tirupati that make for the easiest way to reach Tirupati from Chennai. The state-run bus takes about three hours to reach Tirupati from Chennai.

• Kashi Vishwanath Mandir
• Kaal Bhairav Mandir
• Durga Kund Mandir
• Maa Annapurna Mandir
• Sankat Mochan Hanuman Mandir
• Nepali Hindu Temple
• Vishalakshi Mandir

Ans: Tirumala Balaji temple is located 22 Km away from the Tirupati Railway Station. Bus, taxi, and jeep are available to reach the temple. The nearest airport is in Chennai at a distance of 98 Km. There are four ways of Tirupati Darshan; General Darshan, Divya Darshan by trekking Alipiri and Srivari Mettu footpath routes, Special Darsan for senior citizens, and VIP Darshan at the payment of INR300. You can book tickets online from https://ttdsevaonline.com/.

• Meenakshi Temple, Madurai
• Venkateswara Temple, Tirupati
• Virupaksha Temple, Hampi
• Ramanathaswamy Temple, Rameswaram
• Airavateswara Temple, Kumbakonam
• Brihadeshwara Temple, Thanjavur
• Suchindram Temple, Kanyakumari
• Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple, Srirangapatna
• Ayyappa Temple, Sabarimala
• Guruvayoor Temple, Guruvayur, Kerala

Ans: The Golden Temple in Vellore is famous for the serene ambiance and architectural splendor. The best time to visit the Vellore temple is from October to March.

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Fairs & Pilgrimages

Fairs and pilgrimages become points of multiple intersections and cannot be viewed simply as a gathering of pilgrims. These gatherings have a rich cultural heritage because they reflect a community's history and tradition. They are points of convergence in a variety of ways, including religious, economic, social, cultural, and political. Devotees gather in great numbers in pilgrimages sites and shrines on particular sacred days which also becomes an opportunity of the merchants, traders, shopkeepers for business. These pilgrimage sites have evolved into a hub of exchange and a meeting place for socio-cultural networks.

Pilgrimages

Pilgrimage or tirthayatra in India, is a tradition of journeying to sacred places. Pilgrims congregate in large numbers at places of religious significance, on days of certain astrological occurrence. According to the belief, the pilgrimage sites or tirtha s are the places where moksha or liberation could be achieved. Many people throng the tirtha s for absolving their sins and gaining religious merit. While on pilgrimage, a pilgrim’s everyday life is full of various rituals and observances.

Magh Mela of Prayag

The Magh Mela is an annual pilgrimage and fair celebrated at the confluence of the Ganga and Yamuna rivers in Uttar Pradesh.

Chandrabhaga Mela

Chandrabhaga fair is an annual pilgrimage to the Chandrabhaga Lake in Konarak, Odisha.

Gangasagar Mela

Gangasagar Mela is a yearly pilgrimage at the confluence of the river Ganga and the Bay of Bengal.

AMBUBACHI MELA

Ambubachi Mela is an annual pilgrimage that celebrates the menstruation course of the Hindu deity, Ambubachi.

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11 Best Buddhist Pilgrimage Sites In India For Your Spiritual Travel

A journey to the spirituality of Buddhist pilgrimage destinations will leave you perplexed. The Buddhist pilgrimage is not solely about religious activities or spiritual beliefs. Instead, it is also about embracing the teachings, social interaction, and developing one’s inner strength.

There are many pilgrimage destinations in India that you should visit. Monasteries and pilgrimage centers are the best places where the purest forms of Buddhism can surround you.

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Here is the list of Top 11 Buddhist Pilgrimage Sites in India:

1. bodh gaya.

Bodh Gaya is a village located in Bihar state. It is located west of the Phalgu River. This is where Siddhartha Gautam, a Buddha, reached enlightenment. The pipal tree was later known as the bodhi or bodhi tree.

Bodh Gaya’s Mahabodhi Temple is home to the Bodhi tree , considered the most sacred place for Buddhists. There are numerous monasteries and temples in this area.

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Sarnath is located 10 kilometers northeast of Varanasi . It is near the Ganges River and Varuna rivers in Uttar Pradesh . It is one of the four most sacred sites in the entire world. It is where Buddha turned the Wheel of Dharma when he was enlightened. He traveled from Bodh Gaya to Sarnath to search for his ascetic companions, who had been practicing austerities along with him.

These men were found by Buddha, who then preached his first discourse to them in the deer park. These men were also enlightened. This is also where the Sanga, the first monk community, was founded. Sarnath’s most prominent monuments include the Dhamek Stupa , which Ashoka built.

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3. Kushinagar

Kushinagar is one of four holy Buddhist sites in India. It is where Buddha died at the age of 81. Here is where Buddha taught his final lesson, “All things must come to an end.” All things are subject to decay.

This area is home to the Rambhar Stupa, which was built in the same spot as Buddha’s place. A Mahaparinirvana Temple is also located here. There are also many shrines, temples, stupas, shrines, and a museum. It is one of India’s most important Buddhist sites.

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4. Shravasti

Shravasti is a famous Buddhist spot in India, and it is well-known. This place, is located around 330km away from Lucknow . It is known as the ancient capital of the Koshal kingdom.

This is where you will find the famous Stupas. These include “Kacchi Kuti” and “Pakki Kuti.” It also contains the monastery, where Lord Buddha spent many years.

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It is the largest Indian monastery. It is known for being a vibrant, colorful, and rich center of spirituality. Galden Namgey Lhatse, which means “celestial paradise in the clear night” to the locals, is monastic. Arunachal Pradesh’s spirituality and culture are derived largely from this Buddhist temple in India. The library of the monastery houses a large collection of sacred and important scriptures. The Centre for Buddhist India Cultural Studies is also located here for young monks.

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Sanchi is often synonymous with the Great Stupa. It is a monument of stone in India that Emperor Ashoka constructed. It was built over the relics of Buddha’s Buddha. It featured some of the finest carvings on its gates and entrances.

There are also many other structures, pillars, and monasteries within the vicinity, making this an Indian Buddhist area. The Sanchi University of Buddhist-Indic Studies is a recent addition to the area.

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7. Rumtek Monastery

Rumtek Monastery is located 23 kilometers from Gangtok on the top of a hill in Sikkim . It is India’s most important Buddhist site. It was originally called the Dharma Chakra Centre. It is part of the Kargyu sect, a Buddhist group that originated in Tibet in the 12th century.

The monastery is surrounded by verdant green mountains, which serve as an aesthetic treat and a point of spiritual solace. The Rumtek Monastery offers a stunning view of Gangtok . The monastery’s architecture is outstanding.

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8. Vaishali

Vaishali is a significant historical, cultural, and religious Buddhist site in India. The second Buddhist council was also held in this city, where Buddha frequently visited.

Buddha visited the city in the fifth year after he received his enlightenment. There are still a few relic shrines and stupas in the city. You can see many beautiful pillars of Ashoka here.

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9. Mindrolling Monastery, Dehradun

Mindrolling Monastery houses a wealth of historical Buddhist places and knowledge. Ngagyur Nyingma College, a prominent Buddhist Indian college, is a great place to learn and practice Buddhism.

This area is home to the Great Stupa (60 mt high), which is one of the largest Stupas in the world. Many shrine rooms, murals, and relics can be found within this holy marvel.

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10. Golden Temple, Coorg

This monastery is unique not only for its location but also because of the generosity in color, glitter, and sparkle it brings to spirituality. It is breathtaking to see the magnificent gold statues of Lord Buddha, which are decorated with the richest colors and cultures.

