India is home to temples known for their history, architecture and religious importance. From Himalayan shrines to ancient temples in India, each place has its own traditions and stories. If you are planning a pilgrimage or a cultural trip, these 15 temples offer a great starting point.
1. Shri Kashi Vishwanath Temple, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh
This temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is one of the most important temples in Varanasi. It is believed that visiting Kashi and worshipping Shiva brings spiritual liberation.
- Best Time to Visit: October to March
- Temple Timings: 2:30 AM to 11:00 PM.
- Aarti Timings: Mangala Aarti: 3:00 – 4:00 AM, Bhog Aarti: 11:30 AM –12:00 PM, Saptarishi Aarti: 7:00–8:30 PM.
- How to Reach: Fly to Lal Bahadur Shastri International Airport or travel by train.
- Nearby Railway Station: Varanasi Junction
- Nearby Bus Station: Varanasi Cant Bus Station
2. Tirumala Venkateswara Temple, Tirupati, Andhra Pradesh
Also known as the Tirupati Balaji temple, this hill shrine is dedicated to Lord Venkateswara, an incarnation of Lord Vishnu. It attracts millions of devotees every year.
- Best Time to Visit: September to February.
- Temple Timings: 2:30 AM- 1:00 AM.
- Aarti Timings: Suprabhatam: 2:30–3:00 AM, Thomala Seva: 3:30- 4:00 AM and First Archana: 4:15- 5:00 AM.
- How to Reach: Reach Tirupati by air, rail or road, then take a bus or taxi to Tirumala.
- Nearby Railway Station: Tirupati Railway Station
- Nearby Bus Station: Sri Venkateswara Bus Station, Tirupati
3. Sri Harmandir Sahib, Amritsar, Punjab
This temple is also known as the Golden Temple, and is the most revered shrine in Sikhism. Its gold-covered upper structure and the community kitchen, or langar, welcome visitors from all backgrounds.
- Best Time to Visit: October to March
- Temple Timings: Open 24 hours
- Aarti Timings: Rituals mainly include Gurbani Kirtan and other services.
- How to Reach: Amritsar has an airport and regular rail and bus connections.
- Nearby Railway Station: Amritsar Junction
- Nearby Bus Station: Amritsar Bus Stand
4. Somnath Temple, Prabhas Patan, Gujarat
Somnath Temple in Gujarat is one of the twelve traditional Jyotirlingas dedicated to Lord Shiva. The temple is known for its coastal setting and history of repeated destruction and reconstruction. It is located near the Arabian Sea and is a significant spiritual and heritage destination.
- Best Time to Visit: October to March
- Temple Timings: 6:00 AM- 10:0 PM
- Aarti Timings: Morning Aarti: 7:00 AM and Evening Aarti: 7:00 PM
- How to Reach: Travel to Diu or Rajkot by air, or reach the region by train and road.
- Nearby Railway Station: Veraval Junction
- Nearby Bus Station: Somnath Bus Station
5. Jagannath Temple, Puri, Odisha
This temple is dedicated to Lord Jagannath, a form of Lord Vishnu, along with Lord Balabhadra and Goddess Subhadra. It is famous for the annual Rath Yatra, when the deities are taken out in grand chariots.
- Best Time to Visit: October to February.
- Temple Timings: 5:30 AM – 12:00 PM and 4:00 – 9:00 PM
- Aarti Timings: Morning Aarti: 5:30 AM and Evening Aarti: 6:00 PM.
- How to Reach: Puri is connected by rail and road. The nearest major airport is in Bhubaneswar.
- Nearby Railway Station: Puri Railway Station
- Nearby Bus Station: Puri Bus Stand
6. Kedarnath Temple, Uttarakhand
Kedarnath is one of the most famous Shiva temples in India, and it is a revered Himalayan shrine. It is a part of the Char Dham pilgrimage. According to tradition, the Pandavas sought Shiva’s blessings here. High mountains surround the temple, and it is accessible only during its seasonal opening period.
- Best Time to Visit: May to June or September to October.
- Temple Timings: The timings keep changing based on the season.
- Aarti Timings: Morning Abhishek: 4:00-6:30 AM and Evening Aarti: 6:00 PM
- How to Reach: Travel to Gaurikund by road, then trek to Kedarnath.
