India's Well-Known Shiva Temples


It makes sense that gods reside in India. Of all the gods, Shiva is regarded as the most distinct and all-encompassing. Among Hindus worldwide, Shiva is the most coveted god. Shiva is acknowledged as the principal Hindu deity, and Shaivites worship him. Shiva is one of the most revered gods in Hinduism because of this. The foundation of Hinduism is the doctrine of the Trinity, which holds that the cosmos was created, sustained, and destroyed by the three mighty energies of God's domain. Shiva is the universe's destroyer in the Hindu triad. The other two gods include Vishnu (the preserver) and Brahma (the creator). Lord Shiva is worshiped sparingly. Devotees believe that bathing the lingam with milk will circulate positive energy around it. Lord Shiva is believed to grant ultimate salvation to his true devotees. Because Shiva holds a special place in the hearts and minds of millions of Indians, there are many Shiva temples all over India. All of them are built by famous people and some contain a wealth of knowledge about the origin and development of this universe. If you are a true devotee of Mahadev, or just curious about the Hindu faith in general, visiting these mystical Shiva temples is a fascinating experience. We have brought you a list of some of the most important and revered Shiva temples in India.


Largest and Oldest Shiva Temple in India:







1. Kedarnath Temple: Uttarakhand

The place needs no introduction. Considered one of the most difficult holy places on pilgrimage, it is a great goal of every Shiva devotee. It is believed that Lord Shiva appeared as Jyotirlinga, also known as "Cosmic Light". There are 12 of them, of which Kedarnath is the most awe-inspiring (3581 meters) and probably the oldest and most valuable. The beginning of this temple can also be seen in the epic of Mahabharata. It is one of the most famous Char Dhams and one of the most sought after places for pilgrimage worldwide. AD Built in the 8th century, this Shiva temple stands firmly in Uttarakhand. It is situated in a beautiful location near the Mandakini River and the Rudra Himalayan ranges. Imagine praying to Mahadev with snow-capped peaks and lush green meadows. It is one of the most amazing places of worship till date. This temple is one of the five holy temples of Panch Kedar. It is located on Dev Bhoomi in Uttarakhand and is open to the public between April and November. The temple is closed for the rest of the year due to extreme weather conditions. There are no summers here and oxygen levels can drop. The area is usually covered with snow during the shutdown. Therefore, you should be prepared before starting the site. It is advisable to stock up on medicine, glucose and warm clothes for hiking. Engage in yoga and exercise to get in shape before your trip.

Address: Kedarnath, Uttarakhand 246445

Timings: Timings: 4 AM to 3 PM, 5 PM to 9 PM Darshan.

Dress Code : Warm and comfortable clothes. Women should avoid sarees and wear salwar kameez or trousers instead. It's cold and high altitude, so dress accordingly. Socks, gloves, sweaters mufflers, umbrella and gloves are required.

Approximate visit time: 1-2 hours

How to reach there by air: Nearest airport is Jolly Grant, 260 kms away. By Rail: Rishikesh is the nearest rail line at a distance of 243 km. By Road: Excellent connectivity via Rishikesh, Haridwar, Dehradun and Delhi.

Temple Website: http://www.badarikedar.org/

Best time to visit is from May to October except monsoon season. The Badri Kedar Festival in June gathers skilled performers from all over the country. It runs for eight days.

Additional attractions :Gandhi Sarovar (2 km distance) is breathtaking with its floating ice floating on the crystal clear waters. A must-do is swimming in Gaurikund, which has therapeutic thermal springs. Sankaracharya Samadhi is right opposite the temple. Beautiful trekking experiences and village explorations are available in abundance.



