51 Famous Temples of India | Memorable Temple Tour of India

Famous Temples of India

India is a famous for its rich cultural heritage, and you will find temples all over the length and breadth of the country which are revered by devotees throughout the year. Several festivals are held in these temples and elaborate rituals followed. Here, we are providing you a brief description of the 51 famous temples of India that deserve mention in the list of anybody wishing to have a temple tour of India.

1. Akshardham Temple, Delhi: Swami Narayan Akshardham Temple displays a millennia of the traditional Hindu culture and spirituality, inspired by Yogiji Maharaj. The temple complex features an Abhishek Mandap, Sahaj Anand Water Show, a thematic garden, and exhibitions. The imposing 10-storey high building has intricate carvings, sculptures and filigrees, bearing witness to the amazing craftsmanship.

2. Badrinath Temple, Uttarakhand: The temple is dedicated to Lord Vishnu and has his dual forms as Nar and Narayan. It was re-established as a pilgrimage site by Adi Shankar in the 9th century, Also known as Badrinarayan, the temple is dedicated to Lord Vishnu. It is significant pilgrimage center of the Vaishnavites. It is most important temples the Char Dhams.

3. Kadarnath Temple, Uttarkhand: The temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva, the destroyer of the universe. The ancient temple has been continuously reconstructed over a period of time. It sits among the snow-capped peaks.

4. Gangotri Temple, Uttarakhand: The temple is dedicated to the goddess Ganga. The temple is located the birthplace of Ganga and is situated amongst the magical surroundings.

5. Yamunotri Temple: Located opposite to Gangotri temple, it is dedicated to the goddess Yamuna who is made of black marble. The sanctity of the place provides a deep feeling of reverence. The temple is located that origin of rive Yamuna.

6. Vaishno Devi Temple: Located in Katra, Jammu, the temple is dedicated to Vaishno Devi also known as Mata Rani who is a manifestation of the goddess Durga. The temple is visited by nearly 8 million devotees each year. It is the second mist visited shrine after Tirumala Tirupati in Andhra Pradesh. The temple has three rock heads, called Pindis, instead of statues.

7. Dwarkadhish Temple, Gujarat: Also known as Somnath and Dwarka Temple, it is devoted to Lord Krishna. There is a flag on top of the temple that shows sun and moon, which is changed five times a day.

8. Jagannath Temple, Puri, Odisha: The temple has idols of Lord Krishna, his brother Balabhadra and sister Subhadra. The temple organizes annual Rath Yatra which is witnessed by millions.

9. Sri Ventakateshwara Temple, Tirupati, Andhra Pradesh: Situated in Chittoor district of Andhra Pradesh, the temple is dedicated to Venkateswara, a form of Lord Vishnu, who is said to have appeared here to save the mankind from trials and tortures.

10. Meenakshi Amman Temple, Madurai, Tamil Nadu: It is one of the ancient and largest temples of India. This 2500-year old temple is devoted to the goddess Meenakshi, an avatar of goddess Parvati, and her husband Sundareswar or lord Shiva. It has 33,000 sculptures and 14 gopurams or gateway towers. The temple is an exquisite work of art. It has enormous gopurams towering over the city of Madurai with rich carvings.

11. Chhattarpur Mandir, Delhi: Chhatarpur temple complex in Chhatarpur, near Mehrauli is made of white marble in both North and South Indian styles. The main deity of the temple complex is goddess Durga while there are also shrines for goddess Lakshmi, lord Shiva, Ganesha and Hanuman.

12. Golden Temple: Also known as Swan Mandir or Sri Harmandir Sahib, this the holiest shrine of Sikhs and remains alive with religious fervor throughout the year.

13. ISKCON Temple, Delhi: The temple in Delhi was built in 1998 by the International Society for Krishna Consciousness. Chants of Hare Krishna can be heard throughout the day in the temple. It follows a strict standard of worship with six aartis and six bhogas offered to the deities each day.

14. Kashi Vihwanath Temple: Located in Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, the temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva. It is one of the temples with Jyotirlinga, which are 12 in all. It was commissioned in 1780 by Rani Ahilyabai Holkar after earlier being destroyed by the Moghul Emperor Aurangzeb. It is located on the banks of river Ganga in Varanasi, the temple has one of the 12 Jyotirlinga of Lord Shiva, also known as Vishwanath or Vishweshwara. The darshan of Jyotirlinga is believed to liberate one from the bondage of maya or the earthy entanglements of the world.

