The Golden Temple, also known as Harmandir Sahib or Darbar Sahib, is the holiest shrine in Sikhism. This iconic temple is adorned with gold and is surrounded by the serene Amrit Sarovar, a holy pool. The complex is not only a place of spiritual significance but also a testament to the extraordinary community spirit of the Sikhs, especially evident in the massive langar that feeds thousands daily.
Timings: Open 24 hours, with specific timings for different ceremonies.
Entry Fee: Free
Known For : Vaishno Devi Mandir Ardhkuwari
Situated atop the Trikuta Mountains in Jammu & Kashmir, the revered Ma Vaishno Devi Temple attracts millions of pilgrims annually. The journey to the shrine involves a challenging trek, although options like helicopter rides and pony rides are available. The central point of worship is the cave where three rock formations, called the Pindis, represent the three goddesses – Maha Kali, Maha Lakshmi, and Maha Saraswati.
Timings: Open 24 hours, but the yatra timings might vary depending on the weather.
Entry Fee: Free. However, one needs a Yatra slip from the Yatra Registration Counter.
Best Time: October to June
Perched at an altitude of 3,583 m amidst the snow-clad peaks of the Himalayas in Uttarakhand, Kedarnath Temple is one of the twelve Jyotirlingas of Lord Shiva. The temple can only be reached by a trek or helicopter services, making the journey spiritually enriching. It forms a part of the Chota Char Dham Yatra.
Timings: 4:00 AM to 9:00 PM (Subject to change based on religious rituals and seasons)
Entry Fee: Free
Perched in the holy hill town of Tirumala in Andhra Pradesh, the Sri Venkateswara Temple is a sanctum dedicated to Lord Venkateswara, an avatar of Vishnu. Often regarded as one of the most affluent temples globally, it draws millions annually, making it one of the most visited sacred sites.
Timings: Multiple darshan timings starting from 2:30 AM to 1:30 AM the next day (Varies on special days)
Entry Fee: Different ticket prices for special darshans and sevas, with a free darshan available.
Situated on the western bank of the sacred Ganges River in Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, the Kashi Vishwanath Temple is among the 12 distinguished Jyotirlingas. Renowned as a spiritual nucleus for Hindu devotees, the temple encapsulates centuries of religious traditions. The echoing chants, the fervor of devotees, and the mesmerizing evening aarti amplifies its spiritual aura.
Timings: 3:00 AM to 11:00 PM
Entry Fee: Free
Carved out of pristine white marble, the Dilwara Temples in Mount Abu, Rajasthan, are an epitome of Jain architectural grandeur. With intricate carvings that mirror the Jain religious ethos, these temples are more than just places of worship; they are an art form. Nestled amidst forested hills, the serene ambiance complements the architectural splendor.
Timings: 12:00 PM to 5:00 PM for tourists.
Entry Fee: Free
Situated in the heart of Delhi, the Swaminarayan Akshardham Temple is a monumental ode to India's millennia-old culture, spirituality, and architecture. Beyond its central grand edifice, the temple complex boasts the Yagnapurush Kund, the world's largest stepwell, and the enlightening Sahaj Anand Water Show.
Timings: 9:30 AM to 6:30 PM. Closed on Mondays.
Entry Fee: Complex entry is free. Exhibition ticket prices vary.
Situated in the ancient city of Madurai in Tamil Nadu, the Meenakshi Amman Temple is a historic Hindu temple dedicated to Goddess Meenakshi, an avatar of Parvati, and her consort, Lord Shiva. It stands as an epitome of Dravidian architecture, with its towering gopurams (gateways) adorned with intricate sculptures narrating age-old tales.
Timings: 5:00 AM - 12:30 PM, 4:00 PM - 10:00 PM
Entry Fee: Free; special darshan and ceremonies have specific charges.
Perched on the Nallamala Hills in Andhra Pradesh, the Mallikarjuna Swamy Temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva, worshipped here as Mallikarjuna, and his consort Goddess Parvati, revered as Bhramaramba. As one of the twelve Jyotirlingas, the temple holds immense religious significance in Hinduism.
Timings: 5:00 AM - 3:30 PM, 6:00 PM - 10:00 PM
Entry Fee: Free; special darshan and ceremonies have specific charges.
