Famous Temples of North India

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Akshardham, New Delhi 

In the matter of the number of persons to visit, the Taj Mahal would claim first place. Every person coming to India for the first time, wishes to see this Mughal monument situated in the city of Agra. If there is any place in India that can compete with the Taj Mahal in the matter of visitors coming to it, it is the Akshardham temple, situated in the city of New Delhi. Almost seventy per cent of total visitors coming to India do not miss visiting this sacred place.

This temple is also referred to as Delhi Akshardham. It is known as Swaminarayan Akshardham, too. Huge and situated in a vast area, the complex displays traditional Hindu culture and spirituality. It also depicts Indian culture and architecture.

The whole project was inspired by Pramukh Swami Maharaj, who is the spiritual head of one of the factions of the Hindu sect known as Swaminarayan. The temple is the fruit of the love and sweat of 3,000 volunteers and 7,000 artisans.

India is a country where all modern world religions have a good presence. This made India a liberal land for erecting huge monuments by the people following all faiths on earth.

Har-ki-pair Ghat in the Evening, Haridwar

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The Hindu religion and Hindu philology extend from approximately 100 BC to AD 1800. This marks the beginning of the modern period. As religion cannot be meaningfully separated from the culture of the people following it, the temples are representatives of different cultures prevailing in different periods. 

So the religious places, the temples and monasteries, tell the journey of Indian civilisation. If we look at the list of religious places in India, we can see how harmoniously the people of India live. The following are some of the temples representing the colourful religious embroidery of India.

Golden Temple, Amritsar

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If any person comes to visit India, and he or she misses seeing the Golden Temple situated in Amritsar, he or she would miss a lot of things. This is the temple of the highest order for the followers of the Sikh religion. 

The Golden Temple or Harmandir Sahib is the most sacred place for the followers of the Sikh religion. Built in the sixteenth century (from 1588 to 1604), this temple is one of the most visited religious places in India. 

Those who come to India for a pleasure tour or a pilgrimage would certainly desire to see this marvellous temple and pay regard to it.

Situated in Amritsar, one of the biggest cities in the State of Punjab in India, this temple is on a lake. The main temple is surrounded by water, and other buildings of the temple are on the banks of the lake. 

The beautiful water surrounding the temple makes it stunningly attractive at night. The temple walls are gold-plated, so it is known as the Golden Temple.

How to reach Amritsar: With a population of about two million people, the city of Amritsar is easily approachable. The city has its own international airport. All the domestic airlines and many international airline companies have the city on their flight schedules. It would be easy to book a ticket to Amritsar.

The city is well connected with the rest of India by railways and motorways. From here you can board a direct train going to Delhi, Jammu (Kashmir), Mumbai, Nagpur, Calcutta, Bangalore and Chennai. Indian railways provide one of the best train services to tourists and passengers. You can book a ticket online or by contacting a travel agent.

Badrinath Temple

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Situated on one of the high hills of the Himalayan range of mountains, it is a temple of Lord Vishnu. Now we can reach the temple by motorway, but in past, it was one of the toughest pilgrimages. It is one of the four most sacred temples of the Hindu religion.

Temples of North India have the beauty of the Himalayan mountains on which most of them are built. The Badrinath temple is near the Indo-China border. The tourists visiting this temple would get two types of benefits. They would feel like performing a pilgrimage to a sacred place. 

They would also enjoy the beauty of the unspoilt hills of the mountain Himalayas, especially the Badrinath Valley and the Alaknanda River.

Religious Importance of the Temple: Hinduism is the oldest religion in this part of the Earth. Hindus worship several Gods and Goddesses. Hindu temples are places of worship where the idols of different Gods are placed and worshipped by offering regular prayers. 

Badrinath is the temple of Lord Vishnu. The temple is believed to be built by Adi Shankaracharya. Constructed in the ninth century, it is one of the oldest shrines in India. Situated within the enclosure of the beautiful mountain peaks of the Himalayan range, the temple complex owns its unmatched natural beauty.

How to reach Badrinath: Tourists can reach this place by road from Haridwar, which is 200 kilometres away from New Delhi. Considered to be one of the holiest shrines and one of the four sacred pilgrimages in India, the temple of Badrinath attracts much traffic in summer. It is would be safe to put on warm clothes while visiting this area.

