Yatra.com is a site that provides all travel services in affordable rates. They judges customers in best possible way. Yatra provides more services and facilities than traveler's expectation. Yatra.com take responsibility of its customers' care right from it asks for its services till the time its valued customers leave airport to their homes. In collaboration with many airlines and hotel chains Yatra provides comfort and ease all through the phases between traveler's departure and arrival.
If traveler tends to compare its services with its competitor's, traveler would find Yatra as certain winner in every facility they are providing. If travelers are planning recreational trip then Yatra can make things easy for traveler with their services. They provide all services which are helpful in managing traveler's trip at the comparatively lowest rates which no one can offer. Less airfare is its most distinguished and pronounced feature. Travelers can book and print Yatra.com air tickets online. Similar facility is available with hotel booking.
Few ticket booking websites are offering discounts on airfare and hotel room's rate but somehow it is justification over quality of services. At Yatra flights traveler can do this easily and fast. Buy train tickets, bus or plane and book hotel rooms or make your own holiday package, everything is very easy with the help of Yatra. That's the only reason they are one of the top online travel packages providing sites in India. Yatra.com covers a huge range of options from cheap cost airlines to full-service options, including ticket booking and international tenders.
Yatra flight provides the cool packages for rural and international locations all over world. This is easy to Book flights from Yatra.com domestic to have experience for world of feasibility, ease and professionalism, and enjoy traveler's Yatra in modern fashion. Yatra flights also provide international flights online booking, hotel booking, train booking, packages, international airlines and more. The prices are very exclusively and booking are available at the cheapest rates really. Yatra Online has tons of cheap holidays and honeymoon services for its customers, which include best just provides and prices all over world just provides.
Yatra Online has created its own trademark in the online travel booking industry. With YATRA flights travelers can access travel tickets to different destinations. Traveler can make their travel plans with Yatra in a very easy and affordable way for the destination of their own choice. For business or pleasure Yatra in India or abroad simply log on to www.yatra.com for an intelligent and effective way to book air travel, hotels, buses and rental cars.
Yatra also offers various packages for different pilgrimage journeys in India. India is known for its mixture and amalgamation of various religions and there are various religious places in this country that are visited by millions of peoples every day. Here are the list of some of the popular pious places of India where you can go with Yatra.com specialized services.
Pilgrimage Places in Jammu and Kashmir:
Kashmir is called as the Heaven of the world. This is the called as the crown of India. The state of Jammu and Kashmir has a number of pilgrimage places and yatras. Some of the pilgrimage places and yatras in J&K are:
Amarnath Yatra: Amarnath Yatra is one of the popular Hindu pilgrimage Yatra that is attended by almost 2 million pilgrims from all over the world. This temple shrine is located about 145 kilometres away from the main city of Srinagar and is at an altitude of 4175 meters above sea level.
This Yatra is organized during the month of Shravana and it lasts for only 45 days. The holy cave of Amarnath has a shrine of Lord Shiva which grows naturally in the shape of a Shiva Lingam. Pilgrims believe that the shape of this Shiva Lingam grows and shrinks according to the position and shape o the moon. The Amarnath Mountains also has two more mountains which are dedicated to Goddess Parvati and Lord Ganesh. In order to go for the Yatra to the Amarnath, you have to register yourself with the Shrine Board so that there is no confusion at the main site. In order to prevent the confusion, the shrine board starts the registration of the yatris about 3 months before the Yatra starts.
Vaishno Devi Yatra: Vaishno Devi is another place that is frequented by the pilgrims from all over the world. This holy place is open all around the year and is the manifestation of “Mata Rani” or mother goddess. This temple is situated near the Katra district. The temple is located at an altitude of 5200 meters above sea level. The Devi resides inside a cave on Trikuta which is a three peaked mountain. In order to reach the holy temple of Mata Rani, one has to reach Katra by train and then trek for almost 13 to 14 kilometres to reach the temple. This place is visited by almost 14 million pilgrims from all over the world annually. The 14 kilometre route from Katra to the main shrine of Mata is full of twists and turns in the backdrop of the valley offering you some of the best views of the valley. There are a number of stoppage points where you can gather breathe and take some break from the journey. All along your journey to the main shrine room, there are a number of shops and restaurants where you can have some light food. Also follow the instructions that are issued by the Shrine Board and other authorities.
