The Dev Bhoomi Uttarakhand, known for its scenic beauty and spiritual insight is the most trending travel destination for religious and general travelers. The folklore of this pious land is way beyond imagination enriched with mystical experiences. So why not try out some of the best and most known temples or shrines of worship for the Hindu Gods and Goddesses? Let us explore more to know this spiritual abode through its most popular temples.
List of 20 Famous Temples of Uttarakhand (Garhwal & Kumaon Region)
1. Kedarnath Temple (Garhwal)
Known as one of 12 Jyotirlinga temples in the country, Kedarnath has its own charm and beauty. Situated in the Rudraprayag district of Uttarakhand, it holds a rich historical background. The river Mandakini close by it makes the Jyotirlinga more fascinating and pious. The rich history speaks of the Adi Shankaracharya restoring the temple after it was built by the Pandavas. It is also known as one of the Panch Kedar, (the 5 most auspicious Shiva temples in the region of Garhwal). Situated high on the elevation of 3584 from sea level, the Kedarnath itself poses to be a majestic and imposing Shiva temple in the region. Being a part of the Chota Char Dham conveyance is easy and especially for seniors and with walking disabilities visitors can use the pony ride, dolly ride, and also the helicopter ride.
- When Can You Visit – The best season is from April (Akshaya Tritiya to November Kartik Purnima) with the weather and season perfect for the visitors.
- Temple Timing – 4 am to 9 pm
- Best Tourist Spots Nearby – Sonprayag, Vasuki Tal, Shankaracharya Samadhi, Bhairavnath Mandir, Triyuginarayan, etc.
- How to Reach – By train the nearest railway station is Rishikesh and the nearest airport is the Dehradun, Jolly Grant.
2. Badrinath Temple (Garhwal)
With a rich background story of Lord Vishnu unwinding himself through meditation and Goddess Laxmi providing him shed transforming herself into a Badri tree. This Chota Char Dham is specifically visited for attaining Nirvana and performing funeral rites, ushered with the blessings of Lord Vishnu. The two famous mountains Nar and Narayan protect the spiritual abode and help attain nirvana for afterlife souls. It is believed that visiting with a pure heart and genuine feeling to this spiritual abode, situated in the Garhwal (Chamoli) district.
- When Can You Visit – The best time to visit the temple is from September to November, but as it is also a part of the Chardham Yatra, April to June would also be considerable.
- Temple Timing – 6 am to 2 pm & 4 pm to 9 pm
- Best Tourist Spots Nearby – Bheem Pul, Vasudhara Falls, Vyas Gufa, Mata Murti Temple, Tapt Kund, Mana Village, Ganesha Cave, etc.
- How To Reach – Nearest railway station is Rishikesh & Nearest airport is Jolly Grant (Dehradun).
3. Lakhamandal Temple (Garhwal)
Known as the eraser of bad luck, this Shakti cult, Shiva Lingam temple is one of the strongest and purest pilgrimage destinations. Built around the 12th century this temple is an amalgamation of various smaller temples. The name comes from the Lakh (meaning wax) and Mandal (meaning sanctum) is quite interesting to know. The black Lingam is known to reflect light in its wet form, which is unique and special. It is situated in the Dehradun district of Uttarakhand.
- When Can You Visit – The best time to visit is between March to June and between September to November.
- Temple Timings – 7 am to 6 pm
- Best Tourist Spots Nearby – Purola, Nainbagh, Barkot, Mahasu Devta Temple, etc.
- How To Reach – Nearest railway station is Dehradun & Jolly Grant is the nearest airport reach.
4. Rudranath Temple (Garhwal)
Situated near the confluence of the Alaknanda and Mandakini rivers the Rudranath temple is known for purifying the souls on the path of heaven. During the winters this temple is fully closed due to the high density of snow, yet the deity or the Shivalinga can be visited in the Rudraprayag. Numerous holy ponds surround the area making a holy dip a must for the pilgrims who visit there. It is believed that dipping in the holy waters would ease the soul and purify the sins.
- When Can You Visit – Starting from May to early November is the best time to visit.
- Best Tourist Spots Nearby – Chopta, Tungnath, Sri Gopinath Temple, Kalpeshwar, Anusuya Devi Temple, etc.
