Explore the famous temples in India which are full of spirituality, culture, and uniqueness. The culture and spirituality of India have a deep connection with temples. The famous temples of India offer a fascinating and unforgettable experience.
Most Famous Temples in India List
In this article, we will take a closer look at some of the most beautiful and significant temples in India. You will know about all the famous and favorite temples of all religions in India. Let’s go!
Char Dham Temples in India
Badrinath Temple
Among one of the Char Dhams, Badrinath Temple stands at an elevation of 3,100 meters on the bank of the Alaknanda River. This is the temple of Lord Vishnu: the supreme god of Hinduism. And, it is open during the summer; between May and November. Pilgrims from all over the world visit this temple, as Badrinath has good connectivity, and one can easily hire a taxi or a bus to reach this holy site.
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Kedarnath Temple
Hiding deep within the ranges of the Himalayas, the shrine of Kedarnath is one of the most popular temples in India. This magnificent structure lies near the Chorabari glacier of Uttarakhand which is the source of the holy Mandakini River. Inside the shrine, Lord Shiva is worshipped in his “Sadashiva” form. Moreover, Kedarnath temple is also among one of the 12 Jyotirlinga temples in India.
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This temple is open only between April and November, and due to its extreme location, the temple is not directly accessible by road. The devotees can reach here by a 22-kilometer uphill trek from Gaurikund. However, the town of Kedarnath is well connected, and thus one can easily book a direct bus or a cab to this place from Dehradun, Delhi, or Haridwar. Also, helicopter service is available for those who can’t trek this route.
Yamunotri Temple
This temple comes under the Char Dham Yatra of Hinduism. It stands at an elevation of 3,292 meters. The western Garhwal Himalayas is arguably the most popular Hindu pilgrimage site in India. These ranges are the origin point of many holy rivers and thus they are widely popular among devotees. One of the famous spots here is the temple of the goddess Yamuna at the source of this river. Also, recognized as the Yamunotri temple, it is the first Dham in the circuit of the Char Dham starting from Dehradun.
The Yamunotri temple opens on Akshaya Tritiya (May) and closes on Yama Dwitiya (November) for the winter. Dehradun and Rishikesh are nearby railway stations to Yamunotri. Since there are no direct roads to this temple, visitors can book vehicles to Hanuman Chatti and Janki Chatti.
Gangotri Temple
Gangotri is a small town in the Uttarkashi district of Uttarakhand. The heart of this town is the Gangotri temple which lies at the head of the divine Bhagirathi River. The Gangotri temple is dedicated to the goddess Ganga and it holds a supreme religious and cultural value in the Hindu religion.
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This historic monument was built in the Nagar style by Nepalese General Amar Singh Thapa in the 18th century. Due to its location, it is open only between May and November. It remains open during the daytime from 4:00 AM to 7:00 PM. So, devotees can visit this holy shrine conveniently by booking a taxi or by getting on a bus to Uttarkashi.
Famous Jyotirlinga Temples in India
Mahakaleshwar Jyotirlinga temple
This Temple is also among one of the twelve Jyotirlingas and the most popular temples in India. This Shiva temple houses a rare south-facing Shiva lingam, which is unique among all the 12 Jyotirlingas. Unlike all other shrines, devotees offer Prasada(a holy offering) to lord Mahakal. This temple usually opens at 3:00 AM and stays open until the last aarti of the day at 11:00 PM. The nearby railway stations to the Mahakaleshwar temple are Ujjain Junction, Vikram Nagar, Chintaman, and Pingleshwar. Since all of these stations having good connectivity to the country’s major cities, they can be helpful for those planning a visit.
Omkareshwar Temple
The Omkareshwar temple is one of the 12 Jyotirlingas. This famous Shiva temple lies on the banks of river Narmada on Mandhata Island. It was built by King Lingarajendra II in the early 19th century. And, ever since its construction, the Omareshwar temple has been a significant pilgrimage site in Hinduism. This temple is open throughout the year and welcomes visitors between 5:00 AM and 10:00 PM. Because of its antiquity, the area surrounding Omkareshwar temple is well-developed, and thus there are several local transportation options available for devotees of lord Shiva.
