Top Religious Places in West India

Known For : Shri Sai Baba Sansthan Temple Shani Shingnapur Samadhi Mandir

The home of great saint Sai Baba, Shirdi is a religious site close to Nasik with various temples apart from the famous Sai Baba temple and a few historical sites.

Best Time: July to March

24 Shirdi Attractions

Known For : Panchvati Sula Vineyard Dudhsagar falls, Nasik

Nasik is a religious Hindu city, host to the Kumbh Mela every 12 years. It also makes for a perfect wine tasting destination.

Best Time: July to March

39 Nasik Attractions

Known For : Charbhuja Shrinathji Temple Shopping in Nathdwara

Nestled amidst the Aravalli Hills, the charming town of Nathdwara is literally translates to "The Gateway of the Lord'. It is situated in the heart of Rajasthan, on the banks of river Banas and is a pristine picturesque location. It is also a sacred Hindu site and is flocked by thousands of tourists every year. Nathdwara is also famous for "Pichwai Paintings" which are traditional Rajasthani style paintings and terracotta work. It is considered the hub of traditional handicrafts, arts and artefacts.

Best Time: September to February

6 Nathdwara Attractions

Known For : Pushkar Lake Brahma Temple Savitri Temple

Pushkar, the city often referred to as the ‘rose garden of Rajasthan’ is a city of culture and intellect. Nothing can describe this iconic city better than a sought-after destination that provides the essence of Pushkar roses, the charm of culturally vibrant atmosphere and the dynamic festivities make it one hot cultural spot. The west wind of Pushkar gives an easygoing vibe of Westwood lifestyle in the hot sandstone town. The home of the only temple dedicated to Lord Brahma in the world, it is one of the ultimate pilgrimages for Hindus to attain divine spiritual bliss. A place of holy spirit for Hindus, ample ghats are flooded with devotees, closing eyes in the serenity of chants coming from temples around. A soothing and calm place with the glitter of spirituality makes Pushkar a must visit.

Best Time: October to March

27 Pushkar Attractions

Known For : Akshardham Temple Adalaj Stepwell Children's Park, Gandhinagar

Gandhinagar, the capital city of Gujarat, offers a rich cultural heritage, beautiful temples and serene environment to all its visitors.

Best Time: October to March

18 Gandhinagar Attractions

Known For : Bhimashankar Wildlife Sanctuary Bhimashankar Temple Bhimashankar Trek

Bhimashankar, located about 100 km from Pune and 223 km from Mumbai, is a popular temple town. It is among one of the twelve traditional 'Jyotilingam' shrines of Lord Shiva in India.

Best Time: November to February

5 Bhimashankar Attractions

Known For : Dwarkadhish Temple Nageshwar Jyotirlinga Bet Dwarka

Famous for having one of the 12 Jyotirlingas, Dwarka is best known as the home of Lord Krishna and will enchant you with the holiness that the air here carries. Located on the western tip of the Saurashtra peninsula in Gujarat, Dwarka is popularly known as the "home of Lord Krishna". The name Dwarka literally translates to dwar meaning 'door' and ka meaning 'moksha' meaning the ‘door to salvation. And so the aura of the religious town reverberates with spiritual holiness and chants of the devotees seeking moksha. Dwarka boasts of being the only city that is a part of both Char Dham (four principal holy places) and also Sapta Puris (seven holy cities) mentioned in the Hindu religion. For this reason, it enjoys a remarkable religious significance and attracts thousands of pilgrims all year round. In addition to this, the town is replete with grandeur temples, marvellous architecture and places of cultural significance. The beachside and the seashores are an added tourist attraction.

Best Time: July to March

15 Dwarka Attractions

Known For : Panhala Fort Dajipur Wildlife Sanctuary Shri Chatrapati Shahu Museum (New Palace)

Kolhapur is situated on the banks of the river Panchaganga in the south-west region of Maharashtra. Kolhapur derives its name from a mythological story of Kolhasur - a demon who was slayed by Goddess Mahalakshmi. The famous Mahalakshmi temple is situated here in the honor of Goddess Mahalakshmi.

Best Time: July to February

30 Kolhapur Attractions

Known For : Ajmer Sharif Dargah Ana Sagar Lake Adhai Din ka Jhopra

Surrounded by Aravali ranges, the city of Ajmer is most famous for its Dargah Sharif of saint Muin-ud-din Chishti. Firmly bound by its traditions and culture, Ajmer has a unique charm which lies in the ethos and craftsmanship practised over centuries. Visit Ajmer to witness the exquisite Mughal architecture set in an aura of peace and spirituality.