It is home to the second-largest Tibetan population in India. This area also has a strong Tibetan cultural influence. Here you can also find traditional Tibetan products .

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11. Lumbini (Nearby Close to India)

It is the birthplace of Gautam Buddha. He was born around the 6th or 7th centuries BC. Lumbini , the Buddhist pilgrimage site, is located in Rupandehi’s Kapilvastu district. It is also close to India’s border.

For Hindus who believe that the Buddha is one of many manifestations of Vishnu, it is a place of pilgrimage. This site is listed on the UNESCO World Heritage Site . Lumbini is a popular pilgrimage spot.

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The above is the best Buddhist pilgrimage destination in India . If you would like to visit Buddhist Pilgrimage, you may contact some travel agents experienced in arranging such trips. Most travel agents will be happy and help make your pilgrimage to India & Nepal an enjoyable and inspiring experience.

Look here for more details on Indian temples:

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It is a widely known fact that Lord Shiva had manifested himself in the form of a Shiva Linga during the night of Aridra Nakshatra.

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Turn Your Spiritual Journey Into A Reality

Pilgrimage Tour - Best Spiritual Tourism & Packages in India

India is a land steeped in well preserved ancient beliefs, religious traditions and customs that is prevalent throughout the length and breadth of this glorious landscape. This is what sets it apart from the rest of the world. From the highest point of the Himalayas to the lowest point of Kanyakumari, every step of the way will introduce you to a new culture and a newer way of life. Afterall, spirituality is the soul of beauty and vibrancy in India.

Pilgrimage Tour intends on making you experience the best of India through immersive, personalized and intelligently created packages. Our expertise has also gained us the prestigious award of being the ‘Best Pilgrimage Tour Providers in India’ in 2018.

Our packages like Jyotirlinga Tour, Orissa Pilgrimage Tour, Chardham Tour, Devi Darshan Tour and many others, are specially curated to offer a soulful set of experiences. India is the birthplace of Buddhism and our Buddhist Pilgrimage Packages will take you through all the places relevant with Buddhism. These refreshing and calming pilgrimages, that were established ages ago, continue to thrive and pilgrimage tours will also continue to take this age-old practice diligently forward.

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Pilgrimage Tour Packages

Pilgrimages in India are an ancient concept. Taking that tradition forward, Pilgrimage tour has curated a mind boggling range of pilgrimage packages. Embracing the spirit of secularity our packages range from devi darshan packages, buddhist tour packages, Odisha pilgrimages and so much more. These customizable packages offer top notch hospitality and timeless experiences at affordable prices. Browse now!

Spiritual City Tours in India

Every city in India is dotted with temples, spiritual centres and shrines. Going on these city tours will introduce you to the India of your dreams. From the holy land of Dwarka and Varanasi to char dham and Puri, Pilgrimage tour offers special spiritual city tours along with impeccable service and hospitality. Go on a spiritual city sightseeing tour like never before.

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Best Selling pilgrimage packages in India

Pilgrimage tour presents you with some of our best selling pilgrimage tour packages that are most availed by our customers. Every pilgrimage package ensures a wholesome time along with some sightseeing as well. From the hills to the sea, we’ve got you covered. Available at reasonable rates, these packages come with a host of services, amenities and amazing hospitality that will definitely leave a lasting impression. Browse along and your next memorable holiday is just a click away.

Tucked between the two gorgeous mountains

Nar and Narayan, Badrinath Yatra is one of the highly significant spiritual yatras for Vishnu worshippers where tourists from all across the globe flock every year.

Perched at the extreme altitude of approx 3584 meters

above the sea level, Kedarnath Yatra is one of the most challenging spiritual journeys where each Hindu devout wants to embark on.

Nepal is blessed with mesmerizing natural beauty

and many religious destinations with fathomless religious glory. Muktinath Dham in Nepal is one such much-revered destination.

Exploring Muktinath is indeed one of kind experience. This Muktinath Dham tour will take you through some of the most exotic and divine destinations of Nepal.

The divine journey in Nepal that is completely beyond

the imagination of a human being. Mansarovar Yatra is the journey where a pilgrim needs to reach the height of almost 22000 feet above the sea level.

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Check out what’s trending among travellers this month. Go through these packages that are season appropriate and will suit your travel plans. Do not let the season spoil your travel plans. Pick your favourite destination this month and never stop exploring.

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India, the spiritual hub of the world, is a land of gods and goddesses where the land is dotted with multiple temples and the air carries

the mesmerizing fragrance of hawan Yajna. With thousands of various believers, India is known for its enriching puja practices and elaborate rituals, giving you a lifetime of enchanting memories. The tranquility and purity of these holy places is guaranteed to make you feel contended and will put your soul at peace. If you are planning to visit some of the best and the most holy temples in India opting for a wholesome pilgrimage package can bring you that experience. There are innumerable places of pilgrimage in India and uncountable holy sites which bring peace and calm to the soul and minds of people visiting there. Browsing our tour package offers you a wide opportunity to attain some spiritual and peaceful moments where you can meet your inner self.

Our packages consists of some of the most sought-after tours to the holy centres in India

like, Varanasi tour, Allahabad tour, Orissa tour, Jyotirlinga tour, Devi Darshan Yatra, Char Dham Yatra, and South India Temple Tour. Some of our other packages also include, 12 Jyotirlinga Yatra, Ashtavinayak Yatra, 9 Devi darshan Yatra, and Pind Daan package tour. With us, you will be able to observe devotion and spirituality at its best. With our carefully curated pilgrimage tour packages and impeccable professional services we guarantee to make your trip a comfortable, convenient and sometimes life changing one which will make you keep coming back. Book your most liked pilgrimage tour package and treat yourself to a blissful and one of a kind experience.

Our meticulously designed tour packages cover all the pilgrimage destinations sprawling from north to south and east to west.

If you are looking to embark on a holy journey in India, you can opt from our plethora of available packages like, Kashi darshan tour package, Rameshwaram Jyotirlinga package, Rath Yatra tour package and Maharashtra 5 Jyotirlinga package among several others. We are known for making the trip for our visitors and travelers comfortable and wholesome. Our meticulously designed tour packages provide the travelers with a fascinating new outlook. Explore India like never before, in a new light and take away with you a lifetime of memories. We satisfy your pursuit of spiritualism.

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Places in India known for religious tourism

Precious Rongmei , TIMESOFINDIA.COM , TRAVEL TRENDS , INDIA Updated : Jun 14, 2024, 17:34 IST

India, a land of diverse cultures and rich spiritual heritage, is renowned for its multitude of religious tourism destinations that attract pilgrims and tourists from across the globe. The country is home to numerous sacred sites that are significant to various religions including Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism, Sikhism, Islam, and Christianity. Here’s a quick glance at some of these places.

Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh

Varanasi, also known as Kashi, is one of the oldest living cities in the world and a major center of Hindu spirituality. The city's ghats along the Ganges River are famous for ritualistic bathing and cremation ceremonies. The Kashi Vishwanath Temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva, is a major pilgrimage site attracting millions of devotees.

Bodh Gaya, Bihar

Bodh Gaya is the most sacred site for Buddhists, where Prince Siddhartha attained enlightenment and became Gautama Buddha. The Mahabodhi Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, marks the location and is surrounded by monasteries and shrines built by Buddhist communities from around the world.

Ajmer, Rajasthan

Ajmer is home to the Ajmer Sharif Dargah, the shrine of the Sufi saint Khwaja Moinuddin Chishti. It is one of the most important pilgrimage sites, attracting devotees from various faiths who come to seek blessings and fulfillment of their wishes.