The temple is at a height of 3,415 metres (11,204 feet). During winter, the temple remains closed to tourists. During this season entire area remains under heavy snowfall. If a tourist is suffering from heart disease or similar difficulties, he or she should take care of it accordingly. It would be advisable to consult a physician before going to visit this temple.

The temple is located in a small valley situated on one of the high mountains. From Delhi, we can go by train up to Dehradun, which is the capital city of the state of Uttarakhand. This city also has an airport where domestic flights are available. Alternatively, tourists can travel from Dehradun to Badrinath by motorway. The road to the temple is very safe, but the drivers should be very careful while driving. If any vehicle goes off the road, it can be fatal, as the valley is very steep.

Kedarnath Temple

Situated at a height of 3581 metres, this temple of Lord Shiva is one of the most visited sites in northern India. It is 250 km from Haridwar and 450 km from New Delhi. One can go by motorway, up to the foot of the hill on which the temple of Kedarnath is situated. Thereafter, we have to walk for 14 km.

Akshardham, New Delhi

In the matter of the number of persons to visit, the Taj Mahal would claim first place. Every person, coming to India for the first time, wishes to see this Mughal monument situated in the city of Agra. If there is any place in India that can compete with the Taj Mahal, in the matter of visitors coming to it, it is Akshardham temple, situated in the city of New Delhi. Almost seventy per cent of total visitors coming to India do not miss visiting this sacred place.

This temple is also referred to as Delhi Akshardham. It is known as Swaminarayan Akshardham, too. Huge and situated in a vast area, the complex displays traditional Hindu culture and spirituality. It also depicts Indian culture and architecture.

The whole project was inspired by Pramukh Swami Maharaj, who is the spiritual head of one of the factions of the Hindu sect known as Swaminarayan. The temple is the fruit of the love and sweat of 3,000 volunteers and 7,000 artisans.

Kashi Viswanath Temple

Ilya Mauter, CC BY 3.0,
 via Wikimedia Commons

This temple is one of the most ancient temples in India. It is believed that Lord Shiva built this temple on the bank of the sacred river Ganga. 

It is believed that this temple has been built for 5000 years.

It is believed that the original temple of Lord Shiva was destroyed by the Muslim Emperor Aurangzeb during his rule. 

He had also built a mosque on the very site of the temple. But we can see the relics of that time behind the mosque. 

The present temple was built by Queen Ahilya Bai of the princely state of Indore, India. It was completed in the year 1776.

Banaras, the Varanasi: Standing on the bank of river Ganga, Varanasi is one of the most sacred places of the Hindu religion. It is also known as Benaras and Kashi, too. The religious culture that this city represents is also associated with the holy river Ganga. 

This river is considered holy by the followers of Hinduism, Jain, Buddhism and other religions, too. Varanasi is mentioned in Hindu scriptures like the Ramayana and the Mahabharata. In past, this was a centre for learning culture and literature. In recent times, too, the city has many centres providing training in yoga and meditation.

How to Reach Varanasi: The city of Varanasi is situated in the northern part of India. It is one of the major cities in the state of Uttar Pradesh. The tourists can easily reach here from all other major cities of India, as it is well connected with other centres. 

To Travel by railway would be a good idea. Indian railway is one of the biggest networks of passenger and goods transport in the world. Being a pilgrimage centre for Hindus, Varanasi has several religious places. These places are major attractions for tourists.

Ghats on the River Bank: A Ghat is a place on the bank of a river where pilgrims take a sacred bath. Varanasi has the longest chain of Ghats. A boatman would help us to see all such ghats. It would be a very pleasant journey to sail on the river while seeing all the sacred places situated on the bank.

Lotus Temple or Bahai Temple

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Situated in the southern part of New Delhi, the Lotus Temple is a sacred place for the followers of the Bahai faith in India. 

Like all the above temples, every person, irrespective of his or her faith, is allowed to visit this temple.

"There is one God; mankind is one; the foundations of religion are one." Bahá'í Holy Writings

LOTUS TEMPLE

As the purest symbol of beauty and purity, the representative of divinity, the lotus flower is revered in Indian iconography. 

