Essentially a religious country, India is where numerous religions, castes and tribes live together creating a distinct potpourri of culture seldom seen in other parts of the world. A religious tour to India is opens up gates to the rich cultural existence of the Indian society which has accepted a horde of religions under its shelter. From tranquil temple towns to breathtaking Himalayan pilgrimage sites and sacred sites of Sikhs swarming with devotees, age old Buddhist monasteries, the stunning Mughal mosques and even the Victorian style cathedrals India tours are intertwined with varied religious encounters.
All India tour packages are incomplete without a visit to the religious sites in the country. Those who are particularly interested in exploring the religious heritage of the country should not miss on a visit to the following holy shrines of different faiths.
Haridwar and Rishikesh
Two of the sacred towns of Uttarakhand in North India, Haridwar and Rishikesh are dissected by the holy ravine of Ganga.
According to the Hindu mythology, Haridwar is the place where drops of elixir of immorality was spilled and thus a dip at holy Ganges today is regarded as capable of washing away all the sins of the devotee. Shiva idol in his meditative self on the Ganges River is one of the most tranquilizing sights in Rishikesh.
Two of the sacred towns of Uttarakhand in North India, Haridwar and Rishikesh are dissected by the holy ravine of Ganga.
According to the Hindu mythology, Haridwar is the place where drops of elixir of immorality was spilled and thus a dip at holy Ganges today is regarded as capable of washing away all the sins of the devotee. Shiva idol in his meditative self on the Ganges River is one of the most tranquilizing sights in Rishikesh.
The evening Aarti ritual with offerings being made to the river further enlivens the ambiance making the divine presence felt at the banks of Ganges.
Mathura and Vrindavan
Mathura and Vrindanvan are the cities related to the birth and childhood of one of the most loved deity of Hindus, Lord Krishna. The dwelling place of Krishna, Mathura is decked with numerous temples and religious sites dedicated to the lord out of which Dwarkadeesh temple is the most renowned one. According to the legend Vrindavan is the place where Lord Krishna would go to meet his beloved Goddess Radha. Even today the town is dotted with hundreds of temples dedicated to the couple and is thus a very sacred site. It is also a place where hundreds of abandoned Hindu widows are given shelter and thus is also known as “City of Widows”.
Ladakh
If you plan to move a little more towards the north on your religious tours to India you will come across various Buddhist monasteries in the region of Ladakh.
Mushroomed in the scenic valleys of Ladakh these are main centre of worship and religious teaching which are perfectly surrounded with serenity providing ample opportunity to meditate in isolation. Famous monasteries in Ladakh are Hemis monastery, Alchi Gompa, Namgyal Tsemo Gompa, Shey Gompa, Phyang monastery and more.
Goa
Moving towards the south on his religious tour of the country you will come across a land filled with leisurely spirit has a bizarre contrasting image that of a religious city. Goa where archaic flavour of Christianity is still preserved is home to numerous age old churches and synagogues such as Basilica de Bom Jesu, Chapel of Our Lady of the Rosary, Royal Chapel of St. Anthony and more.
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