Nestled within the UNESCO World Heritage complex of Khajuraho in Madhya Pradesh, the Kandariya Mahadev Temple is the largest and most ornate Hindu temple celebrating Lord Shiva. Its Nagara-style architectural grandeur boasts intricately carved sculptures, capturing various moods and poses of human life and divine beings.
Timings: 8:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Entry Fee: INR 40 (Indians); INR 600 (Foreign Nationals); Free for children below 15 years.
Located in Tamil Nadu's cultural hub of Thanjavur, the Brihadeshwara Temple, also known as the Big Temple, is a magnificent example of Chola dynasty architecture. Dedicated to Lord Shiva, the temple boasts a towering vimana and a monolithic Nandi sculpture, among other architectural marvels. A UNESCO World Heritage site, this temple epitomizes the zenith of the Chola architectural and artistic accomplishments.
Timings: 6:00 AM - 12:30 PM, 4:00 PM - 8:30 PM
Entry Fee: Free
Nestled in the heart of Kerala's capital, Thiruvananthapuram, the Sri Padmanabhaswamy Temple is among the world's richest temples, known for its hidden treasures and architectural magnificence. The temple venerates Lord Vishnu in the Anantha Shayanam posture. Its unique blend of the Kerala and Dravidian architectural styles, with its intricate stone carvings and mural paintings, make it a revered pilgrimage spot and an architectural marvel.
Timings: 3:30 AM - 4:45 AM (Morning Darshan), 6:30 PM - 7:20 PM (Evening Darshan)
Entry Fee: Free; special rituals and ceremonies have specific charges.
Yamunotri Temple, perched in the Garhwal Himalayas of Uttarakhand, marks the origin of the sacred Yamuna River. As the westernmost shrine in the Chota Char Dham circuit, it holds a special place in Hinduism, with devotees visiting to seek blessings from Goddess Yamuna. The temple, surrounded by mountains and thermal springs, not only offers spiritual solace but also mesmerizing natural beauty.
Timings: 6:00 AM - 8:00 PM (May vary slightly depending on the season)
Entry Fee: Free
The Amarnath Cave Temple, situated in the picturesque landscapes of Jammu and Kashmir, is a prominent Hindu shrine dedicated to Lord Shiva. Each year, during the Amarnath Yatra, thousands of devotees trek challenging terrains to reach this cave and witness the naturally formed ice Shiva Linga.
Timings: The temple is open for a short duration during the Amarnath Yatra, typically between July and August.
Entry Fee: Free, but registration for the yatra is mandatory.
Nestled in the Himalayan peaks of Uttarakhand, Badrinath Temple is dedicated to Lord Vishnu and forms a part of the Char Dham Yatra. The temple, with its captivating architecture and the backdrop of the Neelkanth peak, stands as a testament to the rich legacy of spirituality in India. Its therapeutic hot springs and the vibrant valley add to its allure.
Timings: 4:30 AM - 1:00 PM, 4:00 PM - 9:00 PM
Entry Fee: Free
The Shore Temple, overlooking the Bay of Bengal in Mahabalipuram, Tamil Nadu, is an architectural marvel from the Pallava dynasty. Constructed in the 8th century, this UNESCO World Heritage Site consists of three shrines, with the primary one dedicated to Lord Shiva. The intricate carvings and sculptures make it an iconic representation of the Pallava art.
Timings: 6:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Entry Fee: Rs. 40 for Indian citizens, Rs. 600 for foreign nationals.
One of the four Dhams of Hindu pilgrimage, the Jagannath Puri Temple in Odisha is a magnificent temple dedicated to Lord Jagannath, an incarnation of Lord Vishnu. The annual Rath Yatra or chariot procession of Lord Jagannath and his siblings is a grand spectacle attracting devotees from across the world. The temple's towering spires and intricate carvings further add to its grandeur.
Timings: 5:00 AM - 11:00 PM (Various rituals take place throughout the day)
Entry Fee: Free (Special entry for certain ceremonies might be charged)
The Sri Krishna Janmabhoomi Temple Complex, located in the sacred city of Mathura, Uttar Pradesh, is believed to be the birthplace of Lord Krishna. The temple stands as a prominent religious site, attracting millions of devotees, especially during the festival of Janmashtami, which celebrates the birth of Lord Krishna. The complex comprises a series of temples, with intricate carvings and sculptures, depicting various stages of Lord Krishna's life.