Best Time: October to March

23 Ajmer Attractions

Known For : Somnath Jytorilinga Temple Bhalka Tirth Somnath Beach

Somnath, literally meaning 'lord of the moon' is a pilgrim center and is home to one of the 12 Jyotirlingas. It is a town which derives much of its identity from the mythology, religion, and legends that surround it.

Best Time: September to March

16 Somnath Attractions

Known For : Grishneshwar Temple Bibi ka Maqbara The Ajanta caves

Aurangabad, which was declared by the Government as the Tourism Capital of Maharashtra back in 2010, is a famous tourist hub which greets its visitors with a richly woven tapestry of sights and sounds. From UNESCO World Heritage Sites to bustling markets brimming with delicate silk items and exquisite hand-woven garments, Aurangabad promises all tourists an exciting holiday experience. History buffs will be excited to know that Aurangabad has quite a bit of history attached to it. The city used to be the capital of the Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb, which is how it derived its current name of 'Aurangabad'. While the city is rapidly heading towards industrial growth and globalization, it still retains most of its past glory, heritage, charms and traditions.

Best Time: October to March

37 Aurangabad Attractions

Known For : Dilwara Temples (Delwada Temple) Toad Rock Mount Abu Sunset Point

The only hill station of Rajasthan, its cool atmosphere and lush green surroundings make it a major tourist spot within the state. The most important attraction, however, are undoubtedly the Dilwara temples, which is one of the most stunning piece of architecture in the country. If you are a history or architecture buff, this is one of the places you should absolutely not miss out in India.

Best Time: October to March

20 Mount Abu Attractions

Known For : Hedvi Beach Shri Dashbhuj Lakshmi Ganesh Temple

Hedvi is a small village located near the town of Guhanagar in the Konkan region of Maharashtra. It is primarily a pilgrim destination and attracts a lot of pilgrims from across the country. The Lord Ganesha temple is one of the important temples because of its historical significance.

Best Time: September to May

2 Hedvi Attractions

Known For : Harihareshwar Beach Kalbhairav Temple Ganesh Gully

Surrounded by four hills and with river Savitri flowing through the town, Harihareshwar is famous for its temple of Lord Harihareshwar and is a popular weekend beach destination especially for people in Mumbai and Pune.

Best Time: October to March

8 Harihareshwar Attractions

Known For : Hal Museum or Pragati Aerospace Museum Vigneshwara Temple Swami Bhramanand Temple

The scenic view of vineyard scapes and forest covered hills makes Ozar one of the beautiful offbeat destinations around Mumbai. It is known for its enormous production of grapes, onions, corn and Vigneshwara Temple. The place is a home for various indigenous tribes that own a secluded lifestyle and often provides a wide array of a cultural showcase in food and traditions. Three hours away from exciting Nashik, it is a great place for weekend getaways with friends and families.

Best Time: December to February

3 Ozar Attractions

Known For : Junagarh Fort Karni Mata Temple Gajner Palace

Located in the midst of Thar Desert, Bikaner is a "cultural paradise and a traveller's haven". The city will mesmerize you with the camels sauntering its beautiful sand dunes and captivate you with its ancient palaces and forts. Rightly called as one of the three great desert kingdoms of Rajasthan, the dazzling city boasts of old-world charm, opulent havelis and depicts a pleasing bygone era of the Rajputs. Best known as the "camel country" for breeding some best-knownn riding camels, Bikaner also happens to house one of the only two models of the biplane used by the British in World War 1.

Best Time: October to March

23 Bikaner Attractions

Known For : Jaigad Fort Water Sports in Ganapatipule Swayambhu Ganpati Temple

Beach town on the Konkan coastline, Ganpatipule has temples of Lord Ganesha as major attractions apart from the beautiful virgin beaches.

Best Time: November to February

9 Ganapatipule Attractions

Known For : Rani ki Vav Sahastralinga Talav Patola Saree Making Unit

Rani Ka Vav, the latest Indian entrant to the list of UNESCO World Heritage Site is situated here, making Patan one of the newest tourist hubs in India.

Best Time: October to March

10 Patan Attractions

Known For : Sachiya Mata Temple Surya Temple Kali Temple

Osian is an ancient temple city located 65 kms north of Jaipur in the state of Rajasthan in western India.

Best Time: November to March

5 Osian Attractions

Known For : Rani Sati Temple Haveli and forts Khetri Mahal

An ancient town in the state of Rajasthan, Jhunjhunu is one of the most progressive districts of the desert state. The vacant havelis, carefully engraved architecture which the monuments proudly put to a tourists' display, everything has stories to interest tourists, specially history enthusiasts.