2. Somnath Temple: Gujarat

Somnath is a reference to the guardian deity of the moon. It is believed that it was the moon god who originally built this temple out of gold as a tribute to Lord Shiva. After the destruction of the temple, the temple was rebuilt with silver and the process of reconstruction continued. This Somnath Shiva temple is located in Gujarat. This temple is one of the 12 Jyotirlinga temples dedicated to the mighty Lord Shiva. One of the main factors that make this temple famous for Somnath Temple is that this Shiva temple is the site of many important historical events that took place long ago. Invaders like Mahmud from Ghazna, Afzal Khan and others from outside attacked the temple. The wealth of the region was looted and attempted to be destroyed about 17 times. It has stood the test of time and is still strong today.So, Somnath Temple is believed to be very popular due to its rich history and diverse history that showcases success and livelihood.
Address: Somnath, Veraval, Gujarat 362255

Timings: 6 AM – 9:45 PM. Show with light and sound from 8 to 9.

Dress Code: Traditional attire is most appropriate. Miniskirts and professional attire are not permitted.

Approximate Visit Time: 1 hour

How to reach there: Somnath is 95 km from Diu. It is possible to go to Diu. Somnath is easily accessible to major cities by trains and buses. Nearest stations are Somnath (0.5 km) as well as Veraval (7 km from Somnath) connected to Ahmedabad and other important cities.

Temple Website: http://www.somnath.org/

Best time to visit : It is possible to attend its main festival in November/December when the moon is at Kartika Poornima. Shivaratri is also an important celebration for the temple.

Additional attractions: Gir National Park is 43 km away and is a must-visit as it is home to the last Asiatic lions.





3. Mallikarjuna Swamy: Andhra Pradesh

Mallikarjuna Swamy Temple is located in Andhra Pradesh and is one of the Jyotirlinga Temples. It is a beautiful temple located in Srisailam in the beautiful Nallamalai Hills at an altitude of 476 meters above sea level. It is considered as a place of worship of Lord Shiva. The surroundings are peaceful, with a setting on the banks of the river Krishna, it is an overall beautiful piece. The temple holds great historical significance and is one of the most frequented holy places in the country. This temple was built by a king named Harihara Rayalu. It is considered to be one of the oldest fields found in India.

Address: Srisailam Devasthanam, Kurnool District, Atmakur Mandal, Srisailam, Andhra Pradesh 518101

Timings: 6:30 AM to 3:00 PM 6:30 PM to 10 PM

Dress code: Traditional dress or nice clothes

About 3 hours visit time

How to reach by air: From the nearest airports Hyderabad (230 K.M.) you can get a bus to Srisailam. Markapur station is (91 km) away from Srisailam by train.

Temple Website: http://www.srisailamonline.com

Best time to visit: Cultural programs are organized every Saturday and Sunday evening.

Additional attractions: Holy river bath at Krishna river (750 feet climb).





4. Shiva Mahakaleshwar Temple: Madhya Pradesh

In Ujjain, Madhya Pradesh, there is a three storied Shiva temple popularly known as Mahakaleshwar. It is located near the Rudra Sagar Lake. It is wonderful. Intricate carvings with stunning patterns and pillared verandahs provide a wonderful atmosphere. It is one of the 12 Jyotirlingas. Mahakal is believed to be the lord of death on earth as well as hell and heaven. Mahakal is an intense representation of Lord Shiva, the mighty God who is supposed to be the end of all evil. The exact date of the temple's creation cannot be determined, but it is believed to be from prehistoric times through mythology. Many ancient poems written by poets of the past contain references to the Mahakal temple.


Address: 456001, Ujjain, Madhya Pradesh

Hours of operation: 5 AM to 3:30 PM to 6:00 PM to 6:00 PM to 10:00 PM

Dress code: Only Aarti may be worn in women's sarees and dhotis, which are appropriate for men in some situations.

Visit duration estimated at 1-2 hours

How to get there: The Western Railway Zone includes Ujjain. Any Indian city can be reached by train or bus to Ujjai. It has good rail and road connections to Indore. The bus ride from Indore is 55 kilometers long. The closest airport is 60 kilometers from the city in Indore.