Amritsar, Punjab

Amritsar is the spiritual center of Sikhism and the location of the Harmandir Sahib, commonly known as the Golden Temple. This stunning gurdwara, surrounded by a sacred pool, is known for its golden facade and serves as a symbol of equality and human brotherhood. The temple complex also includes the Akal Takht, one of the highest seats of Sikh authority.

Tirupati, Andhra Pradesh

Tirupati is famous for the Sri Venkateswara Temple located on the Tirumala hills. This temple is dedicated to Lord Venkateswara, an incarnation of Vishnu, and is one of the most visited religious sites in the world. Devotees undertake a pilgrimage to seek blessings and offer their hair in a symbolic gesture of surrender.

Sarnath, Uttar Pradesh

Sarnath is the site where Buddha delivered his first sermon after attaining enlightenment. The Dhamek Stupa, built to commemorate this event, is a major attraction. Sarnath is also home to the Ashoka Pillar, various ancient monasteries, and the Sarnath Archaeological Museum, which houses a rich collection of Buddhist artifacts.

Velankanni, Tamil Nadu

Velankanni is a significant Christian pilgrimage site, known for the Basilica of Our Lady of Good Health. This church, often referred to as the "Lourdes of the East," attracts millions of pilgrims annually, especially during the festival of Our Lady of Good Health in September.

Palitana, Gujarat

Palitana is a major Jain pilgrimage destination, home to the Shatrunjaya hill with over 865 temples. The temples, known for their exquisite marble architecture and intricate carvings, are considered the most sacred sites for Jains. Pilgrims climb thousands of steps to reach the summit, where the main temple is dedicated to Lord Adinath, the first Tirthankara.

Haridwar, Uttarakhand

Haridwar, situated along the banks of the Ganges River, is one of the holiest places in Hinduism. It is famous for the Kumbh Mela, held every twelve years, attracting millions of pilgrims. The city's ghats, particularly Har Ki Pauri, are revered for ritualistic bathing and the Ganga Aarti, a daily prayer ceremony dedicated to the river.

Shravanabelagola, Karnataka

Shravanabelagola is renowned for the colossal statue of Gommateshwara Bahubali, one of the largest monolithic statues in the world. This 57-foot-high statue is a major pilgrimage site for Jains. Every twelve years, the Mahamastakabhisheka festival is held, during which the statue is anointed with various offerings in a grand ceremony attended by thousands of devotees.

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India investigates attack by suspected militants in Kashmir that killed 9 on Hindu pilgrimage

Suspected militants in Indian-controlled Kashmir’s Jammu province fired at a bus carrying Hindu pilgrims on Sunday and at least nine were killed after the vehicle fell into a deep gorge, officials said.

A forensic official inspects a bus that fell into a deep gorge on Sunday after being fired at by suspected militants in Reasi district, Jammu and Kashmir, Monday, June 10, 2024. The bus was carrying pilgrims to the base camp of the famed Hindu temple Mata Vaishno Devi when it came under attack killing at least nine people. (AP Photo/Channi Anand)

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Indian army soldiers patrol the area where a bus fell into a deep gorge on Sunday after being fired at by suspected militants in Reasi district, Jammu and Kashmir, Monday, June 10, 2024. The bus was carrying pilgrims to the base camp of the famed Hindu temple Mata Vaishno Devi when it came under attack killing at least nine people. (AP Photo/Channi Anand)

Activists of right-wing Hindu groups reacting to Sunday’s suspected militant attack on Hindu pilgrims in Indian-controlled Kashmir, burn an effigy of terrorism during a protest in Ahmedabad, India, Wednesday, June 12, 2024. A bus carrying pilgrims to the base camp of the famed Hindu temple Mata Vaishno Devi was fired at by suspected militants on Sunday causing the vehicle to fall into a deep gorge, killing nine and injuring 33. (AP Photo/Ajit Solanki)

An injured man is brought to the Government Medical College Hospital in Jammu after the bus he was traveling in fell into a deep gorge in the Pouni area of Jammu’s Reasi district, India, Sunday, June 9, 2024. Officials in Indian-controlled Kashmir say at least nine people have been killed after suspected militants fired at a bus with Hindu pilgrims, which then fell into a deep gorge. (AP Photo/Channi Anand)

Activists of right-wing Hindu groups reacting to Sunday’s suspected militant attack on Hindu pilgrims in Indian-controlled Kashmir, shout slogans during a protest in Ahmedabad, India, Wednesday, June 12, 2024. A bus carrying pilgrims to the base camp of the famed Hindu temple Mata Vaishno Devi was fired at by suspected militants on Sunday causing the vehicle to fall into a deep gorge, killing nine and injuring 33. (AP Photo/Ajit Solanki)

Security men inspect a bus that fell into a deep gorge on Sunday after it was fired at by suspected militants in Reasi district, Jammu and Kashmir, Monday, June 10, 2024. The bus was carrying pilgrims to the base camp of the famed Hindu temple Mata Vaishno Devi when it came under attack killing at least nine people. (AP Photo/Channi Anand)

The wreckage of a bus that fell into a deep gorge on Sunday after being fired at by suspected militants in Reasi district, Jammu and Kashmir, Monday, June 10, 2024. The bus was carrying pilgrims to the base camp of the famed Hindu temple Mata Vaishno Devi when it came under attack killing at least nine people. (AP Photo/Channi Anand)

An injured woman is brought to the Government Medical College Hospital in Jammu after the bus she was traveling in fell into a deep gorge in the Pouni area of Jammu’s Reasi district, India, Sunday, June 9, 2024. Officials in Indian-controlled Kashmir say at least nine people have been killed after suspected militants fired at a bus with Hindu pilgrims, which then fell into a deep gorge. (AP Photo/Channi Anand)

NEW DELHI (AP) — India is investigating an attack in which suspected militants fired at a bus carrying Hindu pilgrims in Indian-controlled Kashmir, killing nine and injuring 33, officials said Monday.

The attack caused the vehicle to fall into a deep gorge Sunday in Jammu province’s Reasi district. The bus was carrying pilgrims to the base camp of the famed Hindu temple Mata Vaishno Devi.

A team from the National Investigation Agency has reached the site of the attack, the Press Trust of India news agency reported. Security forces also were trying to track down those suspected to be responsible.

Jammu and Kashmir Lt. Gov. Manoj Sinha announced compensation of $11,975 each for families of those killed, as well as nearly $600 to those who were injured.

Federal minister Amit Shah said Sunday he was in touch with Sinha and the local administration was providing speedy medical attention. “The culprits of this dastardly attack will not be spared and will face the wrath of the law,” he posted on social media platform X.

A police officer said some of the victims had gunshot wounds and blamed the attack on Muslim militants who are fighting Indian rule in Kashmir. No one immediately claimed responsibility for the attack, which left 33 others injured.

Rebel groups have been fighting since 1989 for Kashmir’s independence or merger with neighboring Pakistan. Most Muslim Kashmiris support the rebel goal of uniting the territory, either under Pakistani rule or as an independent country.

New Delhi insists the Kashmir militancy is Pakistan-sponsored terrorism. Pakistan denies the charge, and most Kashmiris consider it a legitimate freedom struggle.

Tens of thousands of civilians, rebels and government forces have been killed in the conflict.

Nuclear-armed rivals India and Pakistan each administer part of Kashmir, but both claim the territory in its entirety.

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Travel guide: information on popular upcoming indian pilgrimage travel in 2024.

