The Best Pilgrimage destination in India

India could be a large country, with numerous cultures and ancient civilization. Find here the large numbers of religious groups residing in India and discover the oldest pilgrimage tradition journey within the whole world. The observe of pilgrimage Tours in India is therefore deeply embedded within the cultural psyche and therefore the range of journey sites is therefore massive that the complete landmass may very well be considered one grand and continuous sacred place. The first sources of in sequence on the matter of holy Places to come from the Rig Veda and the Atharva Veda.

Following the religious Vedic period the practice of pilgrimage seems to have become quite common, as is apparent from sections of the enormous epic, the Mahabharata (350 BC), which mentions more than 300 sacred sites spanning the sub-continent. By the instance of the Puranas, the number of holy sites had grown considerably, shimmering both the ongoing adaptation of aboriginal sacred places and the increased importance of pilgrimage as a customary religious practice.

Hindus decision the sacred places tirthas and therefore the action of happening a pilgrimage journey is called Tirtha Yatra. The word Tirtha Yatra means river side 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. Tirth Yatra is more than physical locations, though. Pious Hindus believe them to be spiritual fords, the gathering place of heaven and earth, the place where one crosses the never-ending cycle of birth, death and rebirth to arrive at the shore of liberation.

Ajmer Sharif

Ajmer Sharif Dargah, Ajmer Dargah, Ajmer Sharif or Dargah Sharif is a sufi shrine (Dargah) of sufi saint, Moinuddin Chishti located at Ajmer, Rajasthan, India. The Lake city of Ajmer is well known for the Dargah of Sufi saint Khwaja Moin-ud-din Chishti. The 'Dargah Sharif' in Ajmer is held in great esteem by devotees of all communities. There are the few cities of India can pride yourself on of Ajmer’s religious sanctity for Hindus and Muslims, its inglorious history and it natural beauty. It was in Ajmer that Khawaja Muinuddin Chishti laid the eternal foundation of Islam in India in 1192 A.D. by his spiritual powers and peaceful preaching’s.

Bodh Gaya

Bodhgaya it’s the historical place and Pilgrimage destination in India, The founder of Buddhism, Gautama Buddha, attained enlightenment under the sacred Bodhi tree at Bodhgaya. Bodhgaya is one of the four nearly everyone sacred pilgrimage places for the Buddhists.

The crucible of Buddhism, Bodhgaya was where Prince Siddhartha attained enlightenment beneath a bodhi tree and became Buddha 2600 years ago. In stipulations of holiness, this tiny holy place town is to Buddhists what Mecca is to Muslims. Of course, it attracts thousands of pilgrims from around the world every year, which come for prayer, study and meditation.

The a large amount hallowed spot in town is a bodhi tree which flourishes inside the Mahabodhi Temple complex, amid a good-looking garden setting, its roots surrounded in the same soil as its celebrated ancestor. Furthermore, many monasteries and temples dot the bucolic landscape, built in their national style by foreign Buddhist communities. The ambience is a mix of monastic tranquility and small-town commotion (a booming nonreligious tourism industry has brought along with it the usual invasion of tourist paraphernalia, souvenir stalls and English-speaking wannabe guides).

The greatest time to appointment is November to March while Tibetan pilgrims come down from McLeod Ganj in Dharamsala. The far above the ground season is from December to January, which is also when the Dalai Lama often visits.

Char Dham Yatra

Char Dham (sacred Hindu shrines of Badrinath, Kedarnath, Gangotri and Yamunotri) are located in the snow covered reaches of the supercilious Garhwal Himalayas, Uttaranchal.

After the snowstorm clear at the foot mountain hills Sites of the Himalayas in late April, Hindu pilgrims start flocking to the four ancient temples known as Char Dham. Situated high up in the Garhwal region of Uttarakhand, these temples mark the religious foundation of four holy rivers: the Yamuna (at Yamunotri), the Ganges (at Gangotri), the Mandakini (at Kedarnath), and the Alaknanda (at Badrinath). Hindus consider visiting the Char Dham to be very auspicious.

When Can the Char Dham be Visited?

The Char Dham are only open at certain times of the year from late April-November. May-June is the peak pilgrimage period. The monsoon season (July-September) can quite dangerous as the rain makes the route slippery.

How Can the Char Dham be reached?

A Char Dham yatra isn't easy. Pilgrims really need to earn the benefits bestowed, as only two of the temples (Badrinath and Gangotri) are accessible by vehicle. The remaining two (Yamunotri and Kedarnath) require treks. Kedarnath has the lengthiest trek. It takes around 10-12 days to visit all the temples. However, the Uttarakhand government has now introduced a Himalaya Darshan helicopter service that enables all temples to be covered in two days.

To help ensure the safety of pilgrims, a compulsory medical checkup has been introduced for those going to Kedarnath temple.

In addition, all pilgrims must complete biometric registration. This can be done online here. There will be regular weather updates provided along the route, as well as telecommunication network coverage, mobile medical facilities, and a control room.

Where are the Char Dham Located?

Badrinath and Gangotri -- are both directly reachable by road from Haridwar, Rishikesh, Kotdwar, and Dehradun, Yamunotri -- the trek starts from Janki Chatti, 225 kilometers from Rishikesh, Kedarnath -- the trek starts from Gaurikund, 207 kilometers from Rishikesh.

Are there any Tour Packages?

Although it's not difficult to make your own travel arrangements for a Char Dham yatra, there are plenty of Char Dham Tour available as well.