- Temple Timings – 9 am to 5 pm
- How To Reach – Nearest railway station is Rishikesh and the nearby airport is Jolly Grant Dehradun.
5. Chandi Devi Temple (Garhwal)
One of the Shakti Peetha, where devi sati’s forehead had fallen. It is believed that the Chakrapani Bhairav form of Shiva protects the temple where Gandaki Chandi, the form of Devi Sati resides. It is a powerful temple during the festive seasons of Navaratri, Kumbh Mela and Chandi Chaudas. It is situated on the top of the Neel Parvath and one can take the ropeway with a breathtaking scene while reaching there. Also, devotees can go on foot which many do during the festivities.
- When Can You Visit – from September to April
- Best Tourist Spots Nearby – Sri Kaleshwar Ashram, Neel Parvat, etc.
- Temple Timings – 6 am to 12 pm and 3 pm to 6 pm
- How To Reach – The nearest railway station is Rishikesh and Jolly Grant airport for flights.
6. Bhavishya Badri Temple (Garhwal)
This temple is near Rudraprayag and in the legend, it says that while Shankaracharya was carrying Badri Vishal from Tapta Kund a celestial announcement was made that in the future that during the Kalyug time, the Nar and Narasimha will be blocking the path of devotees towards Badrinath. It resides in the Narasimha the Lion form of Vishnu with a lion’s head.
- When To Visit – Best is to visit between April to May and again from September to November.
- Best Tourist Spots Nearby – Vridha Badri Temple, Joshimath, Yog Dhyan Badri, Tungnath Temple, etc.
- Temple Timings – 9 am to 5 pm
- How To Reach – Rishikesh is the nearby railway station and for flights, one can go to Jolly Grant Dehradun and by road through Subhai village.
7. Madhyamaheshwar Temple (Garhwal)
Lord Shiva has many forms and Madhyamaheshwar is in the form of a naval-shaped linga. It is amongst the Panch Kedar temples and is known to be the toughest pilgrimage for all. The lush greenery around makes the temple more fascinating and peaceful for all.
- When To Visit – It can be visited between May to November.
- Best Tourist Spots Nearby – Mandal, Sri Kaleshwar Ashram, Anusuya Devi Temple & Atri Muni Ashram, Kalishila, Ukhimath, etc.
- Temple Timings – 6 am to 7 pm
- How to Reach – By road, you can go by Ransi, and for the railway station, Haridwar is the nearest and Jolly Grant airport for flights.
8. Jwala Devi Temple (Garhwal)
Enshrined is the deity of Jwala Devi who is an incarnation of Maa Durga, this Mandir has the feeling of Shakti. The most sacred and powerful reason for visiting this temple is the 7 eternal flames, from which the name comes. These flames are alight all through the year in the pith. The flora and fauna around the temple makes it more panoramic to the eyes. But one should be careful as reaching the temple on the summit of the Benog hills is through the dense jungle. Ma Jwala is known as the protector, the Guardian Angel of all as it is one of the Shakti Peethas. This temple is visited more during the Navaratri.
- When You Can Visit – The best time to visit is between February to June and September to December.
- Best Tourist Spots Nearby – The Yamuna valley, the Doon Valley, Bhatta and Mossy falls, the Christ Church, Gun hill, etc.
- Temple Timings – 5 am to 8 pm
- How To Reach – You can hire a cab from Mussoorie till the foot of the Benog Hill and then trek up, the nearest railway station is the Dehradun railway station and the Jolly Grant airport.
9. Mansa Devi – Naina Devi Temple (Garhwal)
The famous Mansa Devi temple is famous for the blessings of Ma Mansa the daughter of Shiva in his human form. Also, she is known to be the sister of Naga Vasuki the serpent king and she emerged from the mind of Shiva. She is the serpent Goddess who protects all from snake bites. Another one of the Shakti Peeth is Naina Devi Temple where Goddess Sati puts herself ablaze and her eyes feel on the spot. It is the same place where Lord Shiva in anger at losing Sati did his Tandav Nritya. Ma Sati protects all from evil through her strong eyes.
- When You Can Visit – All around the year
- Best Tourist Spots Nearby – Khurpa Taal, Nainital Lake, Khurpatal Lake, Vaishno Devi temple, Daksh Mahadev Temple, etc.
- Temple Timings – Both the temples you can visit between 8 am to 5 pm.
