India is home to thousands of temples, each holding deep cultural, spiritual, and historical value. Whether you’re searching for temples near me for a peaceful visit, daily prayers, or to admire ancient architecture, this guide covers famous temples from every Indian state.
From the spiritual banks of the Ganga in Varanasi to the majestic hills of Tirupati, we’ve listed the top temples you can visit. This blog will also help you with how to reach, timing, entry details, and travel tips, making it super useful for your next spiritual trip.
Also Read: ISKCON Temples in India
Why Temples Are So Important in India
Temples in India are not just religious places. They are a combination of:
- Spiritual centers – for prayer, devotion, and inner peace
- Architectural marvels – showcasing ancient Indian craftsmanship
- Community hubs – where festivals and rituals bring people together
- Historical landmarks – many temples are centuries old with rich stories
For locals and travelers, visiting a temple feels grounding and deeply enriching.
Also Know: Religious Destinations in India
State-Wise List of Famous Temples in India
We’ve compiled the best temples across India — so no matter where you are, you’ll always find a temple near you.
Uttar Pradesh – Kashi Vishwanath Temple, Varanasi
- Why Visit: One of the 12 Jyotirlingas of Lord Shiva
- How to Reach: Varanasi Junction railway station is 5 km away; local autos and taxis are easily available.
- Temple Timings: 3:00 AM to 11:00 PM
- Entry Process: Free entry; VIP Darshan also available with a small fee
- Travel Tip: Early morning visit offers a peaceful experience before the crowd gathers
Tamil Nadu – Meenakshi Temple, Madurai
- Why Visit: Known for its stunning Dravidian architecture
- How to Reach: 2 km from Madurai Railway Station
- Temple Timings: 5:00 AM – 12:30 PM & 4:00 PM – 10:00 PM
- Entry: Free entry; cameras not allowed inside
- Travel Tip: Don’t miss the evening aarti and light show
Andhra Pradesh – Tirumala Venkateswara Temple, Tirupati
- Why Visit: One of the richest and most visited temples in the world
- How to Reach: Tirupati Railway Station, 25 km away from Tirumala
- Temple Timings: Open 24×7 (with specific time slots for Darshan)
- Entry: Free Darshan + Paid Quick Darshan options available
- Travel Tip: Book Darshan slots online in advance
Also Know: Shiva Temples in India
Maharashtra – Shirdi Sai Baba Temple
- Why Visit: Devoted to Sai Baba, known for miracles and healing
- How to Reach: 3 km from Sainagar Shirdi Railway Station
- Temple Timings: 5:00 AM to 10:00 PM
- Entry: Free and paid Darshan lanes
- Travel Tip: Visit Dwarkamai and Chavadi nearby
Karnataka – Kukke Subramanya Temple
- Why Visit: Powerful temple for removing Sarpa Dosha
- How to Reach: 105 km from Mangalore airport
- Timings: 5:00 AM – 1:30 PM & 3:00 PM – 9:00 PM
- Entry: No entry fee
- Travel Tip: Book pooja services online in advance
Odisha – Jagannath Temple, Puri
- Why Visit: One of the Char Dham pilgrimage sites
- How to Reach: 2 km from Puri Railway Station
- Temple Timings: 5:30 AM to 10:00 PM
- Entry: Only Hindus allowed; no mobile phones
- Travel Tip: Best time to visit during Rath Yatra
Himachal Pradesh – Baijnath Temple
- Why Visit: Ancient Shiva temple in the middle of the Himalayas
- How to Reach: 50 km from Dharamshala
- Temple Timings: 6:00 AM to 9:00 PM
- Entry: Free
- Travel Tip: Combine with a scenic road trip through the Kangra Valley
Rajasthan – Brahma Temple, Pushkar
- Why Visit: One of the very few Brahma temples in the world
- How to Reach: 15 km from Ajmer Railway Station
- Temple Timings: 6:00 AM – 1:30 PM & 3:00 PM – 9:00 PM
- Entry: Free
- Travel Tip: Don’t forget to take a holy dip in the Pushkar Lake
Kerala – Guruvayur Temple
- Why Visit: Dedicated to Lord Krishna, known for daily weddings and rituals
- How to Reach: 30 km from Thrissur
- Temple Timings: 3:00 AM – 12:30 PM & 4:30 PM – 9:15 PM
- Entry: Only Hindus allowed
- Travel Tip: Traditional attire is compulsory inside
Delhi – Akshardham Temple
- Why Visit: Modern architecture with a spiritual heart
- How to Reach: Akshardham Metro Station
- Temple Timings: 10:00 AM to 8:00 PM (Closed on Mondays)
- Entry: Free; optional paid shows
- Travel Tip: Don’t miss the musical fountain show in the evening
Entry Process at Most Temples
- Carry a valid ID if required (especially in big temples like Tirupati)
- Dress modestly; many temples require traditional clothing
- Phones and cameras are often restricted
- Follow the queue system – use VIP entry only if needed
- Respect local customs – remove footwear before entering
Travel Tips for Visiting Temples
- Avoid peak hours like weekends and public holidays
- Plan morning visits for better peace and darshan timing
- Stay hydrated but avoid carrying food into temple premises
- Respect silence and space during prayers or rituals
- Use official websites for online bookings if available
Also Read: Krishna Temples in India
Conclusion
If you’ve ever searched online for “temples near me”, we hope this guide gave you a proper and satisfying answer. India has countless divine places worth visiting — each temple has its own charm, story, and spiritual power. Whether you’re planning a solo visit or a family pilgrimage, these temples promise a soulful experience.
For a smooth travel experience, ARN Holidays can help plan your visit with customized spiritual journeys across India’s top temple towns. From temples near you to Char Dham Yatra, we’ve got everything covered.
FAQs
Q1. Which is the most visited temple in India?
A: Tirupati Balaji Temple sees millions of visitors every year.
Q2. Can foreigners visit Indian temples?
A: Most temples allow all, but some (like Guruvayur or Puri Jagannath) restrict non-Hindus.
Q3. Are online temple bookings available?
A: Yes, major temples like Tirupati, Vaishno Devi, etc., offer online bookings.
Q4. What is the best time to visit temples in India?
A: Early mornings and weekdays are ideal for a peaceful experience.
Q5. Do temples have dress codes?
A: Many do. Traditional Indian clothing is often required.
Q6. Can I take photographs inside temples?
A: Usually not. Photography is restricted in most temples.
Q7. Are there any temple tours in India?
A: Yes, many travel agencies like ARN Holidays offer temple tour packages.
Q8. What is a Jyotirlinga?
A: A sacred shrine of Lord Shiva. There are 12 across India.
Q9. Which temples are best for family visits?
A: Temples like Akshardham, Shirdi, and Meenakshi are ideal for family trips.
Q10. Are VIP Darshan passes worth it?
A: Yes, if you’re short on time or visiting during peak season.
