The Best of Divine Pilgrimages in India
A rich tapestry of travel ideas to nourish your soul
Visit Sai Baba’s holy abode
Where: Shirdi
If you are a Sai Baba bhakt, you must visit the spiritual town of Shirdi. It is believed that Sai Baba arrived in Shirdi at the age of 16 and remained there until his death in 1918. He believed that faith and compassion were the essential attributes one must possess to attain godliness. The pious guru’s Samadhi Mandir was built in 1922, four years after his death, to continue the dissemination of this sacred message. Follow our itinerary packed with Shirdi highlights and also a visit to Trimbakeshwar—an ancient holy Hindu Shiva temple, 3 hours drive away from Shirdi.
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Here's Everything You Need to Know About Shirdi
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Seek the Lord's blessings at this Devasthanam
Where: Tirupati
A much-revered temple in Andhra Pradesh, the Venkateshwara Temple—or Tirupati Balaji as it is commonly called—draws millions of devotees from India and beyond. A spectacular example of Dravidian architecture dating back to 300 A.D., this is one of the most-visited holy places in the world, and also the richest of all temples. While there, don’t forget to bring back the world-famous prasadam or ‘Tirupati laddu’! Combine your Tirupati darshan with a trip to Pondicherry, where the Aurobindo Ashram stands as a symbol of peace and spiritual enrichment. Finish off your divine sojourn exploring the many beautiful temples in and around the city.
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Read This Before You Plan Your Trip to Tirupati
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Explore the beautiful temples of South India
Where: Rameshwaram
Tucked away on a scenic island, Rameshwaram holds a special place in the Hindu mythology, for this is believed to be the place where Lord Ram constructed the famed bridge to Sri Lanka. Be it the Ramanathaswamy Temple which boasts of the longest corridor in the world, or the Five-faced Hanuman Temple that houses the floating limestones that were used to build the Ram Setu, Rameshwaram harbours irresistible treasures for devout pilgrims, as well as connoisseurs of ancient Indian architecture.
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Rameshwaram: Temples and Beyond
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Explore legends at an ancient ‘Devbhoomi’
Where: Dwarka & Somnath
The state of Gujarat amalgamates spirituality and history like no other. The temple town of Dwarka is one of the revered Char Dhams and is home to the well-known Dwarkadheesh Temple, also known as Jagat Mandir. Dedicated to Lord Krishna, the temple is believed to be built over 2,500 years ago, parts of which were reconstructed in the 16th and 19th century. On your spiritual journey to Gujarat, you must also explore the town of Somnath for the stunning Somnath Temple. 5-hour drive away from Dwarka, this temple hosts one of the twelve jyotirlingas of Lord Shiva.
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Your Guide to Sightseeing in Dwarka
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Find peace by the sacred waters of the Ganga
Where: Haridwar & Rishikesh
Enchanting sounds of temple bells, priests reciting prayers in unison, and the gushing Ganga River in sight—the experience of attending Ganga Aarti in Har Ki Pauri, Haridwar, is truly unforgettable. From Haridwar, head to Rishikesh—just an hour’s drive away, to walk the iconic Ram and Lakshman Jhulas, swaying on windy days. Explore the narrow by-lanes of Rishikesh dotted with old temples and get delighted by the centuries-old tales of spirituality. Add the charming hill town of Mussoorie to your itinerary, only three hours away from Rishikesh, to treat yourself to staggering views of the Garhwal Himalayas and serene vantage points.
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Top 10 Things to Do in Haridwar and Rishikesh
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Attend to the call of Mata Vaishno
Where: Vaishno Devi
Perched beautifully amidst thick covers of Trikuta Mountains in the state of Jammu and Kashmir is the holy cave dedicated to Shri Mata Vaishno Devi, thronged by worshipers all year. Brave the 14 km trek from the base camp at Katra to the temple located at 5,200 ft., hire a paalki or opt for the helicopter service available up to Sanjichhat (which is 9.5 km from Katra) to visit the shrine. Numerous shops and dhabas peppered through the uphill trail, and the chants of fellow pilgrims, will infuse you with renewed energy, drive and devotion.
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Your Guide to a Blissful Vaishno Devi Yatra
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Embark upon the pious Char Dham yatra
Where: Puri
Spirituality and serenity merge into each other beautifully at the seaside town of Puri—a city in the Eastern Indian state of Odisha. Seek blessings at one of the Char Dhams—the Jagannath Temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu or venture 35 km northeast from Puri to admire the Konark Sun Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. While undertaking this divine pilgrimage, don’t forget to pick up a religious souvenir from the Heritage Crafts Village (or Raghurajpur) on your way back from Konark.
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Places to Visit in Puri—The Land of Lord Jagannath
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Seek moksha at the temples of Lord Shiva
Where: Ujjain
Every Shiv bhakt aspires to visit each of the twelve 12 Jyotirlinga temples at least once in a lifetime. These shrines are believed to free the soul from the cycle of birth and death, and Madhya Pradesh is home to not one but two such divine Jyotirlinga temples. The Mahakaleshwar Temple in Ujjain is famous for its Bhasm-Aarti wherein the Shivlinga is bathed with ashes from a fresh funeral pyre. Mamaleshwar temple at Omkareshwara, on the other hand, is considered to host the fourth most sacred Jyotirlinga. Also, enjoy exploring the famous temples of Indore, with few interesting sight-seeing spots thrown in.
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Ujjain and More: Tracing the Divine Trail in Madhya Pradesh
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Cleanse your soul at the holy ‘Sangam’
Where: Allahabad & Varanasi
Uttar Pradesh harbours a wealth of religious sites, of which Allahabad and Varanasi are the oldest and the most precious gems. Situated at the confluence of the Ganga, Yamuna and Saraswati—Allahabad also hosts the iconic Maha Kumbh Mela. Take a holy dip at Triveni Sangam and pay your respects at Hanumangarhi—the most popular temple of Lord Hanuman in North India. Next up, lose yourself in the winding streets, ancient temples, picturesque ghats, and sacred waters of bustling Varanasi. The Buddhist pilgrimage centre of Sarnath is also nearby and makes for a great excursion.
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Must-Have Spiritual Experiences in Allahabad and Varanasi
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Travel back in time at Krishna Janmboomi
Where: Mathura and Vrindavan
One among the seven holy cities for Hindus, Mathura is believed to be the birthplace of Lord Krishna. With the Yamuna River flowing through the heart of the city and lined with 25 sacred ghats, Mathura exudes a spiritual vibe that is peaceful, yet vibrant. Don’t miss the evening arti when the ghats come alive with reverberating chants and floating candles. Pay your tributes to the beloved god at the Kesava Deo Temple within the Krishna Janmbhoomi complex and revel in the stories of his mischievous antics and his eternal bond with Radha at Vrindavan, where Krishna is believed to have spent his childhood.
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The Krishna Trail: Exploring Mathura Like Never Before
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