Since ages, India is known for its spirituality and religious diversity. Although the term ‘secularism’ is a recent one, India has always been secular in almost since ancient times. This benevolent environment has led to the creation of flourishing pilgrim destinations of a number of religions across India. Today, India has emerged as one of the fastest-growing economies in the world, which have created an enormous scope of tourism in India. From Kashmir to Kanyakumari and Ghuar Moti to Kibithu, Indian pilgrims are highly contrasting culturally. From sacred architecture to the rituals, almost everything is invariance.
Here is a list of top pilgrim destination that you must visit in India without giving any second thought;
- The Chota Char Dham Yatra
The four spiritual places – Kedarnath, Badrinath, Gangotri and Yamunotri are one of the four top pilgrimages in India. Located in the state of Uttarakhand, when you will travel to these four destinations, extreme climate and the harsh journey will test your devotion, if not devotion than surely your patience. Although the conditions might not be so easy to travel, the journey will be full of adventure and beautiful landscape experiences.
- Shree Jagannath, Puri
Located in the coastal town of Orissa- Puri, Shree Jagannath temple is one of the pilgrim destinations of the Char Dham yatra. Celebrated in June, the Rath Yatra of Jagannath Puri Temple is famous across the globe for its annual festival celebration. The temple was built in 11th Century AD and is dedicated to Lord Jagannath – an incarnation of Lord Vishnu.
- Rameshwaram
One of the four limbs of char Dham yatra, Rameshwaram temple has been built using the Dravidian style of architecture and was constructed in the 12th century AD. Located in the state of Tamil Nadu, the temple is devoted to Lord Ramanathaswamy- Lord Shiva. The temple is also included in one of the twelve Jyotirlingas that symbolises Lord Shiva.
- Bodh Gaya
Located in the state of Bihar, Bodh Gaya is a place of religious importance for Buddhists, as well as for Hindus. In 2002, the Mahabodhi Temple was declared as UNESCO World Heritage Site. Situated at the bank of river Niranjana, the site is known for Buddha having attained enlightenment under the Bodhi Tree. The present Mahabodhi Temple was constructed in the 6th century AD by the Gupta Empire.
- Hazratbal Shrine
Located in Jammu and Kashmir, Hazratbal Shrine contains a relic called Moi-e-Muqqadas which is believed to be carrying the hair or bal of the Prophet Muhammad or Hazrat. The relic is said to be brought by a descendant of Muhammad- Syed Abdullah in the seventeenth century. Situated in the beautiful valley of Kashmir, it attracts a number of pilgrims from around the world.
- Basilica of Bom Jesus
Erstwhile capital of the Portuguese colony in India- Goa is home to one of the most popular historical sites in India. Situated in Old Goa, Basilica of Bom Jesus- a UNESCO World Heritage Site, retains the mummified remains of St. Francis Xavier. The construction of the Church began in 1594 and was consecrated in 1605.
From ancient pilgrim destinations to the recent ones, India never fails to attract tourists from around the world for such reasons. It was complicated for us to handpick only a few pilgrim destinations from several such significant places. Above mentioned sites are some of our favourite ones out of hundreds of such sites, that’s the reason why people call India ‘incredible’.