India's pilgrimage season is here: 10 pilgrimage sites to build your itinerary around

The season for pilgrimage in India is here, making this one of the most exciting periods of the year to explore India. The ancient town temples, the shrines of the Himalayas, holy rivers, gurudwaras, and mountain paths are brimming with spiritual fervor, rituals, and sheer devotion. While for some pilgrims, this may be purely spiritual, others find the opportunity to experience the landscape, culture, seasons, and traditions of India.
Below are ten pilgrimage spots that you should consider adding to your itinerary in the season for pilgrimage in India:

The most sacred shrine of Lord Shiva, the Kedarnath temple is situated in the majestic Garhwal Himalayas, perched at an elevation of more than 3,500 meters above sea level. Accessible via a trek from Gaurikund and helicopter service during the open season, the travel itself holds a certain degree of reverence for the pilgrims. Nestled amidst snowy peaks and the grandeur of the mountains, Kedarnath can be considered one of the most emotional and awe-inspiring pilgrimages in India.

A temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu, the Badrinath temple is one of the most important religious sites in India. A part of the Char Dham shrines, the Badrinath temple not only holds immense religious significance but also provides spectacular views for the tourists. Visitors usually pay a visit to the famous Tapt Kund hot water spring before entering the temple and proceed to the village of Mana, which is one of the last villages of India.

Yamunotri, the shrine for Goddess Yamuna, is the holy spot where the Yamuna River originates. It is one of the four sacred temples of the Char Dham in Uttarakhand. The journey to reach the temple requires traversing through forests, waterfalls, and mountain terrains. People offer cooked rice and potatoes in the hot springs of the temple as offerings. Uncommercialized and serene, Yamunotri Temple is best for people who love mountains and seek solitude.

The Gangotri Temple is one of the most revered shrines in India due to its connection with the holy River Ganges. Situated at the banks of the Bhagirathi River, the temple stands amidst deodar forests and Himalayan ranges. Many devotees proceed further to Gaumukh glacier, which is considered the birthplace of the river.

The highest gurudwara in the world, Hemkund Sahib rests near a glacial lake at an elevation of over 4,000 metres. A popular site among Sikhs and a destination for many pilgrims of diverse nationalities, the shrine requires a challenging walk from Govindghat to Ghangaria. The site becomes magical during peak season due to the blossoming alpine flowers and the reflection of the surroundings.

Manikaran is one of the rare pilgrimage destinations that hold spiritual significance for Sikhs and Hindus. Located in the serene Parvati Valley, the location boasts hot springs that can be used for cooking. Manikaran is also home to a riverside gurdwara and temple. Set against the backdrop of snow-clad mountains and dense pine forests, it makes for a perfect destination for pilgrims and tourists alike.

One of the most popular sites for pilgrimage in India is located in the Trikuta Hills of Jammu and Kashmir and is known as Vaishno Devi. Devotees who visit this site make their way up the hill by foot to reach the holy cave shrine, although there are other options such as helicopter, pony, and palki that can be taken as well. It is always bustling with chanting, stalls, and other devotees who are making their way to the shrine.

Located in the city of Varanasi, which is considered to be one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world, Kashi Vishwanath temple is one of the most sacred shrines dedicated to Lord Shiva. The devotees visiting this site not only seek blessings but also take a sunrise ride on the River Ganges and watch the sunset at the ghat.

One of the most important places of worship in Sikhism, the Golden Temple is undoubtedly among the most spiritually enriching locations in India. The reflection of the golden pavilion within the holy pool, the Amrit Sarovar, forms an ethereal sight, especially during sunrise and sunset. The langar, where food is served free of cost to thousands of people, symbolises equality and devotion in true earnestness. Even tourists without any religious inclination find the whole affair quite serene.

One of the busiest places of worship in the entire world, Tirumala hosts millions of devotees annually. Situated amidst the Tirumala hills, the temple of Lord Venkateswara is renowned for its profound devotion, elaborate ceremonies, and well-coordinated management system. Despite the crowd, the feeling of devotion is undeniably strong. It is perhaps the best representation of the tradition of pilgrimage in India.