Best Time: October to March

5 Jhunjhunu Attractions

Known For : Gateway of India Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus Marine Drive, Mumbai

Mumbai is a spectacular paradox of chaos and hope, glamor and squalor, modernity and tradition, old and new. Famously known as the City of Dreams, Mumbai – formerly known as Bombay – has a long colonial history, starting from Gandhi’s visits to the city to the intense protests against the Simon Commission in 1928, the city has stood witness to many important events in the country’s freedom struggle. Today, Mumbai is a beautifully blended melting pot of cultures and lifestyles. The city soaks in everything into its fabric, making it its very own. From European and Portuguese inhabitants who migrated years ago to the city, to upcoming actors struggling to make it big on the silver screen; from Bolly superstars to big industrialists to tribes of fisherman and slum dwellers, Mumbai is a city that proudly boasts of stories from different walks of human survival.

Best Time: October to February

120 Mumbai Attractions

Known For : Nadine Cultural Centre Dholi Sati Dadi Mandir Temples in Fatehpur

Situated in the Sikar district of Rajasthan, Fatehpur is an ancient town, a prominent part of the Shekhawati region. Fatehpur is popular with tourists who want to try out a new destination, and have a knack for art and culture.

Best Time: October to March

4 Fatehpur Attractions

Known For : Sabarmati Riverfront Dada Hari Wav Swaminarayan Temple, Ahmedabad

A rapidly growing metropolis, an industrial hub, an educational hotspot, and a city with a magnificent past – Ahmedabad is one of the most important cities in Gujarat and is fast becoming a very popular tourist destination as well. Home to a plethora of remarkable temples, intriguing museums, serene lakes, good restaurants, and classy market, with a little bit of colonial history attached to it, Ahmedabad is a great example of how a city can still retain every bit of its old-world charm while still rapidly progressing on the path of globalization and commercialization. Located on the banks of the Sabarmati river, Ahmedabad is the former capital of Gujarat, and its delicious food, colourful culture and amazing hospitality attract a huge number of tourists all year round.

Best Time: October to March

64 Ahmedabad Attractions

Known For : Dabdaba Falls Jai Vilas Palace Sunset Point, Jawhar

A small hill station located in the Thane District of Maharashtra, Jawhar is a place with abundant nature's beauty and several man made marvels. Preserving numerous picturesque views, this hill town is loaded with tourist attractions and exotic beauty of flora and dense cover of forest.

Best Time: September to Apr

7 Jawhar Attractions

Known For : Karnala Bird Sanctuary Karnala Fort Prabalgad Fort

Panvel is best known for all the forts that dot this city and its proximity from Mumbai. Called the gateway of the Konkan coast, Panvel is the most crowded city of Navi Mumbai. Most travellers have their base in Panvel to travel long and short distances to nearby forts at Raigad and Khopoli. Matheran, a hill-station of Maharashtra is also located nearby.

Best Time: July to February

8 Panvel Attractions

Known For : Sindhudurg Fort Scuba Diving in Malvan Rock Garden, Malvan

Malvan is a culturally and historically important town in the Sindhudurg district of Maharashtra. It is well known historically for the Sindhudurg Fort of Chatrapati Shivajiraje. Culturally, it is famous for it's mouth-watering Malvani sea-food and sweets.

Best Time: November to March

23 Malvan Attractions

Known For : Kalika Mata Temple Pavagadh Fort Jain Temples in Pavagadh

Being included in the elite list of the UNESCO World Heritage Sites across the globe, this marvellous archaeological park set in the heart of the city of Champaner and amidst the Pavagadh hills is one of the most sought after places in Gujarat.

Best Time: October to February

8 Pavagadh Attractions

Known For : Diveagar Beach Harihareshwar Beach Bagmandala

Gleaming white sand, pristine blue water, swaying coconut palms and betel nut trees and gentle breeze producing a serene and calming effect, this is not a dream but the enchanting place called Diveagar.

Best Time: October to March

20 Diveagar Attractions

Known For : Trekking in Suryamal Suryamal Peak

Suryamal is the highest peak of the region, located in Thane district of Maharashtra. The small but beautiful hill is a popular place among people for the sheer breathtaking views that it can be seen from the hilltop.

Best Time: September to May

2 Suryamal Attractions

Known For : Harnai Port Unhavare - Hot springs Panhalakaji Caves

Dapoli, situated 215km away from Mumbai is popular tourist destination that serves the needs of all kinds of travelers. It is known as mini-Mahabaleshwar of Maharashtra owing to its cool climate throughout the year. It is located in the Ratnagiri district and is a famous Konkan hill station.

Best Time: June to September

14 Dapoli Attractions