15. Kamakhya Devi Temple, Assam: Dedicated to the goddess Kamakhya, this is a popular and one of the most important destinations of India. This is an important site of trantric worhippers. It is one of the 51 Shati Peethas or divine places of the goddess Shakti. The inner sanctorum or the garbh griha has a yoni-shaped stone filled with water located in a cave below the ground level.

16. Lakshmi Naryan Mandir, New Delhi: Also known as Birla Mandir, the temple is thronged by thousands of devotees on Janmashtmi and Diwali. It is built in the Nagara style of architecture and is adorned with rich carvings, depicting scenes from the Hindu mythology.

17. Lotus Temple, Delhi: Also known as Baha’i House of Worship, it is open to the people of all faiths. There are no idols but huge halls for prayers and meditation. It’s the only temple Baha’I faith in Asia.

18. Somnath Temple, Gujarat: Located in Junagarh district of Gujarat, it is one the 12 temples with Jyotirlingas in India. The temple is dedicated to Somnath or the God of Moon.

19. Siddhivinayak Temple, Maharashtra: Dedicated to Lord Ganesha, the temple, it is one of the most prominent temples of Maharashtra. The temple sees the maximum number of devotees on Tuesday. It was constructed in 1801 by Deubai and Vithu Patil.

20. Neelkanth Mahadev Temple, Uttarakhand: Located atop a hill at 1675m, this temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva. According the legends, the venom oozed out during Samudra Manthan was ingested by the Lord Shiva at this very place.

21. Amarnath Temple, Pahalgam, Jammu & Kashmir: This cave temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva. It enshrines a lingam which is naturally formed on an ice stalagmite. The cave temple is covered with snow for the major part of the year except a short duration of summers. The temple cave is believed to be 5000 years old.

22. Bhairon Mandir, Delhi: The temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva. It is believed to have been constructed by Pandavas. It is unique in the sense that it allows the devotees to offer alcohol to the presiding deity Bhairon, a manifestation of Shiva.

23. Dakshineshwara Kali Temple, Kolkata, West Bengal: The temple was built by Rani Rashmoni in 1855. The temple complex houses 12 identical temples dedicated to Lord Shiva. It is one of the primary Hindu pilgrimage centers of the Eastern India.

24. Mansi Devi Temple: Located in Hardwar, Uttarakhand, the temple is temple is dedicated to the goddess Mansa Devi. This holy abode of Mansa Devi, a form of Shakti, is said to have emerged from the mind of Lord Shiva.

25. Jwalamukhi Temple, Kangra, Himachal Pradesh: The temple is dedicated to the goddess with a flaring mouth. The natural gas comes from inside the ground which is lit by the priest. The fire is considered as a manifestation of the goddess Jwalamukhi who is worshipped in the form of flames. It is one of the 52 Shakti Peethas located in India.

26. Har ki Pauri, Haridwar, Uttarakhand: Har ki Paudi has a sacred bathing ghat. Taking a dip in the waters here is believed to help achieve salvation of ancestors. The evening prayer or aarti is performed at dusk on the banks of river Ganga which is offers an enthralling experience.

27. Kalighat Kali Temple, Kolkata: Located in Kolkata at the banks of river Hooghly, it is dedicated to the goddess Kali. It is one of the 51 Shakti Peethas where various body parts of the goddess are believed to have fallen. It was originally built in the 16th century.

28. Tirumala Tirupati Temple, Andhra Pradesh: The temple located atop Tirumala hills near Tirupati is dedicated to Lord Shiva who is a form of Lord Vishnu. The temple is also known with several other names such a Balaji, Govinda and Srinivasa. It is second in the assets after Sri Padmanabhswamy Temple in Kerala. 50,000 to 100,000 devotees visit the temple each day.

29. Shani Shingnapur, Ahmednagar, Maharashtra: The presiding deity of this temple is Lord Shanidev who is a personification of the planet Saturn. There is a five and a half feet back stone in the open air platform symbolizing Shani. The temple sees a large number of devotees on Amavasya or the New Moon day.

