India is a colorful land of culture, traditions and an overall encapsulating vibe of deep peace and positivity. Every step of the way in India is filled with serendipity and awe-inspiring experiences which makes this sub-continent a one of a kind destination in the world. People looking for a spiritual getaway can find unparalleled solace here in the land of Buddha and a million gods and goddesses. Hindu pilgrimage tour in India is undertaken by Hindus and Indians from all over the world every year as a part of their way of attaining salvation, here are a few of those significant temples:

Kedarnath (Uttarakhand)

• Ancient temple dedicated to Lord Shiva.
• Part of the Char Dham and Panch Kedar Yatra.
• Located on the banks of the Mandakini River.
• Requires a challenging trek to reach.
• Believed to be built by the Pandavas.

This iconic Jyotirlinga of Lord Shiva this ancient temple is adorned in the district of Rudraprayag in Devbhoomi Uttarakhand and on the banks of the holy Mandakini river. Undoubtedly one of the most spiritual and religious destinations in India and surrounded by untouched raw nature it is also a major part of the Chota Char Dham Yatra along with the Panch Kedar Yatra which takes place in this region as well. People brave the challenging terrain unpredictable weather conditions and tough situations to offer their prayer to Lord Kedar, the temple which is believed to have been built by the Pandava brothers making it even more sacred.

Ramanathaswamy Temple (Rameshwaram)

• Located on the island of Rameshwaram.
• One of the 12 Jyotirlinga temples of Lord Shiva.
• Known for the longest corridor among Indian temples.
• Associated with Lord Rama’s worship of Shiva.
• A vital stop in the Char Dham Yatra.

This towering and glistening golden roofed temple dedicated to Lord Shiva is one of the holiest places of worship not only in India but also in the world. Placed in the scenic island of Rameshwaram this place is the epitome of the deep religious and spiritual sentiments that are harbored in the souls of the people residing here. It is a significant pillar of the holy Char Dham tour of India and it also boasts for having the longest corridor amidst all the other temples in India. The legend of this temple is that lord ram had created a small lingam here to worship Shivaji and ask for forgiveness for brahmacharya of Ravana.

Dwarkadhish Temple (Gujarat)

• Dedicated to Lord Krishna.
• Built on the ancient city of Dwarka, with history over 2,000 years old.
• Part of the Char Dham Yatra.
• Famous for its five-story structure and massive flag.
• Believed to be expanded by Krishna’s grandson, Vajranabha.

Also referred to as Jagat Mandir this Hindu temple which is dedicated to Lord Krishna is one of the most important parts of all India Char Dham Yatra and also considered to be one of the most popular Hindu pilgrimage sites in India. Enlarged during the 15th and 16th century apparently on top of the original residential place of Lord Krishna by his grandson, the original date of construction of the temple goes back 2,000 to 2,200 years ago. The temple in itself is 5 stories tall and adorning the top is a massive flag that flutters and makes this place even more beautiful and soulful.

Jagannath Temple (Odisha)         

• Dedicated to Lord Jagannath, an incarnation of Vishnu.
• Famous for the annual Rath Yatra (chariot festival).
• Located in Puri, Odisha.
• Integral part of the Char Dham Yatra.
• Said to be built by Lord Vishnu's architect, Vishwakarma.

Situated in the beautiful coastal town of Puri in Odisha this iconic and ancient Hindu temple is dedicated to an incarnation of Lord Vishnu known as Lord Jagannath. This place represents Hinduism at its best and makes for a crucial part of the all India char Dham Yatra that connects all the 4 different corners of India. As per traditions, the temple is said to have been built by Vishwakarma (the architect of gods) and Lord Vishnu is said to have appeared himself in front and helped in the completion of this temple.

Badrinath Temple (Uttarakhand)

• Dedicated to Lord Vishnu.
• Key part of the Char Dham Yatra.
• Situated in the Chamoli district, surrounded by stunning natural beauty.
• Part of the Panch/Sapt Badri Yatra.
• Historically significant to both Hindus and Buddhists.

Situated in the district of Chamoli and also referred to as Badri Vishal this lord Vishnu temple makes for not only a major part of the Char Dham Yatra of Uttarakhand but also for the holy panch / Sapt Badri Yatra that also takes place in Devbhoomi Uttarakhand. Initially, a place of worship for the Buddhists of this region now a temple this holy pilgrimage site is a must-visit if you are a spiritual seeker. Surrounded by places like the last village of India at mana to Vasundhara falls and Bheem Pul etc.

Kashi Vishwanath Temple (Uttar Pradesh)

• Located in Varanasi, one of the oldest living cities in India.
• A sacred Jyotirlinga temple of Lord Shiva.
• Considered a gateway to salvation (moksha).
• Devotees bathe in the Ganges before entering the temple.
• An important site for the Jyotirlinga pilgrimage.

This ancient temple is one of the most sacred inclusions in the pilgrimage of the Jyotirlinga tour of lord Shiva that takes place in India. As the name suggests this temple is located in one of the most ancient living cities in India known as Varanasi or kasha and is a huge attraction for people willing to offer their prayer to the lord or whoever wants to explore more about their spiritual journey. This is the first Jyotirlinga which is said to have come into being when the lord had appeared on earth in the form of a fiery and bright column.

Kamakshi Amman Temple (Tamil Nadu)

• Dedicated to Goddess Parvati in her Kamakshi form.
• Located in Kanchipuram, one of the seven Moksha-puris.
• A prominent Shakti Peeth and pilgrimage site.
• Known for its spiritual ambiance and intricate architecture.
• Part of the Maha Shakti Peetha pilgrimage circuit.

Dedicated to the most legendary form of goddess Parvati this elaborate and opulently created temple is one of the most important Maha Shakti Peeth in India along with being one of the top Hindu pilgrimage destinations in India. Located within the historic city of Kanchipuram the main deity or the presiding image of the goddess in the form of Kamakshi can be seen sitting in a yogic posture known as Padmasana which is said to signify prosperity and peace. The place is filled with a feeling of extreme devotion and spirituality to the goddess and is must be visited by believers of Shaktism and also people taking pilgrimages to all the Maha Shakti Peethas in India.