24 Best religious places in North India
North India is a place full of holy places, particularly in the Uttarakhand and Uttar Pradesh states of India. Some of them are as under:
The best religious places in North India for devotees with family
India is the most beautiful places have a large number of tourist destinations in almost all the states like Uttrakhand, Himchal, Rajasthan, Delhi, Punjab and more.
1. Varanasi – Uttar Pradesh
Varanasi, also known by the name of Banaras is a very old and holy city situated at the bank of the river Ganga in Uttar Pradesh State in the northern part of India. According to historians, the Aryans were first settled in the middle of the river Ganga Valley and therefore the Aryan philosophy was spread all over this region.
This is the most famous place for great spiritual learning and consists of globally famous Universities and other educational institutes like Mahatma Gandhi Kashi Vidyapeeth, Sampurnanand Sanskrit University, and Banaras Hindu University.
This city was the capital of Kasi at the time of Buddha and was a commercial and industrial hub and was known for its silk fabric, ivory articles, perfumes and muslin. This city is famous for its spiritual culture and has a large number of temples and ghats.
In the early times, this city was famous for its Chagas (the cheaters) where the pandits looted the people in the name of religious ceremonies.
This city is also famous as the religious city of India. Every Hindu has the desire to at least once visit this city for religious purposes apart from their tourist visit. This city is very ordinary and not aware of the modern culture of nightclubs, bars and dances.
The speciality of this city
- Langda or Malda Mangoes
- Silk Cloths
- Wooden Handicrafts
- Carpets and Brass Ware
- Gold Jewellery
- Thater Bazar
- Temple Bazar
- Gyan Vapi
- Vishwanath Gali
The main points of attraction are:
- Banaras Ghats
- River Ganges
- Chunar Fort
- Ramnagar Fort
- Kashi Vishwanath Temple
- Sarnath
- Chaumsathi Ghat
- Manikarnika Ghat
- Man Mandir Ghat
- Archaeological Museum
Nearest International Airport: Lal Bahadur Shastri Airport, Babatpur Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh.
Nearest Railway Station: Varanasi Junction (BSB), Kashi (KEI), Manduadih (MUV).
Famous Markets & Malls: Thatheri Bazar, Godowlia Market, Vishwanath Lane, Rajan Silk Market, Golghar, Gyanvapi, Dal Mandi Market, Lahurabir, Chowk and Urban Hatt, IP Sigra Mall, IP Vijaya Mall, JHV Mall, Vinayak Plaza, PDR Mall.
Famous Street Food: Chena Dahi Vada, Kachori Sabji, Chooda Matar, Baati Chokha, Tamatar Chaat, Dahi Chutney Golgappe, Banarasi Thandai and Lassi, Banarsi Paan.
The ideal time to visit: is April to June and October to March.
2. Allahabad – Uttar Pradesh
Allahabad originally known as the name Prayagraj is the most famous and busy city in Uttar Pradesh. Its original name Prayagraj was changed in the Mughal period but now it was again named Prayagraj. It is one of the religious places of India and consists of the most religious and famous River Sangam which is one of the top pilgrims of Hindus.
- Anand Bhawan
- Triveni Sangam
- Jawahar Planetarium
- Khusro Bagh
- Patalpuri Temple Akshaya Vat
- Allahabad Museum
- Allahabad Fort
3. Vrindavan – Uttar Pradesh
Vrindavan is situated in the northern part of India in Braj Bhoomi near Mathura where Lord Krishna spent his childhood. This place is also called Vrindabann or Brindaban.
There is a large number of temples dedicated to Krishna and Radha for worship. It is famous for the worship of Krishna and includes holy areas like Govardhan and Gokul exclusively connected with Krishna.
A large number of devotees of Krishna and Radha visit this pilgrimage every year from all corners of the world. There are about 15 thousand to 20 thousand windows in the city which mainly came from other states like West Bengal, Odisha, and Assam.
The main points of attraction are:
- Ranjit Temple
- Yamuna River
- Shahji Temple
- Govind Dev Temple
- Bankey Bihari Temple
- Kesi Ghat
- Iskcon Temple
- Radha Rani Temple
- Prem Mandir
- Gokul
- Nandgaon
4. Gurudwara Pathar Sahib
- Magnetic Hill
- Phyang Monastery
- Basgo Gompa
- Suru Valley
- Stok Place
- Zanskar Valley
- Tso Moriri
- Tso Kar Lake
- Lamayuru Monastery
- Evergreen Art Emporium
5. Dharamshala – Himachal Pradesh
6. Devbhoomi – Uttarakashi – Uttarakhand
- Badrinath
- Mussoorie
- Nainital
- Rishikesh
- Haridwar
- Jim Corbett National Park
- Auli
7. Sarnath – Uttarakhand
Sarnath is situated about 10 km. from Varanasi’s northeast side close to the Varuna River in Uttar Pradesh, India. In the Deer Park of Sarnath Gautama Buddha, for the first time taught the Dharma and got enlightenment of Kondanna.