Timings: 5:00 AM - 9:30 PM
Entry Fee: Free
Ramanathaswamy Temple, situated on the serene island of Rameshwaram, is one of the twelve Jyotirlinga temples dedicated to Lord Shiva. Renowned for its grand architecture, it has the longest corridor among all Hindu temples in India. The temple is also a significant pilgrimage site, with many believers bathing in the holy waters of its 22 sacred wells before offering prayers.
Timings: 5:00 AM - 1:00 PM, 3:00 PM - 9:00 PM
Entry Fee: Free
Gangotri Temple, nestled amidst the Himalayan range in Uttarakhand, is dedicated to Goddess Ganga. It's believed to be the spot where the Ganges descended from the heavens when Lord Shiva released the river from his matted locks. The temple, with its scenic backdrop and serene ambiance, forms a vital part of the Char Dham Yatra of Uttarakhand.
Timings: 6:30 AM - 2:00 PM, 3:00 PM - 9:30 PM (Open from April-May to Diwali in October, dates may vary)
Entry Fee: Free
Located in the vibrant state of Gujarat, the Somnath Temple is one of the twelve Jyotirlinga shrines dedicated to Lord Shiva. It has a significant place in Hindu mythology, being frequently mentioned in ancient scriptures. The temple, which overlooks the vast Arabian Sea, has seen multiple reconstructions over the centuries, with the present structure being a beautiful representation of the Chalukya architectural style.
Timings: 6:00 AM - 9:00 PM
Entry Fee: Free
Shri Sai Baba Sansthan Temple, located in Shirdi, Maharashtra, is a revered shrine dedicated to Sai Baba. The saint's teachings emphasized love, forgiveness, inner peace, and charity. Pilgrims from all over the world visit this temple to seek blessings and experience the serene ambiance that is imbued with the saint's spiritual energy.
Timings: 4:00 AM - 11:15 PM
Entry Fee: Free (Special darshans may have charges)
The Brahma Temple in Pushkar, Rajasthan, is a prominent Hindu pilgrimage site and is one of the very few temples in the world dedicated to Lord Brahma. Pushkar Lake, close to the temple, is believed to have been created by Brahma himself. Nestled amidst the Aravali range, the temple, with its red spire and a silver coin-embedded sanctum, attracts pilgrims and tourists alike.
Timings: 6:30 AM - 8:30 PM
Entry Fee: Free
Situated on the banks of the Rudra Sagar lake in Ujjain, Madhya Pradesh, Mahakaleshwar Temple is another of the twelve Jyotirlinga shrines dedicated to Lord Shiva. The temple is famous for its Bhasma Aarti, a unique ritual performed daily. With its splendid architectural beauty and spiritual ambiance, the temple remains a must-visit for devotees and tourists alike.
Timings: 4:00 AM - 11:00 PM
Entry Fee: Free (Special darshans might have additional charges)
Dwarkadeesh Temple, located in Dwarka, is one of the renowned Char Dham pilgrimage sites. Dedicated to Lord Krishna, the temple showcases intricate carvings, towering spires, and a spiritual aura that attracts millions of devotees. It stands majestically on the banks of the Gomti River, offering both spiritual solace and a taste of ancient Indian architecture.
Timings: 6:30 AM - 9:30 PM (Timings may vary on special occasions)
Entry Fee: Free
Perched atop a hill near Rishikesh, the Neelkantha Mahadeva Temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva. The temple derives its name from the legend of Lord Shiva consuming the poison that emerged from the churning of the ocean, turning his throat blue ('Neelkanth'). It's a significant pilgrimage spot, offering panoramic views of the valleys below.
Timings: 5:00 AM - 3:00 PM and 5:00 PM - 9:00 PM
Entry Fee: Free
The ISKCON Temple in Delhi, also known as the Hare Krishna Temple, stands as a testament to modern Indian spiritual movements. It is dedicated to Lord Krishna and Radharani. Known for its immaculate beauty, serene ambiance, and devotional fervor, the temple draws both the faithful and tourists alike.
Timings: 4:30 AM - 9:00 PM
Entry Fee: Free
Located on an island in the river Kaveri, Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple in Srirangapatna, Karnataka, is a significant Vaishnavite shrine. Dedicated to Lord Ranganatha, a manifestation of Lord Vishnu, this temple showcases the Dravidian style of architecture and is renowned for its annual chariot festival.