Kashi Vishwanath temple
A temple that lies in the heart of Varanasi, Kashi Vishwanath Temple is undoubtedly the most famous Hindu temple in India. This temple of Lord Shiva was constructed by Rani Ahilyabai Holkar of Indore in the 18th century. It is one of the twelve Jyotirlingas and thus holds a high religious value in Hinduism.
The temple houses an extraordinary spire made of 800 kilograms of gold. It is open throughout the year and allows visitors between 4:00 AM and 11:00 PM. Also, you can easily reach here by private or personal vehicles.
Somnath Temple
It is a famous Jyotirlinga temple in Sagar Kant at Saurashtra in Gujarat. Despite being destroyed by Muslim invaders several times, the Somnath Jyotirlinga temple remains a true architectural marvel. The restoration of this temple was done by Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel in November 1947, and it has been a popular tourist attraction among religious tourists in Gujarat. The temple complex is open throughout the year and welcomes visitors between the hours of 6:00 AM and 10:00 PM. Those who wish to visit this temple can reach here directly by local transfers, cabs, or taxis.
Mallikarjuna Temple
It is another Hindu temple of Lord Shiva and Parvati at Srisailam in Andhra Pradesh. Mallikarjun temple is significant to both Shaivism and Shaktism. Also, it is one of the 12 Jyotirlinga temples in India. This temple has been around since the second century, but the majority of the modern additions were made during the reign of King Harihara I. The Mallikarjuna temple features beautiful architectural marvels and is open to the general public between 4:30 AM and 10:00 PM. The devotees can go for darshan at this temple by booking a cab or by taking an ST bus to Srisailam.
Other Jyotirlinga Temples
Famous Temples in India of Lord Vishnu
Jagannath temple
The popular Jagannath Dham is the eternal abode of Lord Jagannath. Lies at Puri in Odisha, this is one of the famous temples in India for its annual Ratha Yatra or chariot festival. Jagannath Dham houses three principal deities, which, unlike most Hindu idols, are made of wood and are ceremoniously replaced by an exact replica every 12 or 19 years. Interesting?
The temple is sacred to all Hindus, but especially to Vaishnavas. This temple remains open throughout the year between 6:00 AM and 9:00 PM. So, if you want to visit Jagannath temple, then you can hire a vehicle from Puri Railway Station, which is at a distance of just 3 kilometers from the temple. And, you can also find some good hotels near Jagannath temple.
Venkateswara temple
This temple is a major Vishnu temple in the Chittoor district of Andhra Pradesh. Vevnkateshwara temple lies at a height of 853 meters on Tirumala Hills. It is one of the eight Vishnu Swayambhu Kshetras and ranks 75th Divya Desam. The historical evidence of this temple reveals that it came into existence by 1221 AD. Moreover, it is one of the richest temples in terms of donations and wealth. Venkateswara temple remains open between 5:45 AM and 8:00 PM. So, if you are planning to visit this temple, then you can use public transport or hire a vehicle from a nearby location to Tirumala.
Padmanabhaswamy temple
The Shree Padmanabhaswamy temple in Thiruvananthapuram is one of the richest places of worship in the world. This historical temple is a fusion of Chera and Malayala Tamilian styles. The interior and exterior of Padmanabhswamy temple portray the uniqueness in its design beyond human imagination. This is the favourite temple of visitors in Kerala which is also a cultural hotspot. Shree Padmanabhaswamy Temple opens at 3:30 AM and closes at 7:20 PM. Also, visitors can use the local buses or hire a vehicle to directly reach this temple.
Tirupati Balaji Temple
It is a Lord Vishnu temple which is widely known for the completion of the wishes of devotees. At Tirupati Balaji temple, devotees offer their hair. It lies in the dense forests of Tirumala. And, after climbing the stairs, you can reach this holy Hindu temple. There are two ways to reach the top; one by stairs and the other is a shortcut via a village in the backside. However, stairs are much preferable for most visitors. You can easily reach here by train and cab. However, the direct train is not available so you can book a train and cab.
Shri Ram and Krishna Famous Temples in India
Mathura Vrindavan Temples
It is popular as the place where devotees of lord Krishna can feel his presence. The Mathura Vrindavan temples have an important role in Krishna Bhakts. There are many temples that you can visit in Mathura and Vrindavan. Especially, Krishna Janmsthan, Banke Bihari Temple, Iskcon Temple, and many more. And, you can also visit Govardhan Parvat which is famous for its parikrama which takes around 3 to 4 hours to walk.
