21 Must Visit Temples in India: Visitor Numbers, History & Cultural Significance
India’s spiritual tapestry is woven with countless temples—each reflecting centuries of history, architectural brilliance, and cultural importance. Many of these sacred places welcome millions of pilgrims and tourists every year, drawn by the sanctity and grandeur on display.
In this guide, we’ll introduce you to 21 must-visit temples in India, peppered with real visitor data, fascinating historical insights, and reasons why you should experience them at least once in your lifetime.
We’ll also cover specific topics like must visit temples in Hyderabad, Karnataka, Varanasi, Kumbakonam, and more, addressing popular questions—such as whether Tuesday is the correct day to visit Subramanya temples—and spotlighting hidden gems in local regions.
Whether you’re a devout pilgrim, an architecture lover, or a curious traveler looking to immerse yourself in India’s cultural richness, these temples offer something special for everyone.
Northern & Central India – Historic & Spiritual Powerhouses
Before diving into individual shrines, understand that Northern and Central India boast temples with centuries—if not millennia—of legacy. Here you’ll find towering structures dedicated to Lord Shiva, Lord Rama, and countless deities, each visited by millions every year for spiritual upliftment and cultural enlightenment.
Must Visit Temples in Varanasi (Kashi), Haridwar, Ayodhya & MP
- Kashi Vishwanath Temple (Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh)
- Visitor Stats: Approximately 22 million visitors annually (according to Uttar Pradesh Tourism).
- History & Significance: Dedicated to Lord Shiva, mentioned in ancient scriptures (the Puranas) and believed to be one of the holiest pilgrimage sites for Hindus.
- Why Visit: The mesmerizing Ganga Aarti on the nearby ghats and the temple’s 5,000-year-old legacy make for a profound spiritual experience.
- Har Ki Pauri & Surrounding Shrines (Haridwar, Uttarakhand)
- Visitor Stats: Over 20 million pilgrims visit Haridwar annually, especially during festivals like Kumbh Mela.
- History & Significance: Haridwar is called the “Gateway to the Gods,” known for its holy dip in the Ganges believed to wash away sins.
- Why Visit: Witness the evening Ganga Aarti, an immersive ritual where flames and chants fill the air, offering deep spiritual solace.
- Ram Janmabhoomi (Ayodhya, Uttar Pradesh)
- Visitor Stats: Over 3 million visitors annually. Numbers have increased in recent years due to high-profile temple construction. During Mahakumbha Mela almost 2 Million people also visited Ram Mandir.
- History & Significance: Believed to be the birthplace of Lord Rama; the site carries immense mythological and cultural importance.
- Why Visit: The city’s ongoing temple developments and ancient shrines offer a vibrant snapshot of India’s living heritage.
- Mahakaleshwar Temple (Ujjain, Madhya Pradesh)
- Visitor Stats: Over 10 million devotees annually, especially during Mahashivratri.
- History & Significance: One of the 12 revered Jyotirlingas of Lord Shiva. The predawn Bhasma Aarti (offering of sacred ash) is a rare spiritual spectacle.
- Why Visit: The temple’s deep historical roots trace back to the ancient kingdom of Avanti, mentioned in the Mahabharata and Puranas.
Must Visit Temples in Delhi & Jaipur
- Akshardham Temple (Delhi)
- Visitor Stats: Around 7–8 million visitors each year (post-2005 inauguration).
- History & Significance: A modern architectural marvel showcasing 10,000 years of Indian culture with intricate stone carvings and cultural exhibitions.
- Why Visit: The Sahaj Anand water show and boat ride capturing India’s heritage are must-see attractions.
- Birla Mandir & Govind Dev Ji Temple (Jaipur, Rajasthan)
- Visitor Stats: Estimated 3 million visitors yearly for both temples combined.
- History & Significance: Birla Mandir is known for its stunning marble structure, and Govind Dev Ji Temple is part of Jaipur’s City Palace complex, worshipped as Lord Krishna’s abode.
- Why Visit: Immerse yourself in Jaipur’s regal culture and architecture—both the city’s forts and temples reflect a majestic past.
Southern India – Rich Traditions & Architectural Wonders
Home to the Dravidian style of temple architecture, Southern India’s spiritual epicenters offer a blend of grandiose gopurams, intricate sculpture, and immersive rituals. Expect vibrant festivals, centuries-old legends, and communities that live in harmony with their temple traditions.
Must Visit Temples in Tamil Nadu & Kerala
- Meenakshi Amman Temple (Madurai)
- Visitor Stats: Over 15 million visitors annually (sources: Tamil Nadu Tourism).
- History & Significance: Dating back over 2,500 years, the temple is a marvel of Dravidian architecture. The annual Chithirai Festival draws huge crowds for ritual processions.
