Religion and regality define the heritage of the Indian subcontinent. This holy land is a destination where one can immerse oneself in the depths of spiritual revelations. A land of many religions, India is dotted with temples – the places of worship of Hindus. The northern part of the country is blessed with some of the most ancient and revered temples, which are visited by lakhs of pilgrims. These temples are located high in the Himalayas and also on the banks of India’s lifeline – the river Ganga or the Ganges. Besides touching your soul in the most humble way, these temples are also great examples of India’s rich architectural heritage. Most of these temples, set in exotic locales, also make for great tourist destinations.

Kashi Vishwanath Temple, Varanasi

The Kashi Vishwanath Temple is one of the most famous temples in North India. Located in one of the world’s oldest cities – Varanasi, the Kashi Vishwanath temple is the epitome of spirituality with devotees coming to pay obeisance from across the country and also abroad. Dedicated to Lord Vishnu, the temple stands on the banks of the Ganga. Varanasi is a once-in-a-lifetime experience with the sight of Sadhus (holy men dressed in orange clothes), the chanting of prayers all around, and the mesmerizing sight of aarti (prayer with lamps) every evening. One can take a boat ride on the Ganga, which allows you to capture the most majestic view of this ancient city in all its beauty.

Kedarnath Temple, Uttarakhand

Among the holiest temples in North India, Kedarnath, located in the Himalayan ranges of Uttarakhand State, is a must-visit. Kedarnath, apart from being a center for pilgrimage, is also a trekkers’ paradise. The place offers breathtaking views of the snow-capped Himalayas, alpine forests, and the bright sight of red rhododendrons. The ancient temple, made of grey stone, has stood the test of time. In summer, Kedarnath is flooded with pilgrims and tourists. However, in winter, it is covered in thick snow. The trek to Kedarnath through the mountains and local villages is a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

Badrinath Temple, Uttarakhand

Nestled in the Himalayas at an altitude of 3,100 metres, the temple of Badrinath is among the most visited Hindu temples in North India. This brightly coloured temple on the banks of the Alaknanda River with mighty mountains as the backdrop lets the visitors immerse in spirituality. Dedicated to the Hindu God Vishnu, the temple is believed to have been built by sage Adi Shankaracharya in the 8th century. Apart from pilgrims and devotees, Badrinath also attracts tourists, trekkers, and nature lovers. There are many tourist attractions close by which can be visited easily from Badrinath. One can visit the UNESCO World Heritage Site -The Valley of Flowers – which is only 54 km from the temple town.

Vaishno Devi, Jammu

Among the few temples dedicated to the Hindu Goddesses, the Vaishno Devi temple, located 61 km from the city of Jammu, is among the most revered temples in North India. Nestled in the Trikuta mountains at an altitude of 5,200 ft, Vaishno Devi is one of the most sought-after trek pilgrimages. One has to go through a 12 km trek from the base point at Katra. This arduous climb is an enthralling experience with people of all age groups going through the holy trek in unison. There are kiosks selling curios and eatables along the way, and the atmosphere reverberates with the sound of holy chants. Senior citizens and visitors who want to avoid this trek can opt for a helicopter ride to the mountain top. However, this has to be booked much in advance. The temple on the mountain top has the ‘pindis’ or stone representation where Goddess Shakti is worshipped in the forms of three other Goddesses, namely Maha Kali, Maha Saraswati, and Maha Lakshmi.

Krishna Janmasthan Temple, Mathura

The Krishna Janmasthan Temple Complex is a group of age-old temples in the holy city of Mathura. Less than a two-hour drive from Agra, Mathura is visited by devotees and tourists throughout the year. Mathura is believed to be the birthplace of Lord Krishna, and therefore, the temples have been built here to worship this very popular Hindu God. The Krishna Janmasthan temple complex has within its premise three important sites – the Keshavdeva temple, the Garbha Griha shrine, and the Bhagavata Bhavan.

Mathura is known the world over for its very special Holi celebrations. Holy is a unique festival of colours celebrated in India. Lord Krishna was very popular among his friends, and the Holi celebration represents the magic of a fun-filled festival where friends colour each other and make merry.