Religious tourism: Iconic temples of India you must visit
India is full of historical temples and incredible architecture. From Vaishno Devi to Kedarnath temple, check out some of India's most iconic temples that are regarded as being extraordinarily holy.
India, one of the world's oldest civilizations, is a country with a rich history, a great number of religious traditions, and many tales and legends. India is renowned for its temples, which are stunning, tranquil places of worship that serve as important historical and religious landmarks. Magnificent temples may be found almost everywhere in the nation. Every temple has a special mythology and history associated with it. These historic, finely constructed, and meticulously preserved places of worship are a must-see for devotees and for anybody who values architecture and history. Check out some of the most iconic and famous temples of India that you must visit. (Also read: 6 stunning visa-free countries where Indians can travel for a perfect winter holiday )

1. Badrinath Temple

This is one of the most well-known temples in India that is devoted to Vishnu, and it is situated in the Uttarakhand region of the Himalayas. Additionally, it belongs to the four Char Dhams, which are India's holiest shrines. With Badrinath standing in for the North, the four Char Dhams represent the four cardinal directions.
2. Jagannath Temple

One of the many reasons the Jagannath Temple in Puri, Odisha, is well-known worldwide is the huge Ratha Yatra event that takes place there every year. Devotees from all over the world assemble here to watch the magnificent celebrations as the festival honours Lord Jagannath and his siblings!
3. Rameshwaram Temple

The Rameshwaram Temple is quite well-known and revered by followers of the Hindu religion all over the world since it is thought that Lord Rama and his wife Devi Sita arrived there first after vanquishing Ravana. Being one of India's Char Dham, or four sacred sites, it is regarded as being extraordinarily holy. The temple is not only beautifully designed aesthetically, but it is also in a lovely setting.
4. Vaishno Devi Temple

Vaishno Devi Temple is well known and revered by followers of the Hindu religion all around the world. The hike from Katra to the temple is breathtakingly scenic in addition to being renowned for its religious integrity. Millions of people travel here to worship Maa Vaishno Devi and to take in the temple's surrounding snow-capped slopes.
5. Golden Temple

Sri Harmandir Sahib shrine was formerly known as Golden Temple. It is one of the most well-known temples in the entire world and is situated in Amritsar. Not only is the majority of the temple made of gold, but the Langar Khana of the temple also provides free meals to over a thousand people each day. Despite being predominantly a Sikh temple, it is adored and revered by followers of all other religions.
6. Somnath Temple

One of India's oldest architectural wonders, Somnath Temple, is situated in Saurashtra, a region of Gujarat. It is devoted to the Moon God and has a fascinating background. In the last thousand years, the temple was repeatedly demolished and rebuilt.
7. Kashi Vishwanath Temple

India's spiritual capital, Varanasi, attracts visitors from all over the world to take a dip in the Ganges River's purportedly therapeutic waters. The city, which dates back to the 11th century B.C., is also among the oldest in the entire world. The ultimate emancipation from being born again as a result of the laws of Karma, Moksha, is claimed to be attained through a visit to Kashi Vishwanath.
8. Kedarnath Temple

This is one of the most well-known Shiva temples in India, located in the Uttarakhand town of Kedarnath at a height of 3583 metres. The temple is open from April to November and is a part of the blessed Chardham Yatra. There are a lot of worshippers in the temple during the Hindu month of Shravana.
ABOUT THE AUTHORAkanksha AgnihotriAkanksha Agnihotri is a lifestyle journalist with over 3 years of experience. She is a psychology graduate and holds a postgraduate diploma in Radio and Television Journalism from the Indian Institute of Mass Communication, Delhi, where she graduated as a gold medalist. Originally from Bhopal, the beautiful capital of Madhya Pradesh, she draws inspiration from the city’s rich cultural heritage and layered storytelling traditions that subtly shape her narrative voice. She writes extensively about fashion, beauty, health, relationships, culture, and food, exploring everything from trending styles and runway moments to wellness routines and mindful living. Passionate about meaningful and candid conversations, she enjoys interviewing celebrities, doctors, designers, and film personalities, diving into discussions on fitness, beauty, mental health, and everything fun in between. With a keen eye for trends and a thoughtful understanding of human behaviour, she brings depth, sensitivity, and authenticity to her stories, ensuring they resonate with a wide and diverse audience. When she’s not working, you’ll usually find her lost in a book, planning her next mountain trek, or mapping out spontaneous travel escapes. She loves discovering new authors, revisiting old favourites, and spending quiet afternoons in museums soaking in art, history, and culture. An avid bird-watching enthusiast, she finds joy in early morning walks, spotting rare birds, and reconnecting with nature. Whether sipping coffee while journaling her thoughts or exploring hidden corners of a new city, she constantly seeks inspiration in everyday moments that often turn into compelling story ideas.Read More
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