- Why Visit: To witness monumental gopurams (towering gateways) adorned with thousands of colorful sculptures, representing Tamil Nadu’s ancient cultural heritage.
- Kumbakonam & Mayiladuthurai Temples
- Visitor Stats: Navagraha circuit around Kumbakonam collectively sees 2–3 million pilgrims yearly.
- History & Significance: Each Navagraha temple is devoted to one of the nine celestial bodies, emphasizing astrology’s role in Hindu belief.
- Why Visit: Experience a unique pilgrimage that combines spiritual fervor with mesmerizing Dravidian art.
- Temples Near Kerala & Kollam
- Visitor Stats: Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple in Thiruvananthapuram, near Kollam, receives 3–4 million visitors per year.
- History & Significance: Reputed for its staggering wealth and heritage.
- Why Visit: The chance to glimpse extraordinary temple vaults and intricate carvings, plus the backwater serenity of Kerala.
- Vijayawada to Pamba Route (Sabarimala Pilgrimage)
- Visitor Stats: Sabarimala sees roughly 40–50 million devotees each year, making it one of the largest annual pilgrimages in the world.
- History & Significance: Ayyappan devotees undertake a strict 41-day fast before making the trek.
- Why Visit: The journey through hills and forests is as soul-stirring as the spiritual ambiance at the shrine.
Must Visit Temples in Karnataka & Andhra-Telangana
- Old & Iconic Temples Around Bangalore
- Dodda Basavana Gudi (Bull Temple): Attracts 1–2 million visitors annually.
- Gavi Gangadhareshwara Temple: Known for the annual sun alignment.
- Kaivara: Small temple town, known for Amaranareyana Temple and Narayana Ashram.
- Why Visit: These shrines meld the city’s vibrant modern life with centuries-old culture.
- Shiva Temples in Bangalore & Kolar
- Shiva Temple on Old Airport Road: Surrounded by urban sprawl yet highly revered.
- Kotilingeshwara Temple (Near Kolar): Hosts over 10 million Shiva lingas; visitors cross 1 million each year.
- Why Visit: Awe-inspiring scale and a chance to witness local festivals like Shivaratri up close.
- Bhadrachalam Temple (Bhadradri District, Telangana)
- Visitor Stats: Approximately 5 million devotees yearly.
- History & Significance: Dedicated to Lord Rama, with references in the Ramayana.
- Why Visit: The temple’s Seeta Rama Kalyanam festival during Sri Rama Navami draws thousands for grand wedding festivities.
- Must Visit Temples in Hyderabad
- Birla Mandir (over 2 million visitors annually) and Chilkur Balaji Temple (famed as “Visa Balaji”).
- Why Visit: Both temples combine devotion with scenic city views; Chilkur’s unique vow tradition (108 pradakshinas) is a local favorite.
Is Tuesday Correct Day to Visit Subramanya Temples?
Many devotees regard Tuesday as auspicious for Lord Subramanya (Kartikeya), but Shashti (6th day of the lunar fortnight) is equally significant. Temples like Kukke Subramanya (Karnataka) and Tiruparankundram (Tamil Nadu) host special poojas on these days.
From Pollachi to Panjim & Beyond
India’s vast geography means sacred sites are not confined to one region. In this section, we explore notable temples spanning from Pollachi’s folk traditions in Tamil Nadu to Panjim’s unique fusion of Hindu customs in Goa—and even lesser-known pilgrimage spots in Madhya Pradesh.
Must Visit Temples in Pollachi, Panjim & MP
- Masani Amman Temple (Pollachi, Tamil Nadu)
- Visitor Stats: Estimated 1–1.5 million visitors yearly, heavily during festival seasons.
- History & Significance: Known for its unique rituals for warding off evil (drishti dosha).
- Why Visit: Revel in the simple, rustic charm of a temple deeply rooted in local folklore.
- Mahalsa Narayani Temple (Panjim, Goa)
- Visitor Stats: Around 500,000 visitors a year, popular among locals and domestic tourists.
- History & Significance: Celebrated for its grand deepastambha (lamp tower) and lively annual festival.
- Why Visit: A spiritual stop amidst Goa’s scenic beaches and colonial-era churches—showcasing the state’s diversity.
- Omkareshwar & Maheshwar (Madhya Pradesh)
- Visitor Stats: Combined footfall can reach 4–5 million annually (especially during Kumbh events along the Narmada).
- History & Significance: Omkareshwar is another Jyotirlinga site; Maheshwar’s ghats and fort reflect a majestic Holkar dynasty past.
- Why Visit: The serene setting along the Narmada River provides a peaceful spiritual retreat.
