25 Glorious Temples in India to Visit At Least Once

India, a country of rich culture, tradition, legends, and beliefs, is the most prominent religious hub in the world. India is a land of holiness, filled with stories of legends, religious history, spiritual practices, and different religions. There is no question that you will find ample temples in India that are worth visiting. These beautiful religious temples are everywhere in India, from mountains to plain lands to remote jungles.

If you are planning a temple tour in India and have no idea about the religious places, you are at the right place. In this post, you will find a list of temples you must visit.

Top 25 Temples in India

India has countless temples with religious values, stories, beliefs, and sentiments. These temples are not just religious places but also are architecturally rich. We have consolidated all the temples and made a list to help you go on a temple tour in India:

1. Somnath Temple

Somnath Temple is one of the famous temples in India. The ancient architecture of Somnath Temple is unbelievably beautiful. Situated in the Saurashtra of Gujarat, Somnath Temple is one of the 12 Jyotirlingas in India. There are various stories around the temple. One such is that Lord Shiva has built this temple. Somnath Temple has its mention in the many ancient books like Shiva Puran, Skanda Purana, and Shreemad Bhagvat Gita. To know more about the stories of Somnath Temple, you must visit this temple in Gujarat.

2. Kedarnath Temple

Kedarnath Temple is one of the most-visited temples in India. Settled in the Himalayan range of Uttarakhand, Kedarnath Temple is believed to have been built by Pandavas. It is one of the most sacred shrines in India. Kedarnath Temple is one of the four Char Dham sights in India. To reach this temple in the Himalayas, pilgrims have to trek a distance of 20 km on the hilly terrain. The Kedarnath Temple sits beautifully among the snow-clad mountains, looking no less than heaven. People visit Kedarnath not only to pay reverence to God but also to admire the majestic nature around the temple.

3. Badrinath Temple

Badrinath Temple is the most sought-after temple in India. Nestled in the Chamoli district near the Alaknanda River, Badrinath Temple is one of the four Chota Dhams in Uttarakhand. This temple is dedicated to Lord Vishnu. Badrinath Temple doesn’t remain open throughout the year. It only opens between April and November. Pilgrims from every corner of the world visit Badrinath Temple to pay their reverence to the Lord Vishnu.

4. Ramanathaswamy Temple

Ramanathswamy Temple is one of India's best shrines for a temple tour. It is a sacred place for the people of the Hindu religion. It is believed to be the first place Lord Ram came with his wife Sita after defeating Ravana. Situated on an Island in Tamil Nadu, Rameshwaram Temple is one of the Char Dham shrines in India. Besides the location of this Temple, the architecture of Rameshwaram Temple is spectacular. People from every part of the world visit this temple to seek the blessings of Lord Rama.

5. Ayodhya Ram Temple

Ayodhya Ram Temple is a new addition to temple tourism in India. It is one of the renowned shrines in India, located in Ayodhya, Uttar Pradesh. The temple, as the name suggests, is devoted to Lord Ram. Spread over 70 acres, Ayodhya Ram Temple welcomes millions of devotees at a time. Ayodhya is known as the Ram Janmabhoomi (Lord Ram’s birthplace), and it is depicted in Ram Temple. This sacred temple is considered to be a prominent pilgrimage site for Hindus. If you are in Ayodhya, don’t forget to visit Ram Temple.

6. Kashi Vishwanath Temple

Kashi Vishwanath Temple is one of the most blissful temples in India. It is one of the sought-after temples that is one of the Jyotirlingas in India. The temple stands at the western bank of the River Ganges in all its glory in Varanasi. Every year, people in a large number visit this heavenly abode. Kashi vishwanath’s tower shimmers with 800 kg gold and boasts magnificent architecture. Besides the main Kashi vishwanath temple, small temples like Virupaksh Gauri, Vishnu, Kaalbhairav, and Avimukteshwara are also there. You can also visit them.

7. Triputi Balaji Temple

Tirupati Balaji, also known as Sri Venkateswara Temple, is one of the majestic shrines in India. Located in Tirupati, Andhra Pradesh, Tirupati Balaji is a must-visit place for a temple tour in India. Tirupati Balaji is devoted to Lord Vishnu. It is 2000 years old. The temple is famous for many festivals like Brahmotsavams, Kalyanotsavam, Dolotsavam, Vasanthotsavam, Pushpapallaki, etc.