India is a land enriched with spirituality, being blessed with the existence of millions of Gods and Goddesses, each known by their own myths and legends. Harvesting several religious beliefs, and planting a sense of belonging in everyone, India is a religious nation. Every year, thousands of people travel to India in search of a sense of peace and enlightenment, to attain a way to become one with God.

With the country being home to several major religions, there are many pilgrimage sites that remain holding a different story. Religion being such a major part of the lives of the people, pilgrimage travel in India is responsible for attracting numerous devotees to these pilgrimage centers spread throughout the country. Some of the popular pilgrimages undertaken in India include the Chardham Yatra of the temples of Uttarakhand, Amarnath Yatra to the cave temple in Jammu and Kashmir, Panch Kedar Yatra to the five prominent Shiva temples, and the Adi Kailash Yatra located along the Indo-Tibetan border. Follow along to find out more about India’s pilgrimage travel destinations, how to reach them, and when to visit to make the most of your sacred journey.

Check out:   All Inclusive India Pilgrimage Tour Packages

India’s top pilgrimage tours in 2024 to explore Indian mythology revolving around different religious beliefs.

• Char Dham Yatra
• Puri Rath Yatra
• Hemkund Sahib Yatra
• Amarnath Yatra

Kailash Mansarovar Yatra

• Vaishno Devi Yatra
• 12 Jyotirlinga Yatra
• Pandharpur Palki Yatra
• Srikhand Mahadev Yatra
• Navagraha Yatra

Nav Durga Devi Yatra

• Panch Kedar Yatra

Adi Kailash Yatra

Kinnaur kailash yatra, manimahesh kailash yatra.

Recommended Tour Packages

• Chardham Yatra Package
• 12 Jyotirlinga Tour Package
• Hemkund Sahib Yatra Package

Char Dham Yatra (Char Dham Yatra of Uttarakhand)

No information about Indian pilgrimage tour is complete without introducing Char Dham Yatra. Char Dham, which literally means four holy abodes of Hindu sect, are more than just shrines.

They are the means to relive your inner self and get close to the untouched natural beauty. Snow-clad mountains, lush green valleys, challenging paths and freezing temperature accompany you in this sacred expedition that starts from Yamunotri and ends at Badrinath .

Basically, Char Dham Yatra mainly refers to the spiritual journey to Badrinath, Puri, Rameshwaram and Dwarka Dhams, covering all north, east, south and west regions of India. But with the passage of time, the four holy shrines of Uttarakhand (Yamunotri, Gangotri, Kedarnath and Badrinath) have been termed as Chota Char Dham or as Char Dham of Uttarakhand. Char Dham Yatra has always remained one of the top pilgrimages in India.

How to Reach?

It is quite easy to reach Haridwar as it is a major railhead that provides connectivity to various locations of Uttarakhand. Haridwar is also served by a good network of bus service and is located at about 200 km from Delhi.

Yatra Route: Delhi – Haridwar – Barkot – Yamunotri – Barkot – Naitala – Gangotri – Naitala – Sitapur – Kedarnath – Sitapur – Badrinath – Rudraprayag – Rishikesh – Haridwar – Delhi

Char Dham Yatra 2024: The yatra will commence on 10 th May, 24 and the closing date is tentatively decided as November, 24.

Other Interesting Blogs to Read

• Char Dham Yatra by Helicopter: Info on How to Book Online, Tour Packages and Travel Tips
• Online/Offline Char Dham Yatra Registration
• Char Dham Opening & Closing Dates

Puri Rath Yatra, Odisha

Puri Rath Yatra in Odisha is one among the most awaited festivities in the country. It is an annual celebration that witnesses around a million devotees and visitors from all the corners of the world. Devoted to Lord Jagannath (an incarnation of Lord Vishnu), the event is one of the biggest and oldest Hindu festivals in India.

Also known as the “Chariot Festival”, Rath Yatra is marked on Ashad Shukla Dwitiya (second day in the bright fortnight of Ashad month). The main attraction is the procession of three wooden chariots, namely, Nandighosa, Taladhwaja and Devadalana bearing the deities, Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra (the elder brother of Jagannath) and Subhadra (their sister) respectively. This street procession gives even those people a chance to seek blessings of the deities who are forbidden to enter Jagannath Temple.

Jagannath Temple is one among the four holy shrines of Chardham Yatra. The other three are Rameshwaram, Dwarka and Badrinath. Considered as a symbol of equality and brotherhood, the festival starts with a grand ceremony in the morning. Every year, new chariots are constructed but the idols of the deities are replaced by new ones once in 12 years. The Yatra marks the annual journey of the deities to Gundicha Temple (their aunt’s temple).

For travelers willing to take part in this grand religious celebration, Bhubaneswar is the closest domestic airport from Puri while the nearest international airport is at Kolkata. Visitors can also reach Puri by various other transportation facilities like trains, buses, cars and taxis. Puri serves as the last major rail head of South Eastern Railway and that’s why it is well-connected with other cities of India. Bhubaneswar, the state capital city, is located about 70 km from Puri.

Puri Rath Yatra Date 2024: 7th July

Also Read: Popular Religious Festivals in Odisha

Hemkund Sahib Yatra, Uttarakhand

Placed at an elevation of 4,632 meters above sea level, Hemkund Sahib is one of the sacred pilgrimage centers for Sikhs in India. Situated in Chamoli district of Uttarakhand, the gurudwara is dedicated to the 10th Sikh Guru, Guru Gobind Singh.

The gurudwara is encircled by seven snow-clad mountains and each one of them is adorned by Nishan Sahib (a triangular flag made either of silk or cotton and bearing the traditional symbol of Khalsa Panth).

Besides its religious significance, the glacial lake and high-altitude setting of the gurudwara make it one of the most challenging pilgrimage yatras in India that witnesses a high influx of devotees from all the corners of the world. It is the beautiful natural setting of Hemkund Sahib that even attracts people from other religions to the place.

Travelers can access the location of the gurudwara either by foot or by ponies from Govindghat, located about 20 km from Hemkund Sahib Gurudwara. Govindghat is the starting point of Hemkund Sahib Trek and is situated about 22 km from Joshimath.

Hemkund Sahib Yatra Dates 2024

Gurudwara Hemkund Sahib opens for pilgrims from May till October every year. The doors of the Hemkund Sahib Gurudwara will be opened on 20 May, 2024.

Also Read: Popular Sikh Pilgrimage Sites in India

Amarnath Yatra, Jammu & Kashmir

Seek blessings of Lord Shiva with a visit to Amarnath Cave that features an ICE LINGAM. Placed at an elevation of 3,888 meters, Amarnath Shrine is located in a narrow gorge. It is one of the major abodes of Lord Shiva and is of high religious value for Shivaities.

Amarnath Yatra is said to be one of the toughest pilgrimages in India and is organized during Shavan month (July – August) by the government of Jammu and Kashmir every year. Apart from its religious significance, the expedition to this holy cave is also valuable because it gives visitors an adventurous trekking experience.

Nestled among the mighty Himalayas, this journey not only takes devotees closer to God but also delivers a sense of relatability to inner peace.

The closest airport is Srinagar Airport while Jammu Tawi is the nearest railway station from the shrine.

Yatra Route: There are two routes to the holy cave; one is through Pahalgam and second is via Baltal.

• Route 1: Jammu Tawi – Pahalgam – Chandanwari – Pissu Top – Sheshnag – Panchtarni – Amarnath Cave
• Route 2: Jammu – Udhampur – Patnitop – Kud – Ramban – Banihal – KaziGund – Anantnag – Srinagar – Baltal – Amarnath Cave

Amarnath Yatra 2024: This year the yatra will commence on July 1, 2024 and last for 56 days.