Kailash Mansarovar Yatra: This pilgrimage centre is another important centre in Hindu culture and belief. This holy place is situated on the Mount Kailash that is situated on the Nepal China border. This mountain is believed to be the most sacred in the world. This mountain belonged to Lord Shiva. In order to reach here you must have a passport and Chinese visa is required in order to reach to this temple.
Pilgrimage Places in Himachal Pradesh:
Himachal Pradesh is called as the Hill Station capital of India. This state is also called as the abode of Gods and has a number of temples. Himachal was called as ‘Devbhoomi’ since the old times and the scenic beauty with the splendid mountains in the backdrop serves as the natural home of the gods. Some of the temples and other pilgrimage places and Yatra in Himachal Pradesh are:
Jwala Mukhi Temple: This temple is situated in Kangra and is famous for its flame that keeps on glowing forever. Several scientific studies have been done to find the source but it all has failed. This flame is considered as the manifestation of goddess Kali and many fairs are held during the time of Navratras. Every Hindu does Yatra to Jwala Mukhi temple once in his lifetime.
Chamunda Devi Temple: This temple has been dedicated to Goddess Kali and many newlywed couples come to seek the blessings of the Goddess. This temple provides you some of the spectacular views of the mountains and Lahla Forest.
Lakshmi Narayan Temple: This is a group of six temples that is situated in the town of Chamba. There temples are of great archaeological importance. The temples are dedicated to Lord Shiva and Lord Vishnu and are believed to have built during the 8th century.
Baijnath: This is another temple that is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is known for its sculpture and architecture. These temples were built during the 9th century Ad. Baijanth temple is situated on close proximity to Palampur and Kangra.
Pilgrimage Places in Punjab:
This state is one of the prime destinations for pilgrimage. This beautiful state is visited by millions of visitors from all over the world. The state is known for its Golden Temple which is the largest gurudwara in the world. Amongst the Sikh religion, there are a number of other places of pilgrimage that are located throughout the city. Some of the places of pilgrimage and famous scared Yatra in Punjab are:
Harminder Saheb or Golden Temple: This is the main place of attraction of this state. Sikhs from all over the world come here at least once in their lives to seek the blessings of the Harminder Sahab. This temple has glorious past is made completely out of pure gold. Temple has a free kitchen that serves food for the needy and poor all round the clock. The temple looks magnificent at night. It is considered pious for every Sikh to make a Yatra to Harminder Saheb.
Goindwal Sahib: This place is dedicated to Guru Amar Das Ji who was the third guru of Sikhs. The gurudwara has a deep well that has about 84 steps. Devotees can take a holy dip here and recite the Japji Sahib which is a divine composition of Sri Guru Nanak Dev Ji.
Durgiana Mandir: This exotic temple is built during the third decade of the 20th century. This temple is known for its Hindu architecture and is known to have inspired from Golden Temple. This temple is set amidst a tank and has a number of canopies and central dome that are made in the Sikh style of architecture. This temple is associated with one of the eminent reformers of India, Madan Mohan Malviya who laid the foundation stone of this temple.
Pilgrimage Places in Uttarakhand:
Uttarakhand is called as the Abode of the Gods and is known for its religious places like Yamunotri, Gangotri, Kedarnath and Badrinath which are collectively called as Char Dham. For centuries, many sages and pilgrims in their search for divine walked along the mystical vales of ancient Hindu scriptures called as ‘Kedarkhand’. The Yatra needs to be done from West to East direction starting with Yamunotri to Gangotri and then to Kedarnath and then finally Badrinath.
Gangotri: is situated at an altitude of 3048 meters above sea level located about 100 kilometres away from the Uttarkashi. There is a temple that was constructed by Gorkha General Amar Singh Thapa in 18th century is situated on the banks of Bagirathi. This temple is visited by a number of pilgrims from all over the world. There are a number of ashrams that are situated on the other side of the temple that provides you a number of accommodation facilities.
Kedarnath: is a holy town that is situated at the Himalayas at a height of more than 3584 meters above sea level. The temple of Kedarnath lies amongst the snow-capped mountains and is visited by a number of pilgrims and visitors from all over the world. Kedarnath Yatra is very religious for Hindus. There is one of the twelve jyotirlingas of Lord Shiva that is kept here. There are more than 200 shrines that are dedicated to Lord Shiva. This temple is believed to be built by Adi Shankaracharya and is believed to have existed during the time of Mahabharata.