8. Shri Jagannath Temple

Shri Jagannath Temple is another majestic temple in India that was built in the 12th century. Located in Puri, Orissa, Shri Jagannath Temple is popularly known as Jagannath Puri. Dedicated to Lord Krishna, this temple is one of the famous Char Dhams in India. Every year, a Rath Yatra festival takes place to commemorate Lord Jagannath and his siblings. It is one of the renowned festivals that people from every corner of the world visit puri during this time.

9. Dwarkadhish Temple

Dwarkadhish Temple is one of the most revered temples in India. Positioned in the Dwarka City of Gujarat, Dwarkadhish is the holy abode of Lord Krishna. Dwarkadhish is also known as the Jagat Mandir. The temple has two doors. One door is the entry door, which is known as the Swarg Dwar. The second is the exit door, which is known as Moksha Dwar. Settled on the banks of River Gomti, the temple reaches a height of 51.8 meters, where 56 steps need to be taken to reach the entry door (Swarg Dwar).

10. Vaishno Devi Temple

Vaishno Devi Temple is one of the well-known temples in India. It is the most holy site for Hindu pilgrims and devotees. Positioned beautifully on the Trikuta Mountain in Jammu Kashmir, Vaishno Devi Temple is the most-visited sight in India. Pilgrims trek the mountainous trail to reach the temple. The whole trek to the Vaishno Devi Temple is so serene. Thousands of people from all over India visit this temple and pay their reverence to the Goddess. Besides seeking blessings, the pilgrims also enjoy marvelous views of the surrounding hills.

11. Siddhivinayak Temple

Siddhivinayak Temple is one of the most beautiful temples in India. It is one of the eight Ganesha Temples in Maharashtra. This temple is dedicated to Lord Ganesha. In Hindu culture, Lord Ganesha is always worshiped before commencing something new in life. Lord Ganesha is known as Vighnaharta (terminator of obstacles). Siddhivinayak Temple is the most stunning temple as well as the richest temple in India. Devotees can visit the temple anytime throughout the year. It is open on all days.

12. Gangotri Temple

Gangotri Temple is one of the four Chota Char Dhams in India. Settled amidst the Himalayan range of Uttarkashi in Uttarakhand, Gangotri Temple is one of the must-visit temples in India. As per the legends, King Bhagirath pleased Mother Ganga with his difficult penance for thousands of years. He asked Mother Ganga to come to earth from heaven and release his ancestors from a curse. But Mother Ganga asked him to pray to Lord Shiva to help her to go down to the earth as otherwise the planet would not survive. After his relentless prayers, Lord Shiva fulfilled his wish and locked the Mother Ganga in his hair. Gangotri Temple represents the origin of the holy river Ganga from the hairlocks of Lord Shiva.

13. Shri Bankey Bihari Temple

Shri Bankey Bihari Temple is another Lord Krishna temple in India. Settled in the holy city of Vrindavan, Shri Bankey Bihari is one of the most sacred temples in India. The name of this temple is taken from Lord Krishna’s other name, Bankey Bihari, which means the supreme enjoyer. Legends believe that Lord Krishna knows how to find peace in every aspect of life.

14. Mahakaleshwar Temple

Mahakaleshwar is one of the pious temples in India that is settled on the scenic banks of the sacred Kshipra River. Dedicated to Lord Shiva, the Mahakaleshwar temple is often adorably known as “Ujjain Ke Mahakal”. With a long and profound history, Mahakaleshwar is a testament to India’s culture and spiritual heritage. Legends say that Lord Shiva chose to live in the form of “Mahakaleshwar Jyotirlinga” at Ujjain. To explore all these stories and the magnificent beauty of this temple, you must visit Mahakaleshwar Temple at least once.

15. Amarnath Temple

Amarnath Temple is located in the Amarnath Cave in the Union Territory of Jammu & Kashmir. Surrounded by snow-capped mountains, Amarnath Temple is one of the most breathtaking temples in India to visit. The Amarnath Temple doesn’t remain open throughout the year. It opens during the summer months of June and August. Pilgrims visit this 5000-year-old Amarnath Cave during the summer months. Devotees complete a 5-day trek to reach the Amarnath Cave.

16. Meenakshi Temple

Meenakshi Temple is a heavenly temple located in Madurai, Tamil Nadu. This beautiful temple is dedicated to Goddess Parvati and her husband Lord Shiva. There is a Golden lotus tank in the temple where it is believed that taking a dip is auspicious. It is usually taken before entering the shrine. If you are in Madurai, Meenakshi Temple should be on your list of temples in India to visit.

