As we all know, India is a diverse country, and it holds true in the country’s sacred beliefs, too. There are riverbank rituals, silent monasteries, pilgrim towns, and ancient temple complexes that you can go to to explore how India worships. Visiting holy places here is both an inward experience and a peek into history.
If you’re planning spiritual travel in 2026, India should be a top pick, and the following are ten must-visit religious sites across traditions. Each has its own atmosphere, history, and experience to offer.
Indian Pilgrimage Sites You Must Visit in 2026
1. Varanasi (Kashi), Uttar Pradesh
There are only a few places in India that feel as spiritual as Varanasi. The Ganga aarti at sunset is mesmerising. You will see priests circling with brass lamps while bells and chants rise. You can walk the ghats in the morning, do meditation and absorb the city’s warmth. Another activity not to be missed here is an early morning boat ride. Also, make sure to go on temple visits and food trails in the city.
Points to note:
Each ghat serves a different role, so take time to understand where prayers happen, where people study, and where final rites take place before exploring.
Go for a sunrise boat ride to see Varanasi at its calmest, before crowds and ceremonies fill the riverbanks.
2. Harmandir Sahib (Golden Temple), Amritsar
The Golden Temple is a pinnacle of devotion and service in the Indian community. The langar (community kitchen) feeds thousands daily, with utmost devotion and embodies Sikh values of equality and care. While visiting, ensure to dress modestly and cover your head. Go with some free time to sit by the sarovar (pool) and feel calm.
Points to note:
The langar serves thousands every day, so be ready to sit on the floor, follow the flow, and eat whatever is served with gratitude.
Once inside, the calm around the water tank feels very different from Amritsar’s busy streets, making it a good place to slow down and pause.
3. Tirumala Tirupati (Sri Venkateswara), Andhra Pradesh
Tirumala Tirupati is one of the world’s busiest temples. Believers come from around the world, all year long, to worship. At Tirupati, you will witness the mix of age-old rituals, mountain-top setting, and the sheer scale of devotion, making the visit unforgettable.
For many people, the climb or the queue is where the worship starts. Make sure to book your darshan slot and accommodation way in advance to avoid hassle. It is also advised to get travel insurance online to stay safe against any theft, just in case. Avoid taking one offline to avoid the hassle of offline claims. Go for the best travel insurance online that allows you to file an online claim.
Points to note:
Despite heavy crowds, darshan and offerings move in a structured, well-managed flow, so follow instructions and keep essentials handy.
The climb and forested hill route gives you time to slow down and mentally prepare before reaching the temple.
4. Vaishno Devi (Katra), Jammu & Kashmir
Perched in the Trikuta hills, the visit to Vaishno Devi combines rugged trekking and deep devotion. Vaishno Devi draws millions of pilgrims who undertake the uphill walk as a gesture of gratitude. The route is well-marked with good facilities, but carry warm layers to stay warm as the weather can get chilly.
Points to note:
The climb is long and slow, so plan your pace, wear good shoes, and be ready to walk alongside thousands of others on the same journey.
If you start at night, crowds are thinner, the weather is cooler, and the walk feels calmer and more manageable.
5. Bodh Gaya, Bihar
Bodh Gaya’s Mahabodhi Temple complex is where Siddhartha Gautama attained enlightenment. It’s a global centre for Buddhist pilgrims and scholars. This spot is known for radiating a calm that’s very different from bustling temple towns, and is also a UNESCO World Heritage site. When here, make sure to respect meditation zones.
Points to note:
Walk through monasteries built by different countries and notice how each reflects a unique style of Buddhist practice.
Set aside quiet time here; this is a place where sitting still matters more than moving around.
6. Ajmer Sharif Dargah, Rajasthan
Ajmer Sharif Daragah is the shrine of Moinuddin Chishti, and it draws visitors from all faiths to make offerings and listen to Sufi devotional music. When visiting, ensure that you follow the local guidance and follow the dress and decorum rules of the shrine.
