10 Pilgrimage Destinations To Visit In India At least Once

India has always been the home of gods. India’s rich and diverse culture has always provoked thousands of people from all around the globe to pay a visit here and seek spiritual wisdom and devotion.

India has always been praised for its eternal beauty as most of the pilgrimage sites are blessed with unparalleled natural beauty that makes these spiritual sites even more awe-spiring. In this beautiful land of temples and pilgrimages, we have compiled the ten best pilgrimages to pay a visit at least once.

Best Pilgrimages Places to Visit

Shirdi Sai Baba Temple

The holy town of Shirdi in Maharashtra is a world heritage site famous for Sai Baba. He was a saint adored by followers of almost every religion. Baba had performed various miracles throughout his life for the betterment of his devotees. People of diverse cultures, religions, and countries pay a visit to Shirdi in the most overwhelming manner.

Rameshwaram

Rameshwaram is the same place where the former president and ‘Missile Man’ of India, Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam, was born. This temple town has a very close link with the Indian Mythologies. Rameshwaram is famous for the Ramanathaswamy Temple. Apart from this temple, you could get to see Kothandaramaswamy temple, Gandhamathana Parvatham, Adam’s bridge, rail route over the sea, Palk Strait, and many other attractive sites.

Banaras or Varanasi

Varanasi is also known as the ‘Hindu Capital’ of the country. This beautiful ancient city comprises numerous modern and ancient temples, including the world-renowned Kashi Vishwanath temple, Dhanvantri Temple, Sankat Mochan Hanuman temple, Durga Temple, New Vishwanath Temple, Tulsi Manas Temple, and many others. Apart from the temples, the city’s major attraction is the 88 ghats that lead to the holy river, Ganges. These ghats are the iconic figure for the famous Ganga Aarti that has its own prominence. Apart from the culture-rich temples, Varanasi also comprises 15 unique and ancient mosques.

Sarnath

You can find many Buddhist monuments and temples in Sarnath. After wisdom, Buddha made his way to Sarnath and gave his first sermon to the fellow saints. Sarnath is the place where the historic Lion headed on the Ashoka Pillar was found here. Also, it is the birthplace of the religious leader of Jainism. Sarnath is usually covered under the same itinerary as Varanasi due to their proximity. So, if you wish to visit Sarnath, you can get to see Varanasi as well.

Somnath and Dwarka

The Somnath Temple and Dwarkadeesh Temple are truly awe-spiring. Dwarka is also one of the Char Dham and also the home to Lord Krishna. On the other hand, Somnath Temple is one of the 12 holy Jyotirlingas of Lord Shiva with accreditation worldwide.

Vaishno Devi Temple, Katra

The shrine of Mata Vaishno Devi at Katra in Jammu is among the most important pilgrimages in India. The temple is situated at a height of 5300 feet and can be reached by an arduous climb. The temple is dedicated to the goddess Parvati and is among the Shakti Peethas. At the time of Navratri, the temple is decorated beautifully with fresh flowers and lights.

Bodhgaya, Bihar

Another religious site Bodhgaya is a pilgrimage associated with the Mahabodhi Temple Complex in Gaya, Bihar. It is believed that this is the place where Gautam Buddha obtained Enlightenment under a Bodhi tree, making it the most adored of all Buddhist sacred sites. Some of the famous sites to visit here are Bodhi Tree, Mahabodhi Stupa, Japanese Temple, 80-foot Buddha Statue, Royal Bhutanese Monastery, Thai Monastery, and the Archaeological Museum.

Char Dham Yatra

The Char Dham Yatra comprising Gangotri, Yamunotri, Kedarnath, and Badrinath is a famous pilgrimage among religious tourists. Gangotri and Yamunotri are located in the Uttarkashi region. Meanwhile, the Kashi Vishwanath Temple is on the banks of river Bhagirathi, Divya Shila, Yamunotri Temple, Gangotri Temple, submerged shiva lingam, Saptrishi Kund, Surya Kund, Bhagirath Shila, and Pandava Gufa are some of the religious attractions. The suggested tour package starts from both Haridwar and Delhi.

Puri, Odisha

Located in the state of Odisha, Puri, better known as Jagannath Puri, is famous for the sacred temple of Lord Jagannath (Lord Krishna). The temple is among the popular pilgrimage’s in the country and a destination for many Hindu traditions. This temple was build in the 12th century and is famous for its Rath Yatra. 

Mathura and Vrindavan, Uttar Pradesh

Mathura is the birthplace of Lord Krishna. It is located in the center of Braj, fondly known as the Braj Bhoomi or Shri Krishna Janam Bhoomi. On the other hand, Vrindavan is the place where Shri Krishna spent his childhood. It is almost 11 Km away from Mathura and one of the favorite destinations for Lord Krishna devotees.

Suggested: 8 Most Captivating Treks in India to Give You an Experience Of A Lifetime

Time to wrap up: 

India is a land full of cultural heritage. The ancient tradition of the country speaks volumes for their culture. The holy pilgrimage mentioned here are just some of the many India has to offer the world. Which one of these you wish to visit from the names mentioned here. Mention the name in the comment section below.