17. Lingaraja Temple

Lingaraja Temple is one of the oldest temples in India and is located in Odisha. This temple is devoted to both Shiva and Vishnu. There is a famous lake called Bindu Sagar that has healing properties. Pilgrims visit this lake behind the temple. The temple boasts the Kalinga style architecture with the reflections of Odisha’s ancient times. Thousands of devotees visit the temple throughout the year. However, this number increases during Mahashivratri and Ashokastami.

18. Shirdi Sai Baba Temple

Shirdi Sai Baba is one of the popular temples in India, situated in the small town of Shirdi, Maharashtra. Devotees from every part of India come to offer prayers to Sai Baba. The temple is dedicated to the spiritual leader, Sai Baba. Legend says that the plants around the temple are grown by Sai Baba. There is a neem tree inside the temple that has sweet-tasting leaves. Temple has portraits of him, utensils, and other artifacts.

19. Kamakhya Temple

Kamakhya Temple is one of the most celebrated temples in India. Positioned in the Nilachal Hill in the western part of Guwahati, Assam, Kamakhya Temple is one of the four Shakti-Peethas of Goddess Sati. This temple is famous across the world as a place that celebrates womanhood. Legend says that the river near the temple turns red every year in June. According to mythology, it is the place where a part of Shakti fell.

20. Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple

Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple is a famous temple in India. This temple is a masterpiece of architecture that has a hall with over 1000 pillars, medieval inscriptions, tall temple towers, alluring courtyards, and nine pools. The temple has 50 shrines and 21 towers. Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple is devoted to Ranganatha, Lord Vishnu’s form. The temple was first built in the 6th century and has been rebuilt several times in the past. Pilgrims can explore different architectural beauties such as Rangacilasamandapam, Garuda Mandapam, Kilimandapam, Sesharaya Hall, etc.

21. Sri Venkateswara Temple

Sri Venkateswara Temple is one of the auspicious places in India. It is one of the most revered temples in India, which is always filled with pilgrims. This holy temple is dedicated to Lord Vishnu. Every year, thousands of devotees visit the temple and join the unique festivals that take place in this temple. Despite being fully packed, the temple managed to welcome every devotee and do darshan.
 
22. Mallikarjuna Swamy Temple

Mallikarjuna Swamy Temple is one of the illustrious temples in India that lies on the southern bank of the Krishna River. Located in Srisailam, Andhra Pradesh, Mallikarjuna Swamy Temple stands as a testament to history, legends, and mythology. This temple is dedicated to the Lord Mallikarjuna, a form of Lord Shiva. As you visit this temple, you will delve into the shrine’s history, mythological roots, and legends. If you are in Southern India for any reason, don’t forget to visit this temple.

23. Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple

Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple is one of the richest temples in India. This temple welcomes huge amounts of pilgrims every year, having a wealth of treasures inside its vaults. Located in Thiruvananthapuram, this temple is one of the 108 Divya Desams. The temple is dedicated to the Lord Padmanabha, an avatar of Lord Vishnu. Padmanabhaswamy Temple has its mention in the Bhagavad Gita. It is a must-visit religious place to explore in India.

24. Brahma Temple

Brahma Temple is one of the most-visited temples in India. Settled in Pushkar, Brahma Temple is famous in India because there are only a few Brahma temples. The temple has two main deities, Brahma and Gayatri. Brahma Temple celebrates the Kartik Poornima festival. It is among the most sacred sites in India. If you are in northwestern India, don’t forget to visit Brahma Temple.

25. Virupaksha Temple

Virupaksha Temple is one of the religious sites in India that is situated in the village of Hampi. It falls among the list of must-see temples in India. The temple is devoted to Virupaksha, who is an avatar of Lord Shiva. A lot of festivals happen in this temple throughout the year. The fascinating architecture of this temple mesmerizes pilgrims. It is a must-see temple in India that everyone should visit at least once.

Unearth the Religious Sites of India with Dook!

To understand India’s history, spiritual path, and religion, you must visit the temples and learn about their stories. India is a land of many deities that you come to know about when you go on a temple tour in India. If you plan to visit India’s famous temples, you should check out Dook International’s tour packages. We have Temple tour packages that align with every traveler’s preferences. We ensure you have a spiritual time ahead on this trip and assist you throughout the tour. So, book your temple tour to India today with Dook!