We may have reached the untouched parts of the universe via technology but soul searching is something we humans can never stop ourselves from doing. If you are on a journey to discover yourself too, then, there is no better place than India to turn for comfort.
This country is a humble escape for anyone who wishes to experience the spectrum of positivity. Its numerous temples, legends, and myths take people back to the much simpler time. Isn’t that something we all want secretly?
Temples in India give you the opportunity to explore the spiritual horizon amidst a setting that is second to none. This iconic trip to India helps travelers in bursting famous myths about the country while supporting them in achieving their truth. And, if you plan on taking a solo trip here, the odds of discovering yourself are amazing.
So, what are you waiting for? We have listed the best of temples in India for you to explore. Give it a good read, who knows this might as well be the kick-start you needed.
Golden Temple, Amritsar - The gleaming gateway to spiritual India
Set your sails on the ocean of spirituality at the most revered pilgrimage of Sikh religion.
Sri Harmandir Sahib or the Golden Temple is an eternal beauty shining on the soils of Punjab. Moreover, it oozes nothing but positivity while gleaming in its golden outlook under the limitless sky. Furthermore, the doors of the temple invite everyone despite caste, creed, and religion. However, what is most wholesome is it’s open to all food court that serves free food throughout the day.
The mesmerism in its air is breathtaking and its rhythmic prayers do make its way to the tip of the tongue. Still, what bedazzles us is the water pond beneath the temple complex that is known for washing away sins. Is it still not enough to impress you? Then, wait until you a glimpse of the holy book that opens at dusk and returns back to its timeless throne at dawn each day.
Places to visit nearby:
Wagah Border and Jallianwala Bagh.
Best time to visit:
September to December and February to March.
Sun Temple, Konark - Redefining luminescence!
Turn back the sands of time and visit a temple that’s last one of its kind. Witness the entourage of Konark temple which is known for its unique artistic design that leaves even present-day architects in awe. However, at its first glance, the temple looks like a giant chariot led by five horses. And , after examining a little closer, you will understand its intricate details and hidden purposes like sundial wheels.
The edifice is brilliantly made and is tilted towards the East so as to get the first sunshine of the day. Moreover, it has murals including that of animals, beast and also depicts stories of various erotica. There are numerous legends attached to the name of this UNESCO World Heritage site in India. Furthermore, the most famous out of them all is that the erotic murals on its wall were carved in order to promote love-making after the Kalinga war.
If this doesn’t already seem like the winner of the temple tour in India, then, we have nothing more to say.
Timings:
6:00 AM to 8:00 AM
Entry fee:
Indians (INR 30) and Foreigners (INR 500)
Famous Festival of Sun temple:
Konark Dance Festival.
Places to visit nearby:
Chandrabhaga Beach, ASI museum and Astaranga Beach.
Best time to visit:
September to March
Brihadeshwara Temple, Thanjavur - A granite paradise
Are you fond of South Indian delights on your India travel? Then, missing on the top temples in India of South India tour will come to you as a bummer. Plus, when Brihadeshwara temple is next on the list, then, controlling the spiritual spree of your inner theist becomes an issue.
Brihadeshwara Temple is a paragon of excellence that flaunts the prowess of the architects of 1010 AD. Here a gigantic cow known as Nandi in Hindu mythology welcomes you as you enjoy the aura of this dun-color marvel.
Made hundred percent with granite, Brihadeshwara makes its way on top of the list as the very first to do so. The temple is made such that it cast no shadow even during the peak hour of the day. Isn’t that exciting? Yes? Then, we believe you will also love the craftsmanship of the intricately carved murals here.
Places to visit nearby:
Gangaikonda Cholapuram, Vijayanagar Fort and Alangudi Guru temple.
Best time to visit:
October to February
Timings:
Sunset to Sunrise
Entry fee:
Free
Sri Venkateswara Temple, Tirupathi - Paying homage to the savior of the world
Hail to the wealthiest and holiest temple of all times that welcomes over 50,000 devotees per day. Sri Venkateswara Temple is an ivory marvel that bestows the rich culture of Tamil Nadu in a nutshell.
The temple’s history dates back to the 12th century. According to popular legends, it was at this place that the preserver Lord Vishnu incarnated as Sri Venkateshwara in order to save mankind from the scrutinies of Kalyuga.