Note* – Travellers who want to undertake Amarnath Yatra through helicopters do not need to register for the journey as their tickets are considered as yatra permit cards but they have to obtain health certificates too like other visitors. Children below the age of 13 and persons above the age of 75 as well as pregnant ladies are not allowed to undertake the yatra.

• 3 Nights 4 Days Amarnath Yatra by Helicopter
• 4 Nights 5 Days Amarnath Yatra with Gulmarg Sightseeing

Reputed as one of the most challenging and sacred religious journeys for the Hindu sect, Kailash Manasarovar Yatra is a perfect fusion of spirituality, nature’s boundless beauty and adventure.

The yatra is undertaken by thousands of people every year and holds the supreme position among all the pilgrimage centers devoted to Lord Shiva. That’s why, a visit to Mount Kailash, the abode of the Lord, is considered as a way to attain salvation.

The dazzling Mount Kailash is situated in the isolated south-west corner of Tibet region, at an elevation of 6,638 meters. It is one of the highest areas of the mighty Himalayas.

Along with Hindus, the shrine also has significant value for Buddhism and Jainism followers. There are various other interesting points located close to Mount Kailash like Manasarovar Lake, Gauri Kund, Tirthapuri, Yam Dwar, Asthapad, Siwasthal and Tarboche Flagpole.

There are four ways to reach Mount Kailash but the base point of Kailash Manasarovar Yatra is Kathmandu only.

• Overland Journey from India: It is a 28-30 days trek and you need to book well in advance for registration as the availability is limited and participants are chosen by a draw. The whole process is administered by the Ministry of External Affairs of India.
• Overland Journey from Kathmandu: Reach Kathmandu, the capital of Nepal, and from there, start your spiritual yet thrilling expedition to Mount Kailash.
• Overland Journey from Lhasa: Visitors first fly to Kathmandu and then to Lhasa through China Air and then further to Kailash Parvat.
• Helicopter Journey: It is meant for those who are not comfortable with high-altitude passes and want to finish the Yatra in the shortest span of time. The fixed wing aircraft take passengers from Kathmandu to Simikot via Nepalganj. From Simikot, a helicopter takes the charge and flies to Hilsa and from there onwards, land cruisers are used to reach the final point.

Note* – Kailash Manasarovar Yatra is permitted to only Indian citizens, holding a valid Indian passport and aged between 18 and 70 years. He/she should be medically and physically fit with a Body Mass Index (BMI) of 27 or less. People suffering from asthma, diabetes, high blood pressure, epilepsy, heart disease, etc., are not eligible for the Yatra.

Other Interesting Blog to Read

• Top Peaceful Places in the Himalayas for Long Vacation

Vaishno Devi Yatra, Jammu & Kashmir

Renowned as one of the most famous pilgrimage yatras in India, Vaishno Devi Yatra is the journey to the holy shrine of Vaishnavi, an incarnation of Goddess Durga, situated at the Trikuta Mountains of Jammu region of North India.

The shrine is considered to be one of the most sacred of all the 108 shakti peethas. Vaishno Devi shrine basically comprises idols of three deities in the form of black stones, namely, Mahakali, Mahasaraswati and Mahalakshmi.

Every year thousands of people from all over the world throng this sacred place, irrespective of their age groups. The shrine is located at a height of about 5,300 feet and is about 61 km from Jammu City with Katra as its base.

Between this journey, devotees come across various other religious spots like Darshani Darwaza, Ban Ganga, Charun Paduka Temple, Adhkuwari, Sanjhichhat and Bhairon Ghati, with a meaningful history attached to them.

The shrine of Vaishno Devi is situated at a distance of 61 km from Jammu Tawi and Katra is the end point from where visitors have to cover a distance of 13 km by foot to reach the main shrine.

Vaishno Devi Yatra 2024

The gates of the Vaishno Devi Shrine are open for devotees all year-round. They can take up this pilgrimage at any time of the year.

• 2 Nights 3 Days Vaishno Devi Tour Package
• 2 Nights 3 Days Mata Vaishno Devi Tour with Shivkhori Darshan
• 3 Nights 4 Days Mata Vaishno Devi Tour with Patnitop

12 Jyotirlinga Yatra, India

The famous 12 Jyotirlinga Yatra is very significant for the devotees of Lord Shiva. It is one of the longest spiritual journeys that cover several temples throughout the country. All the temples included in the yatra are considered as the manifestation of the deity in various forms. It is believed that this sacred yatra is a way to achieve salvation and get rid of your sins.

Visitors can choose among Delhi, Mumbai and Madurai as their starting point of this holy yatra. All these three cities are well served by every means of transportation.

Temples Included in the 12 Jyotirlinga Yatra

• Somnath Temple in Gujarat
• Mallikarjuna at Srisailam in Andhra Pradesh
• Mahakaleswar at Ujjain in Madhya Pradesh
• Omkareshwar in Madhya Pradesh
• Kedarnath in Uttrakhand
• Bhimashankar at Pune in Maharashtra
• Viswanath at Varanasi in Uttar Pradesh
• Tryambakeshwar at Nashik in Maharashtra
• Vaijyanath Temple in Deoghar District of Jharkhand
• Aundha Nagnath at Aundha in Hingoli District in Maharashtra
• Rameshwar at Rameshwaram in Tamil Nadu
• Grushneshwar at Ellora near Aurangabad, in Maharashtra

Yatra Route: Delhi – Haridwar – Rudraprayag – Kedarnath – Varanasi – Deoghar – Indore – Ujjain – Indore – Dwarka – Nashik – Aurangabad – Pune – Hyderabad – Srisailam – Hyderabad – Madurai – Rameshwaram – Madurai – Delhi

12 Jyotirlinga Yatra 2024

Pilgrims can perform this yatra in any time of the year but it is good to schedule your plan in summers as Kedarnath Temple opens only for a limited period (from Akshaya Tritiya that falls in the end of April to Kartik Purnima that usually occurs in November).

• 12 Jyotirlingas of Lord Shiva in India and Their Mythological Importance in Hindu Religion
• Famous Temples of India

Pandharpur Palki Yatra, Maharashtra

Pandharpur Palki Yatra is a well-known pilgrimage expedition to Vithoba Temple, situated in Pandharpur city of Solapur district in Maharashtra . The yatra is dedicated to Lord Vitthala, a manifestation of Lord Vishnu. Pandharpur Palki Yatra is popularly known as Waari Yatra and the pilgrims who attend this holy procession are known as “warkaris”.

This traditional holy journey is also called “PANDHARPUR ASHADI EKADASI WARI YATRA” as this pilgrimage ends on Ekadasi of Ashada month as per Marathi’s traditional calendar. The expedition originally starts from Sant Tukaram Temple, located in Dehu Village of Pune District.

This main procession of Tukaram Maharaj Palki is further joined by Sant Dnyaneshwar Palki that originates from Alandi near Pune next day. Later on, many more processions from other nearby villages and towns join the main yatra en route.

It is a 21-days event held annually during the period of June-July and has been celebrated for more than 700 years.

The town of Dehu is located about 30 km away from Pune Railway Station as well as from Pune Airport. So, it is quite easy for pilgrims to join this holy yatra from any corner of the country.

Yatra Route: Dehu and Alandi – Pune – Saswad – Lonand – Taradgaon – Barad – Natepute – Malsiras – Velapur – Shegaon – Vakhari – Pandarpur

Also Read: Popular Pilgrimage Places in Maharashtra

Considered as the largest congregation of Muslims in the world, Haj is the prominent pilgrimage to Mecca. It is reputed as one among the five pillars of Islam and is performed during “Dhul-Hijjah (the 12th Islamic month).