30. Mukteshwara Temple, Bhubaneshwar, Odisha: This gem of Odisha has exquisite carvings and sculptures that adorn it. The temple marks the culmination of all earlier artistic initiatives and stylistic developments in the state.

31. Shirdi Sai Baba Temple, Shirdi, Maharashtra: The temple is dedicated to Sai Baba whose teachings combined the elements of Hinduism and Islam. It the largest Sai Baba temples in India, and is flocked by a large number of devotees each Thursday.

32. Nathdwara Srinathji Temple, Rajasthan: Also known as Nand Bhawan or Nandalaya, the temple has an idol of Shrinathji who is self-carved in bas-relief out of a monolithic black marble that provides a mesmerizing sight to the eyes.

33. Jain Temple, Ranakpur, Rajasthan: The temple dedicated to Adinatha is made of light colored marble. It houses 1444 exclusively carved pillars, no two pillars are alike in design and sculpture. The great structure of the temple is well supported with the help of 1400 superbly carved pillars. The temple is designed to use only the batural light for illumination.

34. Hanuman Temple, Delhi: Located in Connaught Place in New Delhi, the temple is believed to be of the day of Mahabharata. Lord Hanuman is worshipped here as Sri Hanuman Ji Maharaj.

35. Khajuraho Temples, Madhya Pradesh: This is a UNESCO world heritage site and one of the seven wonders of India. The breathtakingly beautiful temple is oozes creativity, grace and elegance. It has erotic sculptures and carvings that adorn the exterior of the temple.

36. Brahadeshwara Temple, Thanjavur: Also known as the Big Bull Temple, it was built during the reign of the great Chola Emperor, Raja Raja Chola. This ancient an architectural marvel. The temple was built in 1010 AD and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The temple dedicated to the Lord Shiva is marks the culmination of the Dravidian style of architecture.

37. Vithala Temple, Hampi, Karnataka: The temple is built in Vijaynagar style of art and architecture. It has a gopuram with a hundred-pillared mandapa. The temple displays the craftsmanship and architectural brilliance of the artists.

38. Lingaraj Temple, Bhubaneshwar, Odisha: The temple built in Kalinga style of architecture dates back to 1000 AD. It is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is built of sandstone and laterite. It is the largest temple in Bhubaneshwara.

39. Konark Sun Temple Odisha: This 13th century construction is a stunning creation of man. The temple is dedicated to Sun God and is magnificence personified. It is built in the shape of an enormous chariot with twelve pairs of wheels and drawn by seven horses.

40. Chamdundeshwari Temple, Mysore, Karnataka: the temple is dedicated to the goddess Durga, the fierce form of Shakti. The hill on which the temple is located is named after the goddess Chamundi, the incarnation of the Lord Shiva’s consort, Parvati.

41. Padmanabhaswamy Temple, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala: Dedicated to Lord Vishnu, the temple is seen reclined on the five-hooded serpent Anantha in a conscious cosmic slumber. Its granite pillars has elaborate carvings that adorn the corridor. It is the wealthiest temple in India, surpassing Tirumala Tirupati Temple.

42. Sabarimala Temple, Kerala: Located in the Western Ghat mountain ranges, it is believed to be the place where god Ayappan meditated after killing the demon Mahishi. The temple sees the largest number of pilgrims,, each year, around 45 to 50 million. It is open Mandalpooja, Makaravilakku and first six days of each Malayalam month.

43. Sripuram Golden Temple, Vellore, Tamil Nadu: The temple has vimanas and ardhamandapa coated in gold both from outside and inside.

44. Moti Dungri Ganesh Temple, Jaipur, Rajasthan: The temple is positioned on a small hill. There is an exotic palace named as Moti Dugngri Palace which belonged to Rajmata Gayatri Devi. It is has intricate stone carvings and exquisite lattice work.

45. Ramanathswamy Temple. Tamil Nadu: Lord Rama is believed to have worshipped Lord Shiva here after crossing over Sri Lanka. The temple located to Lord Shiva has one of the 12 Jyotirlingas where Shiva is worshipped as a Pillar of Light.

