Top 10 Spiritual Places To Visit In India: An Ultimate Guide
India is a country that is home to a diverse range of cultures and religions. It is a land of spirituality, where people from all over the world come to seek peace, solace, and enlightenment. India offers a plethora of spiritual destinations that are steeped in history, culture, and tradition. These destinations are not only important from a religious perspective but also offer a unique insight into the country’s rich heritage.
From the serene temples of Rishikesh to the ghats of Varanasi, India is a land of diverse cultures and religions that offers a plethora of spiritual destinations. These destinations are not only important from a religious perspective but also offer a unique insight into the country’s rich heritage. You should definitely consider visiting these destinations for your next spiritual tour!” 🙏
Best Spiritual Places To Visit In India:
1. Varanasi
Varanasi, also known as Kashi, is a sacred city located on the banks of the Ganga River. It is a pilgrimage destination for Hindus, who believe that bathing in the Ganges here cleanses the soul.
Here are some of the best spiritual places to visit in Rishikesh:
- Kashi Vishwanath Temple
- Assi Ghat
- Dashashwamedh Ghat
- Manikarnika Ghat
- Sankat Mochan Hanuman Mandir
- Ramnagar Fort
- Durga Temple
- Shri Satyanarayan Tulsi Manas Mandir
How to reach Varanasi :
To reach Varanasi, you can take a flight to Lal Bahadur Shastri International Airport, which is located about 26 km from the city center. Alternatively, you can take a train to Varanasi Junction Railway Station, which is well-connected to major cities in India. Once you reach Varanasi, you can hire a taxi or an auto-rickshaw to reach these spiritual destinations.
2. Rishikesh
Rishikesh is a city in the northern part of India, located in the foothills of the mighty Himalayas. It is popularly known as the ‘Yoga Capital of the World’ as well as the ‘Gateway to the Garhwal Himalayas’. The city is home to a number of religious sites including ancient temples and ashramas where various religious events take place all throughout the year.
Here are some of the best spiritual places to visit in Rishikesh:
- Neelkantha Mahadeva Temple
- Bharat Mandir
- Kunjapuri Devi Temple
- Tera Manzil Temple or Trimbakeshwar Temple
- Raghunath Temple
- Virbhadra Temple
- Shatrughna Temple
- Bhootnath Temple
To reach Rishikesh, you can take a flight to Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun, which is the nearest airport to Rishikesh. Situated at a mere distance of 21 kilometers from the town, this airport enjoys great connectivity from many major destinations, especially from Delhi. Once here, one can take a taxi from outside the airport to reach Rishikesh directly. Alternatively, you can take a train to the Rishikesh Railway Station, which is situated in Ganga Nagar. It also enjoys great connectivity from several major stations like Delhi, Mumbai, and Lucknow. Local and private buses are easily available when traveling within the city, as well as autos so one can make their choices of transportation as per their requirements, preferences and budget.
There are many places to stay in Rishikesh, ranging from budget–friendly options to luxury resorts. Some of the popular places to stay in Rishikesh are Modi Yoga Retreat and Hotel Ganga Kinare. You can find more options on travel websites like TripAdvisor and Holidify
3. Amritsar
Amritsar is a city in the Indian state of Punjab, known for its rich cultural heritage and religious significance. It is home to the Golden Temple, the holiest shrine of Sikhism, and is also known for its Amritsari food and wooden chessboards and chess pieces manufacturing industry.
Here is the list of all the spiritual places to visit in Amritsar:
Golden Temple
Durgiana Temple
Mata Lal Devi Temple
Gurudwara Baba Atal Rai
Gurudwara Mata Kaulan
To reach Amritsar, you can take a flight to Sri Guru Ram Dass Jee International Airport, which is located about 11 kilometers from the city center. Alternatively, you can take a train to Amritsar Railway Station, which is well-connected to major cities across India. Local buses, taxis, and auto-rickshaws are easily available for transportation within the city.