Temples in Kaivara, Karakadam & Mulbagal
- Kaivara (Karnataka): Amaranareyana Temple, with references to the poet-saint Narayanappa.
- Karakadam: Variations in spelling; often a local pilgrimage spot with small Shiva or Mariamman shrines.
- Mulbagal (Karnataka): Home to the ancient Anjaneya Swamy Temple, visited by about 250,000 devotees a year.
Why Visit Smaller Shrines?
These temples often house lesser-known legends, offering an intimate glimpse into village traditions and simpler, more personal worship experiences.
Must Visit Shiva & Other Hindu Temples in India
Shiva temples—often referred to as “Sivalayams”—dot the country and hold special reverence among millions of devotees. This section dives deeper into the most iconic Shiva temples (including the famous Jyotirlingas) and other notable Hindu shrines that celebrate the nation’s vast mythological tapestry.
Must Visit Shiva Temples (Sivalayam Temples)
- 12 Jyotirlingas
- Visitor Stats: Each Jyotirlinga, like Somnath (Gujarat) or Kedarnath (Uttarakhand), can see 2–3 million or more pilgrims annually.
- History & Significance: Believed to be prime abodes of Lord Shiva’s energy, traced back to ancient texts.
- Why Visit: Deepen your spiritual journey with unique rituals, scenic landscapes (Kedarnath in the Himalayas, for instance), and a slice of India’s epic heritage.
- Must Visited Shivalaya Temples in India
- Kotilingeshwara (Karnataka), Gangaikonda Cholapuram (Tamil Nadu), Trimbakeshwar (Maharashtra).
- Each site has distinct architectural styles, local festivals, and centuries of recorded history.
Must Visit Hindu Temples in Chennai & Madurai
- Kapaleeshwarar Temple (Chennai)
- Visitor Stats: Over 2 million visitors per year, especially during festival months (Panguni Peruvizha).
- History & Significance: A 7th-century temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, rebuilt by the Vijayanagara Empire.
- Why Visit: Its Dravidian architecture stands amid the cosmopolitan bustle of Chennai’s Mylapore district.
- Madurai Meenakshi Amman (Tamil Nadu)
- Already covered in detail (Section 2), but worth reiterating for its enormous cultural footprint and gorgeous architecture.
Must Visit Temples Abroad (Bali & More)
India’s Hindu influence extends well beyond its borders, creating cultural and spiritual links in places like Bali, Indonesia. These overseas temples testify to the far-reaching impact of Indian traditions and offer travelers a unique blend of familiar rituals in exotic settings.
Must Visit Temples in Bali (Indonesia)
- Pura Besakih (Mother Temple of Bali)
- Visitor Stats: Around 1 million visitors annually, a mix of local devotees and tourists.
- History & Significance: Over 1,000 years old, with 23 separate but related temples perched on the slopes of Mount Agung.
- Why Visit: Bali’s Hindu culture retains a strong connection to Indian roots, offering cross-cultural insights and breathtaking natural beauty.
- Tanah Lot Temple
- Visitor Stats: Approximately 3 million visitors per year (one of Bali’s top attractions).
- History & Significance: A sea temple balancing precariously on a rock formation, dedicated to the guardian spirits of the sea.
- Why Visit: Stunning sunsets and the temple’s silhouette set against crashing waves create a magical ambiance.
Conclusion
These 21 must-visit temples in India (plus a few in Bali) represent just a fraction of the subcontinent’s vast spiritual tapestry. Yet their collective legacy—welcoming tens of millions of visitors each year—demonstrates the enduring power and relevance of India’s religious traditions. Beyond their sacred significance, these temples also serve as living museums of art, architecture, and communal heritage, preserving stories that date back centuries or even millennia.
Whether you’re choosing a single destination like Kashi for spiritual enlightenment, planning a multi-stop journey around Tamil Nadu for Navagraha worship, or venturing to Bali for a taste of Hindu culture abroad, each temple offers a unique reason to visit. For many, it’s a combination of faith, art, community rituals, and introspection that makes these shrines worth experiencing, at least once in a lifetime.
FAQs
Tirumala Venkateswara Temple (Tirupati) sees between 25–30 million devotees each year, making it one of the most visited religious sites globally.
Many devotees consider Tuesday auspicious. However, days like Shashti are also significant for Lord Subramanya. You can visit on any day for blessings.
Beyond spiritual merit, these temples boast rich history, architectural splendor, communal festivals, and an immersive cultural experience, making them essential to any Indian travel bucket list.
Absolutely. Most Indian temples are open to people of all backgrounds. Check each temple’s dress code and photography rules before you go.
Generally, October to March is ideal for moderate weather. However, festivals vary across regions—plan around them if you wish to experience the most vibrant rituals.
