Pilgrimage Sites around Delhi

Mathura city,is located at a distance of 146 km south-east of Delhi and 59 km north-west of Agra (India). Mathura, a sacred place, on the river Yamuna is the birt place of Lord Krishna,the incarnation of Lord Vishnu.

Mathura is one of the most ancient place of India,which has a refernace in the Epic Ramayana.Mathura was ruled by the Maurya Empire and the Sunga dynasty. Archaeological proof seems to point that, by 100 BC, Jains used to live in Mathura.

Location: Mathura & Vrindavan
Best time to visit: October to March

Pushkar is home to many temples but most famous is Brahma Temple, as you will see very few Temples of Brahma across the globe. Pushkar city is also famous for Pushkar lake which have 52 ghats. Pushkar is also known by the name Rose Garden of Rajasthan as abundance of flower farming in and around the Pushkar city. Pushkar also host one of the Fair "Pushkar Camel Fair" which attrach tourist from around the world, it is annual fair held in around November on the day of holy Kartik Purnima, Pushkar Camel Fair is the world largest camel fair, this fair also have lots of other activities which make this must to visit fair of India.

Best time to visit Pushkar is from October to March because of Pushkar Camel Fair, otherwise the peak season is from December to February as summers are too hot where as monsoon and winter are prettly pleasent to enjoy the beauty of Pushkar city.

Location: Pushkar
Best time to visit: Dec to Feb and during Camel Fair (October to March)

Haridwar one of the most famous holy place of Hindus in India, also know with name of Gateway to God. Haridwar is regarded as the seventh holiest Places to Hindus according to Samudra Manthan, also the exit point of Ganga from foot hill of Himalaya. Huge number of pilgrims arrive here in droves to bathe in the river Ganges. The sheer number of people gathering around Har-ki-Pairi Ghat give Haridwar a chaotic but reverent feel.

Haridwar recieved the most highest number of pilgrim during Kanwar Yatra Season, it is the time when thousand of Shiva devotees known as Kanwarias came to haridwar, this time the whole turn into the saffron colour (Kesari Rang).

Location: Haridwar
Best time to visit: February, March, August - October

The city of Ajmer lies in the heart of Rajasthan, some 130 km west of Jaipur. Literally an oasis surrounded by the rocky Aravalli hills Ajmer is a major tourist destination because of its eventful history, spiritual sites and the neighbouring village of Pushkar.

A visit to Ajmer - one of the finest tourist attractions in India, will lead you to discover a different facet of the nation's history. Some of the major tourist attractions in Ajmer include Pushkar and the Dargah Shareef of Khwaja Moinuddin Chishti. A town in the state of Rajasthan near Ajmer, Pushkar is located about 14 km away, and is a prime tourist destination. The Pushkar Lake and the 14th century Hindu temple dedicated to Brahma are the two main tourist attractions here. The annual Camel Fair is another popular event that attracts several tourists from various parts of the country.

Location: Ajmer
Best time to visit: Winter is the best, but near by Pushkar fair can also be charming during the rains

Katra City is lies in Resai district of Jammu and located 48 kms from Jammu Railway Station, Now Katra also have it own railway station. Katra is famous as its serve as base camp for famous Vaishno Devi Temple. From Katra there is 12 km trek to reach Vaishno Devi Temple. All pilgrims who came to visit Vaishno Devi temple have to book accommodation in Katra. The Cave shrine of Mata Vaishno Devi has strong faith and believe to million of devotees across the globe.

From Katra you have to trek for around 12 kms to reach the Holy Shrine Mata Vaishno Devi Temple. you can also undertake this trek on foot or on horses/ponies or on palanquins (palkies or dolies). While most of the pilgrims prefer to go on foot.

Location: Katra, Jammu
Best time to visit: March to October

Golden temple Amritsar is also know by name Harmandir Sahib and Darbar Sahib, It is the holiest Gurudwara and the most improtant pilgrimage site of Sikhism. Everybody at Golden Temple Amritsar, irrespective of cast, creed or race can seek spiritual solace and religious fulfilment without any hindrance. It also represents the distinct identity, glory and heritage of the Sikhs. The four entrances of this holy shrine from all four directions, signify that people belonging to every walk of life are equally welcome.

Golden Temple Amritsar conduct largest langar of all Gurudwaras everyday, where approx 35000 people a day are fed for free by Golden Temple volunteers. The Golden Temple can be reached easily as lots of transport mode are available at minimal prices. It also has car rental companies from where you can hire a car and reach the temple. The Golden Temple Trust also arranges free bus services from the Amritsar Railway Station.

Location: Amritsar, Punjab
Best time to visit: October to March are the best months

Varanasi (name originated from the name of two rivers Varuna and Assi), is also famously known as Banaras or Kashi (the luminous one). It is sited on the banks of the River Ganges in Uttar Pradesh. It is about 320 kilometres (4 hours 32 minutes) from state capital, Lucknow. Varanasi is considered to be the oldest city in the world and the oldest holy city in India by Hindus, Buddhists and Jains. The city has been a cultural and religious centre in North India for several thousand years.

Varanasi is also said to be "the city of temples", "the holy city of India", "the religious capital of India", "the city of lights", "the city of learning", and "the oldest living city on earth.

Location: Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh
Best time to visit: October to March are the best months

Mahakaleshwar Jyotirlinga is a Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Shiva and one of the twelve Jyotirlingams, shrines which are said to be the most sacred abodes of Lord Shiva. It is located in the ancient city of Ujjain in the state of Madhya Pradesh, India. The temple is situated on the side of the Rudra Sagar lake. A number of religious festivals and celebrations also take place here every year and are celebrated with great fervour. Other than these, the Bhasma-Aarti of the temple is a ritual ceremony that you should not miss.

It is advisable to stay near Mahakaleshwar temple so that you witness the mesmerising Bhasm-Aarti. there is a provision of VIP pass which will cost you Rs.250 per head approx and will save you from a queues. All women and men need to necessarily dress up during the Bhasma Aarti.

All rituals, including Puja-Archana and Abhishekaarati, are regularly performed in the temple all year round

Location: Ujjain, Madhya Pradesh
Best time to visit: December to February are the best months