Uttarakhand, situated in the Northern part of India is believed to be truly blessed by the Hindu Gods and Goddesses. The region that has some of the most beautiful mountain ranges is home to a few of the holiest pilgrimage sites of Hindus. In Uttarakhand, all temples have a history that will enchant you and take you back to the era of the divine. The region survives and rises in its glory every year even after experiencing some of the harshest weather conditions and natural calamities as they say that here Gods truly reside. Here are some of the most famous temples in Uttarakhand that are a must-visit for all.
Most Famous Temples to Visit in Uttarakhand:
- Badrinath Temple
- Baleshwar Temple
- Chandi Devi Temple
- Surkanda Devi Temple
- Kalpeshwar Temple
- Kedarnath Mandir
- Mansa Devi Temple
- Rudranath Temple
- Neelkanth Mahadev Temple
1. Badrinath Temple:
Highlights:
- Address: Badri to Mata murti road, Badrinath, Uttarakhand – 246422
- Timings: From Sunrise to Sunset
- Dress Code: Decent attire
- Approx. Visit Duration: 15 – 18 hours
- How to Reach: Devotees can choose to walk or travel by horse or a man carrying them on their backs (Pitthu) from the starting point.
- Temple Website: http://badarikedar.org/
- Best Time to Visit: Between May to June and September to October
- Other Attractions: Tapt Kund, Vasudhara Falls
2. Baleshwar Temple:
A true example of South Indian architecture, focusing on intricate stone carvings and built by the rulers of the Chand Dynasty, the Baleshwar temple is one of those Uttarakhand famous temples that no one should miss out on. Dated to have been built between the 10th and 12th century AD, this Uttarakhand temple name is dedicated to Lord Shiva who is also known as Baleshwar. The complex comprises two other temples, one being dedicated to Chamapawati Durga and the other to Ratneshwar. This temple is among the most famous pilgrimage sites in the country.
Highlights:
- Address: District Hospital Road, Champawat, Uttarakhand – 262523
- Timings: 9 am to 11:30 am and 5 pm to 8:30 pm
- Dress Code: Decent attire
- Approx. Visit Duration: 1-2 hours
- How to Reach: Local modes of transport can be used to reach the town of Champawat and the temple.
- Temple Website: N/A
- Best Time to Visit: Mahashivratri is one of the best times to visit this temple
- Other Attractions: Loha Ghat, Patal Rudreshwar
Read: Major Fairs and Festivals of Uttarakhand
3. Chandi Devi Temple:
Situated in Haridwar, Uttrakhand, the Chandi Devi Temple is dedicated to Goddess Chandi. This is one of the most visited temples in Uttrakhand and in the country as well. Annually a group of devoted worshipers come to visit this temple. The day to day visits this temple is also high.
Highlights:
- Address: Neel Parvat, Haridwar, Uttarakhand – 249408
- Timings: Neel Parvat, Haridwar, Uttarakhand – 249408
- Dress Code: Decent Attire
- Approx. Visit Duration: 1-2 hours
- How to Reach: local modes of transport can be used to reach the temple after which people can choose to walk or use a cable car for a distance of 3 kms.
- Temple Website: http://maachandidevi.in/
- Best Time to Visit: Navratri, Chandi Chaudas
- Other Attractions: Crystal World, Swami Vivekananda Park
4. Surkanda Devi Temple:
Legend says, Sati Lord Shiva’s first wife, threw herself in the burning fire when her father decided to not invite her or the lord at a grand vedic ceremony, as he was not happy with his daughter’s choice of husband. Stricken by grief and anger, Lord Shiva took the body of Sati and started doing Tandava, to calm him down Lord Vishnu used the Sudarshan Chakra to distribute Sati’s body in so that the lord would stop. The head of Sati fell here, at Surkanda temple, one of the 51 Shakti Peetha. The temple is at an altitude of 9000ft. There are nearby hill stations located at a distance of 8km. People from outside India also come to visit the temple.
Highlights:
- Address: Chamba – Mussoorie Road, Saklana Range, Uttarakhand 249145
- Timings: Summer: 05:00 am to 07.00 pm
- Winter: 07:00 am to 05.00 pm
- Dress Code: Decent Attire
- Approx. Visit Duration: one day
- How to Reach: local modes of transport
- Temple Website: N/A
- Best Time to Visit: Ganga Dussehra, Navratri
- Other Attractions: Mussoorie, Chamba
5. Kalpeshwar Temple:
Built at a height of 7000 ft in the lap of Urgam Valley, this temple is a true example of ‘where there are men there is God’. The path to reaching this temple is challenging and tiring. Another famous abode of Lord Shiva, this lord shiva temple in Uttarakhand is visited by devotees whose faith beats all odds. What makes it so distinct is that this temple and its presence is briefly mentioned in the Mahabharata. Out of the five Panch Kedar, this is the only one that can be visited throughout the year making it one of the most famous temples in Uttarakhand.