About one km. away from Singhpur, is the birthplace of Shreyansanath, the eleventh Tirthankara of Jainism and where a huge temple was built in his memory and now it is a very famous pilgrimage site.
The other famous names of Sarnath are Migadaya, Mrigadava, Rishipattana and Isipatana. Gautama Buddha gave up his family and friends after seven weeks of his enlightenment under the Bodhi tree in Bodh Gaya. Sarnath is one of the most important pilgrimage places of Buddha and everyone from the Budha community has the desire to visit at least once at this place.
Some of the suttas preached by Buddha are the Dhammacakkappavattana Sutta, The Saccavibhanga Sutta, The Rathakara of Pacatana Sutta, The two Pasa Sutta, The Panca Sutta also known as Anattalakkhana Sutta, The Katuviya Sutta, The Samaya Suta and many more.
The main points of attraction are:
- Tibetan Temple
- Chaukkandi Stupa
- Dhamma Stupa
- Mulagandha Kuti Vihar
- Sarnath Museum
- Deer Park
- Thai Temple
8. Ayodhya – Uttar Pradesh
At last, this issue is resolved in favour of the Hindus after the final verdict of the Supreme Court of India. Ayodhya also known as the city of temples consists of about 7000 temples about 100 temples are very famous and have a tourist attraction.
After giving passion to God Rama birthplace of Hindus, this city is on the path of rapid development and construction of Hugh Ram Mandir under the supervision and control of the Ram Mandir Construction Committee and the Bhartiya Janta Party which will change the whole complexion of the people of this city because it is going to be one of the main tourist attraction not only for Indians but also for people globally.
The main points of attraction are:
- Hanuman Garhi Fort
- Nageshwarnath Temple
- Ramkot
- Ram Ki Paidi
- Bramha Kund
- Vijayraghav Mandir
- Kanak Bhavan
Mathura is the main city and administrative headquarter of Mathura District and is located near Agra and Delhi. This city has the pride to be the birthplace of Lord Krishna, the God of Hindus. This is among the most important heritage hub for the Heritage Department of the Government of India.
The famous place of Mathura is the Rangabhoomi where Lord Krishna killed the devil’s soul kans. The biggest festival in Mathura is Krishna Janmashtami which is one of the main religious festivals of Hinduism. Now, this festival is extended all over India and other countries. Banker Behari Temple is the best attraction point for millions of people all over the world.
The main points of attraction are:
- Banker Behari Temple
- Dwarkadheesh Temple
- Prem Mandir Vrindavan
- Radha Rani Temple
- Government Museum
- Kan’s Quila
- Vishram Ghat
- Goverdhan Hill
- Lathmar Holi
- Radha Kund
10. Lotus Temple – Delhi
11. Baba Baidyanath Dham – Jharkhand
Baba Baidyanath Dham also known as Vaidyanath Jyotirlinga temple is located in the Deoghar district in Jharkhand state in the northern part of India. This is the most famous and holy abode of Lord Shiva and is one of the twelve Jyotirlingas of Hindus.
In this temple complex, 21 temples are installed along with Jyotirlinga. It is believed that the wicked demon king Ravan want to get the boons for using wreak havoc in the entire world and for that he worshipped god Shiva at the site of this Mandir.
He was so keen to get boons that he sacrifices his ten heads to make happy to Lord Shiva. With this act of Ravan, the god Shiva became happy and arranged for a doctor to cure the injured Ravana who is referred to as Vaidhya and since then this temple is famous in name of Baba Baidyanath Temple.
This place is also famous due to the Kanwar Yatra which is the pilgrimage of the devotees of Shiva who gather holy water of river Ganga every year by covering a long distance from all corners of the country to dispense it in this temple.
The big idols of Lord Ganesh and Goddess Parvati are also installed in this temple complex. The face of the temple is in the east and is built of a plain stone structure with a pyramidal tower. The Chandrakanta Mani the eight-petaled lotus flower is one of the main attractions in this complex.