There are many places to stay in Amritsar, ranging from budget-friendly options to luxury resorts. Some of the popular places to stay in Amritsar are Hyatt Regency Amritsar and Taj Swarna Amritsar. You can find more options on travel websites like TripAdvisor and Holidify.
4. Haridwar
Haridwar is a city in the Indian state of Uttarakhand, located at an altitude of 314 meters (1,030 feet) above sea level. It is situated between the Shivalik Hills in the North and Northeast and the Ganges River in the South. Haridwar is the second-largest city in the state and the largest in the district, with a population of 228,832 in 2011. The city is considered a sacred place for Hindus and is known for hosting important religious events and serving as a gateway to several prominent places of worship.
Here are the spiritual places to visit in Haridwar
- Har Ki Pauri
- Mansa Devi Temple
- Chandi Devi Temple
- Maya Devi Temple
- Ganga Aarti
To reach Haridwar, you can take a flight to Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun, which is the nearest airport to Haridwar. From there, you can take a train or bus or hire a taxi to reach Haridwar. If you are coming from Delhi, you can take a train or bus to Haridwar. This city is well connected by rail and road.
There are many places to stay in Haridwar, ranging from budget hotels to luxury resorts. Some of the popular options include The Haveli Hari Ganga by Leisure Hotels and Devnadi– The Heritage Hotel. You can find many more other options on travel websites like TripAdvisor and Holidify.
5. Vrindavan
Vrindavan is a city in the Indian state of Uttar Pradesh, located in the Braj Bhoomi region. It is situated on the west bank of the Yamuna River, just north of Mathura. The city is regarded as a sacred place for Hindus and is known for its religious significance. It is believed that Lord Krishna spent most of his childhood days in this city. Vrindavan has about 5,500 temples dedicated to the worship of Krishna and his chief consort Radha, making it one of the most sacred places for Vaishnavism tradition.
Top Visited Places in Vrindavan:
- Banke Bihari Temple
- Prem Mandir
- ISKCON Temple
- Radha Raman Temple
- Seva Kunj and Nidhuban
How to Reach Vrindavan from Delhi:
Vrindavan is well-connected to Delhi by road and rail.
By Train: The nearest railway station to Vrindavan is Mathura Junction, which is well-connected to major cities, including Delhi. From Mathura, Vrindavan is easily accessible by a short road journey.
By Road: Vrindavan is approximately 160 kilometers from Delhi. One can take a bus or hire a taxi for the journey, which takes around 3-4 hours, depending on traffic conditions.
Budget-Friendly Places to Stay in Vrindavan:
v\MVT Guesthouse: Situated near the ISKCON Temple, MVT Guesthouse offers affordable accommodation with basic amenities.
Brij View Guest House: This budget guesthouse is centrally located, providing easy access to major temples and attractions in Vrindavan.
Yashoda Dham Guest House: Close to the Banke Bihari Temple, Yashoda Dham Guest House offers budget-friendly rooms in a convenient location.
Hotel Shubham Majesty: Located near the main market, this hotel provides comfortable and economical accommodation for travelers on a budget.
6. Pushkar
Pushkar, a small town in the Indian state of Rajasthan, is renowned for its sacred lake and the only temple dedicated to Lord Brahma, the creator of the universe. The town is not only a pilgrimage site for Hindus but also a cultural and artistic hub with vibrant markets and the annual Pushkar Camel Fair attracting visitors from around the world.
Top Visited Places in Pushkar:
- Pushkar Lake
- Brahma Temple
- Savitri Temple:
- Pushkar Camel Fair Ground:
- Pushkar Bazaar.
How to Reach Pushkar from Delhi:
Pushkar is well-connected to Delhi by road and rail.
By Train: The nearest railway station is Ajmer Junction, which is about 11 kilometers from Pushkar. Trains from Delhi to Ajmer are frequent, and the journey takes around 6 hours. From Ajmer, one can hire a taxi or take a bus to reach Pushkar.
