Top 10 Sacred Destinations to Awaken your Soul

Rishikesh

My first stop was Rishikesh—a town in Uttarakhand where Hindu mysticism comes alive. Located at the foothills of the Shivaliks, this town is mesmerising! There is something pious in the mighty Himalayas that surround it and the holy Ganges that flows through it.

I decided to start my immersive experience by visiting the shrines of Triveni Ghat, where I witnessed the auspicious evening aarti by the River Ganga. The following morning I took a soothing stroll along the Ram Jhula and the Lakshman Jhula, hopped between cafes and temples, and continued my exploration. Rishikesh presents incredible opportunities to the adventurer. It is one of India's most prominent river-rafting destinations, and so, I spent the afternoon exploring that activity. The perfect end to my eventful trip was a rejuvenating morning Yoga session in the Yoga capital of the world.

Good to know: Believers can participate in a host of religious rituals at the temples.

Varanasi

Next, I headed to Varanasi, the city of lights. As I reached the holy city, all steps led me to the serene Ganges, lit by the glow of a thousand burning lamps. I chose a ghat from the 88 ghats for a purifying bath in the holy waters. I spent the rest of the day in various cafes. The following morning, I hopped onto an early morning boat ride by the misty Ganga Ghat. As the boat tore through a blanket of mist, Assi Ghat and Dashashwamedh Ghat came into sight, almost beckoning me over.

My exploration continued as I sought the blessings of Vishveshvara at the Shree Kashi Vishwanath Temple, one of the twelve Jyotirlingas and the holiest of Shiva temples. Outside the city lies the iconic Buddhist place of Sarnath. This is where Gautama Buddha first taught the Dhamma and where the Buddhist Sangha came into existence. A detour to this place proved to be one of the best decisions I made on my religious journey.

Good to Know: One can perform puja on the ghats through the guidance of wise yogis and pujaris.

Amritsar

My next stop was Amritsar, where I was greeted by a golden sunrise at the revered Golden Temple. Also called Sri Harmandir Sahib, the Golden Temple is one of the holiest sites of Sikhism, and also an architectural marvel. Laid by Guru Ramdas in the 14th century, it welcomes people from all faiths and feeds over 1,00,000 people every day.

I paid homage to this pilgrimage. A walk through the Central Sikh Museum enlightened me about the nuances of Sikh culture. Body and mind satiated, it was time to retire for the day.

The next day, a short drive on the iconic Grand Trunk Road led us to the Wagah border. This army outpost on the Indo-Pak border with a ceremonious drill every evening since 1959. The lowering of the flags and the manoeuvres of the security forces draw people from far and wide.

I also paid tribute to India’s freedom heroes at the Jallianwala Bagh and the Partition Museum.

Good to know: Amritsar also holds significance in Hindu mythology. The Bhagwan Valmiki Tirath Sthal in Amritsar is believed to be the Ashram of Maharishi Valmiki and the birthplace of Rama's sons, Luv and Kush. Hence this place comes alive with gaiety during Navaratri festivities.

Shirdi

At Shirdi, I delved deeper into the life and teachings of Sai Baba by visiting Baba's Chavadi, where he used to spend time with his followers. It was a soulful experience steeped in devotion and dedication, and I came away with a deeper understanding of the great saint's philosophy. To add a fun yet informative diversion to my trip, I visited Sai Teerth, India’s first immersive devotional theme park. It was a lively change from the silence of the temple; families with kids were frolicking about, enjoying the replicas of India's most important temples and a 5D show.

Good to know: Be prepared to leave behind your mobile phones as you enter the spiritual zones of Shirdi.

Goa

While I had been to Goa several times before, this time, my purpose was to seek spiritual solace. So, I started my exploration by visiting the most famous church here, and a UNESCO World Heritage site—the Basilica of Bom Jesus. Passing through the majestic frontage, and its spectacular baroque architecture, I paid homage to the mortal remains of St. Francis Xavier, which have been preserved here with great sanctity.

I also visited the Our Lady of Immaculate Conception Church in Panaji, followed by the Se Cathedral. An interesting note on the Se Cathedral: it was built to glorify the Portuguese rule over India and received the Golden Rose from the Pope.

Good to know: Before you visit the churches, be sure to check the timings of the festivities.

Delhi

My camera and I were desperate to capture the opulence of the Mughal era. The best place to do this was at the architectural extravagance of Shah Jahan, the Jama Masjid. The largest mosque in India is not only a religious relic, but an architectural marvel. It is no surprise that Jama Masjid has been recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage site.

As I entered its vast premises, Mughal history came alive in its boldly carved minarets with calligraphic Persian inscriptions. A stroll through the expansive courtyard, which can house 25,000 people, left me feeling like a speck in the larger scheme of life.

Vaishno Devi

Vaishno Devi Mandir is considered one of the holiest pilgrimages in Hinduism. The Goddess residing in the holy cave is a manifestation of the Hindu Goddess of Mahakali, Mahasaraswati, and Mahalakshmi. As I made my way up the steps, the devotional chants seemed to give my body and mind renewed strength. The entire fervour was such that it made me forget my daily qualms. While the pilgrimage involved a long trek, there are palkis, ponies, and battery-operated cars for the older population.

Mathura

For devotees of Lord Krishna, Mathura is a must-visit destination. I visited the Janmabhoomi Temple, where chants of Hare Rama Hare Krishna filled the air. The cave paintings here signify Krishna's lore. Naturally, after this, I decided to visit Krishna's consort, Radha's birthplace, Barsana. Here, the Shri Radha Rani Temple unravelled not just religious but also mythological mystique.

I relived the dances of Krishna-Radha in the Vrindavan gardens and enjoyed a surreal sunset while relaxing at Vishram Ghat. The resplendence of the Yamuna aarti was the perfect end to my day. Good to know: After killing Kansa, Krishna is believed to have taken rest at Vishram Ghat.

Bodh Gaya

For those seeking enlightenment, Bodh Gaya is a must-visit. My visit to the Bodhi Tree unleashed stories of Gautama’s transformation. The Mahabodhi temple stood tall at 170 feet, adorned with Chatras symbolising the sovereignty of religion. I sat by the Buddha’s statue, absorbing his teachings of conduct and discipline, before visiting the Archaeological Museum.

Good to know: The Vishnupad Mandir and Mangala Gauri Temple are important Hindu religious sites in Bodh Gaya. For those seeking enlightenment, Bodh Gaya is a must-visit. My visit to the Bodhi Tree unleashed stories of Gautama’s transformation. The Mahabodhi temple stood tall at 170 feet, adorned with Chatras symbolising the sovereignty of religion. I sat by the Buddha’s statue, absorbing his teachings of conduct and discipline, before visiting the Archaeological Museum.

Good to know: The Vishnupad Mandir and Mangala Gauri Temple are important Hindu religious sites in Bodh Gaya.

Ranakpur

Ranakpur, one of the five most important pilgrimage sites of Jainism, offers visitors a chance to experience the rich cultural heritage of the region. The complex is nestled amidst the stunning Aravalli ranges, providing a picturesque backdrop to the intricate architecture.

An audio tour guide provided an up-close and personal encounter with the Surya Narayan Temple, which boasted intricate carvings of horses, celestial bodies, and warriors. The Shri Falna Swarna Jain Tirth, featuring 1,444 intricately carved columns, was also a unique experience.

Good to know: The Ranakpur Jain Temple was built during the reign of the liberal and gifted Rajput monarch Rana Kumbha and dates to the 15th century.