1. Varanasi

Varanasi, also known as Kashi or Benares, is one of the oldest living cities in the world. Situated on the banks of the Ganges River, it is a major pilgrimage site for Hindus. The city is known for its ghats, where rituals and ceremonies are performed daily, and its vibrant spiritual atmosphere.

Attractions

Kashi Vishwanath Temple | Sarnath | Dashashwamedh Ghat | Ganga Aarti | Banaras Hindu University

Best Time to Visit

October to March

How to Get There

Fly into Lal Bahadur Shastri Airport or take a train to Varanasi Junction.

Travel Tips

Respect the local customs and rituals at the ghats. Take a boat ride at dawn for a serene experience.

2. Madurai

Madurai, located in Tamil Nadu, is famed for its stunning Meenakshi Amman Temple, an architectural marvel with intricately carved towers. The city has been a major settlement for two millennia, known for its rich cultural and historical significance.

Attractions

Meenakshi Amman Temple | Thirumalai Nayakkar Palace | Gandhi Memorial Museum | Alagar Koyil

Best Time to Visit

October to March

How to Get There

Fly into Madurai Airport or take a train to Madurai Junction.

Travel Tips

Visit the temple during the early morning or late evening to avoid the crowds. Wear modest clothing when visiting religious sites.

3. Ujjain

Ujjain, in Madhya Pradesh, is one of the seven sacred cities of Hinduism. It is home to the Mahakaleshwar Jyotirlinga, one of the twelve Jyotirlinga shrines dedicated to Lord Shiva. Ujjain’s history as a center of learning and culture dates back to ancient times.

Attractions

Mahakaleshwar Temple | Kal Bhairav Temple | Ram Ghat | Vedh Shala (Observatory)

Best Time to Visit

October to March

How to Get There

Fly into Devi Ahilya Bai Holkar Airport (Indore) and take a train or taxi to Ujjain.

Travel Tips

Attend the Bhasma Aarti at Mahakaleshwar Temple early in the morning. Carry your own water bottle to stay hydrated.

4. Pushkar

Pushkar, in Rajasthan, is one of the oldest cities in India and is famous for its annual Camel Fair. The city is known for the Pushkar Lake and the Brahma Temple, one of the few temples dedicated to Lord Brahma.

Attractions

Pushkar Lake | Brahma Temple | Savitri Temple | Pushkar Camel Fair

Best Time to Visit

October to March

How to Get There

Fly into Jaipur Airport and take a taxi or bus to Pushkar.

Travel Tips

Visit during the Pushkar Camel Fair for a unique cultural experience. Wear comfortable footwear for walking around the fairgrounds.

5. Ayodhya

Ayodhya, located in Uttar Pradesh, is believed to be the birthplace of Lord Rama. The city is steeped in mythological and historical significance, with numerous temples and ancient structures.

Attractions

Ram Janmabhoomi | Hanuman Garhi | Kanak Bhawan Temple | Nageshwarnath Temple

Best Time to Visit

October to March

How to Get There

Fly into Lucknow Airport and take a train or taxi to Ayodhya.

Travel Tips

Respect the local customs and dress modestly when visiting temples. Hire a local guide for a better understanding of the city’s history.

6. Hampi

Hampi, in Karnataka, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and was once the capital of the Vijayanagara Empire. The city is renowned for its stunning ruins, which include temples, palaces, and market streets.

Attractions

Virupaksha Temple | Vittala Temple | Hampi Bazaar | Lotus Mahal

Best Time to Visit

October to March

How to Get There

Fly into Hubli Airport and take a train or taxi to Hampi.

Travel Tips

Rent a bicycle or scooter to explore the ruins. Visit early in the morning to avoid the heat and crowds.

7. Puri

Puri, in Odisha, is famous for the Jagannath Temple and the annual Rath Yatra festival. It is one of the Char Dham pilgrimage sites and has a rich historical and cultural heritage.

Attractions

Jagannath Temple | Puri Beach | Konark Sun Temple | Chilika Lake

Best Time to Visit

October to February

How to Get There

Fly into Biju Patnaik International Airport (Bhubaneswar) and take a train or taxi to Puri.

Travel Tips

Attend the Rath Yatra festival for a unique cultural experience. Be mindful of the temple’s rules and regulations.

8. Mysore

Mysore, in Karnataka, is known for its royal heritage and the grand Mysore Palace. The city has a rich history as the seat of the Wodeyar dynasty.

Attractions

Mysore Palace | Chamundi Hill | St. Philomena’s Church | Brindavan Gardens

Best Time to Visit

October to March

How to Get There

Fly into Kempegowda International Airport (Bangalore) and take a train or taxi to Mysore.

Travel Tips

Visit during the Mysore Dasara festival to experience the city’s cultural richness. Take a guided tour of Mysore Palace for an in-depth understanding of its history.

9. Dwarka

Dwarka, in Gujarat, is believed to have been the kingdom of Lord Krishna. It is one of the Char Dham pilgrimage sites and holds great historical and mythological significance.

Attractions

Dwarkadhish Temple | Rukmini Temple | Bet Dwarka | Nageshwar Jyotirlinga

Best Time to Visit

October to March

How to Get There

Fly into Jamnagar Airport and take a taxi to Dwarka.

Travel Tips

Visit the temples early in the morning to avoid the crowds. Take a boat ride to Bet Dwarka for a serene experience.

10. Kanchipuram

Kanchipuram, in Tamil Nadu, is known as the “City of Thousand Temples.” It has been a major center of Tamil culture and learning for centuries.

Attractions

Kailasanathar Temple | Ekambareswarar Temple | Kamakshi Amman Temple | Varadharaja Perumal Temple

Best Time to Visit

October to March

How to Get There

Fly into Chennai International Airport and take a taxi or train to Kanchipuram.

Travel Tips

Respect the local customs and dress modestly when visiting temples. Purchase Kanchipuram silk sarees as a souvenir.