46. Jakhoo Temple, Himachal Pradesh: Located in the hilly town of Shimla in Himachal Pradesh, the temple is dedicated to the monkey-god Hanuman. Ii is situated on Jakhoo hill and has a giant 108-feet statue of the lord at the highest altitude of 8100 feet.

47. Belur Math: Located at the west bank of river Hooghly in West Bengal, it is the headquarter of Ramakrishna Math and Mission. Belur Math was founded by Swami Vivekananda, the chief disciple of Ramakrishna Paramhansa.

48. Kanchipuram Temples, Tamil Nadu: It is one of the sacred places in India where devotees can attain Moksha, as per the Hindu mythology. There are three temples, viz. Kamakshi Amman Temple, Ekambareswarar Temple and Varadraja Perumal Temple, all three of them exhibit fascinating piece of architecture.

49. Kanyakumari Temple: Located at Kanyakumari island in Tamil Nadu, the presiding deity of the temple is Kumari Amman, also known as Bhagavathi Amman. The temple is considered to be 3000 years old and presents a mesmerizing scenic beauty due to its location by the side of the vast expanses of ocean.

50. Shore Temple, Mahabalipuram, Tamil Nadu: Located at the Coromandel Coast of the Bay of Bengal, it is one of the oldest known temples of South India. The Group of Monuments at the Mahabalipuram is a World Heritage Site. The 8th century temple was built under the patronage of Pallava rulers.

51. Virupaksha Temple, Hampi, Karnataka: The temple is dedicated to Lord Virupaksha, a form of Shiva. This UNESCO World Heritage Site hold an annual chariot festival.

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Check out these Easy/moderate trekking options near Bangalore

Trekking over weekends has become the most desirable activity of the millennial generation whether solo or in groups. With so many trekking places near Bangalore, this city has become a trekker’s haven. Here is a list of a few easy to moderate trails you can venture on your coming break.

1. Savandurga Hill

The Savandurga hill is located 48 km. away and is one of the most popular trekking destinations around Bangalore and is extremely popular. The Karigudda and the Billigudda trail are the two trekking trails that run up to Savanadurga. The trek along Biligudda takes you through the ruined fort built by Kempe Gowda and the climb up to the fort tower can be a bit challenging. Adventure lovers, on the other hand, will find the Karigudda trek to be satisfying. People head here for a night trek and to catch the sunrise.

Source: Thrillophilia

2. Nandi Hills

There are several resorts in Bangalore, but if you are staying towards the Bangalore International Airport, trekking up Nandi Hills should be marked on your calendar. There are two trekking routes to the Nandi Hills. One of the trails lies to the north of the Nandi hills and the other lies to the south of the Nandi hills. Several trekking enthusiasts regularly come to this hillock before sunrise and trek their way to the top, traversing through picturesque terrain at a tantalizing altitude with the cool morning breeze hitting their face surrounded by unpolluted lush greenery and a landscape that is hard to forget. Given the scenic route, a steady terrain and the enticing climb, this trek is also popular because it is of very moderate intensity and can be undertaken by almost anyone comfortable with walking. If you have time on your side, make a weekend of it with a stay at the amazing resort Discovery Village at the foot of Nandi Hills.

3. Skandagiri

Skandagiri, an ancient mountain fortress stands at an altitude of about 1350 m and is a sought after night trek around Bangalore. Trekkers also go there for camping, bird watching and taking in breathtaking sunrise from the top. The Skandagiri trek is only moderately difficult and has two routes to reach the base of the hill. Take a detour from the road that leads to Nandi Hills or get in from Chikballapur. Hundreds of people gather at Papagni Temple at the foot of the hill on Saturday and Sunday mornings to watch the sunrise. This climb is recommended at dawn or on a full-moon night. On the uphill trek, you will also encounter a cave at the base of the hill and another midway to the top.

4. Anthargange

Not more than 80 kms from Bangalore, Anthargange is a tourist magnet with religious significance, nature galore and a beautiful trekking trail. Famous for the Anthargange Caves and Temple it is a popular pilgrimage site and ideal for night trekking around Bangalore. The temple stands amidst thick vegetation and is a scenic splendor. The Anthargange Caves which are on the peak are about an hour trek from the temple and all the caves can be easily explored by foot. Interestingly, some of these caves are large and provide for a good campsite, with many groups opting to camp here after their trek up the hill.