Places of Attraction in Baba Baidyanath Dham:
- Baba Baidyanath Temple
- Deoghar
- Naulakha Mandir
- Nandan Pahar
- Ramakrishna Mission Vidyapith
- Vioray
- Rikhia Yogashram
- Passenger Ropeway at Trikut
- Maa Shitala Devi Temple
- Baiju Temple
- Mayurakshi River
- Trikuta Parvata
- Naulakha Mandir
Airport near Baba Baidyanath Temple: Ranchi Airport about 190 km. Gaya Airport about 178 km. are the nearest airport to this place.
Railway Station near Baba Baidyanath Temple: Baidyanath Railway Station (Deoghar), Kharagpur Junction 248 km. Howrah Junction is about 270 Km.
The Ideal Time to Visit Baba Baidyanath Temple: March to June (summer) and October to February (winter) is the best time to visit this place.
12. Chitrakoot – Madhya Pradesh
Chitrakoot is located in the state of Madhya Pradesh in the northern part of India near Satna district and is a known pilgrimage centre of Hindus. This is located in the Bundelkhand region and is famous for its archaeological, historical, cultural and religious importance.
This is a very small town with a total population of about 22,300 people who are generally Hindi-speaking. This place attracts a large number of pilgrims all around the year, particularly on Somwati Amavasya, Amavasya, Deepawali, Makar Sankranti, Sarad Poornima and Rama Navami and also the famous Yoga and Ayurvedic centres.
It is believed that God Rama visited this place to perform the Shraddha ceremony of his respected father for partaking in the shudder.
The Valmiki knows Chitrakoot as the holiest destination inhabited by the sages due to its abounding monkey and other fauna and flora. This is one of the oldest religious places in India and is situated on the banks of the Paishwani River also known as the Mandakini River.
As per old myths is supposed that the incarnations of Brahma, Vishnu and Mahesh were born here. The God Rama along with Sita and Lakshman camped in this place for about 11 years out of their 14 years of exile.
Places to Visit in Chitrakoot:
- Gupt Godavari Caves
- Kamadgiri
- Ramghat
- Sati Anusuya Temple
- Hanuman Dhara
- Bharat Milap Mandir
- Sphatik Shila
- Janki Kund
- Marpha
- Rajapur
- Kalinjar Fort
- Ganesh Bagh
- Bharat Kup
- Valmiki Ashram
Airport near Chitrakoot: Khajuraho Airport is nearest to this town and is about 168 km. away and another is Varanasi Airport about 275 km. away from Chitrakoot.
Railway Station near Chitrakoot: The nearest railway station is Chitrakoot Dham Karwi Railway Station located about 10 km. from Chitrakoot.
The Ideal Time to Visit Chitrakoot: This place can be visited throughout the year but March to May (summer) and October to February (winter) is the best time to visit this place.
13. Manikaran Sahib – Himachal Pradesh
- Manikaran Hot Springs
- Parvati Valley
- Malana
- Kulant Pith
- Manikaran Sahib Gurudwara
- Kheer Ganga
- Harinder Mountain
- God Shiva Temple
- Chalal Trek
- Lord Ramchandra Temple
- Kasol and Manali
14. Rishikesh- Uttarakhand
Places to visit in Rishikesh are:
- Beatles Ashram
- Tara Manzil Temple
- Swarg Ashram
- Rishikesh Main Market
- Bhootnath Temple
- Iscon Temple
- Rishikund
- Marine Drive
- Astha Path
- Chandreshwar Mahadev Temple
15. Haridwar – Uttarakhand
The main attraction in Haridwar are:
- Har Ki Pauri
- Shantikunj
- Mansa Devi Temple
- Chandni Devi Temple
- Ma Ananamayi Ashram
- Chilla Range
- Bharat Mata Mandir
- Maya Devi Temple
- Bikeshwar Mahadev Temple
- Sri Santosh Puri Ashram
- Bholagiri Ashram
- Gau Ghat
- Pawan Dham
- Bhimgoda Tank
- Sati Kund
- Vishnu Ghat
The ideal time to visit: is March to June and for enjoying snowfall between December to February.
