India is the revered spiritual land in the world. The land is loaded with a myriad of pilgrimage destinations. Most of the pilgrimage destinations are located in North India. These sacred sites are known for their significance in the Vedic Puranas and scriptures. If you are planning a pilgrimage tour in North India, here are the top destinations to include in your itinerary.
India is a land of diverse religions, like Sikhism, Buddhism, Jainism, and Hinduism. Thus, the country has countless sacred sites, religious places, and temples. Pilgrimage sites in North India are more prominent than those mentioned in the Puranas and the Scriptures. Hence, one must visit these sacred sites once in one's lifetime. The pilgrimage sites include revered temples, the pious Ganges River, and other pristine streams. Here are the most famous pilgrimage destinations and temples in North India that you must visit:
One of the top pilgrimage destinations in India is the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Temple. Perched on the Trikuta Hills in Katra city, Jammu & Kashmir, Vaishno Devi is a revered Hindu shrine in India. Devotees from all across India and other parts of the world embark on the Vaishno Devi tour every year. They embark on a journey to ascend the Trikuta Hill to reach the cave, where Mata Vaishno Devi is sitting in the form of ‘Pindis’ (natural rock formations). Mata Vaishno Devi is considered the combined form of three goddesses—Maha Kali, Maha Lakshmi, and Maha Saraswati.
Another famous pilgrimage destination in North India is the Amarnath Cave. The cave is located in the state of Jammu and Kashmir. Legend has it that Lord Shiva discloses the secret of Life, Death, Moksha, and Immortality to his consort, Goddess Parvati, in this cave. Every year, devotees come here to have the divine darshan of the Ice Shivalinga, naturally formed on its own. People either trek to reach the holy cave, while some who cannot walk book the Amarnath Yatra by helicopter tour package. Well, this pilgrimage destination remains covered with snow and opens for pilgrims only for a short period in the months of July and August. One will have to complete the registration form and get the pass to embark on this spiritual journey.
A part of the Chhota Char Dham Yatra in Uttarakhand, Kedarnath is a revered Hindu pilgrimage destination in India. Located in Uttarakhand, the Kedarnath temple is devoted to Lord Shiva. It is one of the 12 Jyotirlingas of Lord Shiva. It is one of the busiest shrines in the Garhwal Himalayas. Legend has it that the Panch Pandavas were in search of Mahadeva for salvation, but lord Shiva did not want to meet them. Then, to evade the Pandavas, lord Shiva hid himself in the form of a bull. When found by the Pandavas, he went further into the earth to hide himself, leaving the hump on the surface. The hump in the rock form is still worshipped at Kedarnath.
Recommended Tour Packages: Do Dham Yatra, Do Dham Yatra by Helicopter, Same Day Do Dham Helicopter Tour
One of the most sacred Hindu pilgrimage destinations in India is Haridwar. Located in the Garhwal region of Uttarakhand, Haridwar is considered one of the seven holiest cities in India. It is believed that no religious tour is complete without visiting this sacred site. Haridwar literally means “the abode of Lord Vishnu”. Devotees from all across India visit here to take a holy dip in the Ganga River, believing it washes away their sins and cleanses their souls. There are myriad temples to visit in Haridwar, including Mansa Devi and Chandi Devi Temple. However, the city has evolved over time, and now it is more than just a religious city with temples. When you plan your pilgrimage tour in North India to explore this holy city, you will realize there is more than visiting temples and taking a holy dip in the Har Ki Pauri Ghat.
Recommended Tour Package: Haridwar and Rishikesh Tour Package
Another revered pilgrimage destination, just a few kilometres from Haridwar, is Rishikesh. Apart from being called the “Yoga Capital of the World”, Rishikesh is a city of fun and adventure. Not only will you get opportunities to get closer to the divine, but you will also indulge in thrilling adventures that will rejuvenate your soul. So, when planning your North India tour, you must add this holy city to your itinerary. This city is a hub of ancient temples, ashrams, and other adventure sports. Over time, it has become a favorite place for youngsters seeking spiritual enlightenment and indulging in adventurous activities.
