10 Best Religious Destinations in India
India has been considered as a land of diverse cultures and religions. People of different faiths undertake tours to numerous destinations to pay homage to their sacred deities. Besides North India, the central and southern regions of the country are also revered for their centuries-old temples, exquisite churches and mosques. These magnificent edifices and sites present the affluent religious bygone time and display the fascinating architectural brilliance of the country. They are
1. Ajmer is a bustling chaotic city, 13 km from the traveler haven of Pushkar. It surrounds the tranquil lake of Ana Sagar, and is itself ringed by the rugged Aravalli Hills. Ajmer is Rajasthan’s most important site in terms of Islamic history and heritage. It contains one of India’s most important Muslim pilgrimage centers, the shrine of Khwaja Muin-ud-din Chishti, who founded India’s prime Sufi order in India. As well as some superb examples of early Muslim architecture, Ajmer is also a significant center for the Jain religion, possessing an amazing golden Jain temple.
10 Best Religious Destinations in India
2. Amritsar is a city in state of Punjab North West of India, 28 kilometers from the border with Pakistan. At the center of its walled old town, the Golden Temple (Harmandir Sahib) is the holiest gurdwara of the Sikh religion. The other tourist places in Amritsar are Charles W. Bartlett, Amritsar (The Lake by the Golden Temple) 1920, Durgiana Temple, Gobindgarh Fort, Golden Temple, Harmandir Sahib, Jallianwala Bagh, Maharaja Ranjit Singh Museum, Mata Lal Devi Temple, and Wagah Border
3. Haridwar (Hardwar) is located on the foothills of Shivaliks of Himalayan Range. In ancient scriptures Haridwar was also known as Tapovan, Mayapuri, Gangadwar and Mokshadwar. It is one of the most sacred seven cities of India. Haridwar have enormous religious significance and a key pilgrimage town for the Hindus. During Kumbh Mela and Ardh Kumbh Mela at Haridwar, more than 10 millions devotees gathered at the site. Saints, priests, and yogis from all corners of India, gathered to participate in Kumbh. 10 Best Religious Destinations in India
4. Pushkar is a town bordering the Thar Desert, in the northeastern Indian state of Rajasthan. It’s set on Pushkar Lake, a sacred Hindu site with 52 ghats (stone staircases) where pilgrims bathe. The town has hundreds of temples, including 14th-century Jagatpita Brahma Mandir, dedicated to the god of creation, which has a distinctive red spire and walls inlaid with pilgrims’ silver coins.
5. Madurai is situated in Tamil Nadu, which is also rightly known as the ‘Temple Town’. Legends have it that drops of honey fell from the matted hair of Lord Shiva who had appeared in the dream of the then King of Madurai and that is how the city got its name. For centuries Madurai had been an important learning center and a Hindu pilgrimage site in India. Madurai is also known for Meenakshi Amman Temple, which is one of the most famous temples in India. Walk through the alleys of Madurai and soak yourself in the sheer power of divinity. 10 Best Religious Destinations in India
6. Mathura The birthplace of the Hindu God Krishna, Mathura in the state of Uttar Pradesh can rightly be called a blessed land. Today, the town is dotted with a large number of temples including the Krishna Janbhoomi Temple that is thronged by a large number of devotees all through the year. However, Janmashtami is one festival during which this small town becomes overcrowded yet full of colours.
7. Rishikesh The emerald Ganga, innumerable Hindu temples and the heavy settlement of yoga centers, in Rishikesh divinity has been redefined. Preserving the ancient Hindu practice called Yoga, Rishikesh opens a door to a different level of spirituality in India. At Rishikesh one can praise nature in its truest forms and take a chance to lose himself in it. Therefore this exceptional city makes for an incredible religious place to visit in India.
8. Thiruvananthapuram or Trivandrum is the capital of the southern Indian state of Kerala. It’s distinguished by its British colonial architecture and many art galleries. It’s also home to Kuthira Malika (or Puthen Malika) Palace, adorned with carved horses and displaying collections related to the Travancore royal family, whose regional capital was here from the 18th–20th centuries. 10 Best Religious Destinations in India
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9. Tirupati the earthly abode of Lord Venkateswara (incarnation of Vishnu), Tirumala Venkateswara Temple is situated on the last hill of the Seshachalam range in Tirupati, Andhra Pradesh. Like many temples in south India, this holy temple is known for its exquisite architecture. It is also amongst the most visited Hindu temples in India as it is said that the temple attracts 60,000 pilgrims each day. One must attend the Puja that is accompanied by many hymns and praises giving it a touch of unmatched divinity. The Laddoo Prasadam is yet another attraction of Tirumala Venkateswara Temple.
10. Varanasi or Benaras, (also known as Kashi) is one of the oldest living cities in the world. Varanasi`s Prominence in Hindu mythology is virtually unrevealed. Regarded as the spiritual capital of India, the city draws pilgrims who bathe in the River Ganges’ sacred waters and perform funeral rites. Along its winding streets are some 2,000 temples, including Kashi Vishwanath, the “Golden Temple,” dedicated to the Hindu god Shiva.