Yamunotri: is the source of river Yamuna. This place is situated at an altitude of 3293 meters above sea level and is located in the Uttarkashi district. This place is surrounded by mountains on all sides and lies on the close proximity to the Indo-China border. Yamunotri is first stop of the Char Dham Yatra and the temple of Yamunotri is dedicated to Goddess Yamuna. A large number of devotees does Yamunotri Yatra during the months of May to October. According to the ancient texts, Yamunotri is believed to be the home of ancient sage, Asit Muni. Some of the other attractions of Yamunotri are Surya Kund, which is a thermal spring which is used by the pilgrims to cook potatoes and rice and Divya Shila which is a rock pillar that is situated on the entrance of the Yamunotri Temple. This pillar is believed to have built during the time of Guptas.
Badrinath: is another popular town of Uttarakhand that is visited by Hindus from all over the world. This town is situated on Nar and Narayan mountain ranges about 300 kilometres away from Rishikesh. This town is situated at an altitude of 3133 meters above sea level. The main attraction of Badrinath Yatra is the Badrinath temple that is dedicated to Lord Vishnu which is one of the 108 Divya Desams of Vaishnavites. This temple is conical in shape and was built about 200 years ago by the Garhwal dynasty. Some of the other attractions of Badrinath include Tapt Kund which is a natural spring that is situated on the banks of River Alakananda. This spring is believed to have some medicinal values. Another important attraction of Badrinath is the Hemkund Sahib Yatra. This is one of the important pilgrimage tours that are done by Hindus and Sikhs from all over the world. The holy lake of Hemkund is situated at an altitude of more than 3000 meters above sea level and is surrounded by seven snow covered mountains which are called as Hemkund Mountains. There is a Lakshman Mandir that is situated on the close proximity and is dedicated to Lakshmana who was the younger brother of Lord Rama. According to Hindu mythology, a number of Hindu sages and teachers used to come here to perform penance. Hanumanchatti is another place that is located about 216 kilometres away from the Rishikesh. This place is the confluence of rivers Hanuman Ganga and Yamuna.
Devprayag: is another place of pilgrimage that is situated at the confluence of Alakananda and Bhagirathi River. This town is the seat of the Bhagirathi Dham. This town is one of the holy places of worship and holds a great importance amongst the Hindus.
Pilgrimage Centres in Haryana:
Haryana is a land locked state that is situated on the North India and is famous for its diverse art and culture. This place is blessed and sanctified as it has a number of pilgrimage places that are visited by pilgrims from all over the world. Some of the pilgrimage centres in Haryana are:
Sita Mai Temple: This temple is known for its shrine of Sita Mata that is situated in a small village of Sitamai which is located about 19 kilometres away from the Nilokheri. This temple is made up in simple Hindu style of architecture but the magnificent ornamentation that covers the whole shrine of the Goddess Sita is look out for.
Kabuli Bagh Mosque: This mosque is situated about 2 kilometres from Panipat. This mosque was built by Babur for his wife. This place is flanked by the chambers on the two sides that have an inscription that is written in Persian language all over the mosque. Some of the main attractions of this mosque are beautifully carved panels.
Baba Rameshwar Dass Temple: This is another popular temple that is situated at Bamanwas which is situated 25 kilometres in the Mahendragarh district. This temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and has a 10 feet high Shiv Ling. The temple has a spacious hall with marble floorings and decorated walls.
Pilgrimage Centres in Rajasthan:
Rajasthan is a royal state that is situated on the western part of India. This state is known for its forts and palaces that were built by many Rajput rulers and other kings. There are a number of temples and other religious places that are situated in this state. Some of them are:
Birla Mandir is one of the finest temples of Rajasthan. This temple was built by Birlas who are of the prominent industrial houses of India. This temple is also known as Lakshmi Narayana Temple and is dedicated to Lord Vishnu and his consort Goddess Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth. This temple has been out of the finest quality of marble that has been made in some of the best mines of Rajasthan.
Brahma Temple is another sacred temple that is situated in Pushkar which located about 11 kilometres away from Ajmer. According to a tradition, you have to take a bath in the waters of this temple. This place signifies the killing of a demon by Lord Brahma with a lotus and there were three lakes formed wherever the petals of this lotus fell. Legend has it that Lord Brahma used to perform Yagya on the full moon night of Kartik month of Hindu calendar.