By Road: Pushkar is approximately 400 kilometers from Delhi, and the journey by road takes around 7-8 hours. One can drive or take a bus to reach Pushkar. Regular bus services are available from Delhi to Pushkar.
Budget-Friendly Places to Stay in Pushkar:
Zostel Pushkar: A popular hostel chain, Zostel Pushkar offers budget accommodation with a lively atmosphere. It’s a great option for solo travelers and backpackers.
Moustache Pushkar: Known for its budget-friendly options, Moustache Pushkar provides dormitory and private room options with basic amenities.
Kanhaia Haveli: Located near Pushkar Lake, Kanhaia Haveli offers affordable rooms with a traditional Rajasthani ambiance.
Pushkar Heritage: This budget hotel is situated close to the Brahma Temple and provides comfortable accommodation for travelers on a budget.
7. Auroville
Auroville, located in the southern Indian state of Tamil Nadu, is an experimental township founded in 1968 with the goal of realizing human unity and fostering spiritual, cultural, and sustainable living practices. It was envisioned by Mirra Alfassa, also known as “The Mother,” and is guided by the teachings of Sri Aurobindo. Auroville is recognized for its diverse population and commitment to environmental conservation, education, and holistic living.
Top Visited Places in Auroville:
- Matrimandir
- Auroville Beach
- Bharat Nivas
- Auroville Visitor’s Centre
- Sri Aurobindo Ashram
How to Reach Auroville from Delhi: Auroville is located near Pondicherry in Tamil Nadu. The most convenient way to reach Auroville from Delhi is by air and road.
By Air: The nearest airport is in Chennai (approximately 2-3 hours from Auroville). Regular flights connect Delhi to Chennai. From the airport, one can hire a taxi or take a bus to Auroville.
By Train: The nearest major railway station is in Villupuram (approximately 30 minutes from Auroville). Trains from Delhi to Villupuram are available, and from the station, one can take a taxi or a local bus.
By Road: Auroville is well-connected by road. One can drive or hire a taxi from Chennai or Pondicherry. Buses are also available from major cities.
Budget-Friendly Places to Stay in Auroville:
Auro Orchard Guest House: Located in the Auroville area, this guest house offers budget-friendly accommodation with a peaceful atmosphere.
Sadhana Forest Guesthouse:A sustainable community, Sadhana Forest Guesthouse provides affordable accommodation with an eco-friendly focus.
Green’s Guesthouse: Situated near Auroville Beach, Green’s Guesthouse offers budget options with a laid-back ambiance.
Nature Loft Guest House: Nestled in a quiet area, Nature Loft Guest House provides budget-friendly rooms with a rustic charm.
As travel conditions may change, it is advisable to check the current status and reviews of accommodations before making reservations.
8. Palitana,Gujarat
Palitana, located in the Bhavnagar district of Gujarat, is renowned for its vast cluster of Jain temples atop Shatrunjaya Hill. This sacred site is considered one of the holiest pilgrimage places for the Jain community. The city boasts stunning temple architecture, intricate marble carvings, and panoramic views of the surrounding landscape.
Top Visited Places in Palitana:
- Shatrunjaya Hill Temples
- Adinath Temple
- Shri Vishal Jain Museum
- Kala Dungar
How to Reach Palitana from Delhi:
By Air: The nearest airport is Bhavnagar Airport (approximately 51 kilometers from Palitana]. Regular flights connect Delhi to Bhavnagar. From the airport, one can hire a taxi or take a bus to Palitana.
By Train: The nearest railway station is Palitana Junction. Trains from Delhi to Palitana are available, and the journey takes approximately 18-20 hours. From the station, one can hire a taxi or take a local bus.
By Road: Palitana is well-connected by road. One can drive or hire a taxi from Bhavnagar or other nearby cities. Buses are also available from major towns in Gujarat.
Budget-Friendly Places to Stay in Palitana:
Hotel Ashapura International: This budget hotel offers comfortable accommodation and is located in close proximity to the temples on Shatrunjaya Hill.