Points to note:
Plan your visit in the evening to experience live qawwali, when the atmosphere feels most alive.
Go with an open mind, many visitors come to listen, reflect, and observe rather than perform rituals.
7. Puri Jagannath Temple, Odisha
Puri’s Jagannath Temple is famous for the annual Rath Yatra (chariot festival). During this time, the deities travel through the city, and people from across the globe want to be a part of it. Even outside the festival, Puri is a major centre of worship and tradition. Make sure to plan your travel here according to your preferences, as the festival period is very crowded.
Points to note:
Time your day around temple schedules, as rituals influence everything from queues to food availability.
Expect crowds year-round and plan darshan early in the morning for smoother movement.
8. Meenakshi Amman Temple, Madurai
Meenakshi Temple is where you see the vivid sculptures. Here, there are daily rituals and festivals, making it one of the most lively pilgrimage sites in India.
Points to note:
Move slowly through the complex; the artwork is meant to be seen section by section, not rushed.
Visit during active ritual hours to understand how deeply the temple shapes daily life around it.
9. Palitana (Shatrunjaya Temples), Gujarat
Palitana’s hill complex is among the most sacred sites in Jainism. There are thousands of stairs that pilgrims climb to reach hundreds of carved temples. This is the place that humbly combines your physical and spiritual experience. Make sure to respect the culture and dress modestly.
Points to note:
Start the climb early and pace yourself; it’s long, steep, and physically demanding.
Plan your descent the same day, as overnight stays on the hill are not allowed.
10. Kedarnath, Uttarakhand
Some people call Kedarnath a must-visit site, but it isn’t a place you can go without preparation and planning. It is located amidst high mountain peaks, and the temple is accessible only after a difficult trek. You can do so by foot, horse or helicopter. If opting for a helicopter, you need to make bookings well in advance and be prepared for any last-minute weather changes.
Points to note:
Prepare for sudden weather changes and keep buffer days in your travel plan.
Treat the journey as part of the experience; reaching the temple requires patience and endurance.
Safety & Travel Tips for Pilgrimage Travel in 2026:
You should definitely know the following tips to ensure safety at Indian religious places:
1. It is essential to book ahead for popular sites. Almost all the major temples now use online slot-booking systems, which fill fast around festivals.
2. Respecting local dress codes and rituals is a non-negotiable. For instance, it is important to cover your head at the Golden Temple.
3. Ideally, take seasonal travel into account. Places like Kedarnath, Vaishno Devi are best in clear-weather months to avoid any mishap.
4. Do buy travel insurance to be extra safe while travelling. The best travel insurance policy will keep you safe from unnecessary disruptions like lost luggage, flight delays or theft.
In conclusion
India’s pilgrimage sites offer far more than rituals or sightseeing. Each place demands a different pace, mindset, and form of respect. In 2026, spiritual travel here is about slowing down, preparing well, and allowing each destination to shape the experience rather than rushing through it. Thoughtful planning, seasonal awareness, and basic protection like travel insurance help keep the focus where it belongs, on reflection, belief, and meaning.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Which month is best to visit most pilgrimage sites?
It depends. Feb–Apr, Sep–Nov are generally pleasant for plains and temple towns; Summers are best for hilly sites.
2. Are these sites safe for solo women travellers?
Yes, they are, but still avoid isolated areas.
3. Do I need permits for any of these sites?
Generally, no religious permits are required, but certain border or protected hill areas may require permissions. Make sure to check local tourism pages before you travel.
4. Can non-devotees visit these places?
Yes, they can, but be mindful of sanctity and rules.
To Sum Up Religious Places To Visit in 2026
A pilgrimage in India is not about sightseeing, but about immersing yourself in rituals, festivities and spirituality. So, in 2026, if you want to unwind and seek inner peace, a visit to any of these places might help.
To secure your trip, make sure to check Generali Central to buy travel insurance online.