Site of the Temple: N/A

Mahashivratri, when the temple comes to life unlike any other day of the year, is the ideal time to visit. It is advisable to visit this temple during Naga Panchami if you like to see the magnificence of Lord Nagachandreshwar, as this is the only day you can go.

Additional attractions include seeing Indore and seeing Lal Bagh Palace.





5. Shiva Temple at Omkareshwar, Madhya Pradesh

Another Shiva temple in Madhya Pradesh is one of the twelve Jyotirlingas. It is located on an island known as Mandhata or Shivpuri in the Narmada River. The shape of the island is believed to resemble the shape of the Hindu sacred symbol 'Om'. It is one of the most visited pilgrimage places in the country. Pujas are performed in the afternoon and morning prayers are performed in the name of the temple trust.

Address: Omkareshwar Mandir Road, Mandhata, Madhya Pradesh 451115

Timings: Opens at 5 am and closes at 5 pm. Darshan will start at 4 pm. Viewing from bed starts from 9 to 9:30.

Dress Code: No specific dress code is given.

Approximate visit time: 1-2 hours

How to reach: Nearest airport is Indore (80 km away). By train, you can reach Khandwa Railway Station or Indore Railway Station which is 78 km away. Also, by bus, it can be reached from major cities. There are plenty of private and government-owned buses between Indore (77 km), Khandwa (78 km), and Ujjain (135 km).

Temple Website: http://shriomkareshwar.org/

Best time to visit: Maha Shivratri Mela, Kartika Utsav and Narmada Jayanti.

Other attractions : The island is situated in the midst of mountains. You can cruise around the island to see breathtaking views. Island parikrama is believed to be very invigorating and a means of washing away sins.



6. Bhima Shankara Temple: Maharashtra

The Bhima Shankar Temple in Maharashtra is located in the Sahyadri Hills, surrounded by dense forest. The starting point of Bhima river is Bhimashankara. It has gained importance since it was declared a wildlife sanctuary. One of the most important 12 Jyotirlingas in the region, it is close to the city of Pune and is a favorite of many pilgrims who throng the temple gates year after year. Built in the Nagra style of architecture, the temple shows visitors the history of how Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati were unable to conquer Tripurasura through their merged forms.

Address: Maharashtra State Highway 112, Bhimashankar, Maharashtra 410509

Timings: Morning: 5 am - 3 pm, 4 pm - 9:30 pm

Dress Code: Traditional dress is recommended

Approximate Visit Duration : 1-2 hours.

Where to go: The nearest railway station and airport are at Pune, 125 km away. Buses are also accessible from Pune, Ghatkopar and Kalyan.

Temple Website: http://bhimashankar.in/

Best time to visit: September to February is the best time to visit. Rainy season is an ideal time for adventure lovers.

Additional attractions : One can explore the Bhaja Caves or the next day Khopali's Imagica theme park in Khopali.




7. Kashi Vishwanath Shiva Temple: Uttar Pradesh

The Kashi Vishwanath Temple is located in the holy city of Varanasi on the banks of the river Ganges. is a pure setting and is considered a haven for all devoted souls. According to legend, a person who dies in this temple is freed from the cycle of rebirth. It is believed that Lord Shiva delivers his mantra moksha directly into the ears of his devotees who take their last breath at this holy place. Located in the city of Varanasi, this temple is a magnet for tourists from all over the world, including those most devoted to Shiva. It is often referred to for its Golden Temple. It was founded in 1780 by Maratha Maharani Ahalyabai Holkar of Indore. The temple dates back to antiquity with references in Hindu works and other scriptures. The initial structure of Kashi is believed to have been built in the 11th century during the period of Hari Chandra. After that, it was destroyed and invaded several times and the present temple was eventually built in its place.

Address: Lahori Tola, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh 221001

Visiting Timings : 4 am - 11:15 am 12:20 PM - 7:15 PM and between 8:30 pm and 8:30 pm 9 and 9 8:15 PM.

Dress Code: Mini skirts are not allowed. Conservative attire is recommended.

