India’s religious canvas bears the footprints of divine avatars, holy saints, selfless gurus and messengers of the almighty. The country so generous to every religion of the world promises some uplifting pilgrimages that promise to establish direct connection with divinity. Here are the most famous pilgrimages of India you must take to attain the real enlightenment and feel blessed.

Haridwar

The town which welcomes the holy River Ganga from Himalayas to Northern Plains, Haridwar is a sacred land for the followers of Lord Shiva as well as Lord Vishnu. Explore the temples and ashrams, take a rejuvenating dip in Ganga and surrender to the overwhelming sights and sounds of Ganga’s evening prayers. You are bound to feel free from the mental and emotional burdens after this religious expedition.

How to Reach: NH 58 connects Haridwar to Delhi. It has a busy railway station and Jolly Grant Airport just few miles away.

Best Time: October-March

Bonus Tip: Plan an elaborated pilgrimage from Haridwar to Rishikesh, Devprayag, Badrinath and several other pilgrimage destinations in the state of Uttarakhand.

 Ajmer

Peace and mysticism get redefined at Ajmer, a holy town in Rajasthan, known as the home to Ajmer Sharif. The shrine is the final resting place of Moinnudin Chishti, a revered Sufi Saint, also known as Gharib Nawaz (the benefactor of the poor). Undoubtedly, it is among the top pilgrimage destinations in India where the visitors feel like getting rid of their woes and sorrows.

How to Reach: Ajmer is a popular railway junction and has the closest airport at Jaipur. It also boasts of excellent road connectivity for lying on the Golden Quadrilateral NH 8.

Best Time: October-March

Bonus Tip: Don’t miss visiting the nearby town of Pushkar, which has the world’s only temple dedicated to Lord Brahma on the bank of Pushkar Lake.

Shirdi

Shirdi, a town in Maharashtra, welcomes Hindus, Muslims and followers of all other religions to the abode of Sai Baba, the spiritual guru who spent 60 years of his life here. Sai Baba Samadhi Temple, Dwarkamai and Chavadi (Sai’s places of residence) and the magical vibes of his blessings hypnotize every single visitor to the place. When in Shirdi, one actually gets detached from the materialistic world.

How to Reach: Pune to Shirdi cab can be one of the most convenient ways. It has also a railway station and is connected by road to cities in all directions.

Best Time: June-March

Bonus Tip: Don’t miss visiting the village of Shingnapur, where houses don’t have doors and locks as these are believed to be guarded by God Shani himself.

Amritsar

The list of top 5 pilgrimages in India is incomplete without the holiest Sikh city called Amritsar. Harmandir Sahib or Golden Temple surrounded by Amrit Sarovar (the pond of nectar) is not only sacred but a sight to behold. Praying to the scripture called Adi Granth (worshipped as Guru Granth Shaib) and taking a holy dip in the pond fill one with unbound joy and instill a feeling of extreme calmness.

How to Reach: The city has an international airport, a busy railway station and excellent road connectivity as well.

Best Time: October-March

Bonus Tip: On this pilgrimage trip, you may visit many other Sikh shrines in Punjab as well as Manikaran Sahib in Himachal Pradesh, which is surrounded by outstanding natural beauty.

 Rameshwaram

Located on Pamban Island which is connected by Pamban Bridge to mainland India, Rameshwaram is home to Ramanathaswamy Temple. One of the 12 Jyotirlingas of Lord Shiva, the temple is also among the 4 holiest Hindu pilgrimages in India. Boasting of a stupendous architecture, the temple is surrounded by the sacred tirthas (water bodies), bathing in which guides one towards salvation.

How to Reach: Pamban Bridge offers dual (both rail and road) connectivity to this place. The closest airport is at Madurai. Madurai to Rameshwaram taxi can be your other option.

Best Time: October-March

Bonus Tip: Plan the Char Dham Yatra pilgrimage which covers Rameshwaram along with other 3 holy destinations of Dwarka, Badrinath and Puri.

Each of these pilgrimages is like a life-changing tryst with India’s invincible faith in the supreme power.