Hotel Comfort World: Situated in Palitana, Hotel Comfort World provides budget-friendly rooms with basic amenities.
Hotel Nandini: A budget hotel with a convenient location, Hotel Nandini offers affordable accommodation options for travelers.
Hotel Ashish: Located near the Jain temples, Hotel Ashish provides budget-friendly rooms and easy access to the pilgrimage sites.
9. Kainchi Dham
Kainchi Dham is a spiritual ashram and temple complex located in the Kumaon region of Uttarakhand, India. Nestled amidst the picturesque mountains, it is famous for its association with Neem Karoli Baba, a revered Hindu guru. Devotees and spiritual seekers visit Kainchi Dham to experience tranquility, participate in meditation, and seek the blessings of the spiritual master.
Top Visited Places in Kainchi Dham:
- Kainchi Dham Temple
- Ashram and Surroundings
- Golu Devta Temple
How to Reach Kainchi Dham from Delhi:
By Air: The nearest airport is Pantnagar Airport (approximately 130 kilometers from Kainchi Dham). Flights from Delhi to Pantnagar are available. From the airport, one can hire a taxi or take a bus to reach Kainchi Dham.
By Train: The nearest railway station is Kathgodam (approximately 80 kilometers from Kainchi Dham). Trains from Delhi to Kathgodam are frequent. From the railway station, one can hire a taxi or take a local bus.
By Road: Kainchi Dham is well-connected by road. It is approximately a 7-8 hour drive from Delhi. One can drive, hire a taxi, or take a bus to reach Kainchi Dham.
Budget-Friendly Places to Stay near Kainchi Dham:
Guest Houses and Dharamshalas:
There are budget-friendly guest houses and dharamshalas (pilgrim accommodations) in and around Kainchi Dham that offer simple and affordable lodging options.
Budget Hotels in Nearby Towns:
Towns like Bhowali and Nainital, which are not far from Kainchi Dham, have budget hotels and guesthouses that provide economical stay options.
Home Stays:
Some local residents may offer home stays at reasonable rates, providing an opportunity for a more personalized and budget-friendly experience.
10. Kedarnath
Kedarnath, located in the state of Uttarakhand, India, is one of the holiest pilgrimage sites for Hindus. Nestled in the Garhwal Himalayas, it is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is part of the Chota Char Dham Yatra. The temple is situated at an altitude of 3,583 meters (11,755 feet) above sea level, surrounded by stunning mountainous landscapes. Pilgrims and trekkers visit Kedarnath to seek the blessings of Lord Shiva and experience the spiritual aura of the region.
Top Visited Places in Kedarnath:
- Kedarnath Temple
- Bhairavnath Temple
- Vasuki Tal
- Chorabari Tal (Gandhi Sarovar)
How to Reach Kedarnath from Delhi:
By Air: The nearest airport is Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun. Flights from Delhi to Dehradun are available. From Dehradun, one can hire a taxi or take a bus to reach Gaurikund, the base point for the trek to Kedarnath.
By Train: The nearest railway station is Rishikesh. Trains from Delhi to Rishikesh are frequent. From Rishikesh, one can hire a taxi or take a bus to reach Gaurikund.
By Road: Kedarnath is not directly accessible by road. The journey involves reaching Gaurikund by road, and from there, pilgrims need to trek or take pony services to reach Kedarnath.
Budget-Friendly Places to Stay in Kedarnath:
GMVN Tourist Rest House: The Garhwal Mandal Vikas Nigam (GMVN) Tourist Rest House in Kedarnath offers budget-friendly accommodation for pilgrims.
Dharamshalas: There are several dharamshalas (pilgrim accommodations) in Kedarnath that provide basic and economical lodging options.
Tented Accommodations: During the pilgrimage season, temporary tented accommodations are set up in Kedarnath, providing a budget-friendly stay option.
As travel conditions may change, it is advisable to check the current status and reviews of accommodations before making reservations. Additionally, it’s important to be aware of the weather conditions, especially if planning to visit during the pilgrimage season.