Approximate Visit Duration: 3 hours

How to reach: Varanasi is connected to all major cities of India by air, road and rail. The nearest railway station to the temple is Varanasi City Stop, which is just 2 km away. By road, it is on the NH2 that connects Calcutta to Delhi, connecting several cities. Direct flights from Delhi and connecting flights from many cities are arranged to Varanasi. Taxis, autos and rickshaws are easily available at the airport to take you to the mandir or hotel.

Temple Website: http://www.shrikashivishwanath.org/

Best time to visit: Rangabhari Ekadashi, Mahashivratri and Kartika month

Other attractions: Take a dip in the holy river Ganges. Vishwanath Gali for affordable shopping and purchase of puja related items. Get some of the best street food you will find in India. Kalvaurav Temple is 1.5 km away and you must offer your prayers here as well. Sarnath and Allahabad are two nearby cities to explore.




8. Vaidyanath Temple: Deoghar

This temple is located in Deoghar, Jharkhand. The name of the temple is convenient as "Vijay" means "healer" and 'Nath' means 'Lord'. The whole word means 'Vidyanath is the lord who performs the role of physicians. At this exact spot Ravana is said to have sought the blessings of Lord Shiva and obtained his boons, which were later used to wipe out the entire world. He offered his ten heads one by one to Shiva for sacrifice and after being amazed by the gesture, Shiva appeared on earth to heal him. As he acted like a physician in this situation, the holy place was named after him and derived its significance from the incident and has been ever-memorable for many years since. It has a temple complex that houses the main temple of Baba Baidyanath, in which the Jyotirlingam is enshrined as well as 21 other temples.

Address: Pera Gali, Sivaganga Muhalla, Devgarh, Jharkhand 814112

Timings: 4 AM to 3:30 PM, 6:00 PM to 9 PM

Dress code: Traditional dress

Approximate Visit Duration: 1-2 hours

How to reach by train: Nearest railway station is Jasidih (10 kms away). By Air: Nearest airports are Ranchi, Patna, Gaya and Kolkata which are connected to major cities in India. Badham is connected to these cities by road.

Temple Website: http://babadham.org/

Best time to visit: World famous for the Shravana Mela held in July and August.

Other attractions: Visit Naulakha Mandir which is 1.5 km away.



9. Ramanathaswamy Shiva Temple: Tamil Nadu

Located on a small island in Rameswaram, Tamil Nadu, it is one of the tallest Jyotirlingas in India. It is believed that the holy pilgrimage is closely related to the Ramayana and the victory of Lord Rama. The Ramanathaswamy Temple is very important to Shias because of its location. It is believed to have been built on the exact spot where Lord Rama was worshiped by Lord Shiva. It is also believed that Rama built bridges from the island across the sea to Lanka to bring back Sita from Ravana. It is a very popular attraction and the temple and town are revered and worshiped by Vaishnavas as well as Shaivites, on par with Varanasi. The temple holds significant historical significance for curious explorers and is known for its Dravidian style of architecture.

Address: Rameswaram, Tamil Nadu 623526

Timings : 5 AM to 1 PM, 3 PM to 9 PM

Dress Code: Casual and traditional clothes can be used for bathing. Change clothes as darshan is not allowed in wet clothes.

Approximate Visit Duration: 1-2 hours.

How to reach there: The nearest airport is at Madurai, 163 kilometers away. Rameswaram is also connected to Coimbatore, Chennai and other major cities by roads and rail.

Temple Website: http://www.rameswaramtemple.tnhrce.in/

Best time to visit: Maha Shivaratri and Floating Festival (Thai Pusam Night).

Additional attractions: Shrines and bathing wells. Each is believed to have unique medicinal properties and gifts. Adams Bridge and Dhanushkodi Beach in Rameswaram.