In addition to the beauty and symmetry in architecture, which is sufficient to immortalise this edifice, this temple is known for the pious response it evokes in the hearts of the people.

I am sure you have enjoyed the details about the Temples of North India.

Now let us go to the southern part of India and enjoy seeing the temples there.

               

Visit Here:     

TEMPLES OF SOUTH INDIA

Metro Cities of India: Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Kolkata, Bangalore

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Modern India is the place where you would find modern and ancient cities, alongside each other. You can enjoy the ultra-modern facilities of leisure and comforts in most of the cities. 

The hotels and hotel staff are always cordial with their visitors. So far as the ancient cities are concerned, India is one of the most ancient civilisations. Come here and see the history of India, the history of mankind. You would find economic hotels in every city in India. You would find restaurants suitable for your purse at every corner of the Indian cities.

Modern India is a country where you would find temples and elephants existing amicably with the business of microchips. Being the land of peaceful coexistence, India has places of all the religions like Hinduism, Buddhism, Islam, Christianity and Zoroastrian. It is a country where ancient monuments are the background to understanding the largest democracy in the world. Your visit to India is bound to be a memorable one. 

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Mumbai (Bombay)

Indian air travel is known for its cheap rates. You can have tickets at unbelievably low rates. Cheap Air tickets are available due to the huge business of international and domestic airlines. It is due to the competition they face among themselves, too. Different airlines operating in India charge tickets segment-wise. If you travel on days having less traffic or in odd hours, or at night, you would incur lower expenses towards your air tickets. All the airline companies would book your tickets online or through your booking agents.

Cheap Hotels: 

If you wish to make your stay in Indian cities suitable for your budget, you will not find it difficult. You can find cheap and comfortable hotels and restaurants in New Delhi. If you have a fixed budget, you have an option for staying in budget or low-cost hotels. However, these budget hotels are in no way inferior to any similar accommodations offered in the city. So, making your stay enjoyable would not be a difficult task. These hotels charge economy rates and provide value for your money. They also provide required and comfortable accommodation and services. Some of these hotels are equipped with restaurants, too.

Mumbai (Bombay) is the city where every visitor would find pleasure. This city of economic activities holds several places that the tourist would love to visit. They would find each and every edifice interesting, whether it is a museum or a historical site. Here is some information that would be a good guide for a traveller who visits Mumbai for the first time.

Gateway of India, Mumbai (Bombay)

In addition to the city being the commercial capital of India, here you would find an enjoyable mix of people. Here you would find scenes where traditional places like temples, churches, and mosques stand alongside modern structures like five-star hotels. There are very old residential buildings representing the bygone era of architecture; multi-storey shopping malls are offering the cheapest goods to tourists.

Tourist Interest Places: 

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Mumbai is the financial capital of India. It has a memorable history and a rich heritage of the economic progress of India. The tourists would find numerous interesting sites to visit.

Here are five big cities in India where you would find the pleasure of living comfortably and shopping economically. Get into these cities and enjoy the good accommodation of your choice. You can opt for cheap hotels of your choice, suitable for your budget. The big malls and supermarkets in these cities would be great places for purchasing the things you love. You can shop here from trendy jeans and T-shirts to toys for your kids. The embroidered clothes would provide you with a wide range of selections to match your preferences.

New Delhi

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 Red Fort, Delhi

Places of Interest for Tourists: The city is like a written script of the memorable history of India. The tourists would find hundreds of places of historical interest in this city and its surrounding areas, as the rich heritage of the Indian past is located here. 

The major attractions are the Red Fort, Qutub Minar, Jama Masjid, Old Fort of Indraprasth, and Jantar Mantar observatory. The complex of the Presidential residence and the parliament of India are a representative of modern architecture in India. The city is dotted with forts, temples, mosques and eye-pleasing gardens. 

Every nation has its soul. India has its soul bubbling with vigour. If we are to select one place that would represent the soul of India, the city of New Delhi would be an obvious choice. Delhi is a city where there are imprints of imperialism and colonialism. It has the aroma of the largest democracy in the world. This combination paints the city with picturesque details. New Delhi is a city where every visitor would find pleasure. On its landscape, the ancient city of Old Delhi holds several places to visit: the forts, green gardens, temples, churches, and mosques.