Source: Thrillophilia

5. Madhugiri

Madhugiri in Tumkur district is famous for the second largest monolithic rock hill in Asia after Savandurga. It lies at an altitude of 3,930 feet and is gaining popularity as a trekking destination from Bangalore. On your climb, you will find the Madhugiri mud fort on the slopes and a temple of Gopalakrishna at the top of the hill. This trek is of moderate to difficult level and takes about 1.5 hours one way, but it is definitely worth your while.

6. Makalidurga

The hill fort Makalidurga is situated near the village of Makali 61 kms from Bangalore. In recent years, this trail has gained momentum, with many trekkers opting for a night trek. You can find a temple dedicated to Lord Krishna at the foot of the hill. This trek is definitely a must-try if only to behold the lakes on either side, the elegantly curving trail and the railway track below, from the hilltop. This is a moderate trek and though the trail is still not very popular, the experience it offers is unforgettable.

Source: Plan the Unplanned

Irrespective of the difficulty level, trekking is an activity for people of all ages. The thrill of scaling the height, feeling nature in all its glory while bonding with your mates makes you want to definitely come back for more.

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Seven Tourist Places In Bangalore Worth Visiting

Bengaluru (also called Bangalore), India’s Silicon Valley, is the capital of Karnataka and known for its parks and nightlife. If you are visiting Bangalore on business, extend your stay and if you are an expatriate, having recently moved to this city, mark your diary with the following tourist places in and near Bangalore that are a must-visit.

1. Bangalore Palace

The Majestic Bangalore Palace, reflecting Tudor and Scottish Gothic architecture holds testimony to heritage and beauty of an era gone-by. This regal palace was built in 1878 and spreads across 45,000 square-feet. The carvings on the walls in the interior and exterior of the beautiful wooden structure showcase tales of the extraordinary royal culture. The opulent ballroom, mesmerizing Darbar hall, innumerable exotic paintings, even the granite seats encrusted with blue ceramic tiles on the ground floor, vine-covered walls, transport you to the elegant splendour of a powerful dynasties of South India. Audio tapes in Hindi and English are available to understand its history.

2. Bannerghatta National Park

Located 22 km away from city-centre, Bannerghatta National Park is an asylum for a large variety of flora and fauna. Sprawling over 104.27 sq. km, this park includes the country's first butterfly park, an aquarium, zoo, Children's Park, Crocodile Farm, Snake Park, Prehistoric Animals' Park and a museum. You can spot elephants, leopards, jackals, foxes, wild boar, sloth bears, Indian gazelle, spotted deer, porcupine, cobras, Asiatic Lion and the Royal Bengal Tiger while doing the safari. There are several resorts in Bangalore, but if you are staying at the amazing Discovery Village, be assured that they will organise your local tours, bird watching, nature trails and jungle safaris.

3. Lal Bagh Botanical Garden

Renowned for its botanical artwork, this garden is a haven for nature lovers and a must visit for all tourists. Lal Bagh sprawls across 240 acres in the heart of the city and has nearly 1,854 species of plants including rare species of French, Persian and Afghani origin. The Lal Bagh Rock which is over 3000 million years old is found here and is a major tourist attraction. The garden also houses a number of birds such as Myna, Parakeets, Crows, Brahminy Kite, Pond Heron, Common Egret and Purple Moor Hen.

Source: Goibibo

4. Cubbon Park

Cubbon Park is 300 acres of dense green bliss, housing more than 6,000 trees and an ideal place for nature lovers and picnickers. In addition to being the perfect place to veg-out, you can also visit some of the major structures of the city such as the Attara Kacheri, Cubbon Park Museum, Sheshadri Iyer Memorial Park and the Bangalore Aquarium, the second largest aquarium in India here.

Source: kerosene.digital

5. Vidhana Soudha

Described by Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru as 'a temple dedicated to the nation', Vidhana Soudha stands 150 feet tall and boasts of an elegant and truly exquisite Neo-Dravidian style of architecture. It houses the State Legislature and the Secretariat of Karnataka and is one of the most popular attractions in the lively and colourful city of Bengaluru. It prides on being the largest state legislative building in the country sporting four entrances in all four directions and four floors above the ground level and one below it. It is counted as one of the most magnificent buildings in the city impressing and intimidating the beholder.