Government operated Garhwal Mandal Vikas Nigam organizes package tours by bus every year from May to November. There are plenty of options from seeing only one temple to all four temples. It's possible to include the Valley of Flowers and Hemkund Sahib too. Most tours depart from Rishikesh but some leave from Delhi, depending on the itinerary. The shortest tour is four nights. Tours are priced from around 10,000 rupees per person. Some have shared accommodations and bathroom.

If you'd prefer a more upmarket option, Leisure Hotels has set up luxury Chardham Camps at each of the sites. Depending on the time of year you stay, the price ranges from 4,000 rupees to 1,800 rupees a night, per person. Packages from Haridwar are available, visiting one or up to all four temples, starting from 3,600 rupees for two nights/one temple. Nine night/four temple packages start from 12,960 rupees. Transportation is extra.

Chardham India Pilgrimage Tours also offer a huge range of Char Dham packages in various classes of accommodations and helicopter tours.

Prefer to Go Your Own Way and Want More Information?

The temples are usually visited in clockwork direction, from west to east. This means you should see them in the following order: Yamunotri, Gangotri, Kedarnath, Badrinath. Haridwar or Rishikesh are the starting points for transportation.

Golden Temple

The Golden Temple or "Darbar Sahib" at Amritsar is the most sacred place for the Sikhs. The Golden temple symbolizes the magnificence of the Sikhs all over the planet.

The Golden Temple Amritsar India (Sri Harimandir Sahib Amritsar) is not only a central religious place of the Sikhs, but also a symbol of human brotherhood and equality. Everybody, irrespective of cast, creed or race can seek spiritual solace and religious fulfilment without any hindrance. It also represents the distinct identity, glory and heritage of the Sikhs. To pen-down the philosophy, ideology, the inner and outer beauty, as well as the historical legacy of Sri Harimandir Sahib is a momentous task. It is a matter of experience rather than a of description.

As advised by Sri Guru Amar Dass Ji (3rd Sikh Guru), Sri Guru Ram Dass Ji (4th Sikh Guru) started the digging of Amrit Sarovar (Holy Tank) of Sri Harmandir Sahib in 1577 A.D., which was later on brick-lined by Sri Guru Arjan Dev Ji (5th Sikh Guru) on December 15, 1588 and He also started the construction of Sri Harimandir Sahib. Sri Guru Granth Sahib (scripture of the Sikhs), after its compilation, was first installed at Sri Harimandir Sahib on August 16, 1604 A.D. A devout Sikh, Baba Budha Ji was appointed its first Head Priest.

The Golden Temple Amritsar India (Sri Harmandir Sahib Amritsar) has a unique Sikh architecture. Built at a level lower than the surrounding land level, The Gurudwara teaches the lesson of egalitarianism and humility. The four entrances of this holy shrine from all four directions signify that people belonging to every walk of life are equally welcome. View hotels in Amritsar

Haridwar

Haridwar is one of the for the most part important Hindu pilgrim places of India. Haridwar has very rich religious and cultural heritage. In the Hindu scriptures, Haridwar is recognized by the name of Mayapur.

Haridwar is one of the seven holy Hindu cities in India and is located in the state of Uttarakhand. It is a significant pilgrimage city and attracts lakhs of tourists and devotees every year. It is one of the three cities where Kumbha Mela is celebrated every three years. There are several temples and ashrams in Haridwar. It is well connected by road and rail while the nearest domestic airport is located 35 km away at Dehradun. It is at an approximate distance of 220 km from New Delhi.

Haridwar has over 220 hotels, resorts and guest houses which provide a variety of accommodation ranging from luxury hotel to budget properties. Aalia Hotels & Resorts has luxurious villas surrounded by untouched beauty. Radisson Blu Hotel, Haridwar is another fantastic property in the five star range that caters with exotic rooms and relaxing atmosphere. Ganga Lahari is another star property on the banks of the river Ganges and is an oasis of calm and tranquility. Haveli Hari Ganga, Haridwar offers luxury rooms and facilities at very good pricing and is one of the few four star hotels in the region. Country Inn & Suites By Carlson is another star property and is located at a slight distance from Haridwar town.

Jain Pilgrimage

India is the land where Jainism originated. Today, around 3.2 million Jain devotees live in India. Across the length and breadth of India lay the Jain temples and shrines and hold immense attraction

Top eleven amazing Jain temples of India

Jainism is an ancient religion in India who teaches worship and beliefs. There are many Jain temples located at the different parts of country some of the famous Jain temples of India are Nakoda Jain temple,Shri Mahavirji Jain Temple,Karandai Jain Temple and Calcutta Jain Temple.

Gomateshwara Temple

The Great Bahubali also called as Gomateshwara is situated at Shravanabelagola in the Hassan district of Karnataka. The 60 feet gigantic statue of Bahubali is situated in Vindyagiri Hill at Shravanabelagola. Lord Gomateshwara temple is one of the largest temple in the state.

Dilwara Jain Temples

The Dilwara Jain Temples is situated at the holy hill station of Rajasthan,Mount Abu. Dilwara Temples is one of the most beautiful pilgrimage site of the Jains in India and most famous in the world for its unique architecture. Jain Temples at Mount Abu is build by marble and coounted among one of the finest monuments of India.