10. Amarnath Temple: Kashmir

  Amarnath Temple is located at 3888 m and 45 km from Pahalgam in Kashmir and is famous for its natural creation of Shivlingam formed out of snow. It is also home to the holy Amarnath Cave, which is considered one of the holiest places of worship in Hinduism. It is believed to be the place where Lord Shiva resides in Bhuloka. According to legend, Lord Shiva entered the cave with Parvati to share the secrets of creation and immortality. A huge number of devotees participate in the holy Amarnath Yatra during the months between June, August and September. It is believed that Lord Shiva called his devotees to visit this sacred cave in the snow where he showered them with his blessings and love. The stunning landscape of the surrounding snowy mountains will give you peace and blissful bliss. But remember that going up these mountains is not easy and you need to be well stocked and prepared to face the extremes of weather and topography.

Address: Baltal Amarnath Trek, Forest Block, Anantnag, Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir 192230

Timings: 9 am - 5 pm

Dress Code: Warm woolen clothes are essential when you visit here and it is always chilly. Raincoats, monkey caps gloves etc. are mandatory.

Approximate Visit Time: 3 hours

How to reach: Two routes lead to Baltal and another from Pahalgam. Just 14 km from Baltal Cave, it can be reached by road or helicopter. Pahalgam is 47 km from the cave and is the starting point of the trek. Both the starting points are easily accessible from Srinagar. Srinagar is the nearest airport and Jammu is the nearest railway station.

Temple Website: http://www.shriamarnathjishrine.com

Best time to visit Amarnath Yatra: July and August only. It is advised to avoid the opening day of the festival, which starts in late June and can be chaotic.

Other attractions: Pahalgam can be described as a beautiful town to visit. It will amaze you. Sri Shankar Acharya Temple is very close.




11. Lingaraja Temple: Odisha

One of the oldest temples in the city of Bhubaneswar, the main worshiper is Tribhuvaneshwar (Lord of the Three Worlds). It is also a very famous Shiva temple and a tourist spot. It was built between the 10th and 11th centuries. It has been described as "a true fusion of art and reality". The entire 55 meter high structure of the temple is covered with magnificent sculptures that occupy every inch of space. It is decorated in the Kalinga style of architecture. But only Hindus are allowed to enter the temple.

Address: Rath Rd, Lingaraj Nagar, Old Town, Bhubaneswar, Odisha 751002

Timings: 5 AM - 9 PM

Dress Code: Classy traditional dress is best

Approximate Visit Time: Just 20 minutes to Shiva Mandir. 2-3 hours to Shiva Mandir and smaller temples in the premises.

How to reach: Local taxis and autos from anywhere in Bhubaneswar will drop you directly at the temple entrance.

Temple Website: N /A

Best time to visit: Chandan Yatra, Ratha Yatra and Shivratri.

Additional attractions: Parasurameshwara Temple is 0.7 km away. Vital Duel Temple is just 0.2 km away.



12. Kotilingeswara Temple: Karnataka

The Shiva temple is located inside Kammasandra village. It is located in Kolar district of Karnataka. It is one of the largest Shiva lingams in the world so it is very popular among devotees. In fact, it is Asia's largest and tallest (33 meters) Shivlingam, which attracts over 2 lakh devotees every year to visit the temple. It is surrounded by smaller lingams, which have a structure of about 1 million. Believers can build lingas in their name. These two are regularly prayed by the charge officers regularly. Free mass weddings are held every year with celebrations and entertainment.

Address: Kodilingam Temple Road, Ghattakamadenahalli, Kolar-563121

Timings: 6 AM - 9 PM.

Dress Code: Moderate dress.

Approximate Visit Time: 20 minutes for Shiva temple alone, 2-3 hours for main Shiva temple and smaller temples in the premises.

How to reach there: 2.5 hours from Bangalore to Kolar. Taxis can be arranged from the nearest airport Bangalore to Kolar. The rail network is well connected through the Bangalore line. Hubli Line.

Temple Website :N / A

Best time to visit: Between January and July. Shivaratri is celebrated with great enthusiasm.

Other attractions : A room for devotees who want to meditate peacefully. Antaraganga Caves are at a distance of 2.2 km.