- How To Reach – Nearest railway station is Haridwar & Jolly Grant airport is for flights.
10. Tungnath Temple (Garhwal)
Known to be the oldest and highest Shiva temple and is also one of the Panch Kedar. It is very powerful and is known to be a wish-fulfilling pilgrimage. Due to its extreme weather, the temple is closed during the winter.
- When You Can Visit – The best time to visit is between April to November early.
- Best Tourist Spots Nearby – Anusuya Temple, Ukhimath, Triyuginarayan Temple, Bisurital, Gopeshwar, Madmaheshwar, etc.
- Temple Timings – 6 am to 7 pm
- How To Reach – Nearest railway station is Rishikesh, and the nearest airport is Jolly Grant.
11. Adi Badri Temple (Garhwal)
Legend says that Lord Vishnu used to reside here before shifting to Badrinath. The holy river Saraswati emerges from this place and it is situated in the Chamoli region. It is an amalgamation of 16 temples together. Lord Vishnu is known as Badri due to Goddess Lakshmi who became a Badri tree to protect her husband.
- When You Can Visit – You can visit between April to December
- Best Tourist Spots Nearby – Adi Badri pond, Binsar Mahadev, Kartik Swami temple, Gopeshwar, Dahri Devi temple, etc.
- Temple Timings – 5 am to 9 pm
- How To Reach – Rishikesh railway station is nearest and Jolly Grant airport.
12. Triyuginarayan Temple (Garhwal)
Situated in the Rudraprayag district, this is a temple for Lord Vishnu and folklore says that it is the same spot where Goddess Sati and Lord Shiva got married. The perpetual fire or the flame is known to be burning from the time of their divine marriage and is known to be pious and pure, especially for couples to get their wishes granted for a happy married life.
- When You Can Visit – From May to November
- Best Tourist Spots Nearby – Kalimath Temple, Guptkashi, Ukhimath Omkareshwar Temple, Deoria Taal, etc.
- Temple Timings – 6 am to 8 pm
- How To Reach – Rishikesh railway station and Jolly Grant airport are the nearest ways to reach.
13. Narsingh Temple (Garhwal)
It is dedicated to Lord Vishnu in his Narasimha form, the most ferocious and powerful. Scientists say that the right arm of the idol is slowly demolishing, and belief says that the day it falls the road towards Badrinath would face a landslide blocking the whole road. The Badrinath idol of Shiva is kept in this temple during the winter season.
- When You Can Visit – Best time is April to May and again from September to November.
- Best Tourist Spots Nearby – Kalpavriksha, Shri Shankaracharya Math, Bhavishya Badri, etc.
- Temple Timing – 6 am to 7.30 pm
- How to Reach – The nearest railway station is Rishikesh and the airport is Jolly Grant.
14. Dhari Devi Temple (Garhwal)
It is between Rudraprayag and Srinagar on the Badrinath road. It enshrines the deity of Maa Dhari Devi. The legend says that the upper portion of Goddess Kali is here and the idol changes its form from a young girl to a woman and then an old lady. It says that while the floods the idol of Kali got stuck in between rocks and hearing the divine voice the villagers fixed the idol at this spot and the temple was made. It is a strong pilgrimage and the idol is kept open as no roof cannot be built over its head. During Navratri, devotees visit thousands.
- When to Visit – January to May and again from September to December
- Best Tourist Spots Nearby – Mathiyana Devi Mandir, Gaura Devi Temple, Koteshwar Temple, Hariyali Devi Temple, etc.
- Temple Timings – 4 am to 6 pm
- How To Reach – Rishikesh railway station and Jolly Grant airport are nearby.
15. Garjiya Devi Temple (Kumaon)
Situated in the vicinity of the Jim Corbett National Park, this Shakti shrine is very auspicious and visited by thousands of devotees, especially during Kartik Purnima. It houses the Saraswati idol, Ganesha and Shiva in the form of Bhairavnath. It is next to the Kosi River, so during the monsoons, the temple is closed as the level of the river rises. It is a must-visit if you are visiting the National park.
- When Can You Visit – All through the year only from July to September the monsoon season is avoided.
- Best Tourist Spots Nearby – Kosi River, the Corbett Tiger reserve, The Pugmark Safari and tours, Wildlife Art gallery, Devbhoomi outdoor adventure, etc.