Ranakpur Jain Temple

The Ranakpur Jain Temple is located in the Pali district of Rajasthan, between the two beautiful cities of Rajasthan, Jodhpur and Udaipur on the valley of the Aravalli ranges. The marble Jain temple of Ranakpur is famous as the most spectacular Jain temple in India and major pilgrimages of the Jains and counted as one of the most visited religious place across the country.

Digambar Jain Lal Mandir

The Sri Digambar Jain Lal Mandir is situated opposite to the great Red Fort near Chandni Chowk of Delhi. Lal Mandir is the oldest Jain temple of the city and dedicated to Lord Parshvanath. Delhi is known for its famous heritage sites and historical magnificent monuments, Naya Mandir is another known Jain temple in the city.

Sonagiri Jain Temples

Sonagiri is a place near to Datia district of Madhya Pradesh, famous for its several white Digambar Jain temples scattered around the hill and village. Sonagiri is one of the most popular Jain pilgrimage site and very sacred place among the followers of Jainism. There are around 84 white temples were built on a hill at Sonagiri like the other Jain sites.

Palitana Jain Temple

The Palitana Temples are situated in Palitana city at Bhavnagar district of Gujarat. Palitana Temples are dedicated to Svetambara Jains and considered as the holiest pilgrimage place among all other. There are 1000 of marble carved Jain temples scattered on the Shatrunjaya hills along with the main temple at top of the hill.

Shikharji-Temple

The Shikharji temples are located as the Parasnath Hill in Giridih district of Jharkhand state. Shikharji is the highest mountain hill in the state and the temples is one of the most sacred place for Jains. The Jain Temple of Shikharji is dedicated to Shri Digambar Jains.

Shantinath-Temple

The Shantinath Temple of Khajuraho is among the famous Jain temple of Digambar in Bundelkhand of Madhya Pradesh. Shantinath Jain Temple is dedicated to Lord Shantinath, one of seven Jain temples of 16th century within the Golden Fort. There are many Jain temples situated in Khajuraho Parshvanath temple and Adinath Temple is two of them.

Kulpakji Jain Temple

The Kulpakji Jain Temple is located at Nalgonda district, Andhra Pradesh Kulpakji jain shrine is an important Svetambara Jains pilgrimage center in South India and said to be one of the oldest too.

Dharmanath Jain Temple

The Dharmanath Jain Temple is situated at Mattancherry in the western part of Kochi city.Dharmanath Temple of Cochin is said to be hundred years old and one of

major holy shrines for the Jain community in Kerala. Wayanad is another place in Kerala where number of Jain temples are located.

Adinath Bawangaja

The bawangaja jain temple is famous Jain pilgrim center in the Barwani district of Madhya Pradesh, It is known for the world’s tallest statue,of the first Jain Tirthankara Adinatha. The 84 feet statue is one of the 12 tallest statues in India and the area is nested in the Satpura ranges.

Mansarovar

Mount Kailash is a sacred pilgrimage place of Asia and lies in the South-West of Tibetan autonomous region of China-Nagri, towering 6714 meters (22022 ft) above the Tibetan Plateau.

Manasarovar Lake

Lake Manasarovar situated about 2000 kms from Lhasa is world’s highest freshwater lake. Mount Kailash ParvatKnown as Lake Manas Sarovar in Sanskrit and Mapham Yutso in Tibetan this huge lake with the mirror like image of snow capped mountains in its crystal clear waters is just fabulous. The lake is located at the southern foot of Mount Kailash, stretching up to 55miles (88kms) in perimeter it goes 330 feet deep and about 120 sq mi of total area. Lake Manasarovar has exceptional beauty that varies from crystal clear blue water near the shores and a deep emerald green colour at the center. There are a few monasteries on the shore of the lake and most striking of all is the ancient Chiu Gompa Monastery, which has been built right onto a steep hill.

This holy lake is one of the important pilgrimages for Hindus and Buddhists. It attracts thousands of tourists and religious people towards itself every year from various parts of the world, but mainly from India, Tibet and its neighboring countries. The best to visit the lake is during springs as it is during this time the lake melts and allows people to bathe in its holy water. As believed by bathing and drinking this water one becomes fortunate and clears all his sins. Many travel agencies have annual pilgrimage group tours to this place and are often known as “Kailash Mansarovar Yatra”.

Buddhist Religion

As per the Hindu mythology it is believed, Lake Manasarovar was formed by Lord Brahma, who is the creator god. He found it to be an appropriate place for religious rituals. Hid 12 sons, who were also holy men performed rituals and austerities on the dry land at the site. And to give them a more appropriate place to earn value, Lord Brahma created a wonderful lake which today is known as - Lake Manasarovar, And as per Buddhist religion, theyrelate Manasarovar with Anotatta Lake. It is said that Lord Buddha was conceived at this very lake, as stated in the legends Lord

Buddha's mother was brought on the lake by the gods and as she bathed in the sacred waters of Manasarovar her body was purified. Later she saw a white elephant running to her from Mount Kailash and Lord Buddha entered her womb.

Mathura

Mathura is an important place of Hindu pilgrimage. Mathura is also known as the Brajbhoomi - the land where Lord Krishna was born and spent his youth. Mathura is located on the banks of River Yamuna.

Famed for being the birthplace of the much-loved Hindu god Krishna, Mathura is one of Hinduism’s seven sacred cities and attracts floods of pilgrims, particularly during Janmastami (Krishna’s birthday) in August/September; and Holi in February/March. The town is dotted with temples from various ages and the stretch of the sacred Yamuna River which flows past here is lined with 25 ghats, best seen at dawn, when many people take their holy dip, and just after sunset, when hundreds of candles are sent floating out onto the river during the evening aarti ceremony.