We also organize tours to this holy place. For bookings, please contact us.
Shree Ram Janmabhoomi Temple
Ayodhya is the birthplace of Lord Ram, and being the famous religious site for Hinduism, the Ram Janmsthal is a must-visit for devotees. Every year, thousands of visitors come to this temple for prayers. The most convenient way to get here is by road, and the months between September and March are widely regarded as the best to visit. Generally, the Ram temple remains open from 7:30 AM to 9:30 PM.
Other Krishna Temples
Popular Shiva Temples in India
Ramappa temple
This temple is just 67 kilometers from Warangal. The Ramappa Temple is a sacred structure famous for its rich history and architectural brilliance. It is dedicated to Lord Ramalingeswara by the rulers of the Kakatiya kingdom in 1213 AD. At present, it is under the administration of the Archaeological Survey of India. This temple represents a glimpse into the glorious past of this region. Ramappa Temple maintains a distinct position due to its unique musical walls, floating bricks, and the most attractive Nandi. This temple allows darshan from 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM. and you can reach here by taxi or a bus to Palampet village.
Amarnath Temple
This temple lies at an elevation of 3,900 meters in the Himalayas which is the holy cave of lord Amarnath(Shiv Shambhu). Inside the cave, there is an extremely popular Shiva Lingam made of Ice.
The area surrounding the shrine remains covered with snow most of the year except for a short period in summer. So, it opens in the months of July and August. There are two trekking routes to the Amarnath cave: the shorter one via Baltal and the traditional one via Srinagar. To reach the caves, one can hire a vehicle from Jammu to Pahalgam and Baltal. Also, there are state buses available.
Devi Mata Famous Temples in India
Vaishno Devi Temple
One of the most popular pilgrimage temples in India. India is a land of temples, and among these countless holy shrines, one that stands on a pedestal above all others is the temple of Vaishno Devi. It lies in the Jammu Kashmir territory of India. Every year, millions of devotees visit the slopes of the Trikuta Hills of Jammu-Kashmir, to dedicate their prayers and offerings to Mata Rani. All those who desire to walk to the shrine must get a “Travel Slip” at the Yatra Registration Counter near the Katra Bus Stand.
The Vaishno Devi temple is open throughout the year. And, the doors of this shrine open up every morning by 5:00 AM and devotees go for darshan till 9:00 PM.
Hadimba Devi
Nestled in the dense forest of Manali in Himachal Pradesh stands the magnificent Temple of the demon goddess Hadimba. This temple is also popular as Dhungari Temple. It is an ancient cave temple built by Maharaja Bahadur Singh in 1553. The Hadimda Devi temple is a marvelous structure made out of intricate woodwork.
Inside the temple, an enormous rock occupies the space, and a 7.5-centimeter-tall brass image represents the goddess Hadimba. On a normal day, this temple is open between 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM. And, a visit to this unique attraction requires a maximum of 2 hours. Since the temple is just 3 kilometers from Manali, you can conveniently hire a cab or auto to reach here.
Tripura Sundari temple
One of the magnificent attractions of Tripura is the ancient temple of Matabari or Tripurasundari. It is just 5 kilometers from Udaipur(Tripura). This stunning temple was constructed by Maharaja Dhanya Manikya in 1501 AD. It is designed in the model of a typical rural Bengal hut. Every year, more than two lakh pilgrims visit this temple. Tripura Sundari temple remains open between 5:00 AM to 9:00 p.m. during summers, and between 5:30 a.m. – 8:30 p.m. during winters.
Meenakshi Amman Temple
Meenakshi Sundaraswarar Temple is a historic Hindu temple located on the southern bank of the Vaigai River. this temple is so popular that it is Synonymous with Madurai. The temple first came into being 2,000 years ago and was substantially expanded during the regime of Thirumalai Nayak (1623-55 AD). A striking feature of the temple is the astonishing Hall of Thousand Pillars. Each pillar features life-like sculptures that are tall, ornate, and bold. These characteristics draw tourists and devotees from all over the world. The temple is usually open between 5.00 a.m. and 21.30 hrs., and it is easily accessible by car or by taking an ST bus to Madurai.
