Golden Temple, Vaishno Devi, Tirupati, Kedarnath, Badrinath, Kashi Vishwanath, Meenakshi, Somnath, Jagannath & More
India is known as the land of spirituality, and its ancient temples reflect thousands of years of faith, culture, architecture, and tradition. From the Himalayas to South India, every temple tells a powerful story and attracts millions of devotees every year.
In this complete guide, we explore the top 15 most famous temples in India, their significance, history, things to do, the best time to visit, and travel tips.
1. Golden Temple (Sri Harmandir Sahib), Amritsar – Punjab
The Golden Temple, also known as Sri Harmandir Sahib, is the holiest shrine in Sikhism. Covered with real gold and surrounded by a sacred lake (Amrit Sarovar), this temple is a symbol of peace, equality, and devotion.
Why It Is Famous
- The most sacred Sikh Gurudwara
- 24/7 free community kitchen (Langar) serving over 1 lakh people per day
- Golden architecture & peaceful environment
Top Things To Do
- Attend morning or evening prayers
- Taste Langar food
- Walk around the holy lake
- Visit Akal Takht inside the complex
Best Time to Visit
October–March
2. Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Temple, Katra- Jammu & Kashmir
One of the most visited Hindu pilgrimage sites, Vaishno Devi Temple is located in the Trikuta Mountains. Devotees trek 12 km from Katra to reach the holy cave where the Goddess resides in three pindis.
Why It Is Famous
- Miraculous cave shrine of Maa Vaishno Devi
- Trekking and helicopter options
- Powerful spiritual atmosphere
Things to Do
- Darshan of the holy pindis
- Bhawan and Ardhkuwari visit
- Trekking and scenic mountain views
Best Time
March–June & September–November
3. Tirupati Balaji Temple (Tirumala Venkateswara), Andhra Pradesh
Tirupati Balaji is one of the richest and most visited temples in the world. Dedicated to Lord Venkateswara (Vishnu), the temple attracts crores of devotees every year.
Why It Is Famous
- One of the wealthiest temples on Earth
- Offering hair sacrifice (Mundan) tradition
- Unique prasad – Tirupati Laddu
Things to Do
- Darshan
- Visit nearby temples like Varahaswamy
- Explore Tirumala hills
Best Time
September–March
4. Kedarnath Temple-Uttarakhand
Situated at 11,755 ft in the Himalayas, Kedarnath is one of the most sacred temples of Lord Shiva and a key pilgrimage in the Char Dham circuit.
Why It Is Famous
- One of the 12 Jyotirlingas
- Located near the Mandakini River
- Spiritual and natural beauty
Things to Do
- Kedarnath Temple darshan
- Visit Bhairavnath Temple
- Trek to Vasuki Tal
Best Time
May–June & September–October
5. Badrinath Temple-Uttarakhand
Located between the Nar and Narayana mountain ranges, Badrinath is one of the most important Vishnu temples in India.
Why It Is Famous
- Part of the Char Dham Yatra
- Dedicated to Lord Badrinarayan
- Hot springs nearby
Things to Do
- Temple darshan
- Visit Mana Village (the last Indian village)
- Explore Tapt Kund
Best Time
May–October
6. Kashi Vishwanath Temple, Varanasi-Uttar Pradesh
One of the most ancient and sacred temples of Lord Shiva, located on the holy Ganges. Varanasi is believed to be the city of Moksha (liberation).
Why It Is Famous
- One of the 12 Jyotirlingas
- Powerful spiritual vibrations
- Located in India’s oldest living city
Things to Do
- Darshan of the new corridor
- Ganga Aarti at Dashashwamedh Ghat
- Visit Manikarnika Ghat
Best Time
November–March
7. Meenakshi Amman Temple, Madurai-Tamil Nadu
A masterpiece of Dravidian architecture, this temple is dedicated to Goddess Meenakshi (Parvati) and Lord Sundareswarar (Shiva).
Why It Is Famous
- 14 colorful gopurams (towers)
- Thousands of sculptures
- 2500-year-old history
Things to Do
- Explore temple art & sculpture
- Visit the Golden Lotus Tank
- Evening light show
Best Time
October–March
8. Somnath Temple-Gujarat
Somnath is believed to be the first among the 12 Jyotirlingas. The temple has been destroyed and rebuilt multiple times across history.
Why It Is Famous
- One of the oldest Shiva shrines
- Located on the Arabian Sea
- Light & sound show
Things to Do
- Attend evening aarti
- Museum tour
- Watch the sea waves
Best Time
October–March
9. Jagannath Temple, Puri-Odisha
A major pilgrimage site, famous for its Rath Yatra, where massive chariots carry the deities Lord Jagannath, Balabhadra, and Subhadra.
Why It Is Famous
- 12th-century temple
- Prasad (Mahaprasad) cooked in special clay pots
- Annual Rath Yatra
Things to Do
- Temple darshan
- Explore Puri Beach.
- Visit Konark nearby
Best Time
October–February
10. Akshardham Temple, Delhi
A modern architectural marvel depicting India’s culture and spirituality through carvings, exhibitions, gardens, and water shows.
Why It Is Famous
- Grand architecture
- Sahaj Anand Water Show
- Peaceful gardens
Things to Do
- Temple tour
- Boat ride across Indian history
- Light show in evening
Best Time
October–March
11. Rameshwaram Temple-Tamil Nadu
Also known as Ramanathaswamy Temple, this is one of the four Char Dhams and is associated with Lord Rama’s journey to Lanka.
Why It Is Famous
- Longest temple corridors in the world
- Sacred water ponds
- Shiva lingam worshipped by Lord Rama
Things to Do
- Visit Agni Theertham
- Explore Pamban Bridge
- Visit Dhanushkodi
Best Time
October–April
12. Kamakhya Temple, Assam
A unique Shakti Peeth dedicated to Goddess Kamakhya, known for its powerful rituals and the annual Ambubachi Mela.
Why It Is Famous
- Represents feminine power
- Unique architecture
- Major Tantric site
Things to Do
- Attend morning aarti
- Explore nearby Nilachal hills
- Visit Guwahati attractions
Best Time
October–March
13. Siddhivinayak Temple, Mumbai-Maharashtra
Dedicated to Lord Ganesha, this temple is visited by millions, including Bollywood celebrities.
Why It Is Famous
- Wishes are believed to come true
- One of Mumbai’s richest temples
- Located in Prabhadevi
Things to Do
- Attend Tuesday aarti
- Explore nearby Dadar market
- Visit Marine Drive
Best Time
August–February
14. Konark Sun Temple-Odisha
A UNESCO World Heritage Site, this temple is designed like a massive stone chariot dedicated to the Sun God.
Why It Is Famous
- Intricate stone carvings
- World-famous Sun Festival
- Majestic chariot-style design
Things to Do
- Visit the archaeological museum
- Explore Chandrabhaga Beach
- Attend Konark Dance Festival
Best Time
October–March
Conclusion
India’s temples are not just places of worship — they represent thousands of years of architecture, history, spiritual wisdom, and cultural richness. Whether you seek devotion, peace, or architectural beauty, these top 15 temples in India offer unforgettable experiences.
From the Golden Temple’s calm energy to Kedarnath’s Himalayan power and Meenakshi Temple’s artistic beauty—every shrine tells a story of faith.