- Temple Timings – 6 am to 12 pm and 4 pm to 8 pm
- How To Reach – Ramnagar railway station is the nearest and the Pantnagar airport for flights.
16. Baijnath Temple (Kumaon)
Located on the banks of the Gomti River, this auspicious temple shrines Lord Shiva in the form of Baijnath, (meaning lord of the physicians). It is known to have the Linga even before the temple was constructed by Katyuri rulers in 1150 AD. During the time of Maha Shivaratri, there is an immense crowd of devotees who visit to pay their homage to Lord Shiva. It is the same spot where Ravana had worshiped Shiva to get his powers to rule over the world and was blessed.
- When Can You Visit – March till May and November to January.
- Best Tourist Spots Nearby – Billing and Paragliding, Tashi Jong Buddhist Monastery, Wah Tea Estate, Shobha Singh Art Gallery, Mahakal Temple, etc.
- Temple Timings – 6 am to 9 pm
- How To Reach – The Pantnagar airport is nearest; for trains, you can go to Kathgodam railway station.
17. Patal Bhuvaneshwar (Kumaon)
This temple resides Lord Shiva and 33 more demigods with him. The temple is 160 meters long and 90 meters deep through the formation of limestone caves. It is known to be the most ancient and pious pilgrimage for devotees to visit. It is basically an underground cave so one needs to crawl down for a Darshan.
- When Can You Visit – You can visit between March to June and again between September to November.
- Best Tourist Spots Nearby – Nag Mandir, Almora, Binsar, Berinag Temple, Pithoragarh, etc.
18. Kalipad Shakti Peeth (Kumaon)
If you are looking to get all your long-yearning wishes fulfilled mystically then this Kali temple is a must-visit in the Bageshwar district. It is around 14 km from Someshwar and has a breathtaking ambiance in and around. The panoramic greenery is mesmerizing and will surely enhance the spiritual minds towards purity of soul.
- When Can You Visit – The best time is from January to June and again from September to early November.
- Best Tourist Spots Nearby – Bagnath Temple, Chandrika Temple, Gauri Udiyar Cave, Bigul Village and Baijnath Temple, etc.
- Temple Timings – 6 am to 7 pm
- How To Reach – The nearest railway station is Kathgodam & the nearest airport is Patnagar.
19. Chitai Golu Temple (Kumaon)
This is another Shiva lineage in the form of Goljayu or the Golu Devta. Here Lord Shiva is in the form of Gaur Bhairav. Known to be the god of justice, Golu Devta grants all the wishes which are asked with pure heart and mind. Pilgrims are known to ask for justice if they have faced any injustice in their own family or community. Situated in the Almora district it has unique features, there are several stacks of letters pinned with the bells of the temple.
- When Can You Visit – From May till the month of October.
- Best Tourist Spots Nearby – Nanda Devi Mandir, Kasar Devi Temple, Patal Devi Mandir, Katarmal Surya Temple, Dandeshwar Temple, etc.
- Temple Timings – 6 am to 8 pm
- How To Reach – The nearest railway station is Kathgodam and the nearest airport is Patnagar.
20. Kasar Devi Temple (Kumaon)
The temple sits high on the hillocks overlooking the Almora Township below. The Mandir is about 5 km downhill from Tarai Nagri Village. And is also surrounded by lofty pine and deodar trees. Geographically it is believed that this temple is positioned on the earth’s Van Allen Belt. And the region around the temple has an enormous geomagnetic field. This results in cosmic energy transmission. It is one of the Shakti Peeths and the goddess Kali along with Laxmi and Saraswati are worshiped.
- When Can You Visit – Between March to June and again from September to November.
- Best Tourist Spots Nearby – Binsar Wildlife Sanctuary, Chitai Golu Devta Temple, Chauli Ki Jali, Balu Dam, Nanda Devi Mandir, etc.
- Temple Timings – 7 am to 7 pm
- How To Reach – The nearest railway station is Kathgodam and the nearest airport is Patnagar.
The above-mentioned 20 best temples are a must-visit for all the devotees and people who want to feel the divine powers in their life. The Uttarakhand tour packages have various customized packages for these temple darshans or visits. So why wait, book yourself for a divine tour which would purify your life for eternity.