Hajj Yatra is more than just a voyage to a holy land; it is a duty that every Muslim must perform once in his/her life span. Despite its annual occurrence, the date of Haj changes every year as the period of the pilgrimage is decided on the basis of Islamic calendar.

Anyone who performs this holy Islamic Yatra is known as “HAJJI” but the expedition is quite tough and full of strict rules and customary etiquettes. Every year, there is a sharp increase in the number of pilgrims heading to Mecca for Hajj journey.

Pilgrims generally go for Haj Yatra in groups as a symbol of unity and brotherhood. Now-a-days majority of flight operators throughout the world provide direct air connectivity with the holy land of Mecca. Two airports, one regional (Ta’if Airport) and one international (King Abdulaziz International Airport) serve the Mecca region of Saudi Arabia.

Note*– There are specified rituals and schedules that are must for every Hajj pilgrim to follow. Males are required to wear “IHRAM” and females are required to maintain their normal modest dress code (hijab) as per Islamic guidelines. There are certain restrictions related to wearing Ihram also. So it is best to get detailed information about all customary etiquettes before performing Hajj.

Also Read: Popular Muslim Pilgrimage Sites in India

Srikhand Mahadev Yatra, Himachal Pradesh

When it comes to popular pilgrimage tours in India, Srikhand Mahadev Yatra is another tough religious journey that pops out from the rich treasure of Indian culture. As the name suggests, the yatra is dedicated to Lord Shiva and ends in the high peaks of Himalaya, like the other two, Amarnath Yatra and Kailash Mansarovar Yatra.

Srikhand Mahadev basically is a natural rock-made shivlingam about 70 feet high and is placed at an elevation of around 5791 meters. The Yatra to this high-altitude abode of Lord Shiva opens during the period of July – August every year and takes 15-20 days for completion.

Offering a perfect blend of divinity and unparalleled natural beauty, Shrikhand Mahadev Yatra is not meant for weak and old people, children and pregnant ladies. It is important to carry heavy woolen clothes, blankets, rain coats and eatable items as you will not get anything en route.

Srikhand Mahadev lingam is located in Kullu district of Himachal Pradesh that’s why pilgrims have to travel up to the state capital Shimla, which forms the base of this holy yatra. The foot part of the yatra starts from Jaon village.

Yatra Route: Shimla – Rampur – Nirmand – Bagi Pul – Jaon Village – Bheem Talai – Parvati Bhag – Shrikhand Mahadev – Thachdu

Also Read: Popular Pilgrimage Destinations in Himachal Pradesh

Navagraha Yatra, South India

Representing the importance of cosmic powers in Hindu mythology, Navagraha Yatra is a holy pilgrimage expedition dedicated to nine planets of Hindu astrology.

The nine planets that are worshipped during this holy yatra are Jupiter, Moon, Rahu, Sun, Venus, Mars, Mercury, Ketu and Saturn. The expedition starts from Thingalur, the hometown of well-known Kailasanthar Temple (Moon Temple) and ends at Keelperumpallam (Ketu Temple).

It is important to give a visit to all the Navagraha temples but in case if you are running short of time then a visit to Jupiter Temple at Alangudi, Moon Temple at Thingalur and Rahu Temple at Thirunageswaram are must for every pilgrim.

This holy yatra is very popular among those who have strong belief in astrology.

The nearest major city is Chennai, located about 420 km from Thingalur.

Yatra Route: Chennai – Kumbakonam – Thingalur (Moon Temple) – Alangudi (Jupiter Temple) – Suriyanar Temple (Sun Temple) – Kanjanoor (Venus Temple) – Tirunageswaram (Rahu Temple) – Vaitheeswaran Koil (Mars Temple) – Thirunallar (Saturn Temple) – Thiruvenkadu (Mercury Temple) – Keelperumpallam (Ketu Temple)

Navagraha Yatra 2024: There is no fixed date for this sacred journey. Pilgrims can perform it in any period of the year, as per the planetary movements in their zodiac signs.

• Must Visit Temples in South India

When it comes to Indian pilgrimage travel, Nav Durga Devi Yatra has a very important place in Hindu mythology. According to legends, Goddess Shakti is worshipped in several forms throughout the country but her representation in these nine forms has a special significance among her followers and Hindus.

Like Jyotirlinga yatra, Nav Durga Devi Yatra too covers various different places but in North India only. Starting from Jammu and Kashmir, this sacred yatra ends at Uttar Pradesh. All the nine temples included in this spiritual expedition are among the major Shakti Peethas dotted throughout India.

There are various trains that run between Delhi and Jammu Railway Station like Jammu Rajdhani, Shalimar Express, Malwa Express and Dee Jat Duronto.

Temples Included in the Yatra

• Vaishno Devi Temple
• Chamunda Devi Temple
• Brijeshwari Devi Temple (Kangra Devi)
• Jwalamukhi Temple
• Chintpurni Mata Temple
• Naina Devi Temple
• Kali Bar Temple (Kalika Devi Temple)
• Mansa Devi Temple
• Shakumbhari Devi Temple

Yatra Route: Delhi – Jammu Tawi – Katra – Jammu Tawi – Pathankot – Palampur – Kangra – Jwalamukhi – Karoa-Bharwain Road (Una District) – Naina Devi – Shimla – Panchkula – Sahranpur – Jasmour village – Sahranpur – Delhi

• Must Visit Shakti Peethas in India: The Divine Seats of Cosmic Power

Panch Kedar Yatra, Uttarakhand

Panch Kedar , as the name suggests, is the holy congregation of the five sacred Hindu temples dedicated to Lord Shiva. The five temples are nestled among the Himalayan peaks of Garhwal region in Uttarakhand.

The five temples are to be visited in a strict order as per the religious guidelines – the first temple to be visited is the Kedarnath Temple , followed by Tungnath Temple , Rudranath Temple , Madhyamaheshwar Temple and ending with Kalpeshwar Temple.

A folk legend connects the Panch Kedar to the Pandavas from Mahabharata. According to which, Lord Shiva bestowed his blessings in the form of a bull with its various parts rising in five different locations where the temples are situated in present day. Once the visit is complete, one has to pay homage to Lord Vishnu by visiting Badrinath Temple.

How to reach?

The journey starts from Rishikesh or Haridwar. Both are easily accessible through Indian Railways or by roadways.

Yatra Route: Delhi – Haridwar – Rudraprayag – Kedarnath – Guptkashi – Gaundhar – Madhmaheshwar – Ukhimath – Tungnath – Chopta – Panargupha – Rudranath – Dumuk – Kalpeshwar – Rudraprayag – Rishikesh – Delhi

Panch Kedar Yatra 2024: The temples can be visited for six months between May and October as the temples remain closed in winters due to heavy snowfall.

Check out: Panch Kedar Trekking Itinerary

Adi Kailash is also referred to as the Chota Kailash or Little Kailash because of the striking similarities with Mount Kailash in Tibet. It is situated in the Pithoragarh district of Uttarakhand with close proximity to Indo-Tibetan border.

One unique feature that sets it apart from other mountain peaks is the Om symbol made out of deposition of snow on the mountain miraculously, which is why it is also called Om Parvat.

The Adi Kailash Yatra takes pilgrims through some of the hidden gems of nature in the form of snow-clad peaks, gurgling streams and mystical dense forests.

Delhi is located at a distance of approximately 460 km from Pithoragarh. One can reach it by regular bus services run by the state transport corporation. The nearest railhead from Pithoragarh is Tanakpur Railway Station, located at a distance of 58 km.