Timings: 7:00 AM - 1:00 PM and 4:00 PM - 8:00 PM
Entry Fee: Free
Akshardham Temple in Gandhinagar, Gujarat, epitomizes the blend of grandeur, devotion, and art. Dedicated to Lord Swaminarayan, this temple is an architectural marvel with intricately carved designs and a sprawling green campus. It provides not just spiritual insight but also showcases the cultural and traditional heritage of India through various exhibitions and shows.
Timings: 9:30 AM - 7:30 PM (Closed on Mondays)
Entry Fee: Free (Separate charges for exhibitions)
Sabarimala Ayyappa Temple, located amidst the Western Ghats in Kerala, is a significant pilgrimage site, especially for devotees observing the 41-day 'Vratham'. Revered as one of the oldest temples, it's unique in welcoming all irrespective of religion or caste. The challenging trek through dense forests leading up to the temple is an integral part of the spiritual journey.
Timings: Varies during pilgrimage seasons
Entry Fee: Free
Har Ki Pauri, located in the sacred city of Haridwar, is a revered ghat on the banks of the River Ganges. It is believed that Lord Vishnu left his footprints here, making it a primary location for devotees to take a holy dip. The evening 'Ganga Aarti' is a spectacular sight, symbolizing the religious spirit of the place.
Timings: Open all day
Entry Fee: Free
Perched on the Shankaracharya Hill, this temple in Srinagar is dedicated to Lord Shiva. Also known as the Jyeshteshwara temple, it offers panoramic views of the city and Dal Lake. The temple, apart from its religious significance, is an epitome of the ancient architectural style of the region.
Timings: 7:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Entry Fee: Free
One of the oldest structures in Kanchipuram, the Kailasanathar Temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva. Built using sandstone and adorned with intricate carvings, the temple showcases the grandeur of Pallava architecture. Its unique pyramidal structure and dozens of shrines captivate visitors and devotees alike.
Timings: 6:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Entry Fee: Free
Located in Deoghar, Jharkhand, Baidyanath Dham is one of the twelve Jyotirlingas in India. Dedicated to Lord Shiva, it holds immense religious significance and attracts millions during the Shravan month. The temple complex consists of the main temple of Baba Baidyanath, where the Jyotirlinga is installed, and 21 other temples.
Timings: 4:00 AM - 3:30 PM and 6:00 PM - 9:00 PM
Entry Fee: Free
Located in the heart of Mumbai, the Siddhivinayak Temple is dedicated to Lord Ganesha. Renowned for its beautiful architecture and the black stone idol of Ganesha, it attracts thousands of devotees daily. Besides religious significance, it's also a major cultural landmark of the city.
Timings: 5:30 AM - 9:50 PM
Entry Fee: Free
Nestled in the Sahyadri hills of Maharashtra, Bhimashankar Temple is one of the twelve Jyotirlingas in India. The temple, amidst a picturesque setting, is a blend of old Nagara-style architecture and a slightly more recent style. It's also a starting point for treks in the Bhimashankar Wildlife Sanctuary.
Timings: 4:30 AM - 3:30 PM and 4:00 PM - 9:30 PM
Entry Fee: Free
Prem Mandir, meaning 'Temple of Divine Love', stands as a testament to the life and teachings of Lord Krishna. It's renowned for its magnificent architecture, intricate carvings, and beautifully landscaped gardens. The evening light show is a particular attraction, portraying the pastimes of Radha-Krishna and the 'Leelas' of Lord Krishna.
Timings: 5:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Entry Fee: Free
Located on the banks of the Hooghly River in Kolkata, Belur Math serves as the headquarters of the Ramakrishna Math and Mission. The temple, embodying the essence of both Hindu and Islamic designs, symbolizes the unity of all religions. Its tranquil ambiance offers solace to visitors from all walks of life.
Timings: 6:00 AM - 11:30 AM and 4:00 PM - 7:00 PM
Entry Fee: Free
In the Ahmednagar district of Maharashtra, Shani Shingnapur is a renowned village known for its temple dedicated to Lord Shaneshwara. Unique to this village, houses have no doors, owing to the belief that Lord Shani protects them from theft. The large black stone idol of Lord Shani attracts numerous devotees, especially on Saturdays.