Durgah Sharif is another place of worship for the Muslims and is located about 132 kilometres away from Jaipur in the small town of Ajmer. This durgah is situated on the foot of a hill in the old part of this town. Ajmer Yatra is very popular among Hindus and Muslims equally. This durgah was initially known as tomb of Khwaja Moin-ud-din Chisti, who was a sufi saint that came from Persia and did a lot of work for the poor and underprivileged people of the society.
Dilwara Jain Temple: This is a popular Jain temple that is situated in Mount Abu that is the only hill station of Rajasthan. These temples are considered more architecturally superior than the Taj Mahal. These beautifully carved temples were built between 11th and 13th century AD and are dedicated to Jain Tirthankaras.
Pilgrimage Places in Uttar Pradesh:
Uttar Pradesh is one of the largest states of India and is one of the primary places for worship in India. This state has Ayodhya where Lord Rama was born. The state also boasts of Sangam where three rivers Ganga, Yamuna and mystical, Saraswati meet. This place is considered as sacred by Hindus for taking a bath. Some of the important pilgrimage places in India are:
Mathura: This city of temples and shrines is dedicated to Lord Krishna whom had taken place in this city. Millions of devotees and pilgrims flock here to visit the temples and see the various manifestations of Lord Vishnu. The city lies on the banks of River Yamuna and there is a long line of Ghats that are situated all along the river that provides you splendid views of the opposite side of the bank. Katra Keshav Dev marks the spot where Lord Krishna took his birth. Another place to visit in Mathura is Gita Mandir that is situated on the Vrindavan Road and has a number of fine images and sculptures of Shri Krishna.
Varanasi: The Holy city of Varanasi is one of the oldest living cities of the world. There are a number of Ghats that are situated on the banks of River Ganga. There are a number of temples that are situated in this city that worth visiting.
Allahabad: This place is today is known as one of the sacred pilgrimage centers of India. This place was bestowed by Lord Brahma and performed his ‘Prakrista Yagna’ at the confluence of three rivers which we know today as Sangam. Vedas and other holy text have referred this place as Prayag and the present city was founded by Akbar in 1575 AD. Allahabad hosts the Kumbh Mela after every 12 years during the months of January and February.
Ayodhya: This sacred city is located on the banks of River Ghaghra and is better known as the birth place of Lord Rama, who was the seventh incarnation of Lord Vishnu. This place was founded by Manu and was further ruled by the descendants of Surya Vansh of which Lord Rama was the most glorious and popular king. There are a number of temples that are made during different eras and are dedicated to Lord Rama. This city is the main centre of Babri Masjid Dispute.
Pilgrimage Places in Madhya Pradesh:
Madhya Pradesh is a land locked state that is also called as the heart of India. This state has a religious adumbration that is situated in each nook and corner of the state. There are many specific places which can be called as the pilgrimage centres of this state. Some of the pilgrimage centers of Madhya Pradesh are:
Khajuraho Temples: The erotic temples of Khajuraho have been selected as World Heritage Sites by UNESCO. These temples are known for their ancient Hindu architecture and have been built by the Chandela kings. Do visit the Kandariya Mahadeo Temple that is about 31 meters high and also has a sculpture of Nandi Bull which is considered as the vehicle of transport of Lord Shiva. If you happen to come to these magnificent temples, then do make a point to visit the Jain Temples of the Eastern Khajuraho, Chaunsat Yogini in Western group of Khajuraho temples and Parsavanatha Temple and Ganthi Temple of the Eastern group of temples. Khajuraho temple Yatra is an amazing experience for everyone.
The state of Madhya Pradesh has a number of Buddhist pilgrimage sites that were built by many Buddhist kings and rulers. There are number of Buddhist monuments such as Sanchi Stupa, Great Bowl and the famous Ashoka pillar that are worshipped by the Buddhist pilgrims.
The state of Madhya Pradesh is also known to host the Ardh Kumbh Mela in the holy city of Ujjain on the banks of River Shipra after every six years. It is considered auspicious to take a bath in this holy river as all your misdeeds and wrong doings will be washed away. Kumbh Yatra is very important moment in the life of Hindus.
