The Top 13 Must-Visit Temples in India

India is home to thousands of temples, and visiting them can be a great way to experience the country’s culture and history. Here are a few temples that you might consider including on your tour:

1. The Golden Temple (Amritsar): This Sikh temple is also known as Sri Harmandir Sahib, and it is one of the most important pilgrimage sites in India. The temple is made of gold, and it is surrounded by a man-made lake. Visitors can take part in a communal meal called langar, which is served to all visitors regardless of their religion or social status.

2. Meenakshi Temple (Madurai): This temple is dedicated to the Hindu goddess Meenakshi, who is believed to have married Lord Shiva in the temple. The temple is known for its intricate carvings and colorful gopurams (entrance towers). It is also home to a large market where visitors can purchase souvenirs and traditional clothing.

3. Brihadeeswarar Temple (Thanjavur): This temple is a UNESCO World Heritage site, and it is dedicated to Lord Shiva. It is famous for its massive vimana (tower), which is made of a single block of granite that weighs 80 tons. The temple is also known for its beautiful frescoes and intricate carvings.

4. Vaishno Devi (Jammu): This Hindu temple is located in the mountains, and it requires a trek of several kilometers to reach. The temple is dedicated to the goddess Vaishno Devi, and it is believed that those who visit the temple will have their wishes granted. The trek is quite challenging, but the views from the top are breathtaking.

5. Jagannath Temple (Puri): This temple is dedicated to Lord Jagannath, and it is one of the most important pilgrimage sites for Hindus. The temple is known for its annual Rath Yatra (chariot festival), during which the deities are taken on a procession through the streets of Puri.

6. Kashi Vishwanath Temple (Varanasi): Kashi Vishwanath Temple is a prominent Hindu temple in Varanasi, India, dedicated to Lord Shiva. It is believed to be one of the twelve Jyotirlingas and is visited by millions of devotees annually. The temple complex underwent major renovations in recent years to improve facilities for visitors.

7. Tirupati Balaji Temple (Andhra Pradesh): Tirupati Balaji Temple is a famous Hindu temple located in the town of Tirupati in Andhra Pradesh, India. Dedicated to Lord Venkateswara, an incarnation of Lord Vishnu, it is one of the richest and most visited temples in the world, with millions of devotees offering prayers and making donations every year. The temple complex includes several smaller shrines, a museum, and a large kitchen that serves free meals to thousands of visitors every day.

8. Somnath Temple (Gujarat): Somnath Temple is an ancient Hindu temple located in the town of Veraval in Gujarat, India. It is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is one of the twelve Jyotirlingas, which are considered to be the most sacred abodes of Lord Shiva. The temple has been destroyed and rebuilt several times throughout history, and the current structure is a modern reconstruction built in 1951. It is visited by millions of devotees every year and is known for its stunning architecture and serene location near the Arabian Sea.

9. Vaishno Devi Temple (Jammu & Kashmir): Vaishno Devi Temple is a Hindu temple located in the Trikuta Mountains of Jammu and Kashmir, India. The temple is dedicated to Goddess Vaishnavi, an incarnation of Goddess Durga, and is visited by millions of devotees every year. The temple is situated at an altitude of 5,200 feet above sea level and can be reached by trekking a 12-kilometer route from the town of Katra. The temple complex includes several smaller shrines and offers breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains.

10. Badrinath Temple (Uttarakhand): Badrinath Temple is a famous Hindu temple located in the town of Badrinath in Uttarakhand, India. The temple is dedicated to Lord Vishnu and is one of the four Char Dham pilgrimage sites in India. The temple is situated at an altitude of 10,170 feet above sea level and can be reached by trekking a 3-kilometer route from the town of Mana. The temple is surrounded by snow-capped mountains and offers stunning views of the Himalayas. It is visited by millions of devotees every year.

11. Dwarkadhish Temple (Gujarat): Dwarkadhish Temple is a prominent Hindu temple located in the city of Dwarka in Gujarat, India. The temple is dedicated to Lord Krishna and is believed to have been built more than 2,500 years ago. The temple complex includes several smaller shrines and a main temple that houses the idol of Lord Krishna. The temple is known for its stunning architecture and is visited by millions of devotees every year. The temple is an important pilgrimage site for Hindus and is considered to be one of the Char Dham pilgrimage sites in India.

12. Khajuraho Temple (Madhya Pradesh): Khajuraho Temple is a group of Hindu and Jain temples located in the town of Khajuraho in Madhya Pradesh, India. The temples were built by the Chandela dynasty between the 9th and 11th centuries and are known for their stunning architecture and intricate carvings. The temples feature depictions of various gods and goddesses, as well as scenes of daily life and erotic art. The Khajuraho Temple complex is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is visited by thousands of tourists every year. The temples are a testament to the rich cultural and architectural heritage of India.

13. Konark Sun Temple (Odisha): Konark Sun Temple is a famous Hindu temple located in the town of Konark in Odisha, India. The temple is dedicated to Lord Surya, the Sun God, and is known for its stunning architecture and intricate carvings. The temple was built in the 13th century and is designed in the shape of a giant chariot with twelve wheels, pulled by seven horses. The temple complex also includes several smaller shrines and a large park. The Konark Sun Temple is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is visited by thousands of tourists every year.

These are just a few examples of the many temples you could visit on an Indian Temple Tour. It’s important to note that each temple may have its own dress code and rules for visitors, so it’s a good idea to do some research before you go.