There are a number of stories about the temple’s origin. One of which state that the lifelike statue of the main deity came out of thin air, making it one of the eight self-manifested images of God. If stories like these captivate you, then, paying this temple a visit is one of the best things to do in India. Why? Well, that’s because not everyone gets to see a Dravidian style temple gladden with so many tattle tales these days. So, make the most of your time here.
Places to visit nearby:
Swami Pushkarini Lake, Akasaganga Teertham and Silathoranam
Best time to visit:
September to February
Timings:
5:00 AM to 12:00 AM and 4:00 AM to 9:00 PM
Entry fee:
Free
Somnath Temple, Somnath, Gujarat - The eternal source of cosmic energy
If you aspire to drench in spirituality with the background score of crashing waves, then, Somnath is the temple destination for you. It is one of those amazing travel destinations in India, where beauty shares no boundaries.
It is one of the oldest shrines of the country and the very first of the eight Jyotirlingas. Still, this fact isn’t the only thing that makes this site so revered, its mentions in Hindu ancient texts and epics, in fact, do the honors.
Somnath offers its visitor a spiritual haven with numerous temples and lingering legends. Furthermore, the location of this temple bejeweled this spiritual experience with golden beaches and water sports. So, if you are a sucker for all of this, then, a trip to Gujarat is a must on your spiritual tour to India.
Places to visit nearby:
Panch Pandav Gufa, Dehotsarg Teerth, and Prabhas Patan Museum
Best time to visit:
September to February
Timings:
6:00 AM to 09:30 PM, Aarti – 7:00 AM, 12:00 PM, and 7:00 PM
Entry fee for light and sound show:
INR 25
Sanchi Stupa, Sanchi - The timeless glory of Buddhism
Whenever top Stupas in India are taken into account, Sanchi Stupa never fails to hit the first place. Moreover, this beautiful age-old edifice rests proudly amidst panoramic views at the hilltop of Sanchi, Madhya Pradesh.
Globally famous for its architecture, this Buddhist site in India leaves every culture-vulture stunned with its whimsical aura and amazing history. And, if you too are a fan of Mauryan time edifices, then, Sanchi will give you some major memories to pin down on your travel journal.
Its architecture comprises a hemispherical stone structure that is built on the relics of Buddha. Moreover, it flaunts a ‘Chhattra’ at its summit that was intended to honor and shelter the relics. Furthermore, the entourage of Sanchi Stupa is a force to be reckoned with and structures like the very famous Ashokan pillar in its vicinity adds more popularity to its name.
Places to visit nearby:
Bhimbetka, Bhopal, Panchmarhi, and Khajuraho.
Best time to visit:
July to March
Timings:
8:30 AM to 05:30 AM
Entry fee for Indian citizens, visitors of SAARC and BIMSTEC:
INR 30
Entry Fee for others:
INR 500
Khajuraho Temple, Khajuraho - Preaching love in its purest form
Khajuraho temple complex is a group of monuments where Nagara-style architecture beautifully illustrates Hinduism, Buddhism and Jainism. Although this mélange is already a treat for the senses, this isn’t the only reason for Khajuraho’s prestigious position on the world travel map.
The temple is far ahead of its time and is an icebreaker that many travelers do not see coming on their trip to India. Well, it’s not every day that you get to see erotic stories carved on temples in India, right?
The depiction of passion and love-making on the temple murals is one thing and its symbolism of life is another, making it difficult for travelers to decide, what is better? This temple brings to light the concept of orgies and bestiality which lies even further from being a taboo in today’s day and age.
There is so much to explore and so much to talk about, and only a trip here can answer every doubt. So, why not pay it a visit soon?
Places to visit nearby:
Panna, Orchha, and Chitrakoot.
Best time to visit:
October to February
Timings:
8:30 AM to 05:30 AM
Entry fee for Indian citizens, visitors of SAARC and BIMSTEC:
INR 40
Entry Fee for others:
INR 600
Mahabodhi Temple, Bodh Gaya - The spot of spiritual awakening
If anyone enjoys the concept of Nirvana, then tracing the Buddhist circuit is always first on their to-do list. Is that the case with you too? Then, start your journey from the epicenter Buddhism on your temple tour in India.
Welcome to Mahabodhi Temple, a shrine where silence is the ladder to spiritual enlightenment. Here, in this little hamlet of Bihar, Lord Buddha attained spiritual enlightenment under a tree whose descent is standing strong here even today.
