India is a country of diverse cultures, religions and traditions. One of the most significant aspects of Indian culture is its temples. With a rich history and stunning architecture, India's temples draw visitors from all over the world. If you are planning a temple trip to India, here are the top 10 must-visit temples that you should consider.
1. Somnath Temple, Gujarat
The Somnath Temple is one of the most ancient and holy temples in India. Located in Gujarat, this temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is believed to have been built in the 7th century. The temple has been destroyed and rebuilt many times, but its significance remains unchanged.
2. Kedarnath Temple, Uttarakhand
The Kedarnath Temple is located in the Himalayas and is one of the most important temples in the Hindu religion. It is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is believed to have been built in the 8th century. The temple is open only for six months a year, from April to November, due to heavy snowfall in the region.
3. Meenakshi Temple, Tamil Nadu
The Meenakshi Temple is located in the city of Madurai and is one of the most popular temples in South India. The temple is dedicated to Goddess Meenakshi, also known as Parvati and her consort Lord Shiva. The temple's architecture is stunning, with intricate designs and carvings on the walls.
4. Ranakpur Temple, Rajasthan
The Ranakpur Temple is located in the Aravalli range of Rajasthan and is one of the most beautiful temples in India. The temple is dedicated to Lord Adinath, the first Tirthankara of the Jain religion. The temple's architecture is breathtaking, with intricate carvings and sculptures.
5. Golden Temple, Punjab
The Golden Temple, also known as Harmandir Sahib, is the holiest in Sikhism. It is located in the city of Amritsar and is known for its stunning architecture and the sacred pool that surrounds it. The temple is open to people of all religions, and visitors are welcome to participate in the langar, a community meal that is served to everyone who visits the temple.
6. Akshardham Temple, Delhi
The Akshardham Temple is located in Delhi and is one of the most recent temples in India. It was inaugurated in 2005 and is dedicated to Lord Swaminarayan. The temple's architecture is stunning, with intricate carvings and sculptures that depict Indian mythology.
7. Amarnath Cave Temple, Jammu & Kashmir
The Amarnath Cave Temple is located in the Himalayas and is one of the most important temples in the Hindu religion. It is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is believed to have been built in the 5th century. The temple is open only for a few months a year, from July to August, due to heavy snowfall in the region.
8. Kashi Vishvanath, Uttar Pradesh
The Kashi Vishwanath Temple is located in the city of Varanasi and is one of the most important temples in the Hindu religion. It is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is believed to have been built in the 18th century. The temple's architecture is stunning, with intricate carvings and sculptures.
9. Shri Jagannath Temple, Odisha
The Shri Jagannath Temple is located in the city of Puri and is one of the most important temples in the Hindu religion. It is dedicated to Lord Jagannath, an incarnation of Lord Vishnu. The temple's architecture is stunning, with intricate carvings and sculptures.
10. Tirupati Balaji Temple, Andhra Pradesh
The Tirupati Balaji Temple is located in the city of Tirupati and is one of the most visited temples in India. It is dedicated to Lord Venkateswara, an incarnation of Lord Vishnu. The temple's architecture is stunning, with intricate carvings and sculptures.
If you are planning an Indian temple tour, these temples should be on your list. You can choose to visit them individually or opt for an India Darshan tour package that covers multiple temples in one trip. At Travel Plan, India tour packages are available that cater to different budgets and preferences, so you can choose one that suits you.