Yatra Route: Delhi – Pithoragarh – Dharchula – Lamari – Nabi – Kutti – Jyolingkong – Adi Kailash

Adi Kailash Yatra 2024: The yatra can be undertaken for six months between May and October as various routes remain closed in winters due to heavy snowfall.

Check out: Adi Kailash Yatra Trekking Itinerary

Kinnaur Kailash Yatra is one of the most revered pilgrimages undertaken by the Hindus. The place is home to a 79 ft tall shivlinga, which changes colors every second. Located in the Kinnaur district of Himachal Pradesh, it is believed to be the actual place where the gods reside. According to myth, Lord Shiva used to conduct a meeting of gods and goddesses at Kinnaur Kailash. Situated close to it is the Parvati Kund, believed to be created by Goddess Parvati herself. It was also the meeting point of Lord Shiva and the goddess.

The nearest airport is Shimla Airport, located at 267 km from Kalpa. Tourists can avail taxi services to reach Kinnaur from Kalpa. Various regular bus services are offered by travel agencies from Shimla and Rampur to reach Kinnaur.

Yatra Route: Delhi – Shimla – Kalpa – Lambar – Shurting – Charang – Lalanati Base – Chitkul – Shimla – Delhi

Kinnaur Kailash Yatra 2024: The trek can be commenced between the months of May and October but, the ideal time is between September and October as before that, the region may receive heavy monsoon showers resulting in landslides, avalanches and cloud bursts.

Check out: Kinner Kailash Parikrama Trekking Itinerary

Nestled among the Pir Panjal Range in Himachal Pradesh is the pious Lake Manimahesh located at the base of Manimahesh Kailash Peak. The lake is one of the most sacred pilgrimage sites believed to be created by Lord Shiva himself after getting married to Goddess Parvati.

The spiritual journey undertaken by thousands of pilgrims from different corners of the country commences on the auspicious day of Janmashtami and ends on Radha Ashtami.

The yatra takes you through the glacier-fed rivers, majestic peaks of the Himalayas and dense forests of Pir and Deodar.

Pathankot is located at a driving distance of 495 km from Delhi. Regular bus service is offered by Himachal Pradesh Road Transport Corporation to reach the town. The nearest railhead is Pathankot Junction Railway Station.

Yatra Route: Delhi – Pathankot – Bharmour – Hadsar – Kugti – Dalotu – Base Camp – Kamal Kund – Manimahesh – Bharmour – Paathankot – Delhi

Manimahesh Kailash Yatra 2024: 26 August 2024 to 1 September 2024

Check out: Manimahesh Kailash Detailed Trekking Itinerary

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Disclaimer: We do not take credit for some of the licenced paid images used in our blogs, whether from Google Images, Fotolia & Shutterstock. All such images are the copyrights of their respective owners and we try to provide credit for them wherever we can. If, however, any copyright image has been used on our blog, the concerned person can either mail us directly to remove the image or provide credit to whomsoever the image may belong to.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q. when will the puri rath yatra take place in 2024.

The Puri Rath Yatra will take place on July 7, 2024, this year.

Q. Which temples are included in Chota Char Dham Yatra?

Four temples namely Kedarnath, Badrinath, Gangotri and Yamunotri form the Chota Char Dham Yatra.

Q. Why is it advised to commence the 12 Jyotirlinga Yatra in summers?

It is advised to take up this yatra in summers because the journey gets difficult during heavy monsoons which result in landslides and cloud bursts. In winters, the Kedarnath Temple gets shut down due to heavy snowfall.

Q. When will the Amarnath Yatra start in 2024?

Amarnath Yatra will commence on 01 July 2024 and will end on 19 August 2024.

Published: 15 Jan, 2024

About the author

Nidhi Singh

From the Lake District, Nainital, Nidhi Singh is a travel writer whose love for mountains can be seen in her write ups. Talk about solo travelling, indulging in adventure activities, binging on good food, planning budget trips or the Aurora Borealis and you will get all her attention. It is the wanderlust that keeps her going and if at all she could get one wish granted she would love to live a life less ordinary. Follow her on Twitter , Facebook & Instagram .

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Muslim pilgrims resume symbolic stoning of the devil as they wrap up Hajj pilgrimage in deadly heat

The Associated Press

June 17, 2024, 5:15 AM

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MINA, Saudi Arabia (AP) — Muslim pilgrims used the early morning hours Monday to perform the second day of the symbolic stoning of the devil, as noontime summer heat caused heatstroke among thousands wrapping up the Hajj pilgrimage.

The final days of the Hajj coincide with Muslims around the world celebrating the Eid al-Adha holiday.

The stoning of the pillars representing the devil takes place in Mina, a desert plain just outside the city of Mecca in Saudi Arabia. A third stoning is scheduled Tuesday, before the Farewell Tawaf, or circling the cube-shaped Kaaba in Mecca.

The Hajj pilgrimage is one of the Five Pillars of Islam. All Muslims are required to make the five-day Hajj at least once in their lives if they are physically and financially able to do so.

More than 1.83 million Muslims performed Hajj in 2024, slightly less than last year’s figure of 1.84 million, according to Saudi officials.

The Hajj rites largely commemorate the Quran’s accounts of Prophet Ibrahim, his son Prophet Ismail and Ismail’s mother Hajar — or Abraham and Ismael as they are named in the Bible.

The rites have taken place under the soaring summer heat, which is expected to reach 49 degrees Celsius (120 degrees Fahrenheit) in Mecca and the sacred sites in and around the city, according to the Saudi National Center for Metrology.

More than 2,760 pilgrims suffered from sunstroke and heat stress on Sunday alone at the start of the first round of stoning, according to the Health Ministry. Jordan announced Sunday that 14 Jordanian pilgrims died from heatstroke during the Hajj.

The number of pilgrims on the roads leading to the pillars Monday morning decreased significantly, compared to Sunday’s rites. Security forces, medics and first responders have been deployed in and around Mina, especially on roads and open areas to help pilgrims.

“I am really impressed by the preparations,” Sani Abdullah, a Nigerian, told The Associated Press, adding that he was used to such burning heat in his country. “I have never encountered any problems. Everything is going smoothly.”

Mina is where Muslims believe Ibrahim’s faith was tested when God commanded him to sacrifice his only son Ismail. Ibrahim was prepared to submit to the command, but then God stayed his hand, sparing his son. In the Christian and Jewish versions of the story, Abraham is ordered to kill his other son, Isaac.

The stoning began Sunday, a day after the pilgrims visited the sacred Mount Arafat where they spent their day in worship and reflection. The ritual in Mount Arafat, known as the hill of mercy, is considered the peak of the Hajj pilgrimage.

The pilgrims collected the pebbles, which they have used in the symbolic stoning of pillars, from Muzdalifa, an area located a few kilometers (miles) away from Mount Arafat.

The Hajj is one of the largest religious gatherings on earth. The rituals officially started Friday when the pilgrims moved from Mecca’s Grand Mosque to Mina, then to Mount Arafat. They then return to Mina, where they spend up to three days, each casting seven pebbles at three pillars in a ritual to symbolize the casting away of evil and sin.

While in Mina, the pilgrims visit Mecca to perform a “tawaf,” or circumambulation, which is circling the Kaaba in the Grand Mosque counterclockwise seven times. Then another circumambulation, the Farewell Tawaf, will mark the end of the Hajj as pilgrims prepare to leave the holy city.

Once the Hajj is over, men are expected to shave their heads, and women to snip a lock of hair in a sign of renewal.