- Nearby Railway Station: Rishikesh Railway Station
- Nearby Bus Station: Sonprayag Bus Stand
7. Badrinath Temple, Uttarakhand
Dedicated to Lord Vishnu, Badrinath is another major Char Dham destination. It is associated with Lord Vishnu’s meditation. Its mountain setting and colourful temple façade make it a prominent pilgrimage stop.
- Best Time to Visit: May to October.
- Temple Timings: The timings keep changing based on the season.
- Aarti Timings: Morning Aarti: 4:30 AM and Evening Aarti: 6:00 PM.
- How to Reach: Travel by road from Rishikesh, Haridwar or Dehradun.
- Nearby Railway Station: Rishikesh Railway Station
- Nearby Bus Station: Badrinath Bus Stand
8. Meenakshi Amman Temple, Madurai, Tamil Nadu
This temple is dedicated to Goddess Meenakshi and Lord Sundareswarar, a form of Shiva. Its tall, colourful gateway towers feature detailed sculptures of deities and mythological figures. The temple is an example of Dravidian temple architecture and is also an important part of Madurai’s cultural identity.
- Best Time to Visit: October to March
- Temple Timings: 5:00 AM to 12:30 PM and 4:00 PM to 10:00 PM
- Aarti Timings: Early Morning Puja: 5:30- 5:45 AM and Artgajama Puja: 7:30- 8:15 PM.
- How to Reach: Madurai has an airport, railway station and regular bus services.
- Nearby Railway Station: Madurai Junction
- Nearby Bus Station: Periyar Bus Stand
9. Ramanathaswamy Temple, Rameswaram, Tamil Nadu
Ramanathaswamy Temple is linked to the Ramayana. It is believed that Lord Rama worshipped Shiva here. The temple is famous for its long corridors, carved pillars and sacred water tanks used by pilgrims for ritual bathing.
- Best Time to Visit: October to April
- Temple Timings: 4:00 AM – 1:00 PM and 3:00 – 6:15 PM.
- Aarti Timings: Vilaa Puja: 7:00 – 7:15 AM and Sayaraksha Puja: 6:00 – 6:15 PM
- How to Reach: Rameswaram is connected to mainland Tamil Nadu by rail and road.
- Nearby Railway Station: Rameswaram Railway Station
- Nearby Bus Station: Rameswaram Bus Stand
10. Brihadeeswarar Temple, Thanjavur, Tamil Nadu
Brihadeeswarar Temple in Tamil Nadu is a UNESCO-listed temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. Its massive stone structure, tall tower and detailed carvings showcase the engineering and artistic skills of the Chola dynasty.
- Best Time to Visit: November to February
- Temple Timings: 6:00 AM- 12:30 PM and 4:00- 8:30 PM.
- Aarti Timings: Morning Puja: 8:30 AM and Evening Puja: 6:00 PM.
- How to Reach: Thanjavur is accessible by train and road. Tiruchirappalli is the nearest airport.
- Nearby Railway Station: Thanjavur Junction
- Nearby Bus Station: Thanjavur New Bus Stand
11. Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala
Dedicated to Lord Vishnu reclining on the serpent Ananta, this temple is known for its traditional Kerala architecture and religious significance. The main deity is shown here in a distinctive reclining posture.
- Best Time to Visit: October to February
- Temple Timings: 3:30 AM – 12:00 PM and 4:30 to 8:30 PM.
- Aarti Timings: Deeparadhana: 6:30 PM and Suvarna Darshan:7:20 PM.
- How to Reach: Thiruvananthapuram is connected by air, rail and road.
- Nearby Railway Station: Thiruvananthapuram Central
- Nearby Bus Station: Thampanoor Central Bus Station
12. Vaishno Devi Temple, Katra, Jammu and Kashmir
Located in the Trikuta Hills, this shrine is dedicated to Mata Vaishno Devi. Pilgrims usually travel from Katra on foot or use authorised transport options for part of the route. This journey is an important part of the experience.
- Best Time to Visit: March to October, although the shrine receives visitors throughout the year.
- Temple Timings: Open 24 hours.