16. Vaishno Devi Temple – Jammu and Kashmir
- Raghunath Temple
- Charan Paduka Temple
- Jahan Kosha
- Ardhkuwari Cave and Temple
- Shrine of Dera Baba Banda
- Charan Ganga
- Deva Mai Temple
- Holy Cave of Shivkhori
- Bhairavnath Temple
- Banganga Temple
- Holy Cave of Mata Vaishno Devi
- Ban Ganga
- Himkoti
17. Bodh Gaya – Bihar
- The Great Buddha Statue
- Mahabodhi Temple
- Bodhi Tree
- Tibetan Refugee Market
- Muchalinda Lake
- Thai Monastery
- Brahmayoni Temple
- Royal Bhutan Monastery
- Chinese Temple
- Cankamana
- Vishnupad Temple
- Kundan Bazaar
- Metta Buddharam Temple
- Dungeswari Hills
- Sujatha Temple
- Root Institute
- Jama Masjid
- Burmese Vihara Monastery
18. Ajmer Sharif Dargah – Rajasthan
- Ajmer Sharif Dargah
- Adhai Din Ka Jhopra
- Ana Sagar Lake
- Nareli Jain Temple
- Akbar’s Palace
- Durga Bagh Gardens
- Kishangarh City
- Abdulla Khan’s Tomb
- Urs Festival
- Roopangarh Fort
- Akbari Masjid
- Prithviraj Smarak
- Fort Masuda
- Victoria Jubilee Clock Tower
- Sai Baba Temple
- Mayo College
- Taragarh Fort
- Buland Darwaza
- Baradari
- Rangji Temple
19. Yamunotri – Uttarakhand
- Yamunotri Temple
- Kharsali
- Janki Chatti
- Hanuman Chatti
- Shani Dev Temple
- Divya Shila
- Surya Kund
- Barkot
- Trekking in Yamunotri
- Saptarishi Kund
20. Gangatori – Uttarakhand
Gangotri is one of the holy Char Dham of Hindus. It is supposed that Bhagirath Shila is one of the holy rocks of the worship of King Bhagirath to the God Lord Shiva. The Gangatori temple is closed to the public w.e.f Diwali each year and opened again on Akshaya Tritiya and in this time the idol of the goddess is placed in Mukhba village.
The main three basins of pilgrims bathe is located near the river the water of which is supposed to be very sacred and taken by the pilgrims for their own use in spiritual rituals and distribute to their loved ones.
Gangotri overflows with Hindu devotees during the yatra who visits to worship in the temple and visit other holy places in Gangotri and near it.
- Bhojbara
- Bhaironghati
- Gangotri Temple
- Gangnani
- Jalmagna Shivlinga
- Bhaironghati
- Dharali
- Harsil
- Surya Kund
- Gangotri Glacier
- Kedar Tal
- Gaumukh Tapovan Trek
- Gangotri National Park
- Vishwanath Temple
21. Amarnath – Jammu and Kashmir
- Amarnath Cave
- Baltal
- Amarnath Yatra
- Pahalgam
- Sheshnag Lake
- Zoji La Pass
- Amarnath Temple
- Martand Sun Temple
- Mattan Temple
- Aishmuqam Shrine
- Surya Temple at Martand
- Kherbawani Asthapan
- Masjid Baba Dawood Khaki
- Nadeem’s House
22. Pushkar – Rajasthan
- Pushkar Lake
- Ananta Spa and Resorts
- The Westin Pushkar Resort
- Brahma’s Temple
- Aaram Bagh
- Pushkar Camel Fair
- Varaha Temple
- Jagat Palace
- Savitri Temple
- Rangji Temple
- Clarks Resorts
- Gurudwara Singh Sabha
- Gayatri Mata Temple
- Gau Ghat
- Varaha Ghat
- Man Mahal
- Naga Pahar
- Rose Garden
23. Golden Temple – Punjab
Golden Temple was established by the Guru Ramdassji in the year 1574 A.D. This is full of natural beauty, lakhs, and a small forest. The architectural beauty of this mandir is unique and very beautiful. In the old-time, the most important Sikh movements like Singh Sabha Movement and Punjabi Suba Movement were organized from this mandir.
There is no restriction on any people of any religion, caste, or community to enter the mandir for worship and take Prashad or eat food that is free of cost for all.
This food is made in the kitchen run by the Sikhs and Gurudwara committee. The food cooked here is purely vegetarian and available for all visitors free of cost.
The most prestigious and religious symbol of Sikhism is the Akal Takht. Other tourist attractions are a clock tower and a museum. This place is very famous and about 10 to 11 thousand people visit this mandir for worship. This temple is so prestigious that it is on the pending list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites for nomination.
The eye-catching and one of the main points of attraction of the temple is its sanctum which has double stories and some made from gold foil.
This complex consists of a holy pool and it is the strong belief that whoever takes a dip in the pool gets restorative powers and purification in his karma. The main office of the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee is located in the Teja Singh Samundri Hall.
At last, it may be said that this temple is the combination of Sikh religion and the memory of old Sikh worriers and has international fame not only in the Sikh community but in all the people around the world.