Mathura was once a Buddhist centre with 20 monasteries that housed 3000 monks but, after the rise of Hinduism, and later sackings by Afghan and Mughal rulers, today all that’s left of the oldest sights are the beautiful sculptures recovered from ruins, now on display in the Archaeological Museum.

Nashik

Nashik is famous as one of the important pilgrimage centers of India. According to mythology Rama, the king of Ayodhya, made Nashik his temporary residence during the 14 years of his exile.

One of the venues for the Kumbh Mela, Nashik, on the banks of the Godavari river in Maharashtra, is believed to be one of the places where Ram spent time during his exile and is a pilgrimage site for Hindus. Maintaining a fine balance between old and new architecture, the third largest city in Maharashtra has an interesting mix of modern and ancient structures.

Surrounded by nine hills, Durga, Pandav, Chitraghanta, Mhasarul, Dinger Ali, Konkani, Jogwada, Ganesh and Pathanpura, Nashik, at an elevation of 1900 ft, enjoys pleasant weather for several months of the year. The presence of the Samangaon Lake and the Chandshi lake only add to the beauty of the city.

About nine km from Trimbakeshwar, home to one of the 12 Jyotirlingas in India, Nashik also finds mention in the Ramayana. It is believed that the name Nashik comes from the episode of the Ramayana where Lakshmana hacked off the nasika (nose) of Ravana’s sister.

Apart from its religious importance, Nashik has numerous vineyards that dot the countryside and is known as the wine capital of India. Some of the vineyards allow tours and provide courses on grape cultivation and identification of different wines and how to savor them.

Prayag

Prayag, where river Ganga and Yamuna meet, is one of the ancient pilgrimage centers of India. Prayag is situated in Allahabad. Prayag is venerated in the hymns of the Rig Veda.

The five important confluences deoprayag, Nandprayag, Rudraprayag, karnaprayag and Vishnuprayag form the Panch rayag.

DEOPRAYAG: The confluence of Alaknanda and Bhagirathi rivers. Ancient stone scriptures are found here. Important pilgrim spots are shiv Temple and Raghunath temple.

RUDRAPRAYAG: The confluence of Alaknanda and Mandakini rivers. The temples of Rudranath and Chamunda Devi are note worthy.

KARNAPRAYAG: The conluence of Alaknanda and Pindar rivers with temples of Uma and Karna.

NANDPRAYAG: The confluence of Alaknanda and nandakini rivers. The gopalji Temple is worth a visit.

VISHNUPRAYAG : The confluence of Alaknanad and Dhauliganga rivers. An ancient temple of Lord Vishnu stands here by a pool called vishnu Kund.

Puri

Puri is one of the most sacred pilgrim centers of India. A large number of travellers visit this holy pilgrim center from all over the country. It is also known as Jagannath Puri. This beautiful place is a large reservoir of art and style of India, particularly in Orissa and travellers here can witness the real beauty of India. The three main cities of Orissa include Konark, Bhubaneshwar and Puri and together these constitute the golden triangle of Orissa. These three places have majestic history and heritage which attract maximum number of visitors from all over the country.

Puri travel guide provides some essential and basic information which makes this beautiful tourist destination more interesting and it make easy for travelers to visit the city in its best time period. It is the only shrine in India, where Radha, a mortal is present along with the Goddesses Lakshmi, Durga, Sati and Parvati are represented along with Krishna who is known as Jagannath. 5 Jyotirlinga in Maharashtra, Pune Mahabaleshwar Shirdi Package

This beautiful tourist destination is emerged out as an industrial area that has major industries such as rice milling, handicrafts and fish curing. Puri is blessed with one of the best beaches for swimming and is therefore also a popular beach resort, especially as it is positioned in such a way that both the sunset and the sunrise can be viewed from one place which is the major attraction of Puri tourism.

Puri is one of the ancient pilgrimage centers of India. Puri is located on the Orissa coast, 60 km from Bhubaneswar. Puri is among the four sacred "Dhams" (Puri, Dwarka, Rameswaram and Badrinath) of the Hindus.

Konark Temple: The site for the ravishing Konarak temple was built by King Narasimha of the Eastern Ganga dynasty in the thirteenth century and is known today for its exquisite architecture. The temple is located on the shores of Bay of Bengal and signifies the glory of the Sun God. The entire temple is in the form of a chariot for the Sun God with twelve giant wheels depicting the twelve months of a calendar and driven by seven horses resembling the seven days of a week. It has three significant sections known as the Sanctrum with images of the sun god, natya mandir or the area where the devadasis used to perform their dances and Jagamohana. Mayadevi Temple and Vaishnava temple has also been discovered near the main temple. A world heritage site, it unfolds many mysteries about the architectural excellence of those days.

Rameshwaram

Rameshwaram is situated at the tip of the Indian peninsula. In the Hindu mythology Rameshwaram is considered a sacred place for the Hindus. Legends have it that Lord Rama built a bridge across the sea, This is the city, which derives its name from the fact that Lord Rama created a linga here to offer his prayers. The magnificent temple housing the linga looms before you, as you take the customary dip in the Agniteertham. Step around the massive Nandi Bull, whose size seems to be just perfect considering the dimensions of the temple. And of course, you mustn't miss out on the ritual bath at the 22 temple tanks within the complex. Rameshwaram is also said to be the link to Sri Lanka, and the boulders in the sea to Sri Lanka were believed to have been used by hanuman to cross over. The sea is clear and calm and village-like set-ups define the coast. You can visit Rameshwaram in a day, but once here, you must visit the sacred Dhanishkodi and the holy Kothandaramaswamy Temple there. That is possibly the only chance to discover what feats devotion attains.