Delhi is the capital of India; it is also a mirror of the memorable history and rich heritage of the Indian subcontinent. The tourists would find hundreds of interesting places in this city. If we look at the architecture of the edifices standing here, it looks like a blend of ancient traditions and modernity.

Do you know what the famous historian William Dalrymple said about Delhi? he said, "Of the great cities of the world, only Rome, Istambul and Cairo can even begin to rival Delhi for the sheer volume and density of historic remains." such is the value of the historic monuments standing on the land of Delhi.

Kolkata (Calcutta) 

Do you know one interesting aspect of the people of Kolkata? It is their friendly nature. While you are in Kolkata, you would not hesitate to stop an unknown person and start chatting. 

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                              Victoria Memorial, Kolkata

Kolkata, the city of joy, was the centre for culture and politics, education, industry, and science in India. The city and their population have seen intense political violence, group clashes and economic ups and downs since the independence of India. Like all other big cities in India, the city of Kolkata is struggling with the problems of rapid and uncontrolled growth of population. But a visit to this place would be like to meeting all the components with which the nation of India is built. 

Do you know one most interesting things about Kolkata? Here it is, perhaps. One of the famous journalists, Vir Sanghvi, once remarked that "Kolkata is not for everyone. If you want your city to be clean and green, stick to Delhi. If you want your city to be rich and impersonal, go to Mumbai. If you want them hi-tech, Bangaluru is your choice. But if you want a city with a soul, come to Kolkata." Yes, Kolkata has its own soul. Do book an air ticket, and land at the Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose International Airport (Dum Dum), in Kolkata.

Standing on the bank of the River Hooghly, Kolkata (Calcutta) is a mirror of the memorable history and rich heritage of the economic and political progress of India. It is the city where you would find visible imprints of imperialism, as it was the capital of India during British Rule until the year 1911.

History: 

Calcutta is one of the most distinguished cities in India. It was the centre of culture, politics, education, industry, and science in India. Before 1947, this city had seen the ongoing struggle for the independence of India. Here, the Bengalese people are known for their revolutionary ideas. After independence, it has seen intense political violence and group clashes. Presently, it is struggling with the problems of rapid and uncontrolled growth of population.

Places of Tourist Interest: 

The city of Kolkata is a place where every visitor would find pleasure as a tourist. On its landscape, it holds several places to visit: the gardens full of greenery, temples of the Hindu religion, mosques of the Muslim religion, and places for worship of all major religions of the world. While visiting the city, you would find each and every edifice memorable. Here are some of the places which the tourists would not miss visiting.

Dakshineswar Temple of Goddess Kali: 

Being one of the most famous temples in India, the visitors and devotees of Goddess Kali would come to visit this place. It is a big complex built on the bank of the river Hooghly.

Queen Victoria Museum: 

The city of Kolkata is well-decorated the buildings of the gothic style. Several buildings are designated as "Heritage Structures" and they are preserved by the government itself. One of the best examples is the building of the Victoria Memorial Museum. This museum depicts the history of the city.

Howrah Bridge: 

This bridge links the cities of Howrah and Calcutta. It is erected on the river Hooghly. Though this bridge is built in 1937, it is still the major bridge for the people of the city. There are motorways and railroads on this bridge. If we sail in a boat under this bridge, it would be one of the most memorable experiences of our life.

St. Paul Cathedral: 

This cathedral was built when India was under the rule of the British Empire. The period of this rule is popularly known as the British Raj. The cathedral of Saint Paul, built in this city, is one of the finest specimens of the Gothic style of buildings. 

Chennai (Madras)              

WTC Chennai - The picture was taken on
19 Mar 2020 morning 
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Formerly known as Madras, Chennai is one of the major cities in South India. Here the visitors would find pleasure and peace at every corner of the city. On its clean roads and peaceful streets, this city holds several places which would be memorable for a tourist. The city is famous for three things: Tasty Dosa, superb Temples, and beautiful beaches.