Recommended Tour Package: Neelkanth Mahadev Darshan Rishikesh Tour
Home to the iconic “Golden Temple”, also known as “Harmandir Sahib”, Amritsar is the holiest city in the Sikh religion. People of all religions and faiths are welcome here. It is famous for the Harmandir Sahib, popularly known as the Golden Temple, because of its dome made of gold. The gurudwara not only welcomes people from all around the world but also has the world’s largest community kitchen. They organize langar for devotees that serves more than one lakh people a day. Apart from this sacred shrine, visitors can explore the other notable attractions, like Jalianwala Bagh, the Museum, and attend the Wagah-Attari Border ceremony.
Recommended Tour Packages: Golden Temple Tour, Anand Sahib Darshan
Manikaran is a town located in Himachal Pradesh near the Parvati River. This holy town is the home to one of the holiest shrines for Sikhs and Hindus, Gurudwara Sri Manikaran Sahib. It is the most famous Sikh pilgrimage site near Manali. It is believed that this is where Guru Nanak Ji meditated. Pilgrims believe that the piousness of this holy shrine is so much that there is no need to visit other shrines once you have visited here. This place has great significance for Hindus too. There are three hot springs near Gurudwara Sri Manikaran Sahib. There is a tale behind these hot springs related to Lord Shiva. It is said that with the help of Sheshnag, Lord Shiva was searching for goddess Parvati’s lost jewel when these hot springs emerged from the loud hiss of Sheshnag. For these mythological beliefs, Manikaran is one of the top pilgrimage destinations in India near Manali.
Recommended Tour Package: Manikaran Sahib Darshan
One of the oldest living cities in India, Varanasi is one of the top pilgrimage destinations in North India. Located in the Uttar Pradesh state, Varanasi is believed to be the world’s first city, built by Lord Shiva himself. People from all across the country visit this sacred site for salvation. It is believed that dying in the holy city led to Moksha (salvation). Tourists visit the major Ghats of Varanasi, especially Dashashwamedh, Assi, and Manikarnika Ghat. At Manikarnika Ghat, dead people are being cremated along the River Ganges, which leads to liberation from the cycle of death and rebirth. Everyone must visit this holy pilgrimage destination once in their lifetime.
Recommended Tour Package: Varanasi Sarnath Tour Package
Two of the major pilgrimage destinations in India associated with lord Krishna are Mathura and Vrindavan. Mathura is the birthplace of Lord Shree Krishna, and he spent his childhood days in Vrindavan. Both cities are located in Uttar Pradesh. Their proximity to New Delhi makes them one of the top tourist and pilgrimage destinations in northern India. Millions of people thronged here to explore the places where Lord Krishna spent the important days of his life. They visit the most popular attractions like Banke Bihari Temple, Krishna Janambhoomi, Dwarkadhish Temple, Prem Mandir, and ISCKON Temple.
Your pilgrimage tour in North India is incomplete without visiting the sacred Hindu site of Ayodhya. It is the birthplace of lord Ram, the seventh avatar of Lord Vishnu. This holy town is a sacred pilgrimage destination for Hindus, who visit the recently built Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Temple, also known as Ram Lalla Temple. It is believed to be the exact birthplace of Lord Ram and is the most revered shrine in Ayodhya. Apart from this, devotees visit the Hanuman Garhi, an ancient temple of Hanuman Ji.
Recommended Tour Package: Varanasi Prayagraj Ayodhya Tour Package
Apart from these sacred pilgrimage destinations in North India, here are some other shrines that come under the pilgrimage circuits:
People who cannot embark on the Char Dham Yatra embark on the Chota Char Dham Yatra, which comprises the sacred shrines in Uttarakhand in northern India. This includes a sacred journey to the four Dhams of Yamunotri, Gangotri, Kedarnath, and Badrinath. These four holy sites are nestled high up in the Himalayas. The journey covers the four major pilgrimage destinations in Hinduism and can be covered by road or by air. You even get a popular Char Dham tour by helicopter. The expedition can be arduous, but the divine energy fulfills your soul.
So, these were the top and must-visit North India pilgrimage destinations that you must include in your tour itinerary. These are not mere destinations but the sacred shrines that nourish your soul and ignite the flames of devotion. Hence, when planning a North India tour, include these destinations in the itinerary to seek blessings for spiritual fulfilment and divine grace. And, if you need any sort of help in booking the popular north India pilgrimage tour package tailored to your preferences, we are happy to assist. Contact us and get personalized tour packages for religious tours.