Ujjain

Ujjain is one of the oldest cities of India. It is located in the Malwa region of Madhya Pradesh state. In ancient times Ujjain was known by the names of Ujjayini and Avanti. It is situated on the eastern bank of River Shipra.

Regarded as one of the seven sacred cities for Hindus, Ujjain is an ancient city located on the banks of Shipra river in Madhya Pradesh. The city is one of the venues for Kumbh Mela. The temple town is also called Ujjayini or Avanti and finds mention in the Hindu epic Mahabharat, as the capital city of Avanti Kingdom. It is believed that two parts of the Skanda Purana were composed in the city.

The origin of Ujjain is connected to Sagar Manthan (churning of the ocean of milk) episode in Hindu mythology. Gods and the demons churned the ocean to collect amrit (or nectar) which would grant immortality. When the gods tried to flee with it, four drops of it fell at four different places; Ujjain, Allahabad, Haridwar and Nashik.

The Mahakaleshwar Temple, one of the 12 jyotirlinga of Lord Shiva is in Ujjain. Lord Krishna received education along with Balarama and Sudama from Maharishi Sandipani here. The town is a mix of the old and the new. The city’s heritage co-exists with the modern buildings.

BEST PLACES TO STAY IN UJJAIN

The budget hotels are clustered near Nanakheda bus stand which are close to the railway station as well.

Mid-range hotels can be found all over the city. Free Ganj area has a good number of mid-range hotels.

BEST PLACES TO EAT IN UJJAIN

Ujjain is a treat for vegetarians. Restaurants serving Kashmiri, Punjabi, North Indian food can be found aplenty. A few restaurants along the University Road serve staple non-vegetarian fare.

BEST TIME TO VISIT UJJAIN

The average minimum and maximum temperature of Ujjain is as given below. The best time to visit Ujjain is also specified.

Varanasi

Varanasi is the oldest and the most sacred place for the Hindus. Varanasi, also known as the holy city, combines in itself the cultural essence and mysticism of India. Varanasi stands on the banks of river Ganga. Click Here to view Varanasi Hotels

Varanasi is known as the City of Lord Shiva because it is considered as the city was created by the Hindu diety Lord Shiva before thousands of years. Varanasi city has become one of the most crowded destinations for pilgrims in India. There is a general belief that the Varanasi city stands on the “Trishool” (Trident) of Lord Shiva.

Ghats: Varanasi city has a lot of ghats with their religious values as it is located at the bank of the river Gange. Ghats are the most peaceful and eye-catching place to visit. People generally enjoy visiting the ghats by sitting in a boat and see ghats one by one. Ghats are the important places of ritual beliefs where people carry out ritual ablutions. Around 84 ghats at the bank of the river Ganga are welcoming the city and increase its value of attraction. Some of the most important ghats of religious importance are Assi Ghat, Dashashwamedh Ghat, Manikarnika Ghat, Tulsi Ghat, Panchganga Ghat, Harishchandra Ghat, etc.

Sarnath: It is the great place where Lord Buddha had given his first sermon to his followers after getting the enlightenment. An attractive museum, Deer Park, Stupas at the Sarnath increases its beauty.

Ram Nagar Fort: It is located at the other bank of the River Gange which can be easily reachable by crossing the pool. This is the huge fort of the King of Kashi known as the Kashi Naresh.

Temples:

Kashi Vishwanath Temple: It is the temple of the Lord Shiva Lingam which is made up of the gold and looks very dazzling. It can be visited in any season but the monsoon season has religious importance. Maha Shivaratri is celebrated here with lots of courage and joy.

Sankat Mochan Temple: This is the temple of the Lord Hanuman which is crowded by the hundreds of monkeys. People read Hanuman Chalisa daily in front of the statue of the Lord Hanuman.

Tulsi Manas Temple: It is the gorgeous temple of Lord Ram, Lakshman and Mata Sita, located at Durga Kund near to the Durga temple.

Kaal Bhairav Temple: It is the temple of a frightful appearance of the Lord Shiva. It can be visited in any season of the year.

Nepali Hindu Temple: This golden temple is built in the Nepali style at the Lalita Ghat, that’s why it is called as the Nepali Hindu Temple.

Markandey Mahadev Temple: This is the temple of Lord Shiva, located at kaithi. It is considered that Lord Shiva had appeared at this place to bless a couple named Mrikandu and Marudvati.

Mrityunjay Mahadev Temple: This temple is also committed to the Lord of death means Lord Shiva. A religious well with disease curing property is located here.

Vyasa Temple: It is the temple of Veda Vyasa, situated at Ramnagar Varanasi.

Vishalakshi Temple: It is the temple of Hindu Goddess Mata Parvati, also known as Vishalakshi Maa, placed at Meer Ghat.

Tilbhandeshwar Temple: It is the temple of Lord Shiva near to the Bengal Tola Inter College.

Durga Temple: This temple is famous for the Hindu Goddess Durga, located at the Durga Kund. It has the religious importance of visiting this temple in the Navratri to worship the goddess Durga.