This UNESCO World Heritage Site had bloomed with the touch of Nirvana over the years. Although Ashoka the great built the shrine that we know about today, the inscriptions in it date back to the 1st and 2nd century.
So, if you are planning to visit it on your cultural trip to India, make sure you reach on time to witness the prayer session around the Bodhi tree. Now, you know it all.
Places to visit nearby:
Thai Monastery, Bodhi tree, and Tibetan refugee market.
Best time to visit:
October to February
Timings:
5:00 AM to 12:00 PM, 4:00 PM to 9:00 PM
Entry fee:
None except for cameras
Dwarkadhish Temple, Mathura - The rightful throne of the preserver
Is your India travel dream full of colors? If yes, then, you will definitely love this elaborately designed temple in Mathura India. Famous for showcasing the timeline of its deity’s life through vibrant paintings, Dwarkadhish Temple perfectly flaunts all its riches.
This 150-year-old temple walks an extra mile in comparison with other temples in India devoted to Lord Krishna. How? Well, it showcases Lord Krishna as a mighty ruler rather than a teen which is important as this part of his life is unexplored. Doesn’t that call for a visit?
Places to visit nearby:
Vishram Ghat, Kans Qila, and Dauji Mandir.
Best time to visit:
October to March
Timings:
6:30 AM to 10:30 PM, 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM
Entry fee:
None
Akshardham Temple, Delhi - Indian culture in a nutshell
Have you ever been to a temple that aptly depicts the colossal diversity of India? No? Well, now is your chance.
Welcome to Akshardham Temple, a shrine that has imbibed the architectural rules of ancient Indian times and presented it beautifully in front of the entire world. Covered in murals of various deities, musicians, flora and fauna of the country, Akshardham temple is a must visit on any Delhi tour.
Each aspect of this temple complex is based on the principles of Maharishi Vastu Architecture and Shilpa Shastra, making it a living example of India’s rich heritage. However, the most surprising part is that no steel or concrete is used in the construction of this magnificent structure.
Akshardham is the result of the combined efforts of 8000 volunteers around the globe. And, the fact that it is the largest comprehensive Hindu temple in the world helped it get its name on Guinness Book of World Records.
Places to visit nearby:
Indraprastha park, waste to wonder park, and Purana Qila
Best time to visit:
October to March
Timings:
10:00 AM to 8:00 PM (Open all days except Mondays)
Entry fee:
- 1. Adults- INR 170
- 2. Children- INR 100
- 3. Senior Citizen- INR 125
Music Fountain show
- 1. Adults, Senior Citizen – INR 80
- 2. Children- INR 80
Meenakshi Amman Temple, Madurai - Adding vibrant hues to spirituality
Are you an architectural enthusiast on some soul searching experience? If yes, the Meenakshi Amman Temple in Madurai, Tamil Nadu will be a blessing for you in no disguise. Moreover, it is a magnificent shrine that basks in the glory of its 14 sky rising gopurams. Also, it houses massive corridors, more than a thousand pillars and towers as high as 170 feet. So, it’s righteous to say that devotion reaches its very zenith here.
Besides its wonderful artistic pleasures, the temple is famous as the flag bearer of fighting spirit through the sands of time. Why? Well, that’s because it managed to survive even after getting plundered multiple times in the past by invaders.
This first-century edifice has many legends rolled up in its sleeves too. So, make sure you have a fair share of it when you pay it a visit on your South India trip.
Places to visit nearby:
Thirumalai temple, Vaigai dam and Samanar hills.
Best time to visit:
October to March
Timings:
9:00 AM to 7:00 PM
Entry fee:
None
Shore Temple, Mahabalipuram
The Shore temple is the star of any South India adventure. And, that’s why this 7th-century temple is the best way to end our top temple in India list.
This UNESCO world heritage site is one of those few places in India where you can enjoy the excellence of Dravidian style architecture. Although lost in the pages of history, the temple came back to life and light in 2004 after the Tsunami hit the India coast.
Places to visit nearby:
Mahabalipuram Beach, Sculpture Museum and Krishna Cave temple.
Best time to visit:
October to March
Timings:
6:00 AM to 6:00 PM
Entry fee:
INR 10 for Indians. INR 300 for foreigners.
About Our Guide
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About The Author
Karan Jaswal - Co Founder - Nominee
A man of exceptionally impressive management skills. An MBA graduate. He worked for a top German group before he decided to quit following his dreams.