Highlights:
- Address: Urgam, Chamoli district of Garhwal, Uttarakhand 246443
- Timings: 6 am to 8 pm
- Dress Code: Decent Attire
- Approx. Visit Duration: One Day
- How to Reach: Local modes of transport
- Temple Website: N/A
- Best Time to Visit: Mahashivratri.
6. Kedarnath Mandir:
Chota Char Dham yatra, one of the famous pilgrimage journeys of Hindus is incomplete without covering Kedarnath Temple. Situated at the top of the Garhwal Himalayan Range, it is highest Jyotirlinga (devotional representation of the Lord Shiva); this temples door remains closed from November until April because of extremely fierce climatic conditions. The presiding deity of this famous temple in Uttarakhand is Lord Shiva, a popular tourist attraction in Uttarakhand that attracts tourists from all over the world. According to folklore, the Pandavas completed their penance here and pleased the lord.
- Address: Kedar Valley, Kedarnath, Uttarakhand 246445.
- Timings: 7 am to 2 pm and 5 pm to 8:30 pm
- Dress Code: Decent Attire
- Approx. Visit Duration: 1 day
- How to Reach: Devotees can choose to walk or travel by horse or a man carrying them on their backs (Pitthu) from the starting point.
- Temple Website: www.badrikedar.org
- Best Time to Visit: Between May to October
- Other Attractions: Hot Springs, kedar valley
7. Mansa Devi Temple:
Mansa Devi is the form of Shakti (female principle of divine energy). A famous holy spot, this Uttarakhand temple is visited by all genders as Shakti is considered to be a part of every being. Constructed between 1811 and 1815 AD, it was built under the orders of Maharaja Gopal Singh of Mani Majra. According to people this form of Shakti emerged long time ago.
Highlights:
- Address: Dev Bhoomi, Haridwar, Uttarakhand
- Timings: 6 am to 8 pm
- Dress Code: Decent Attire
- Approx. Visit Duration: 2 – 5 hours
- How to Reach: Devotees can choose to walk or use a cable car for a journey of 3 kms from the main town to the temple.
- Temple Website: N/A
- Best Time to Visit: Navratri
- Other Attractions: Ganga aarti at Haridwar, Gaughat
8. Rudranath Temple:
Dedicated to Lord Shiva, the pathway to this temple offers a journey like no other. A swayambhuva (Self appeared) face of the lord is worshipped here. The story surrounding the temple suggests that when the lord transformed himself into a bull to avoid the Pandavas, he buried himself in the ground which led to his body parts emerging in different areas, thus the face at Rudranath. The temple forms a part of the Panch Kedar Pilgrimage that is the five temples of Lord Shiva related to his disguise and self-appearance. Situated at 11,800 ft, it can be only visited by not just faithful but also physically fit devotees.
Highlights:
- Address: Rudranath, Chamoli, Uttarakhand 246472
- Timings: 6 am to 7 pm
- Dress Code: Decent Attire
- Approx. Visit Duration: 1 – 2 days
- How to Reach: Devotees have to travel on foot for a distance of 18 kms after completing 5 kms of the journey on bike from Gopeshwar.
- Temple Website: N/A
- Best Time to Visit: May to October/November depending on Diwali as the temple doors remain closed after Diwali until Akshaya Tritiya.
- Other Attractions: Narad Kund, Chandra Kund
Read: Top Honeymoon Destinations in Uttarakhand
9. Neelkanth Mahadev Temple:
Dedicated to Neelkanth This Hindu temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is one of the most recognized shrines in the country. This prominent Hindu pilgrimage is considered to be one of the most sacred locations by the local people.
Highlights:
- Address: Kotdwar Pauri Road, Kotdwara, Uttarakhand 246149
- Timings: 5 am to 6 pm
- Dress Code: Decent Attire
- Approx. Visit Duration: Half to 1 day
- How to Reach: 12 kms scenic trek from Pauri Garhwal
- Temple Website: N/A
- Best Time to Visit: Mahashivratri
- Other Attractions: Neer Gaddu waterfall, Lakshman jhoola
Surrounded by mountains and lush greenery, the land of gods and goddesses, is a must visit for one and all. The temples in Uttarakhand will lead you to a path of spirituality that will offer you a life changing and enhancing experience. Make most of your journey by trekking and clicking lots of beautiful Uttarakhand temple photos; enduring all the adventures and picturesque beauty this holy land will offer you.
Frequently Asked Questions and Answers:
1. Which is The Most Famous Temple in Uttarakhand?
The Badrinath temple, that is part of Char Dham and Chota Char Dham is the most famous temple in Uttarakhand.
2. Is it Suitable for Old People to Travel to Rudranath Temple?
The Rudranath temple has the most challenging journey which can be only carried out on foot as the path is not safe enough for any vehicles. The oxygen levels drop at such a height so it is advised to only plan a trip after a complete health checkup and getting a thumbs up from the Doctor.
3. Is Kedarnath Temple Part of The Char Dham?
The Kedarnath temple is part of the Chota Char Dham that can be completed within Uttarakhand, that covers the temples Badrinath, Kedarnath, Yamunotri and Gangotri.