Annapurna Temple: This temple is dedicated to the Mata Annapurna, located near to the Kashi Vishwanath temple.

Sankatha Temple: It is the temple of Sankatha Mata (known as the goddess of remedy) having large statue of a lion and nine planets, situated at the Sindhia Ghat.

Bharat Mata Temple: This temple has a big map of India engraved in marble and known as the Bharat Mata Temple.

New Vishwanath Temple: It is a grand marble temple located in the BHU campus. It is also the temple of Shiva Linga which is hugely crowded by the people whole year.

Gauri Matha Temple: This is the temple of the Gauri Matha. People believe that the one must worship here before leaving the Kashi.

Ganga Aarti: Ganga aarti is a great event to see in Varanasi at the Ganga ghat at each evening performed by the priests in the most stunning way. It is considered as the incomplete tour to Varanasi without seeing the Gange Aarti.

Badrinath

Badrinath Temple is located in the state of Uttranchal in India. Nestled between the Twin Mountains of "Nar" and "Narayan", the holy Badrinath pilgrimage is visited by scores of devotees every year. One of the revered Char Dham, Badrinath is amongst the holiest destinations for the Hindus. Nestled beautifully in between Nar and Narayan hill ranges of the Garhwal Hills, Badrinath is located on the banks of river Alaknanda in the Chamoli district of the state of Uttarakhand. The name ‘Badrinath’ has been derived from Badri, which represents the area where berries grow in abundance.

Badrinath travel guide is full of references to the spiritual gateways, mesmerizing scenery and rich heritage. It is counted amongst one of the most important pilgrimage places in Indian sub continent. The two rivers: Rishi Ganga and Alaknanda make Badrinath look Grandiose and Majestic. Apart from the natural beauty, Badrinath offers an outstanding opportunity to those who love to indulge in adventure sports and recreational activities. Its picturesque beauty and startling activities draw a lot of tourists round the year.

As per the Legend, Badrinath was the province of Lord Shiva but Lord Vishnu moved Lord Shiva from this place to Kedarnath. Other story goes as: when Goddess Ganga was asked to descend to earth, she split into twelve channels and one among them is Alaknanda which condescended here at Badrinath. Badrinath is 301 Kms to the north of Rishikesh and 233 Kms from Gauri Kund near Kedarnath and is considered as one of the Panch Badris.

Belur Math

Belur was the ancient capital city of the Hoysala Empire. Belur math is a major tourist destination in Karnataka. The exact location of Belur Math is in the Hassan district of Karnataka.

Dwarka

The holy Dwarka temple is located in the state of Gujarat located on the West of India. It is an important pilgrimage for all Hindus and is considered to be the ancient kingdom of Lord Krishna.

Guruvayoor Temple

The Guruvayoor Temple is one of the most visited temples in South India. Located in Thrissur (Trichur) district of Kerala in India, this temple is dedicated to Lord Krishna, an incarnation of Lord Vishnu of the Hindu trinity.

Patna Sahib

The capital city of Patna is regarded as very sacred by the Sikhs in India. The tenth Guru of the Sikhs, Guru Gobind Singh was born here. The Patna Sahib Gurudwara is considered to be one of the holiest of the five

Pushkar

Located in the state of Rajasthan in India, Pushkar pilgrimage site is one of the holiest in India. This small town has around 500 temples and is considered to be very sacred by the Hindus.

Puttaparthi

Puttaparthi is a small dusty village located in Anantapur district in the state of Andhra Pradesh in India. It has now attained international as well as national fame because of the glory of Bhagvan Shri Sathya Sai Baba.

Rajgir

Rajgir was the ancient capital city of the kings of Magadha. The name Rajgir literally means "House of the King". Rajgir pilgrimage is a very important Buddhist site since Lord Buddha spent 12 years over here

Ranakpur Temple

Ranakpur is a small village in the state of Rajasthan in India. An otherwise ordinary village to look at, the place is famous for its Ranakpur Temple, which has some splendid carvings and architecture. The Chaturmukha Jain Temple of Ranakpur In the heart of the remote and enchanting valley of the Arvallis, skirting the rivulet Maghai and enveloped in the solitude of the surrounding forest, stands, in solemn grandeur, the Chaturmukha Jain Temple of Rishabhadeva. Placed on a lofty plinth, the three-storeyed marble edifice, to which the genius of the artist has imparted exquisite artistic grace, and which his deep devotion has endowed with serene spiritual dignity is, verily, a poem in stone. Majestic yet in complete harmony with Mother Nature, in whose beautiful lap it rests, this magnificent monument of devotional architecture seems bathed in celestial bliss. The very hills around, dwarfed by its imposing bearing, appear absorbed in mute meditation, as if spell-bound. The concord achieved between the bounteous generosity of Nature and man's creative expression of gratitude, stands uniquely symbolized in this Divine Creation, to behold this holy shrine in its spectacularly sublime settings to experience instant uplifting of the soul.

Rajasthan is famous for its rich and prolific art treasures. Some of its architectural monuments are considered among the best in the world. The Ranakpur Jain Temple excels them all as an exquisite work of art and architecture. There are a number of beautiful and delicately carved sculptures in this shrine which defy comparison. The temple is an eloquent testimony to India's cultural heritage, her unique architecture and the vision and acumen of her past master artists.

