-
My Account
10 sacred Indian destinations with jaw-dropping natural beauty
From Himalayan shrines to coastal basilicas, explore 10 sacred Indian destinations where spiritual legacy and awe-inspiring landscapes coalesce into unforgettable experiences for the soul and the senses.
1/12
In a land where mythology, meditation, and mountains intertwine, sacred spaces often celebrate geography as much as faith. India’s pilgrimage map is dotted not just with temples and monasteries, but with landscapes that inspire awe—rivers carrying legends, forests echoing chants, and peaks where silence speaks volumes. Here are 10 sacred Indian destinations where the divine dwells amid astonishing natural beauty. (Image: Canva)
2/12
1. Kedarnath, Uttarakhand
One of the revered Char Dham shrines dedicated to Lord Shiva, Kedarnath lies deep within the Garhwal Himalayas. Snow-clad peaks, biting winds, and the roaring Mandakini River transform this remote sanctuary into a realm of raw spiritual power. (Image: Canva)
One of the revered Char Dham shrines dedicated to Lord Shiva, Kedarnath lies deep within the Garhwal Himalayas. Snow-clad peaks, biting winds, and the roaring Mandakini River transform this remote sanctuary into a realm of raw spiritual power. (Image: Canva)
3/12
2. Hemkund Sahib, Uttarakhand
Perched at an altitude of 15,000 feet, this Sikh pilgrimage site honours Guru Gobind Singh. The trail meanders through pine forests and rhododendron-filled valleys before unveiling a crystal-clear lake embraced by seven snowy peaks. (Image: Canva)
Perched at an altitude of 15,000 feet, this Sikh pilgrimage site honours Guru Gobind Singh. The trail meanders through pine forests and rhododendron-filled valleys before unveiling a crystal-clear lake embraced by seven snowy peaks. (Image: Canva)
4/12
3. Rishikesh, Uttarakhand
Nestled at the foothills of the Himalayas along the sacred Ganges, Rishikesh is where sages meditated and The Beatles sought enlightenment. Renowned as a yoga haven, it remains a retreat of inner calm and natural simplicity. (Image: Canva)
Nestled at the foothills of the Himalayas along the sacred Ganges, Rishikesh is where sages meditated and The Beatles sought enlightenment. Renowned as a yoga haven, it remains a retreat of inner calm and natural simplicity. (Image: Canva)
5/12
4. Amarnath, Jammu & Kashmir
Concealed within a mountain cave accessible only a few months annually, Amarnath houses a naturally forming ice lingam of Shiva. The journey through barren cliffs and icy paths is arduous, yet the spiritual resonance is profound. (Image: Canva)
Concealed within a mountain cave accessible only a few months annually, Amarnath houses a naturally forming ice lingam of Shiva. The journey through barren cliffs and icy paths is arduous, yet the spiritual resonance is profound. (Image: Canva)
6/12
5. Tawang Monastery, Arunachal Pradesh
At 10,000 feet elevation, this 17th-century monastery overlooks the Tawang River Valley. A spiritual bastion of Mahayana Buddhism, it offers a tranquil vantage point to witness the mist-cloaked grandeur of India’s eastern Himalayas. (Image: Canva)
At 10,000 feet elevation, this 17th-century monastery overlooks the Tawang River Valley. A spiritual bastion of Mahayana Buddhism, it offers a tranquil vantage point to witness the mist-cloaked grandeur of India’s eastern Himalayas. (Image: Canva)
7/12
6. Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh
Regarded as Hinduism’s holiest city, Varanasi is where myth and mortality converge. As priests perform the aarti on the riverbanks, the Ganges transcends mere water, becoming a luminous pathway to the divine. (Image: Canva)
Regarded as Hinduism’s holiest city, Varanasi is where myth and mortality converge. As priests perform the aarti on the riverbanks, the Ganges transcends mere water, becoming a luminous pathway to the divine. (Image: Canva)
8/12
7. Gangotri, Uttarakhand
Gangotri marks the sacred source of the River Ganges, high in the Garhwal Himalayas. Surrounded by pristine glaciers and snow-draped peaks, it offers a serene pilgrimage far removed from bustling crowds, where spirituality fuses with untouched nature. (Image: Canva)
Gangotri marks the sacred source of the River Ganges, high in the Garhwal Himalayas. Surrounded by pristine glaciers and snow-draped peaks, it offers a serene pilgrimage far removed from bustling crowds, where spirituality fuses with untouched nature. (Image: Canva)
9/12
8. Velankanni, Tamil Nadu
Known as the ‘Lourdes of the East,’ Velankanni’s Basilica of Our Lady of Good Health draws millions annually. Its tranquil seaside setting on the Bay of Bengal renders it both a spiritual retreat and a place of worship. (Image: Canva)
Known as the ‘Lourdes of the East,’ Velankanni’s Basilica of Our Lady of Good Health draws millions annually. Its tranquil seaside setting on the Bay of Bengal renders it both a spiritual retreat and a place of worship. (Image: Canva)
10/12
9. Palitana, Gujarat
A paramount Jain pilgrimage site, Palitana boasts over 800 marble temples scattered across Shatrunjaya Hill. The barefoot ascent, often undertaken in silence, is as meditative as it is physically demanding, culminating in panoramic vistas. (Image: Canva)
A paramount Jain pilgrimage site, Palitana boasts over 800 marble temples scattered across Shatrunjaya Hill. The barefoot ascent, often undertaken in silence, is as meditative as it is physically demanding, culminating in panoramic vistas. (Image: Canva)
11/12
10. Dwarka, Gujarat
Located along the Arabian Sea coast, Dwarka is revered as the ancient kingdom of Lord Krishna. Its sacred temples, coupled with serene sea views and vibrant marine life, offer a rare fusion of devotion and natural splendor. (Image: Canva)
Located along the Arabian Sea coast, Dwarka is revered as the ancient kingdom of Lord Krishna. Its sacred temples, coupled with serene sea views and vibrant marine life, offer a rare fusion of devotion and natural splendor. (Image: Canva)
12/12
These destinations transcend mere places of worship; they are confluences of earth and spirit. Visiting them means surrendering to the rhythm of nature and opening oneself to something larger—ancient, sacred, and enduringly beautiful. In India, the divine often reveals itself not just within temple walls, but in the whisper of wind across a ridge or the first light dancing upon a river. (Image: Canva)
Discover the latest Business News, Budget 2025 News, Sensex, and Nifty updates. Obtain Personal Finance insights, tax queries, and expert opinions on Moneycontrol or download the Moneycontrol App to stay updated!