Timings: 24 hours (open-air temple)
Entry Fee: Free
Situated near Dwarka in Gujarat, Nageshwar Temple houses one of the twelve Jyotirlingas. It's particularly famous for the large, striking statue of Lord Shiva. The temple's serene ambiance, combined with its architectural grandeur, offers a spiritual retreat to visitors.
Timings: 5:00 AM - 9:00 PM
Entry Fee: Free
Located in the town of Chidambaram, Tamil Nadu, the Thillai Nataraja Temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva in his form as Nataraja - the cosmic dancer. The temple, known for its exquisite Dravidian architecture, houses the Akasha Lingam, symbolic of the sky. The annual dance festival, Margazhi Thiruvaadhirai, attracts a myriad of devotees and tourists.
Timings: 6:00 AM - 12:00 PM and 5:00 PM - 10:00 PM
Entry Fee: Free
Situated in Bihar, the Mahabodhi Temple is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, marking the location where Siddhartha Gautama, the Buddha, attained enlightenment under the Bodhi tree. The temple's grandeur, its intricate carvings, and the Bodhi tree make it a pivotal pilgrimage site for Buddhists from around the world.
Timings: 5:00 AM - 9:00 PM
Entry Fee: Free
Perched atop the Nilachal Hill in Guwahati, Assam, the Kamakhya Temple is one of the 51 Shakti Peethas. Dedicated to the goddess Kamakhya, it's famed for the annual Ambubachi Mela, which draws thousands of pilgrims. The temple, a significant tantric center, stands as an epitome of ancient Assamese craftsmanship.
Timings: 8:00 AM - 1:00 PM and 2:30 PM - 5:30 PM
Entry Fee: Free
Dedicated to Lord Shiva, Annamalaiyar Temple is located in the town of Thiruvannamalai, Tamil Nadu. Boasting of a rich history, this temple is renowned for its grand gopurams and intricately carved pillars. The Karthigai Deepam festival, celebrated here, witnesses the lighting of a giant lamp on the hill, attracting lakhs of devotees.
Timings: 5:30 AM - 12:30 PM and 3:30 PM - 9:30 PM
Entry Fee: Free
Located in Sravanabelagola, Karnataka, the Gomateshwara Statue Temple showcases the monolithic statue of Lord Bahubali, standing at a staggering 57 feet. Revered by Jains, this statue is one of the largest free-standing statues in the world. Every 12 years, the Mahamastakabhisheka festival is celebrated here with great enthusiasm, where the statue is bathed in milk, saffron paste, and gold coins.
Timings: 6:30 AM - 11:30 AM and 3:30 PM - 6:30 PM
Entry Fee: Free
Situated in Nathdwara, Rajasthan, Shrinathji Temple is dedicated to Lord Krishna. It holds special significance in the Vaishnavism tradition, with thousands of devotees visiting to witness the unique 'darshan' styles, representing different times of the day. The temple is also renowned for its Pichwai paintings.
Timings: Varies based on daily rituals
Entry Fee: Free
Located near Aurangabad, Maharashtra, Ghrishneshwar Temple is one of the 12 Jyotirlingas dedicated to Lord Shiva. The temple showcases a beautiful example of Maratha architecture with its intricately carved designs. It is located in close proximity to the Ellora Caves, making it a significant spiritual and historical site.
Timings: 5:30 AM - 9:30 PM
Entry Fee: Free
An integral part of the ruins of Hampi, Virupaksha Temple in Karnataka is dedicated to Lord Shiva. Being one of the oldest functioning temples in India, it stands as a testament to the grandeur of the Vijayanagara Empire. The temple complex boasts tall gopurams, courtyards, and intricate carvings.
Timings: 9:00 AM - 1:00 PM and 5:00 PM - 9:00 PM
Entry Fee: Free
Perched atop the Chamundi Hill in Mysore, Karnataka, the Chamundeshwari Temple is dedicated to the goddess Chamundi, an incarnation of Durga. This 12th-century temple attracts numerous devotees, especially during the festival of Dussehra. The hill itself offers a panoramic view of Mysore, with a flight of 1,000 steps leading to the temple.
Timings: 7:30 AM - 9:00 PM
Entry Fee: Free
Located in the capital city of Rajasthan, the Birla Temple, also known as Laxmi Narayan Temple, stands as a modern architectural marvel. Made entirely of marble, the temple is dedicated to Lord Vishnu and Goddess Lakshmi. The beautiful carvings depicting mythological themes and the stained-glass windows showcasing scenes from Hindu scriptures add to its charm.