This temple is the realization of the vision and endeavors of four great and devout seekers they were Acharya Somasundatsuri Dharanashah, the Minister to Kumbha Rana, Rana Kumbha himself, and above all, Depa or Depaa, the architect who made the realisation of the dream possible.

Shirdi

There is nothing dandy or gaudy about Shirdi Sai Temple. The small temple is located in a sleepy little town called Shirdi in the state of Maharashtra in India. Don't expect to see commercialization

Shirdi is essentially a small overgrown village, famous because of the saint Sai Baba. Sai Baba came to Shirdi in 1858 and, as devotees say, attained samadhi (salvation) in 1918 after spending 60 years here. Even today his presence here is very real. Indeed, Shirdi is Sai Baba, for without him this would have been just another little village.The size of this small town belies its massive importance as a

Sai pilgrimage site and the number of devotees it plays host to. The town has a plethora of holy places linked to Sai Baba.

Shirdi is the place where Sai Baba lived for many decades and finally attained samadhi. Mostly visited from September to November, Shirdi has quite a few well known religious spots. A couple of prominent ones are Sai Baba temple and Dwarakamayi. The Sai Baba Temple houses the samadhi of Sai Baba. Dwarkamai Masjid, located on the right of Samadhi Mandir, is the place where Sai Baba spent majority of his time. A large stone in which baba used to sit is still present in the masjid.The tentative timings at the temple are from 4 am to 10 pm. Dwarakamayi is a mosque where Sai Baba stayed for over half a century. Over 100 years ago, he lit a holy fire here, which is still being preserved by devotees. On a visit to Shirdi, do not forget to pay homage at Gurusthan, which is a place where Sai Baba was once spotted sitting under a neem tree.

Distances can seem exaggerated in Shirdi. What is referred to as the other end of the town is, in reality, a 10-min walk away, through narrow lanes fringed by small stalls selling flowers, sweets, trinkets and other items that devotees offer to Sai Baba. Shirdi is approximately 296 kms from Mumbai and can be easily reached by railways, buses or private cars. Commuting within Shirdi is convenient as public transport is easily available.

There are even Tibetans here selling woollies. Music blares from almost every stall; devotional and popular Bollywood songs mingle to create a most eclectic medley as one walks down the streets.

Siddhivinayak Temple

Regarded as one of the most popular and religious temples in India, Siddhivinayak Temple located in Prabhadevi, Mumbai, is visited by devout believers from all walks of life.

iddhivinayak temple is located at Prabhadevi in Mumbai, Maharashtra. This famous temple is devoted to Ganesha, the elephant-headed God of Good Fortune. The Siddhi Vinayak temple is one of the Ashtavinayak Temples and it dates back to the 18th Century. The highlight of temple is the right side tilted trunk of the elephant headed God, Ganesha, which is usually tilted towards the left.

The present form of the temple was re-constructed five years ago. The temple has a Kalash, which is a pointed dome of 12 feet high Gabhara (sanctum sanctorum) weighing 1500 kg and plated in gold. So, it facilitates the 'Darshan' of Sri Siddhivinayak from either the area surrounding the Gabhara or the stage (Sabha Mandap) constructed to conduct pujas and festivities.

The idol of Ganapati is also called Chaturbhuj as it has four arms. A lotus isSidhi Vinayak Temple, Visit Sidhi Vinayak Temple of Maharashtra, Temple tour of Sidhi Vinayak Temple, Religious place held in the upper right hand symbolises auspicious piety and a small axe in the upper left, a holy rosary of beads (Japmala) are held in the lower right and a bowl full of Modaks (a delicacy which is a perennial favorite with Sri Siddhivinayak) in the lower left. On auspicious Tuesdays, the serpentine queue of worshippers is over 2 km long.

There are television sets installed outside for those who do not have time to wait in the long serpentine queues that lead to the temple inside.

Getting There

Mumbai is well connected by air, rail and road with all the places in the state as well as the country. Tourists can take the city buses from any point of the city and reach this temple.

Somnath Temple

Located in the state of Gujarat in India, the famous Somnath Temple is a very sacred Hindu pilgrimage site. It is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is considered to be one of the twelve "Jyotirlingas" (lighted lingas). Dwarka Somnath Tour

Tirupati Balaji

Tirupati is a town of holy shrines in the lap of Chittoor disrict in the Indian state of Andhra Pradesh. Every year millions of disciples come to visit Sri Venkateshwara Temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu which is major landmark of Tirupati tourism. One can get more relevant information regarding the place in the Tirupati travel guide. Lord Vishnu is recognized in two different ways to people. The North Indians call him as ‘Balaji’ and the South Indians worship him as ‘Govinda’. This shrine is nestled on the top of Tirumala hillock and the rest of the town is located in the foothills.

The other name of the place is Tirumala due to the Vishnu temple. One has to cross the 7 peaks identified as Sapthagiri to reach Tirumala. These seven mountains are marked as a symbol of the 7 lids of ‘Adishesha’ that is the oldest serpent as per the mythological stories. This is the largest urban area in the Rayalaseema region of Andhra Pradesh. Tirupati town has many temples and is also famous for its red wooden toys. The city is a major educational centre of the state.Tirupati travel guide will lead you to some good and comfortable hotels available here also Pandharpur Tuljapur Package.

Located in a small district called Chittoor in southern Andhra Pradesh, is the famous Tirupati Balaji Temple of India. This temple is supposed to be the richest temple in India.

Vaishali

A small village in the state of Bihar, Vaishali is a very famous Buddhist pilgrimage in India. The name "Vaishali" means prosperity and the place seems to live upto its name.