Pilgrimage Places in Orissa:
This state is situated on the Eastern Coast of India in the Bay of Bengal. This state is known for many place and pilgrimage centres that were made by several rulers who ruled here. The state of Orissa offers you a fine amalgation of rural tranquillity with the modern urban adroitness for a fun filled vacation. Some of the places of interest in Orissa are:
Jagannath Puri Rath Yatra: This festival is the iconic landmark of the state of Orissa. This auspicious festival is celebrated in Puri where millions of Hindu pilgrims and devotees visit here to pull the chariot of Lord Jagannath. This festival is celebrated during the months of July or August and attracts about 5 million pilgrims from all over the world.
Sun Temple: This is a stunning masterpiece of Hindu art and architecture. This temple is made according to the position of the Sun God. This temple is built during the 13th century by King Narsimha Deva. This temple is designed in the form of a chariot that is drawn by seven horses and twelve wheels. This temple is situated about 35 kilometres away from the main city of Bhubaneswar.
Mukteshwar Temple: This is an important landmark in the state of Orissa. This temple is situated in Bhubaneswar which is the capital of Orissa. This temple was created during the 10th century and is known for its some of the unique features that were too early to be introduced at that time.
Brahmeshwar Temple: This temple is one of the architectural marvels of Orissa. This temple is characterised by a steep pyramidal roof and was built in early 7th century AD by Parasuramesvara and Vaital Deul. There are a number of other temples that are situated in its close proximity which are some of the masterpieces of Orissi art and culture.
Pilgrimage Places in Chhattisgarh:
Chhattisgarh is one of the new states that have been formed in the India in the latest past. This landlocked state is surrounded by Madhya Pradesh, Orissa, Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh, Jharkhand and Uttar Pradesh. Some of the pilgrimage centres and Yatra destinations of Chhattisgarh are:
Bhoramdeo Temple: This ancient temple was built during the 7th to 11th century. This place is one of the main centers of pilgrimage in Chhattisgarh. This temple is located in the backdrop of Maikal Mountains and is surrounded by dense forests on all sides. This temple is dedicated to Goddess Kali. This temple is known for its architecture, erotic sculptures and artistic carvings that are engraved on the walls of this temple.
Hatkeshwar Mahadev Temple: This temple is situated about 5 kilometres away from the main capital city of Chhattisgarh. This temple has the most valued Hindu shrine where millions of tourists and pilgrims come here to worship it. This shrine is dedicated to Lord Shiva and was built during the 15th century by Hajiraj Naik under the rule of the Brahmadeo Rao who belonged to Kalchuri dynasty.
Pilgrimage Places in Jharkhand:
Jharkhand is a land locked state that is situated in the eastern part of India. This place was carved out of Bihar and shares its border with some of the other states of India. The state has been regarded as a major steel centre of India. Some of the popular pilgrimage centres of Jharkhand are:
Deoghar Yatra: This Yatra is specially organized by the state government of Jhaarkhand and Deogarh is also known by the name of Baidyanath Dham. The temple of Baidyanath Dham is known for its Jyotirlingas of Lord Shiva which is one amongst the twelve jyotirlingas that are present in the country. Many people, also called as Kawarias, from different parts of the country carry the waters of River Ganga and offer it to the Jyotirlinga that is present here. This Yatra to this temple starts in the auspicious month of Sawan of Hindu Calendar. This Yatra lasts for about 30 days.
Sun Temple: This temple is situated about 39 kilometres away from the capital of Jharkhand and is visited by many eminent personalities of this state. This temple is made in the form of a chariot that has about 18 wheels that are drawn by 7 life live horses. This temple is surrounded by a pond that serves as a favourite destination for the Chhathavratis.
Jaganathpur Temple Yatra: This temple is situated in the capital city of Ranchi in Jharkhand and is a major pilgrimage centre of Jharkhand. This temple was constructed by Thakur Adi Nath Shahdeo during the 17th century. This temple is also known for an annual fair that is held by the temple. This fair is organized similar to Rath Yatra.
Bhadra Kali Mandir: This temple is situated in the Bhaduli village and is dedicated to Goddess Kali. This place is situated on the banks of River Buxa and is made in the shape of U. Maa Bhadrakali is the manifestation of Maa Kali and is formed out of the confluence of the cosmic powers. This temple was created during the 9th century by the Pal kings.
Jaganathpur Temple and Hill: This is another popular pilgrimage center of Jharkhand. This temple is situated about 10 kilometres away from Ranchi and the chariot festival of this temple is the main attraction of this temple that attracts the pilgrims from all over the state.