13. Dakseshwara Mahadev Temple: Haridwar.

The origins of this temple are mentioned in the Shiva Puranas. It is said that this is the place where Sati jumped into the fire during the Yajna performed by her father Daksha Prajapati. Lord Shiva got angry when his father did not invite him to the yajna. Lord Shiva sent his brave warrior to avenge King Daksha and later all the gods including Vishnu were called to this place. Here it is said how Linga appeared. Named after Goddess Sati, King Daksha and father of Lord Shiva, this temple goes back in history and is held in high esteem by all devotees of the great Mahadeva. It is located in Kankhal, 4 km from the holy city of Haridwar in Uttarakhand.

Address: MK Gandhi Road, Ahead of Chowk Bazar, Kankhal, Haridwar, Uttarakhand 249408, India

Timings: 6 AM to 8 AM

Dress Code: Casual and simple traditional

Approximate Visit Duration: About 1 hour

How to reach: The easiest way to reach from Haridwar is by taxi. The nearest railway station is Haridwar train station (03 km) and the nearest airport is Dehradun (38 km).

Temple Website : N/A

Best time to visit: Maha Shivaratri and Navratri

Other attractions: Jewels, Shivalingas and shops at the Shivalinga entrance. Daksha Ghat, an opportunity to take a deep bath in the holy Ganges. Har Ki Pauri.




14. Vadakkunathan Temple Kerala.

Another stunningly beautiful temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is located in Thrissur, Kerala. Imagine a typical Kerala-style architecture. Murals depict scenes from the Mahabharata and magnificent towers along the entire length. It is a must-see for art and history buffs as well as historians because of its unique sculptures and craftsmanship. It is believed to be built in the name of Parasurama. If you don't know the legend is that Parasurama took back the region of Kerala from the ocean. With its rich heritage, historical relevance and traditions, this temple is truly magnificent in every aspect and very well maintained.

Address: Swaraj Round N, Kuruppam, Tekkinkadu Maidan, Thrissur, Kerala 68000

Timings: 4 am to 10:10 am and 5-7:30 pm

Dress Code: Casual and simple traditional

Approximate Visit Time: 1 hour

How To Reach By Rail: Thrissur (1.5 miles away) is the nearest railway station.

Nearest airport is Cochin International Airport (47 km away)

Temple Website : N/A

Best time to visit: Annual Puram festival, famous for its elephants and fireworks (April-May). Shivaratri time.

Other attractions: Charpa Falls and Punnathurkota Elephant Sanctuary




15. Srikalahasti Temple: Andhra Pradesh


  The Shivlingam is surrounded by the magnificent Dakshina Kailasa mountain at the back. On the other hand, Swarnamukhi river which adds beauty in front of it. It is believed that this place is home to many devotees in the form of gods, saints, sinners and sages who come to this place of worship and get liberated. It is one of the most popular Shiva places because of the mythological story that links Mahadev to this ancient place. According to legend, it was at this spot that Kannappa offered his eyes to stop the bloody Linga. But before he can achieve that, Lord Shiva intervenes and grants him salvation instead. Thus, devotees flock to this temple to pray for fulfillment of their wishes and attain liberation.

Address: Srikalahasti, Rajampet, Tirupati, Andhra Pradesh 517644

Timings: 6 AM - 9 PM

Costume Codes: Traditional dress for darshan. Some Dosha Pujas require dress codes so be sure to inquire at the counters for tickets beforehand.

Approximate Visit Time: 3-4 hours

How to reach: Srikalahasti bus stand, just 2 km away. There is public transport at the stop. The nearest railway station at Srikalahasti Railway Station (3 km away), Tirupati Airport, is a 45-minute drive away.

Temple Website : N/A

Best time to visit: November and February are the most pleasant weather wise.

Additional attractions: Patala Ganapati underground temple and Bharadwaja Theertham in the complex. The Dravidian style of architecture here is an excellent example of a better understanding of traditional South Indian style.




