Temple Cities in India

India holds its religion close. A land of diversified culture, faith and belief, India is a country holding on to its rich historical relevance. Furthermore the innumerable temples that we find here are the results of that only. As a country it celebrates religion, faith, and devotion. You may never find an ambience like this anywhere else in the world. Its uniqueness lies in its diversity and culture. Out of all the places in India there are some specific cities here which can be considered as the temple cities in India. Because of the presence of a number of temples, the history attached to it as well as the cultural significance and relevance made these places popular as the city of temples in India.

For everyone who wants to explore the culture of the land you all must visit these temple cities in India. Because nowhere else you will be able to go that close to the beliefs that the place holds. So are you wondering which city is known as city of temples? Then let me tell you it is not one but more than one city. Keep on reading this article as I will mention the temple cities in India here. Also let you all know why they are called so. Furthermore I will also explain why you should visit the city of temples in India too.

Kedarnath

Location: Uttarakhand

Airport: Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun

Railway Station: Rishikesh Railway Station

While talking about the temple cities in India, how can we not mention Kedarnath. The land of divine origin Kedarnath is considered as one of the most revered places of pilgrimage. Furthermore devotees believe it takes a lot of goodwill and willpower to visit Kedarnath. Located on the lap of the Himalayas this temple city of India is mostly known for the famous Kedarnath temple. With the snow capped Himalayas in the backdrop, the Kedarnath Temple stands tall with all its glory.

Furthermore the Kedarnath Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva reigns on the shore of barren land. The Kedarnath Temple remains open from April to November. During the other times the deities here are moved to Ukhimath due to extreme unbearable weather conditions. Another important site here is the Bhairav Nath Temple. It is believed that the area is protected by Lord Bhairav Nath from extreme climatic difficulties.

Badrinath

Location: Uttarakhand

Airport: Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun

Railway Station: Rishikesh Railway Station

If there can be another location that can be called an important Temple city of India it is the Badrinath. One of the most important temple cities in India. Badrinath is located in between the Nar Narayan peak and is one of the most important of the Char Dham Pilgrimage. Surrounded by small lakes this is one of the most picturesque locations with beauty all around. This small town is also famous because of the Badrinath Temple which makes this one of the temple cities in India. Just like Kedaranath here also the temple remains open for a designated time period. Furthermore during the other months the temple cannot be visited. Because of severe snowfall as well as landslides that occur during those times.

During the last few years the popularity of Badrinath had grown manifold. Other than the main Badrinath Temple that attracts the majority of crowd here. There are also other sites and mountain expeditions that people indulge in here. Other than the Hindus Badrinath is also one of the important sites of pilgrimage for the Vaishnavites as well. Other important sites to visit here are the Mata Murti Temple, Sheshnetra, and Brahma Kapal Temple etc.

Rishikesh

Location: Uttarakhand

Airport: Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun

Railway Station: Rishikesh Railway Station

While talking about the temple cities in India the next name that comes is Rishikesh. Located in the Dehradun district from time immemorial Rishikesh has always served as a transition zone where pilgrims would either start their journey or end or halt to take some rest. Surrounded by many rivers it is known as a pilgrimage town where many Yogis and saints in the ancient period used to meditate. Even today Rishikesh is one of the important sites for meditation and yoga and is lovingly known as the Yoga Capital of the World.

Furthermore Rishikesh also holds a lot of importance in terms of mythological legends. It is believed that Lord Rama did penance here after killing Ravana. Also the famous Laxman Jhula here is believed to be a suspension bridge built by Lakhshman when he was trying to cross the Ganga River using just two jute ropes. Some of the popular sites to explore here are Muni Ki Reti, Trimbakeshwar Temple, Parmarth Niketan, Triveni Ghat, Janki Setu, Ram Jhula. Furthermore Rishikesh is also the starting point of the Chota Char Dham Yatra that attracts a lot of devotees here.