Rajrappa: This temple is situated about 80 kilometres away from the main capital city of Jharkhand. The temple is located on the confluence of the rivers Damodar and Bhairavi. This temple is famous for the headless statue of Goddess Chhinamastika that stands upon the body of Kamdeo and Roti on a Lotus bed.
Pilgrimage Places in Bihar:
Bihar is one of the oldest living places in the world. This place was earlier called as Patliputra. There has been a strong influence of Buddhist culture and art on the temples and other monuments of this state. Some of the pilgrimage places and places of Yatra of Bihar are:
Mahavir Mandir: This temple is the holiest temples amongst the Hindus. This temple is dedicated to Lord Hanuman and is situated in the capital city of Patna. Millions of visitors come here annually and is second most visited Hanuman temple in entire North India.
Takht Shri Harminder Saheb: is one of the five takhts of the Sikhism. A Gurudwara is also constructed here in the remembrance of Shri Guru Gobind Singh Ji, the tenth guru of the Sikhs. Gurudwara Ghai Ghat Yatra is another important pilgrimage journey for the Sikhs. This Gurudwara is dedicated to Guru Nanak Dev who stayed in Patna in 1509.
Mahabodhi Tree: is another popular Buddhist pilgrimage place that is situated ion Bodh Gaya. At this place Siddhartha Gautam attained the Buddha. The temple is famous for its Bodhi Tree that is situated in its complex. This temple has been declared as World Heritage site by UNESCO.
Maner Sharif: is a holy place of worship for the Muslims. This is a popular site that was create during the medieval times and is a notified area in Bihar. Maner Sharif has two main popular Muslim tombs that belonged to the rulers who ruled here.
Pilgrimage Places in Gujarat:
Gujarat is one of the important industrial states of India. This state is known for its diaries that supply milk to all over the country. Gujarat is a dry state which means that no liquor can be sold here. Gujarat is known for its ancient heritage and culture. There are a number of temples in the ancient times that were a symbol of growth and prosperity in India. Some of prominent places of worship in Gujarat are:
Somnath Temple: This is a legendary temple of Gujarat that is known for its shrines that were made up of gold, silver, diamonds and other precious gems and metals. This temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is one of the twelve most sacred shrines of Lord Shiva. This temple has been described by many travellers and writers as one of the wealthiest temples of India. This temple has been destroyed several times in the history of India. One of the worst raids was made by Mahmud of Ghazni who destroyed the entire temple complex and took away all the gems and jewellery that was kept in the temple with him to his home land. This majestic temple has been rebuilt about 10 times and the present day temple that stands here is replica of the original temple. Today thousands of devotees do Yatra to this holy temple to find peace.
Akshardham Temple: This is the iconic landmark of Gujarat. This temple is built by Swami Narayana Group. This temple is dedicated to Swami Narayana. According to an estimate more than 6000 tonnes of pink sandstone was used and is surrounded by majestic lawns and trees. This temple was attacked by terrorists in 2002.
Jama Masjid: This mosque was built by Ahmed Shah in 1423. This mosque was made by demolishing the Hindu and Jain temples. This mosque has a support of about 260 columns and has about 15 domes that are located at different elevations.
St. Thomas Church: This is lovely building that is made in the Diu Museum building. This church has a number of collections that are worn by the Catholic cardinals. This church is known for its celebrations of Christmas and other Christian festivals.
Damodar Kund: This is a holy water reservoir that is situated nearby to the Girnar Temples. This place is surrounded by a number of Ghats. It is believed that Lord Krishna used to come here and play in these Ghats.
Pilgrimage Place in Maharashtra:
Maharashtra is an important state of India from the industry point of view. The state has a number of temples and other religious places that you can visit. Some of the pilgrimage places of Yatra in Maharashtra are:
Shirdi Yatra: Shirdi Yatra is done by the Sai Baba devotees to a small village of Shirdi that is situated ion the Ahmednagar district. Shirdi is one of the popular places in India that is visited by pilgrims from all over the world. This place is so peaceful and relaxing that you can feel the presence of Sai Baba all around you. When you come to Shirdi some of the places that you should consider visiting include:
Samadhi Temple: This is the temple where Sai Baba breathed his last. His last parting words “Do Not Think I Am Dead and Gone. You Will Hear Me from My Samadhi and I Shall Guide You” have been inscribed here. The place is also famous for its margosa tree that has been mentioned in the Sai Satcharitra many times.