- Aarti Timings: Morning Aarti: 6:20- 8:00 AM, Evening Aarti ( Summer): 7:20- 8:30 PM and Evening Aarti (Winter): 6:20- 8:00 PM.
- How to Reach: Reach Katra by train or road, then follow the authorised pilgrimage route.
- Nearby Railway Station: Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Katra
- Nearby Bus Station: Katra Bus Stand
13. Akshardham Temple, Delhi
Swaminarayan Akshardham is known for its carved stone architecture, exhibitions and landscaped grounds. It offers visitors a look at Indian art, culture and spiritual traditions. The temple is famous for its exhibitions and its water-and-light show.
- Best Time to Visit: October to March
- Temple Timings: Open on all days, except Mondays.
- Aarti Timings: Morning Aarti: 10:30 AM and Evening Aarti: 6:00 PM.
- How to Reach: The temple is accessible by Delhi Metro, taxi and bus.
- Nearby Railway Station: Anand Vihar Terminal
- Nearby Bus Station: Anand Vihar ISBT
14. Kamakhya Temple, Guwahati, Assam
Located on Nilachal Hill, Kamakhya Temple is a major Shakti Peetha dedicated to Goddess Kamakhya. It is especially known for the Ambubachi Mela, held annually to mark the goddess’s symbolic menstruation.
- Best Time to Visit: October to April or during Ambubachi Mela for the festival experience.
- Temple Timings: 6:00 AM – 7:00 PM
- Aarti Timings: Nitya Puja: 6:00 – 8:00 AM and Evening Aarti: 5:30 – 6:00 PM.
- How to Reach: Guwahati is accessible by air, train and road. Once in the city, taxis and local transport help reach Nilachal Hill.
- Nearby Railway Station: Kamakhya Junction
- Nearby Bus Station: Adabari Bus Terminal
15. Mahakaleshwar Jyotirlinga, Ujjain, Madhya Pradesh
Mahakaleshwar is one of the twelve Jyotirlingas of Lord Shiva. It is particularly known for its Bhasma Aarti, a distinctive early-morning ritual.
- Best Time to Visit: October to March
- Temple Timings: 4:30 AM- 11:00 PM
- Aarti Timings: Bhasma Aarti: 4:00 – 6:00 AM.
- How to Reach: Ujjain is connected by rail and road. Indore is the nearest major airport.
- Nearby Railway Station: Ujjain Junction
- Nearby Bus Station: Nanakheda Bus Stand
Things to Remember in Indian Temples
A few practical tips help you respect local customs and have a smoother visit:
- Dress Appropriately
Wear modest clothing and follow specific dress codes, if required.
- Remove Footwear
Leave shoes and slippers in designated areas before entering the temple.
- Follow Photography Rules
Many temples restrict photography inside the sanctum or other areas.
- Respect Queues and Rituals
Follow instructions from temple staff and avoid blocking worshippers.
- Check Entry Rules
Some shrines have restrictions based on religious customs, and certain services require advance booking.
- Keep the Premises Clean
Use designated bins and avoid littering or disturbing prayer areas.
FAQs
- Which are the most famous temples in North India?
Kashi Vishwanath, Jagannath Puri, Somnath, Kedarnath and Badrinath are among the most famous temples in North India.
2. Which are the famous temples in South India?
Meenakshi Amman, Ramanathaswamy, Tirumala Venkateswara, Brihadeeswarar and Padmanabhaswamy are popular temples in south India. They offer a mix of religious importance, historic architecture and local traditions.
3. When is the best time to visit famous temples in India?
October to March is comfortable for many destinations. However, temples in the Himalayan region have seasonal opening periods, and festivals can bring large crowds. Therefore, it is advised to check weather conditions, temple calendars and travel arrangements before booking.
4. Are temple timings the same throughout the year?
No. Timings may change during festivals, special pujas, seasonal closures or maintenance. Some rituals require advance booking. Always confirm darshan hours, aarti schedules and entry rules before planning your visit.
5. Why should I choose redBus to book my bus tickets?
redBus lets you compare bus operators, departure times, boarding points and fares in one place. You can review available options before booking, making it easier to plan your travel to many temple towns across India.