Birthplace of Lord Mahavira

Get find located at 55 Km from the capital city Patna, Vaishali is an important destination for Buddhists as well Jains. Vaishali is famous as the place where Lord Buddha preached his last sermon before he died in Kushinagar around 483 BC. The sedate town of Vaishali was named after King Visala who was mentioned in epic of Ramayana. Some even believe that Vaishali was the first state in the world to bring in practice a democratic and republic government. This is also the birthplace of Mahavira, the last thithankar of Jainism. This is also the birthplace of Mahavira, the last thithankar of Jainism.

During the period when Pataliputra was the capital, Vaishali prospered and became the center of trade and commerce. It was this time when many Stupas, pillars and other Buddhist buildings were built. Today, these stupas and pillars, especially the Ashoka Pillar, are the main attraction in Vaishali. Shirdi Shani Shingnapur Package

If you are ready for a small excursion, then the best time to visit Vaishali is during October / November months. Around 35 km away from Vaishali is Sonepur which hosts Asia's largest cattle fair during this period. The fair lasts for nearly a fortnight during which millions of visitors experience this one of a kind event.

Masterpiece of Time: Being the most important Buddhist destination in India, most of the attraction that you will find here will be related to Buddhism. The main attraction undoubtedly is the magnificent Ashoka Pillar and Buddha Stupa.

Ashokan Pillar: Erected by the Mauryans to commemorate the site of Lord Buddha's last sermon, Ashoka Pillar has become the mark of tourism in Bihar. Locally known as 'Bhimsen's Lathi', Ashoka Pillar is a single piece of highly polished of red sandstone. On top of the 18.3 m high pillar, is a life size statue of a lion sitting on an inverted lotus facing north towards Kushinagar.

Coronation Tank: Coronation Tank, also called Abhishek Pushkarni held a very important position in century old Vaishali. The water of Coronation Tank during that period was considered to be holy and sacred. Thus it was used for anointing Vaishali's elected representatives before they were sworn in to their respected positions.

Archaeological Museum: The Archaeological Museum in Vaishali might not be as big as other archaeological museum around the country. But the items that are put on display are among the most significant in Indian history and of the most successful kingdom. The museum is filled with remains that were excavated from

this site giving you an insight into the Buddhist world of that era. The museum is open on all days except Fridays from 10 am till 5 pm. Ashtavinayak Darshan from Mumbai

Buddha Stupa I & II: The Buddha Stupas here were created for the second Buddhist council that happened here in the 383 BC. Although the exteriors of Buddha Stupa I is not in a great condition, but tells us a lot about the architecture during that period. It is also famous as one eighth of the sacred ashes of Lord Buddha were found here. Another casket was found at the site of Buddha Stupa II which contained the sacred ashes of Lord Buddha.

Accommodation in Vaishali: Do not expect many luxury hotels in Vaishali as not many tourists plan on staying overnight here. However there are few tourist houses that offer good and comfortable accommodation. Ambapali Vihar is one of the few good hotels in Vaishali. Patna is not too far away from Vaishali and offers some great options for staying.

Vaishno Devi

Located in the mighty Trikuta Mountains at a distance of 60 kilometers from Jammu, is the famous Vaishno Devi Temple. One of the most visited and worshipped pilgrimages in India; The Holy Bhawan houses the main holy cave which is the main destination of devotees. Situated in Trikuta Parvat (Hill) at around 5200 feet height from sea level, The Holy Bhawan, is the main centre of pooja and darshan for the devotees. It is also the key location in the entire Yatra route. Hence, adequate arrangements and facilities have been created by the Shrine Board for the convenience of the devotees. These include free & rented accommodation; Toilet Blocks; Bhojanalayas; Post Office; Banks; Communication (STD/PCO); Announcement Centres; Blanket Stores; Cloak Rooms; Medical Dispensary (with a ICU); General Stores; Bhaint Shops; Police Station, etc. Before entering the holy cave you may take bath at Charan Gange water which is at the end of bazaar and just before the Main Bhawan. Vaishno Devi Helicopter Booking

There are two caves one original which is little difficult and not open at all times. There are fixed days of opening and Darshan through this cave. You cannot stand in this cave, water touches the feet and at some places it is quite narrow. The other passage is artificial passage for Darshan. It is around 18 meters. Genrally Darshans are allowed from the new cave which is convenient.

After the end of cave you get the Darshan of Ma Vaishno Devi in the shape of 3 Pindies of Maha Laxmi, Maha Saraswati and Maha Kali. You can have Darshan of Ma Vashno Devi in the form of Pindies, inside the Holy Cave. At the extreme left is the

Pindi of Goddess Saraswati with white shade. In the center is the Pindi of Goddess Lakshmi, with a yellow-reddish tinge and to the right is the Pindi of Goddess Kali, with a color black shade.

The Cave: If you prefer to have Darshan through the old cave, it is somewhat difficult. The main door is quite narrow. Go ahead slowly. The holy cool water of Charanganga touches your feet. On the left side you can view a natural Shila Khand. The first 5 pindies are of Pandavas, thereafter seven pindies are of Sapt Rishies and just after it there is a natural Pillar which is called Tapt Stambh of Prahlad. Move ahead and you will see natural look of a lion and its Panja. Before the new cave door you can see a natural statue of Sheshnag on the roof of cave. Sheshnag akriti and a number of small sna

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