Khandoba Temple: This is another complex that is worth visiting. This temple has the image of Sai Baba dressed in his traditional kafni.
Pandharpur Yatra: This is also called as the Palkhi festival of Maharashtra. This Yatra is held during the months of June and July at the famous temple of Pandharpur. Thousands of pilgrims from all over India carry palkhis which bear the images of the saints in Maharashtra. These pilgrims are called as Warkaris which worship the Vithoba which is an incarnation of Lord Vishnu.
Siddhivinayak Temple Yatra: This is the iconic landmark of the Mumbai. This temple is one of the richest temples in India. This temple is dedicated to Lord Ganesha and many eminent personalities, film stars, industrialists, NRIs and other people of Maharashtra come to this temple. The temple dates back to the 18th century. Vinayak is considered as one of the eight Ashta Vinayak shrines of Maharashtra. The best time to visit this temple is during the time of Ganesh Chaturthi.
Amba Devi Temple: This temple is situated in the city of Amaravati which is about 150 kilometres away from Nagpur. The main deity that is worshipped here is of Amba Devi which is regarded as the goddess of Shakti. According to the legend, Shri Krishna married Rukmini at this temple only.
Balaji Temple: This temple is made as an exact replica of Balaji Temple that is situated at Tirupati. This temple is made on the lines of Venkateshwara Temple and is constructed according to the Shipashastras which are ancient text that specifies how the buildings and other constructions should be made.
Pilgrimage Places in Goa:
Goa is known for its beaches and parties. This place is an important destination of India from tourism point of view. The state of Goa has been under the influence of the Portuguese for more than 500 years and thus there are a number of churches that are located in different parts of this state. Some of the pilgrimage places in Goa are:
Basilica of born Jesus: This church was built during the 16th century and is one of the popular churches of Goa. The remains of St. Francis Xavier that are kept in a silver casket have been enshrined here. This church is dedicated to Lord Jesus and is declared as a world Heritage Site by UNESCO.
Se Cathedral: This is one of the imposing churches of Old part of Goa. One of the main attractions of this church is its interiors that will leave you spellbound and mesmerized. The cathedral has five bells out of which Golden Bell is the biggest and highly popular in Goa.
Church of de Dens at Saligao: This church was built in 1873 and is situated amidst the picturesque surroundings of Goa. This cathedral has the shrine of the Mae de Deus who was brought back from the convent of Mae de Deusat in Old Goa. This church is one of the finest pieces of the Gothic style.
Devaki Krishna Temple Yatra: This is one of the popular temples of Goa. This temple is dedicated to Lord Krishna and his mother, Devaki. It is the only temple in India where Lord Krishna is worshipped along with his mother.
Mahalaxmi Temple: This temple is situated in the capital city of Panaji. This temple is about 200 years old and its foundation stone was laid Shri Narayana Kumar Mhamai. Mahalaxmi deity is the chief object of veneration for all Goans, irrespective of caste, class, sex or creed. The submandap of this temple is one of the major attractions of this temple.
Pilgrimage Places in Karnataka:
Karnataka is called as the IT capital of India and this state has the highest talent pool of the country. This state remains as one of the important centres for the art and architecture and other places. Many kings from different dynasties in different eras have made many temples and other places that remind us of our glorious past and culture. Some of the popular pilgrimage places where you can make Yatra in Karnataka are:
Chamundi Hill: This place is situated in Mysore and is dedicated to Goddess Kali who vanquished the demon Mahishasuran. A colourful image of the daemon greets the visitors who reach to the top of the hill. This hill has a number of images of the Nandi Bull which is the vehicle of transport for Lord Shiva.
Sravanabelagola: This is an important place of worship amongst the Jains. This place is situated in the Dharmasthala district of Karnataka. This place dates back to the 3rd century during the time of Chandragupta Maurya. Legend has it that Chandragupta Maurya visited this place in search of some peace and solace after handing over his empire to his son, Bimbisara. The main attraction of this sacred place is the statue of Lord Gomateshwara which is about 17 meters high and is amongst the tallest in the world.