16. Chidambaram Nataraja Temple: Tamil Nadu.

This is another famous Shiva temple dedicated to Lord Shiva known as Nataraja (Shiva as the Dancing God). It has mythological roots. One of the five sabhas where Lord Shiva is believed to have performed his cosmic dance. The architectural design of the temple is also unique. It is inspired by the Bharatanatyam tradition which is the signature style of the state of Tamil Nadu. Covered with 9 gates, 4 towers and a sikaram, it offers nothing short of grandeur and a glimpse of rich history.

Address: East Carr Street, Chidambaram Vijay Gems, 608001, India

Timings: 6 AM to 12 PM, 5 PM to 10 PM

Dress code: Fashionable dress. Avoid clothing that shows skin and choose light ethnic clothing if possible. There is no strict code for dhotis or sarees, however, men must remove their shirts when near the idol.

Approximate Visit Duration: 1-2 hours

How to reach there: Tiruchirappalli (195 km) and Chennai (245 km) are the nearest airports. They are also connected by rail to Trichy and major cities by road.

Temple Website : N/A

Best time to visit: The annual dance festival is a must-see every year on Maha Shivaratri.

Other attractions: Visit Pichavaram Mangroves.

Check Out: Must-See Sun Temples in India




17. Bhojeshwar Shiva Temple: Madhya Pradesh.

Bhojpur village is famous for special reasons with its 7.5 feet high Shivalinga. It is believed to have started in the 11th century, but the temple is not complete in its construction and design till date. What is more interesting is that designs for the construction of the temple were found on the rocks surrounding it. Construction materials left on site were also recycled. But no definite answer was given as to the reasons for halting the construction. However, it provides important insights into how structures were planned for such sites at the time. This shed some light on the temple construction methods in the 11th century and enabled scholars to dig deeper into the mysteries of the construction techniques of the past. Therefore, this temple is very important to us and has been designated as a monument of national importance

It is the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI).

Address: Rayson Bhojpur, Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh 464993

Timings: 6 AM to 9 AM

Dress Code: An appropriate dress code may be a good option.

Approximate Visit Time: About 2-3 hours

How to reach: Bhopal (30 km distance) is connected to major cities by rail and air. You can get a bus or taxi from Bhopal to the temple.

Temple Website : N/A

Best time to visit: November to February to escape the summer heat and Mahashivratri to take in the magnificent celebrations and crowds.

Other Attractions: Visit Bhimbetka Caves



18. Kai Lasnath Temple: Maharashtra.

One of the world's most famous cave temples found in India, the Kailash or Kailasanatha Temple located in the Ellora Caves is a popular destination for pilgrims, tourists, as well as historians. This is due to its unique structure, excellent dimensions and complex mechanisms. It was built in the 8th century. It is one of the largest cutouts of rock Hindu temples in early India. The most impressive thing is how it is cut from a single piece of rock. It is the largest of the 34 excavation sites discovered at Ellora, which took nearly a century to complete. The panels are carved to show scenes from the Ramayana as well as the Mahabharata epics. It is one of the largest Indian rock-cut Hindu temples at Ellora Caves in Maharashtra, India. A massive rock cut out of a single stone, it is considered one of the most magnificent cave temples in India due to its size, architectural design, construction and sculptural style.

Address: Ellora, Maharashtra 431102

Timings: 9 AM to 5 PM. Closed on Tuesdays.

Dress Code: There is no formal dress code, however, relaxed semi-casual dress is the best option.

Approximate Visit Duration: 1-2 hours

How to reach there: 0.3 km from Ellora Bus Station. The nearest airport is Aurangabad (30 km from the station). Direct trains are available from all major Maharashtra cities.

Temple Website : N/A

Best time to visit : Take part in the annual Ellora dance and music festival, usually held in November or December.

Other attractions: Visit all 34 caves at Ellora and the adjacent Ajanta Caves. Shop the outdoor market for Buddha sculptures or silver jewelry and paintings.