Varanasi

Location: Uttar Pradesh

Airport: Lal Bahadur Shastri Airport in Varanasi

Railway Station: Varanasi Cantonment Railway Station

This is the next name while talking about the temple cities in India. Varanasi is aptly known as the temple city of India as you will find more than 2000 temples and more than 365 Ghats here. It is also one of the oldest cities in India and Varanasi very well sticks to its tradition. This traditional and culturally enriched city holds on to its beliefs, faiths and bustles with a lot of visitors all over the year. Earlier known as Benares, Varanasi is one of the most welcoming places in India, which welcomes the visitors with open arms. Furthermore it is believed that people can wash away their sins by taking a holy dip into the water of the Ganga and with that belief thousands of devotees visit here on a regular basis.

Furthermore Varanasi is a popular tourist spot as well. It would be an experience in itself to witness the beautiful Aartis on the Ghats here while boating on the water. It can be one of the most impeccable sites that you would like to cherish for a lifetime for sure. Some of the popular places here include the Assi Ghat, Manikarnika Ghat, Dasaswamedh Ghat, Harishchandra Ghat, Gauri Mata Temple, Gurg Temple, Sarnath etc.

Madurai

Location: Tamil Nadu

Airport: Madurai Airport

Railway Station: Madurai Railway Station

Now coming to South India we can find one of the most beautiful temple cities in India and that is Madurai. If we can call a place extravagant and astonishing it will be Madurai. The large temples with so much of history attached to it along with intricate work done upon them, Madurai can be called one of the best temple cities in India. Located just beside the Vaigai River this city is known as a city that never sleeps. Furthermore, Madurai attracts a huge number of tourists on a regular basis from all over the world and they are always in awe of how beautiful the city is.

One of the most important temples here is the Minakshi Amamn Temple. Other than that Koodal Azhagar Temple, Tirupparankunram Murugan Temple, Alagar Kovil Temple, Pazhamudircholai Temple are some of the most popular temples here. The city of Madurai has been ruled by various kingdoms in different times like Cholas, Pandyas, Vijayanagara, Madurai Sultanate, Carnatic Kingdom, British. Furthermore because of that you will be able to notice distinct architectural styles in the construction of the temples here that makes it even more fascinating for the visitors visiting here.

Puri

Location: Odisha

Airport: Biju Patnaik Airport in Bhubaneswar

Railway Station: Puri Railway Station

The Shri Lord Jagannath Temple in Puri makes Puri one of the most important temple cities in India. Located along the Bay of Bengal Puri is one of the most important sites of pilgrimage for the visitors. Established by King Indradyumna in the 11^th century the Jagannath Temple is a sky touching temple where Lord Jagananath resides with his brother Balabhadra and sister Subhadra. Furthermore the Rath Yatra festival in Puri where the deities are taken on a chariot ride is one of the festivals that attract the most number of crowds. Other than the Jagannath Temple Chakra Tirtha Temple, Bedi Hanuman Temple, Sunara Gaurang Temple, Mausina Temple are some of the most important temples here. It is also one of the most popular beach destinations as well.

Mathura

Location: Uttar Pradesh

Airport: Khersi Airport in Agra

Railway Station: Mathura Junction Station

Mathura has to be one of the most famous temple cities in India as the land of Mathura is considered as the holy land of the birthplace of Lord Krishna. It is one of the mythologically enriched cities where the people believe Lord Krishna has once visited. Furthermore they believe this place to be protected by Lord Krishna. Along with Vrindavan city Mathura is famous for the worshippers of Lord Krishna. One of the major attractions here is Govardhan Temple which is one of the major crowd pullers. The Sri Krishna Janmabhoomi Temple, Gita Mandir, Dwarkadhish Temple, Kusum Sarovar are some of the popular temples in Mathura that attract a huge number of devotees.

Wrapping Up!

So these are the most famous temple cities in India that you can explore. If you are someone who loves exploring the culture and history of a land then you must visit these temple cities in India. By visiting these temple cities you will be able to get close to the faith and the belief that the land holds and the kind of ideas that the people hold on to. It would be one of a kind of an experience for sure. Also all the places mentioned here are popular tourist spots as well. So other than the temples you can even visit many other spots here. So which of the temple cities in India are you visiting for sure? Also do let me know if this article of the most popular temple cities in India is helpful for you.

Temple Cities in India | City of Temples in India