5 Must-Visit Religious Sites in India for Your Next Trip

Imagine a country with a mix of culture, tradition and beliefs, It’s India- which has a powerful spiritual feeling. For centuries, people from another land traveled to this country to find peace and to connect with a higher power. Beyond the busy cities and quiet countryside of India there are many holy places which have their own history of faith and stories. Doing pilgrimage or just visiting these holy places is not just a normal trip, it’s a religious journey, a journey into the very heart of India, where you can see and feel the history with deep spiritual energy. If you’re planning your next trip and want an amazing and meaningful experience, here are five must-visit religious sites, in which we also cover the Great Kedarnath Temple and Mysterious Jagannath Temple which fails science theory, and that will surely touch your heart.

Kedarnath Temple, Uttarakhand: Lord Shiva's Home in the Himalayas

Situated in the high in stunning Garhwal Himalayas of Uttrakhand, the Kedarnath Temple stands as a Symbol of strong faith and the incredible power of nature. This holy temple is one of 12 Jyotrilinga, dedicated to Lord Shiva, which makes this temple extremely important to hindu religion. It is also a part of the sacred Char Dham Pilgrimage of Uttrakhand, which brings people from all over the country.

Going to Kedarnath is also an adventure, because the temple is situated at an altitude of 3583 meters and you will trek 16 Km to reach the temple which usually starts from Gaurikund. The trek to Kedarnath goes through the beautiful valleys and flowing mandakini river. You’ll experience the amazing views of the Himalayan peaks. Your journey can be tough but the beauty around you and the thought of reaching the holy temple makes every step feel important.

The temple is old, and the stone walls feel timeless. It’s said to have been built by the Pandavas from the epic Mahabharata and then re-established by Adi Shankaracharya. Watching the evening Aarti with people chanting and lamps lit is a very emotional experience. Nearby of the temple you can also visit Bhairavnath Temple and Shankaracharya Samadhi for some quiet time in the mountains.

What to do: Reach to Gaurikund and then start your trek from there, the trek takes 6 to 8 hours to reach the temple, after reaching the temple see evening Aarti and other nearby temples. Best time to visit: May to June and September to October. The temple is closed in winter due to snow and in monsoon due to rain. Before visiting Kedarnath prepare yourself, do exercise.

Varanasi (Kashi), Uttar Pradesh: India's Spiritual Heart

Varanasi is also known as the Kashi of Banaras, this destination is more than just a city: it’s a living part of India's long spiritual history. This city is believed to be one of the oldest cities in the world that has been located in old centuries to this time. This city has a special energetic aura that mixes the holy with everyday life. This city sits on the banks of the most revered Ganges river, and the hindu believe that dying here helps the soul to escape the cycle of birth and death, a way to moksha.

The ghats are the heart of Varanasi. Here life and death happen together. Watching the Ganga Aarti at Dashashwamedh Ghat is a must. It’s a fun evening with priests chanting, waving lamps and incense in the air. Taking a boat ride on the Ganges at sunrise gives you a different view as the morning sun shines on the old temples and people take a holy dip.

Walking through the streets of Varanasi is full of old temples. Kashi Vishwanath Temple is one of the most famous temples. Varanasi is a great place to visit for those who want to know more about life cycle.

What to do: See Ganga Aarti, sunrise boat ride and old temples and streets. Best time to visit: October to March.

Jagannath Temple, Puri, Odisha: A Symbol of Faith and Togetherness

On the east side of India, in the holy city of Puri, there is an ancient temple, which stand as a huge symbol of Hindu faith, the Jagannath Temple, dedicated to Lord Jagannath (A form of Lord Vishnu) and to his elder brother balbhadra or younger sister Subhadra. This temple is one of the four most important Char Dham pilgrimage sites of India. Its mysterious energy attracts millions of people every year.

The temple has its own unique old customs. The main deities made of neem wood are replaced every 12 to 19 years in Nabakalebara. But the most popular one is the annual Rath Yatra (Chariot Festival). During this time the deities are taken out in huge tall chariots and pulled by thousands of people. This festival shows the strength of faith and unity.

The kitchen is also amazing, said to be the biggest in the world. Food is cooked in traditional pots and offered to the gods before being given to thousands of people as Mahaprasad. You can see old traditions and feel the devotion.

What to do: Try to be there for the Rath Yatra (if you visit during the festival), taste the special food, and look at the temple's amazing design. Best time to visit: October to March, for good weather. It's best to avoid the rainy season and the hot summer.

Tirupati Balaji Temple, Andhra Pradesh: Where Faith and Grandeur Meet

Situated in the hills of Tirumala in Andhra Pradesh, the Sri Venkateswara Temple also known as the Tirupati Balaji Temple which is one of the most visited and richest religious places in the world and dedicated to Lord Venkateswara, a form of lord Vishnu, for which millions of people come every years for seeking bless from Lord Vekateswara

Faith at Tirupati is unbelievable. The lines to see the god can be very long but the devotion never ends. The temple is famous for its rituals and the tradition of shaving heads as an offering prayer. The temple’s wealth built over centuries from donations is a testament to the faith of its people.

Besides the Tirupati Temple you can also visit the other attractions or important places in the Tirumala hills, like the Padmavati Temple. The amazing hills around the temple gives you a more spiritual feeling of the area. Visiting Tirupati Balaji is a chance to see faith on a large scale

What to do: Try to get a glimpse of Lord Venkateswara, visit the Padmavathi Temple, and explore the nearby hills. Best time to visit: September to March, to avoid the very hot summer.

Badrinath Temple, Uttarakhand: The Holy Home of Lord Vishnu

In the Chamoli district of Uttarakhand there is located a most revered temple, the Badrinath Temple, highly respected hindu shrines dedicated to lord Vishnu. This temple is one of Char Dham pilgrimage of India, most important to followers. The location of this temple is amazing, this temple is located at an altitude of 3300 meters, with the tall Neelkanth Peak behind it and the holy Alaknanda River flowing nearby.

A visit to Badrinath is a final spiritual step for many people. The calm atmosphere, the beautiful nature, and the deep sense of devotion make it a truly moving experience. The temple is only open for six months in a year and closes the remaining 6 months (October last week to April Last week) due to heavy snowfall in winter.

What to do: Take a holy dip in the Tapt Kund, see the statue of Lord Vishnu, and visit the nearby Mana Village, the last village in India before the border with Tibet. Best time to visit: May to October, when the temple is open and the weather is good for travel.

Conclusion

India’s spiritual landscape is as diverse as its geography. From Lord Shiva’s abode in the Himalayas at Kedarnath to the ancient ghats of Varanasi, the grandeur of Jagannath Temple, the faith of Tirupati and the home of Lord Vishnu at Badrinath, these five are the must visit places to see the real India. Each place gives you a different experience, full of history, culture and faith. Whether you are looking for guidance or just want to explore, these holy places will change you and give you memories that will last a lifetime. So, plan your next trip, start your own journey and see the divine India.