Sabarimala Sastha Temple
A famous and controversial temple in the mountain ranges of the Western Ghats at 914 meters above sea level. Sabarimala temple is the hill shrine of Lord Ayapana. It is also popular as the Sabarimala Aastha temple, which secures the ground where Lord Ayyappan sat in meditation after killing the demoness Mahishi. This temple opens for a brief period between November and January. During these months, lakhs of devotees reach Sabarimala temple to experience a glimpse of the famous Makarajyothi. Also, devotees often walk to this temple barefoot as they consider the painful journey as a way to achieve deliverance. And, those who are unable to walk, can use local buses or other vehicles to reach Pampa.
Jain Famous Temples in India
Ranakpur Jain Temple
This Temple is a 17th-century Jain temple dedicated to Mahavir Swami. Its elaborate architecture makes it a marvel of ancient times. The entire premise of Ranakpur Jain temple has extraordinary stone carvings that make it stand apart in terms of architecture. Therefore, the unparalleled beauty of this temple attracts tourists from distant parts of the world. This temple lies at Ranakpur in Rajasthan. And, anyone wishing to experience this mesmerizing beauty can reach Ranakpur which is in the Pali district.
Dilwara Temples
The Dilwara Temples in Mount Abu are arguably the most beautiful Jain temples in the Indian Subcontinent. The five shrines at Dilwara are devoted to five Jain Tirthankaras. And, they exhibit phenomenal craftsmanship. These temples were constructed between the 11th and 13th centuries AD and are a major tourist attraction in Mount Abu. The holy shrine is open throughout the year and allows visitors between 12:00 PM and 5:00 PM. This place is just 2 kilometers away from the city center. So, it is easily accessible by public and private transport.
Buddhist Temples in India
Namgyal Monastery
The personal monastery of the Dalai Lama, Namgyal Monastery is the global zenith of Buddhism. This monastery was founded by the third Dalai Lama, and it is situated amidst a lush green forest. However, following the Tibetan uprising of 1959, Namgyal Monastery relocated to the McLeod Ganj area of Dharamshala. This place preserves the rare skills, rituals, Buddhist scriptures, and culture brought from Tibet.
Therefore, it is a highly popular public attraction. This peaceful shrine has abundant wooden floors and many priceless Buddha statues. This temple has good connectivity with the outside world. Also, local buses are available from Dharamshala that take 15 to 20 minutes to reach McLeod Ganj. And, it remains open from 5:00 AM to 8:00 PM every day.
Mahabodhi temple
The Mahabodhi Temple Complex of Bodh Gaya is one of the four holy sites which relates to the life of the Lord Buddha. It is the first temple built by Emperor Asoka in the 3rd century BC. And, at present, the temple serves as a key attraction as a Buddhist center in Bihar. The Mahabodhi temple complex comprises a 50-meter-high grand temple, the Vajrasana, a sacred Bodhi Tree, and many other important religious symbols. This temple is open throughout the year and allows visitors between 5:00 AM and 9:00 PM.
Tawang Monastery
It is among the most famous Buddhist monasteries in the Northeastern state of Arunachal Pradesh. Also, Tawang Monastery is the largest in India and the second biggest in Asia. This massive architecture was founded by Merak Lama Gyatso in 1680–1681 in accordance with the wishes of the 5th Dalai Lama. The monastery is similar to a large triple-storied mansion with numerous colorful rooms, libraries, auditoriums, and extravagant prayer halls. This structure is the epitome of Tibetan culture. And, for those who want to experience this marvelous cultural center, a 13-hour journey from Tezpur to Tawang will be a great experience. After they can enter the monastery on weekdays between 7:00 AM to 5:00 PM (close on Sundays).
Sikh Famous Temples in India
Golden Temple
This temple is a UNESCO World Heritage Site which is the most popular religious center within Sikhism. The construction of the Golden Temple was initiated by Guru Ram Das in 1577, the fourth Sikh guru. Later in 1830, Maharaja Ranjit Singh overlaid the sanctum with gold foil, earning it the name “Golden Temple.” This shrine is the epitome of the Sikh religion, and it stands as a symbol of richness and purity.
