India boasts an abundance of temples, each tucked away in various corners, ensuring you're never far from a place of worship. However, North India stands out with its grand temples, showcasing the distinctive Nagara or Indo-Aryan architectural style, in contrast to the Dravida style predominant in South Indian temples.
These architectural marvels are scattered across the region, with some perched high in the mountains and others enjoying the prestigious status of UNESCO World Heritage Sites. In this article, we will embark on a journey to discover 10 of North India's stunning temples that deserve a spot on your bucket list.
Let's explore some of the most beautiful temples in North India which you can plan a trip to next!
1. Vaishno Devi, Jammu and Kashmir
The Vaishno Devi temple is one of the 52 revered Maha Shakti Peethas, dedicated to Goddess Durga, also known as Vaishno Devi or Mata Rani. This temple, renowned throughout India, is situated on the Trikuta Hills in Jammu, at an elevation of 1,585 meters (5,200 feet) above sea level. Whether you're a devout pilgrim or an avid trekker, reaching the temple requires a 12-kilometer journey from the base at Katra, offering breathtaking views along the way.
Best time to visit: March to November
Location: 2W4V+XW3, Purana Daroor, Katra, Ban Ganga, Jammu and Kashmir 182320
Also read: Your Ultimate Guide To Visiting Vaishno Devi Temple
2. Golden Temple, Punjab
The Golden Temple, alternatively referred to as the Harmandir Sahib or the Darbar Sahib, is famous for its iconic golden dome adorned with 400 kilograms of gold leaf in Amritsar. Drawing in more than 20,000 visitors daily, the temple is renowned for its tradition of offering free meals, known as 'langar,' which are lovingly prepared in the community kitchen. The number of meals served often surpasses 100,000 during special occasions and festivals.
Best time to visit: November to March
Location: Golden Temple Rd, Atta Mandi, Katra Ahluwalia, Amritsar, Amritsar Cantt., Punjab 143006, India
3. Kedarnath Temple, Uttarakhand
Situated in the Garhwal Himalayan range near the Mandakini river in the state of Uttarakhand, the Kedarnath Temple is one of the 12 sacred Jyotirlingas of Lord Shiva. It holds a distinguished place among the quartet of major pilgrimage sites in India's Chota Char Dham, nestled in the Northern Himalayas. Perched at an elevation of approximately 3,584 meters (11,759 feet) above sea level, reaching the temple isn't as simple as a road trip; instead, it involves a challenging 22-kilometer uphill trek starting from Gaurikund.
Best time to visit: May to November (excluding the monsoon months — July-August and sometimes September)
Location: Kedarnath, Uttarakhand 246445, India
4. Banke Bihari Temple, Uttar Pradesh
The Banke Bihari Temple is a hallowed sanctuary where you can immerse yourself in the divine love shared between Radha and Krishna, all while basking in the blissful ambience of Vrindavan. This temple, a marvel of Rajasthani architecture, stands as a living tribute to the unwavering devotion of Swami Haridas and was established in the year 1860.
Throughout the year, the temple reverberates with the celebratory spirit of various festivals, most notably 'Braj Holi,' which is observed with immense fervor and joy.
Best time to visit: September to March
Location: Goda Vihar, Vrindavan, Vrindaban Khadar, Uttar Pradesh 281121, India
5. Kandariya Mahadev Temple, Madhya Pradesh
The Kandariya Mahadev Temple stands as a magnificent testament to Hindu temple art and architecture, an awe-inspiring showcase of the Chandela rulers' reverence for Lord Shiva. Adorned with over 900 exquisite sculptures, this temple beautifully captures diverse facets of life, love, and spirituality.
As a UNESCO World Heritage Site and an integral member of the renowned Khajuraho group of temples, celebrated for their intricate carvings, this ancient temple's beauty and grandeur are an absolute must-see.
Best time to visit: October to February
Location: VW39+6V3, Sevagram, Khajuraho, Madhya Pradesh 471606, India
Also Read: Walking Through the Temples of Khajuraho
6. Akshardham Temple, Delhi
The Swaminarayan Akshardham Temple stands as an architectural wonder that unfolds the cultural heritage spanning thousands of years, paying homage to Lord Swaminarayan.
This temple serves as a splendid representation of Hindu temple art and architecture, illuminating the grandeur of the Swaminarayan sect and its revered founder, Pramukh Swami Maharaj. Additionally, the temple holds the prestigious title of a UNESCO World Heritage Site, boasting a rich collection of around 20,000 statues, floral motifs, exquisite arches, and intricately carved pillars.
Best time to visit: October to March
Location: Noida Mor, Pandav Nagar, New Delhi, Delhi, 110092, India
7. Dilwara Jain Temples, Rajasthan
Nestled within the picturesque Aravalli Hills of Rajasthan, the Dilwara Jain Temples form a cluster of five magnificent temples situated in the charming hill station of Mount Abu. Renowned for their intricate carvings, delicate marble craftsmanship, and architectural brilliance, these temples stand as some of the most exemplary instances of Jain architecture in India. They consistently draw thousands of tourists every year.
The complex encompasses five temples, constructed between the 11th and 16th centuries by the Chalukya dynasty, which include the Vimal Vasahi, Luna Vasahi, Pittalhar, Parashwanath, and Mahavir Swami Temple.
Best time to visit: November to March
Location: Delwada, Mount Abu, Rajasthan 307501, India
8. Mahabodhi Temple Complex, Bihar
The Mahabodhi Temple Complex, designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, commemorates the very spot where the Buddha achieved enlightenment. Rising to a height of 51.81 meters, this temple holds immense significance as one of the holiest and most venerated places for Buddhists worldwide. It stands as a splendid testament to ancient Indian art and architecture, providing a tranquil and contemplative ambiance for meditation, introspection, and knowledge-seeking.
Visitors can also explore the surrounding vicinity, which hosts numerous other historical and religious landmarks, including the Bodhi Tree, the Lotus Pond, and the Votive Stupas.
Best time to visit: October to March
Location: Bodh Gaya, Bihar 824231, India
9. Amarnath Cave Temple
The Amarnath Cave Temple holds a special place in the hearts of Hindus, as it is believed to be the sacred site where Lord Shiva disclosed the secret of immortality to his consort Parvati. Nestled within a cave, this temple houses a natural ice lingam, or phallic symbol, that miraculously forms each year during the summer months. Accessible only through a demanding trek or helicopter ride from Pahalgam or Baltal in Jammu and Kashmir, the pilgrimage season spans 45 days, typically falling in July and August.
Best time to visit: June to August
Location: Baltal Amarnath Trek, Forest Block, Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir 192230
10. Birla Mandir, New Delhi
This temple, also recognized as the Lakshmi Narayan Temple, is situated in Jaipur, Rajasthan. It was constructed by the Birla Group of Industries in 1988 and is crafted from pristine white marble. Devoted to Lord Vishnu and Goddess Lakshmi, the custodians of the universe, the temple showcases intricate carvings, domes, and walls adorned with depictions from Hindu mythology and literature. Furthermore, the temple is splendidly illuminated at night, providing a breathtaking view.
Best time to visit: October and March
Location: Mandir Marg, near Gole Market, Gole Market, New Delhi, Delhi 110001, India
Let us know in the comments below which temple you would like to visit, and if there is anything we missed in this article of all the beautiful North Indian temples.
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