Known as the Information and Technology Capital of India, Bangalore is one of the major cities situated in the southern part of the country. Here, the visitors would find pleasure and peace. On its landscapes, it holds places of interest for tourists: green gardens, ancient monuments, and old churches. While visiting the city, you would find each and every edifice entertaining you. India is the land where atomic energy is generated, and industrial development has brought the country into the top five fastest-developing nations of the world. Developing metro cities like Bangalore is the backbone of India's progress.

How to Reach Chennai (Madras): 

Most international airlines have direct flights to Chennai on their flight schedules. You can have your air ticket booked on any of these airlines: Air India, British Airways, Lufthansa, Singapore Airlines, Air Lanka and Malaysia Airlines. The city is connected with major cities in India via domestic flights. So, book your Air Ticket to Chennai, and land at the Chennai International Airport or at Chennai Domestic Airport.

The city of Chennai is connected with all major cities in India by Indian Railways. India has one of the longest motorways in the world. This city is prominently set on these motorways. In addition to the city being the commercial major city in South India, here in Chennai, you would find an enjoyable mix. Here you would find scenes where the traditional living meets modern lifestyles.

Places of Tourist Interest: 

In the city of Madras, as it was formerly known, and is now known as Chennai, the tourist would love to see the buildings of the Gothic Style of architecture. The main buildings are St. George Fort and Egmore Railway Station. Egmore is the railway station where you can drive your car almost near to the side of a train. Marina Beach is one of the most beautiful beaches in India. 

Buddhist Art: Ajanta Caves India

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Ajanta Caves: A Timeless Treasure of Buddhist Art in Maharashtra, India

The Ajanta Caves, nestled in the Sahyadri Hills of Maharashtra, India, are among the most awe-inspiring historical sites in the world. These caves represent the golden age of Buddhist art and architecture and continue to captivate travelers, historians, and art lovers from all over the globe. 

    Mural of Padmapani in Ajanta Caves. India,          5th century

Recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Ajanta Caves are a precious legacy of India's ancient cultural and religious traditions.

Situated approximately 100 kilometers from Aurangabad, and just about 25 miles (40 km) from Jalgaon, the caves are easily accessible by road and make for a deeply enriching historical excursion. Whether you're an art historian, a spiritual seeker, or a curious traveler, a visit to the Ajanta Caves is an unforgettable journey into the past.

History and Significance of Ajanta Caves

The Ajanta Caves date back to a period stretching from the 2nd century BCE to the 6th century CE. Built in two distinct phases, these caves were carved directly into the horseshoe-shaped cliff face overlooking the Waghora River. The earliest caves belong to the Hinayana phase of Buddhism (2nd century BCE to 1st century CE), while the later ones showcase the Mahayana phase (5th to 6th century CE).

Though forgotten for centuries, these caves were rediscovered in 1819 by a British officer during a hunting expedition. Since then, they have gained global acclaim for their remarkable wall paintings, intricate rock-cut sculptures, and their enduring spiritual aura. These caves once served as monasteries and prayer halls for Buddhist monks, who not only meditated here but also created some of the world’s most profound and expressive religious art.

Structure and Layout of the Ajanta Caves

There are 30 rock-cut caves at Ajanta, including Chaitya-grihas (prayer halls) and Viharas (monasteries). Of these, Caves 9, 10, 19, 26, and 29 are chaityas, which served as prayer halls with stupas at one end, while the remaining are viharas, or residential cells used by monks.

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Each cave is unique in its layout, design, and decoration. These structures were not built but carved directly into the rocky hillside, using a technique called rock-cut architecture, with excavation typically beginning from the top and working downward. 

This ensured that the ceiling and walls were structurally stable throughout the construction process.

One of the most striking architectural features is found at the entrance of Cave No. 9, which includes a semi-circular arch—a style that resonates with early Indian temple architecture. This design allows natural light to enter the cave, enhancing visibility and emphasizing the spiritual ambiance.

Ajanta Cave Paintings – The Soul of Buddhist Art

The real marvel of Ajanta lies in its paintings. Considered masterpieces of ancient Indian art, the murals at Ajanta vividly depict the life of Gautama Buddha, various Bodhisattvas, and stories from the Jataka tales, which narrate the previous lives of Buddha in both human and animal forms.