Timings: 6:00 AM - 12:00 PM and 3:00 PM - 9:00 PM
Entry Fee: Free
Shaped like a blooming lotus, the Lotus Temple in Delhi serves as the Bahá'í House of Worship. Symbolizing peace and purity, the structure is composed of 27 free-standing marble-clad petals. It stands as an architectural masterpiece and a testament to religious unity.
Timings: 9:00 AM - 7:00 PM (Closed on Mondays)
Entry Fee: Free
Also known as Konark Sun Temple, this UNESCO World Heritage site in Odisha is an architectural wonder dedicated to the Sun God. The temple takes the form of a colossal chariot driven by seven horses, with intricately carved wheels, walls, and pillars depicting mythological narratives and scenes of daily life.
Timings: 6:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Entry Fee: INR 40 for Indians, INR 600 for foreigners
Located near Nashik, Trimbakeshwar is one of the twelve Jyotirlingas of Lord Shiva. The temple, built by Peshwa Balaji Baji Rao, is known for its unique architecture and the sacred Godavari River that originates here. It is a significant pilgrimage site, especially during the Kumbh Mela.
Timings: 5:30 AM - 9:00 PM
Entry Fee: Free
Situated in the Pali district of Rajasthan, Ranakpur Jain Temple is a marvel of marble dedicated to Adinatha. Famous for its intricate carvings, the temple boasts 1,444 uniquely carved pillars. The serene ambiance and the detailed sculptures make it a prime attraction for both pilgrims and tourists.
Timings: 12:00 PM - 5:00 PM for tourists, open from sunrise to sunset for pilgrims
Entry Fee: Free (Donations are accepted)
Perched on the coast of the Arabian Sea, the Murudeshwar Temple is known for its towering statue of Lord Shiva, which is the second tallest in the world. The temple complex is surrounded by the sea on three sides and offers panoramic views from the top of the Raja Gopura. The modern design combined with ancient spirituality gives visitors a unique experience.
Timings: 6:00 AM - 1:00 PM and 3:00 PM - 8:00 PM
Entry Fee: Free
Located on an island called Mandhata in Madhya Pradesh, Omkareshwar Temple is one of the 12 revered Jyotirlinga shrines of Shiva. The island, shaped like the sacred Hindu symbol "Om," is situated at the confluence of the rivers Narmada and Kaveri. The temple's serene environment and the continuous chantings lend a mystical aura.
Timings: 5:00 AM - 10:00 PM
Entry Fee: Free
One of the oldest temples in Bhubaneswar, Lingaraj Temple is dedicated to Harihara, a form of Shiva and Vishnu. With its towering spire and intricate carvings, the temple is a classic example of the Kalinga style of architecture. Thousands of devotees throng this sacred temple, especially during Shivaratri.
Timings: 6:00 AM - 9:00 PM
Entry Fee: Free
Regarded as one of the 51 Shakti Peeths, Kalighat Temple in Kolkata is dedicated to the goddess Kali. It is one of the most visited temples in West Bengal, drawing thousands of pilgrims daily. The temple is a significant religious site, especially during the Kali Puja festival.
Timings: 5:00 AM - 2:00 PM and 5:00 PM - 10:30 PM
Entry Fee: Free
Located on the eastern bank of the Hooghly River, the Dakshineswar Kali Temple is devoted to the goddess Kali. Built in the traditional Navaratna style, the temple complex comprises of a series of shrines dedicated to Lord Shiva and Radha-Krishna. The serene environment and the historic Ramakrishna connection make it a must-visit.
Timings: 6:00 AM - 12:30 PM and 3:00 PM - 8:30 PM
Entry Fee: Free
India is a vivid blend of culture and modernity. The major religion being Hinduism, the land is dotted with temples and sprinkled with shrines and a whole lot of pilgrimage spots which are visited by pilgrims and devotees all through the year. Among the umpteen thousand temples present in India, most are dedicated to Hindu gods and goddess. Next in the list come the shrines and temples of Sikhism, Jainism, Buddhism and other minor religions and cults. Most of these are wondrous examples of architecture, design, sculpture and astounding beauty.