Gokarna: The meaning of ‘Gokarna’ is the ears of cow. This is another holy place that is situated at the confluence of two rivers. This place is believed to have named to commemorate Lord Shiva’s emergence from the ears of the cow. This important Hindu pilgrimage centre is an important centre for learning Sanskrit. Many people do Gokarna Yatra to experience the tradition of Hindu religion. The Mahabaleshwar Temple that is situated here is dedicated to Lord Shiva.
ISKCON Temple: This is a popular temple that is located in Bangalore. This temple is dedicated to Lord Krishna. The ISKCON temple is located on the hillock which is also called as the Hare Krishna Hill.
Kudroli Gokarnanatha Temple: This is a magnificent temple that is located very close to Mangalore. This temple is dedicated to Lord Gokarnanatheshwara.
Mangala Devi Temple: This temple is dedicated to Goddess Mangala. The city of Mangalore is believed to have named after this goddess.
Pilgrimage Places in Andhra Pradesh:
Andhra Pradesh is another emerging IT destination of India. The capital of Andhra Pradesh, Hyderabad has become the second home to many IT giants like Google, Microsoft and Dell who have established their R&D cells in this state. Some of the pilgrimage places in Andhra Pradesh are:
Lord Venkateshwara Temple: This prominent temple is situated in Tirupati and is one of the sacred sites for Hindus. The presiding diety of this temple is Lord Venkateshwara, a form of Lord Vishnu. Lord Venkateshwara is known by different names in different parts of the country. This temple is one of the richest temples in the country.
Amaravati: These caves are an important place for pilgrimage for the Buddhists who come here to worship the paintings and sculptures that are present here. The Temple of Lord Amareswara is also present which is dedicated to Lord Shiva.
Mecca Masjid: This mosque is located on close proximity to Char Minar and is capable of accommodating more than 10000 people at a time. This mosque is one of the biggest in the country. The huge colonnades and arches are made from a single piece of granite rock. This mosque is situated very close to Jama Masjid which is the oldest mosque in Andhra Pradesh.
Birla Mandir: These temples are located in Hyderabad and offer you some of the best views of the twin cities of Hyderabad and Secunderabad. This temple is made completely out of marble and is a spectacular sight during night.
Nagarjuna Sagar: This is a prominent Buddhist centre and is one of the popular tourist attractions in the state. It is the tallest masonry dam that is built over the River Krishna.
Pilgrimage Centres in Kerala:
Kerala is called as ‘God’s Own Country’. The state has some of the popular pilgrimage centres to boast of. Some of the pilgrimage places in Kerala are:
Parthasarathi Temple: This is situated on the banks of River Pampa. This temple attracts a number of pilgrims on the eve of Krishna Janmashtami. This temple is dedicated to Lord Krishna and is worshipped in the form of Parthasarathi which is an image of a charioteer as depicted in the Mahabharata. Parthsarathi temple Yatra is very popular in Kerala among Hindu devotees.
Thodikkulam Temple: This temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is located about 2 kilometres away from the main town of Kannavam district. This temple is surrounded by a number of trees and forests and is also famous for its beautifully painted walls with mural paintings depicting different scenes of life.
Sabarimala Temple Yatra: This temple is dedicated to God Ayyappan who meditated at this place after the killing of a powerful demon, Mahisi. This temple is located in the Western Ghats and is one of the highly visited pilgrimage places in India.
Pilgrimage Places in Tamil Nadu:
Tamil Nadu is the southernmost state of India. It is bounded by Eastern Ghats and lies in the Bay of Bengal. Some of the pilgrimage places in Tamil Nadu are:
Meenakshi Temple: This temple is visited thousands of pilgrims every day. The temple is known for its imposing Gopurams and is one of the landmarks of the state. These gopurams are adorned by beautiful images and icons of gods, goddesses and other mystical figures. The temple has about four entrances and it also has a museum.
Nataraja Temple: This is one of the ancient temples of Tamil Nadu. The temple os believed to have a gold plated roof. The presiding deity of this temple is Akasa Lingam which is worshipped in different temples as representing five elements of life. The gopurams pose a number of dance forms that are taken from the Natyashatra.
Kanchipuram: This place is known for its bangles and sarees in all over the world. There are about 126 temples; some of them belong to the as early as 2nd century BC. For all those who want to see and explore the past of the country must come here
More on Yatra.com
- Yatra Domestic Flights
- Yatra International Flights
- Yatra Train