It has an extravagant history that makes it a great place to explore. The Golden Temple is open on all days of the week between 5:00 AM and 10:00 PM. One can easily visit this sikh pilgrimage site as it is about 13 kilometers from the Amritsar Airport. However, the Amritsar Railway Station is just 2 kilometers from this temple.
Other Famous Temples in India
Kartikeya Temple
Lord Kartikeya temple is a popular Hindu temple in the Pehowa locality of Haryana. This temple is devoted to Lord Kartikeya, and it is the most popular temple in Haryana. The shrine is only 20 kilometers from Kurukshetra’s sacred land. Also, the Kartikeya temple is famous for its distinct architectural features.
It remains open for devotees throughout the year between 5:00 AM and 8:00 PM. Since this place has good connectivity, visitors can book a taxi or a bus to reach here. Also, Kurukshetra Railway station lies at a distance of 26 kilometers from this temple.
Parshuram Kund Temple
It is a deeply religious site for Hindus. Parshuram Kund temple lies in the lower portion of the Lohit River. And, about 21 kilometers north of Tezu of Arunachal Pradesh. This place is one of the few highly significant Hindu religious sites. Lord Parashuram, the sixth incarnation of Lord Vishnu, achieved deliverance from his sins at this Kund. Therefore, this place is among holy places, so devotees from all over India comes here. Also, the site has connectivity with other places. Therefore, multiple transport facilities are available to reach the temple. Especially, Tinsukia railway station is nearby railway station to this place.
Khajuraho Temple
The Khajuraho temple is a famous temple in India for its Nagara-style architectural symbolism and erotic sculptures. It is a timeless example of Indian receptivity and architecture. The Chandela dynasty constructed the majority of the Khajuraho temples between 950 and 1050 AD. At present, the Khajuraho temple is a UNESCO World Heritage Site because of its magnificent architecture. As a heritage site, the temple welcomes visitors between 5:00 AM and 9:00 PM. It lies in the Chhaturpur district of Madhya Pradesh. The quickest way to get to Khajuraho is by road or plane. \Alternatively, one can take a bus or a taxi to Khajuraho.
Siddhivinayak Temple
This Ganesh Temple is a splendid shrine in Mumbai. It was built by Laxman Vithu and Deubai Patil during the early 18th century. Lord Ganesh is also considered to be a god that helps infertile women. So, the Siddhivinayak Temple is highly popular among Indian families. Also, Siddhivinayak temple is one of the richest temples in India. This temple remains open throughout the year. Entry to the temple usually begins at 5:30 AM and it remains open till the last aarti of the day at 9:50 PM. As this temple is in Mumbai, one can easily reach here by train, bus, and private transport.
Shirdi Sai Baba Temple
The most famous Shirdi Sai Baba Temple is not more than 260 kilometers from Mumbai. It is a temple of the great saint, Sathya Sai Baba. The Shirdi temple is a lavish structure built by Gopalrao Booty, a millionaire devotee of Sai Baba. This temple houses an exotic statue of Sai Baba made of Italian marble. The interior and exterior cones of the temple are gold-plated. People from all over the world visit this temple for prayers. The Shirdi temple is open all year and devotees can visit between 6:00 AM and 9:30 PM. Also, Shirdi is near Aurangabad and all popular routes of Maharashtra. So, visitors can directly reach this holy site by taking local buses, trains, and cabs.
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FAQ’s about Famous Temples in India
Q1. Which are the most popular temples in India not to miss?
Jyotirlinga temples, Chardham, Vaishno Devi, and Tirupati Balaji temples are among the most favorite religious sites of India.
Q2. Are there ancient Buddhist temples to visit in India?
Yes. You can visit Buddhist temples in Bharat.
Q3. Which are the twelve jyotirlingas of India?
You can know more about all 12 jyotirlinga of India if you are planning a trip
Q4. How can I visit all the religious sites of India in 10 days?
You have to make a suitable plan as per your current location. Also, you can contact us for that.
Q5. Is any tour package available for visiting Hindu temples of India?
Yes. Book our custom tour packages to visit all the popular temples. Get cost estimation for your trip.
How to Visit Famous Temples in India?
Make a plan accordingly if you are thinking about it. It depends upon your current location, total members traveling together, available transportation, budget, and many more. We recommend getting help from us to make it easy and convenient.
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