Most of the pilgrims then leave Mecca for the city of Medina, about 340 kilometers (210 miles) away, to pray in Prophet Muhammad’s tomb, the Sacred Chamber. The tomb is part of the prophet’s mosque, which is one of the three holiest sites in Islam, along with the Grand Mosque in Mecca and the Al Aqsa Mosque in Jerusalem.

This year’s Hajj came against the backdrop of the devastating Israel-Hamas war , which pushed the Middle East to the brink of a regional conflict.

The war has killed more than 37,000 Palestinians in the besieged strip, according to Gaza health officials, while hundreds of others have been killed in Israeli operations in the West Bank. It began after Hamas-led militants attacked Israel on Oct. 7, killing about 1,200 people and taking around 250 hostage.

Palestinians in the Gaza Strip weren’t able to travel to Mecca for the Hajj this year because of the closure of the Rafah crossing in May, when Israel extended its ground offensive to the city on the border with Egypt.

Copyright © 2024 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, written or redistributed.

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Muslims in Asia celebrate Eid al-Adha with sacrifice festival and traditional feast

Muslims in Asia are celebrating Eid al-Adha, or the Feast of Sacrifice, one of the biggest holidays in the Islamic calendar

JAKARTA, Indonesia -- Muslims in Asia on Monday celebrated Eid al-Adha, or the Feast of Sacrifice, with food and prayers for people in Gaza suffering from the Israel-Hamas war .

One of the biggest Islamic holidays, the occasion commemorates Prophet Ibrahim’s test of faith through slaughtering livestock and animals and distributing the meat to the poor. It’s a joyous occasion for which food is a hallmark where devout Muslims buy and slaughter animals and share two-thirds of the meat with the poor and it’s a revered observance that coincides with the final rites of the Hajj pilgrimage in Saudi Arabia.

Much of Asia, including Indonesia, Malaysia, India and Bangladesh, observed Eid al-Adha on Monday, while Muslims in other parts of the globe, including Saudi Arabia, Libya, Egypt, and Yemen celebrated the holiday on Sunday.

On Monday, worshippers shoulder-to-shoulder joined in communal prayers in Indonesia’s capital, Jakarta. Preachers in their sermons called on people to pray for Muslims in Gaza and Rafah.

“Our prayers and thoughts are with our brother and sisters who are now suffering in Palestine,” worshipper Adi Prasetya said after praying at a field in southern Jakarta. “There are many opportunities for us now to channel our help through charities."

“May Allah give strength to those ravaged by war... may those who are divided can live in peace again,” said another devotee, Berlina Yustiza.

Although Indonesia has more Muslims than any other country in the world, its traditions to mark Eid al-Adha have been influenced by other religions.

Residents in Yogyakarta, an ancient center of Javanese culture and the seat of royal dynasties going back centuries, believe that if they manage to catch the crops arranged in the form of a cone-shaped pile called “gunungan” that is paraded from the royal palace to the Kauman Grand Mosque, it can bring them good luck. They scrambled to grab various food offerings, made of fruit, vegetables and traditional snacks.

A day before the sacrifice festival, people in East Java’s Pasuruan city expressed their gratitude and respect for the sacrificial animals by dressing them as beautiful as a bride. The sacrificial cow is wrapped in a seven-fold garland, a shroud, turban and prayer mat and paraded in a tradition called “manten sapi,” or bride cow, before being handed to the sacrificial committee.

Villagers in Demak, a town in Central Java province, celebrated the holiday with a procession of livestock called “apitan” as a form of gratitude for the food and harvest. They bring food in bamboo containers to the town’s square where they eat together after praying. Locals believe the procession will provide prosperity and that disaster would come if it was abandoned.

Eid al-Adha commemorates the Quranic tale of Ibrahim’s willingness to sacrifice Ismail as an act of obedience to God. Before he could carry out the sacrifice, God provided a ram as an offering. In the Christian and Jewish telling, Abraham is ordered to kill another son, Isaac.

In Malaysia, Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim joined thousands of congregants, including foreign tourists, and offered morning prayers at a mosque near his office in Putrajaya, south of the capital Kuala Lumpur.

Meanwhile at a wholesale market in Selayang, just outside the capital, Muslim workers there knelt on mats placed on a large piece of white cloth laid outside the market to perform their prayers.

In his message, Anwar said the opportunity to go on the hajj pilgrimage to Mecca is one of God’s great gifts and should make one more ascetic and simpler.

“I invite Muslims to live the message of simplicity that is preached in Hajj, to always be humble and not be mesmerized by the attraction of temporary worldly riches,” Anwar said, “Let’s not deviate from this goal. The world should be a bridge to the eternal land.”

Muslims in India, where they comprise 14% of the population, celebrated Eid al-Adha on Monday across the country.

In New Delhi, thousands offered prayers at the historic Jama Masjid, a 17th century mosque. Families assembled early in the morning and many people shared hugs and wishes after the prayers. Numerous merchants with goats gathered on the streets leading to the mosque where people bargained with them for the best price.

Devotees across Bangladesh, a Muslim-majority nation of over 170 million people, on Monday marked the festival in open fields and mosques where many prayed for a better world free from war.

More than 400,000 devotees, the country’s largest congregation, offered their prayers at a field in Kishoreganj district in the morning.

In the capital, Dhaka, a prominent imam led a gathering on the Supreme Court grounds where 35,000 men and women participated.

Millions of cattle were slaughtered across the country to celebrate the day.

Associated Press writers Eileen Ng in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, Rishi Lekhi in New Delhi and Julhas Alam in Dhaka, Bangladesh, contributed to this report.

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2024 Hajj claims at least 19 lives due to intense heat as temperature soars in Saudi Arabia

A t least 19 Jordanians and Iranians died from heat during the Hajj pilgrimage in Saudi Arabia, AFP reported. Jordan's foreign ministry said the pilgrims had died from intense heat while 17 others were missing.

Iranian Red Crescent chief Pirhossein Koolivand confirmed that five Iranian pilgrims had died in Mecca and Medina during this year's hajj. Koolivand, however, did not specify the cause of death. Saudi Arabia, meanwhile, hasn't given any information on deaths, AFP added.

The update comes after CNN reported on June 16 that six people had died from heatstroke during the Haj pilgrimage to Mecca. The Jordanian foreign ministry said that they were working with Saudi officials on burial procedures and possibly returning the bodies to the country.

Temperatures exceeded 46 degrees Celsius this week, making outdoor rituals difficult, especially for the elderly, as many Hajj rituals are done outdoors and on foot.

"The expected climate for Hajj this year will witness an increase in average temperatures of 1.5 to 2 degrees above normal in Mecca and Medina," Ayman Ghulam, the head of Saudi national meteorology centre, said at a press conference.

The forecast estimated "relative humidity 25%, rain rates close to zero, average maximum temperature 44 degrees", according to him.

Last year, at least 240 people, many from Indonesia, died during the hajj, though the causes were not specified. Over 10,000 heat-related illnesses were recorded, with 10% being heat strokes, a Saudi official told AFP.

1.8 million Hajj pilgrims

Hajj is one of the world's largest gatherings, with over 1.8 million pilgrims this year, according to Saudi officials. Despite a history of deadly incidents like stampedes and fires, the main challenge most years is the intense heat.

Many Muslim pilgrims have arrived in Mecca, Saudi Arabia, for the annual Hajj pilgrimage starting on June 14. Every year, pilgrims visit the city to follow the path of the Prophet Muhammad on their spiritual journey.

(With AFP inputs)