These murals were created using the tempera technique on a base of mud plaster, a traditional method where pigments are mixed with organic binders and applied to a prepared surface. All materials used—such as minerals, clay, and plant-based colors—were sourced locally. Despite the passage of centuries, many of these paintings retain their original charm and brilliance.

Some of the most iconic figures seen in the murals include Padmapani (Avalokiteshvara) and Vajrapani, both majestic Bodhisattvas portrayed with calm, divine expressions. The level of detail in facial features, postures, ornaments, and backgrounds is extraordinary. The artists had a deep understanding of human anatomy, gesture, and storytelling, making these murals not only religious icons but also remarkable studies in artistic realism and emotional depth.

The Spiritual Essence of Ajanta

More than just an archaeological site, the Ajanta Caves are a spiritual landmark. These caves were not merely shelters but were sacred spaces for meditation, learning, and devotion. The paintings and sculptures were created not for public exhibition but as acts of devotion—visual sermons carved and painted by monks and artisans devoted to the path of the Buddha.

Each image tells a story, often with a moral, spiritual, or philosophical lesson. Themes of compassion, renunciation, karma, and rebirth are woven into the fabric of these artworks, offering both visual delight and food for thought.

How to Reach Ajanta Caves

Reaching the Ajanta Caves is relatively simple, especially from Aurangabad and Jalgaon, both of which are well-connected cities in Maharashtra.

• By Air: The nearest airport is Aurangabad Airport, located about 100 km from Ajanta. Several domestic airlines operate daily flights from major cities like Mumbai, Delhi, Pune, and Hyderabad. From the airport, you can hire a taxi or board a bus to reach the caves.

• By Train: The nearest railway station is Jalgaon Junction, just 40 km away from the caves. Jalgaon is well connected with major Indian cities like Mumbai, Kolkata, and Delhi via regular trains.

• By Road: Ajanta is easily accessible by road. You can either hire a private taxi or use Maharashtra State Road Transport (MSRTC) buses from Aurangabad, Jalgaon, or nearby towns. Roads are well-maintained, and the drive through the Deccan plateau is scenic.

• Nearby Attractions: While in the area, don’t miss a visit to the Ellora Caves, located just 25 km from Aurangabad. Together with Ajanta, these two cave complexes offer a comprehensive glimpse into India's ancient rock-cut architecture.

Travel Tips for Visiting Ajanta

• Best Time to Visit: The ideal time to explore the Ajanta Caves is between October and March, when the weather is cooler and more pleasant for outdoor sightseeing.

• Entry Timings: The caves are open from 9:00 AM to 5:30 PM, and remain closed on Mondays.

• Footwear and Photography: Visitors are required to remove footwear before entering some cave interiors. Flash photography is discouraged or prohibited to preserve the delicate artwork.

• Guided Tours: Hiring a certified guide can enhance your understanding of the art and history, especially the symbolism in the murals and sculptures.

Why Ajanta Caves Should Be on Every Traveler’s List

The Ajanta Caves of Maharashtra are not just a heritage site; they are a bridge to India’s ancient past, spiritual traditions, and artistic excellence. Whether you are an art connoisseur, a historian, or simply an explorer at heart, the Ajanta Caves offer a mesmerizing journey through time. These caves showcase the finest examples of Buddhist religious art, rock-cut architecture, and ancient Indian painting techniques.

A visit to Ajanta is more than a sightseeing tour—it is an immersion into the spiritual and artistic soul of India. Plan your trip, pack your bags, and let the serene beauty of Ajanta leave an indelible mark on your heart and mind.

WALL PAINTING - Head of Bodhisattva
Indischer Maler des 7.
Jahrhunderts

The artists, may they be the sculptor or a painter, always try to depict the life of the people they live in. so had done the artists who did the artworks in Ajanta and Ellora caves. 

Here the depiction of all types of people of the contemporary social strata is done. We can see the kings and the slaves; the carvings and paintings of the divine musicians; and the dancers of the courts, known as Apsaras, the divine women dancers.

These ancient caves were almost forgotten by the people living in the surrounding areas. Once a company of British soldiers passed from this region and the officers found these caves in the nineteenth century. 

Otherwise, these monuments were hidden under the green vegetation of forests of the state of Maharashtra.