6. ISKCON Temple

Located in Rajajinagar, ISKCON Temple is a revered shrine dedicated to Lord Krishna. Apart from a religious shrine, ISKCON temple is a cultural complex known for its activities of engagement involving ardent devotees of Lord Krishna, where the temple community organises songs, recitals, lectures and prayer services. A must visit for the spiritually initiated.

Source: Goibibo

7. MG Road

One of the busiest roads in Bengaluru, MG Road is always abuzz with recreational and commercial activities and is a one-stop destination for shopping or hanging-out. Whether you’re looking for traditional handicrafts, silk saris, cutlery, bone china sets, jewellery, clothes or books, you can find it all here. Church Street that runs parallel to this road is a foodie’s paradise, with a plethora of restaurants and cafes offering varied cuisines. MG Road is a must visit when you're in the city, where you can shop by day and party by night, dancing till you drop in any of the high-end pubs in and around this street.

These and many more such attractions make Bangalore a coveted holiday destination. So next time you’re in the city, go ahead and mix business with pleasure, you won’t regret it.

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A Trip to Shirdi with my extended family

Most people confuse a trip to a holy destination as a pilgrimage. While it might or might be true some times, a visit to a temple town can also be defined as an experiential trip. Like the one, I recently made to Shirdi with my parents, grandparents, and aunts. It was my first trip to Shirdi and the first ever with my grandparents.

The first hurdle of traveling in a big group is to find an economical transport solution, particularly, when you have elderlies traveling with you. After a lot of online searching, I found the Tempo Traveller price in Pune to be quite cheap.

The road to Shirdi

Shirdi lies at 186 KM from Pune city. We left Pune before daybreak, so we could reach the Sai Baba Temple before noon. After crossing Hinjewadi, we followed NH 60 for about an hour and a half (roughly 140 KM). From this point, the landscape completely changed. The cityscape was far behind and we were passing through the rural interiors of Maharashtra. Although the views would have been much better, had it been monsoon, the pre-summer landscape was quite scenic. We were on the Sangamner – Kopargaon Road and had to exit the highway and take the country roads. The red, dusty tracks were lined with sugarcane fields and sparsely foliaged trees, which was a beauty in itself. I had mostly traveled around the coastal regions of the state and this was a very different view of Maharashtra for me.

We finally reached Shirdi after nearly four and a half hours. We checked into a small hotel near the main temple area and freshened up before heading for the darshan. My aunt had managed to do online registration for the viewing so we could avoid the long queues and make it easier for my grandparents. Fortunately, it was a weekday morning and there was much lesser crowd than what would be on a weekend (or Tuesdays) or any other festival day. But it was not empty either. It was remarkable to see devotees and pilgrims from different parts of the country, traveling all the way to get darshan. Faith is indeed a magical thing.

A tour of the temple

The Sai Baba Sansthan Temple is the main attraction of the town and is what defines Shirdi. The huge complex spread across 200 square meters. The overall structure was quite simplistic in nature but had a very warm vibe about it. Once we entered the premise, it was a stark contrast. The interior walls, pillars, and even the ceilings were covered in gold, with a grand chandelier handing right over the main altar. In the middle of a small marble enclosure sat the stone idol of the holy saint. The shrine was off-limits to visitors but one could get a view up close from about an arm’s distance. With our online booking, we could skip the mainstream queue but had to wait nevertheless to reach the priest who was doling out prasad and blessed the offerings given by devotees. I couldn’t stop marveling at the grandeur of the place. As we drew closer, to the altar, I saw the Samadhi in front of the shrine, also cordoned off from the visitors. It is said that this was where Sai Baba took his last breath and left for the heavenly abode. It was carved out of marble and covered with bright orange cloth.

Soon, we finished our darshan and moved to explore the temple complex.

We headed to the Gurusthan – a marble enclosure built under a Neem tree on the premise. Gurusthan, or ‘the seat of the teacher’ was where Sai Baba was first seen. He would sit under the neem tree and share his teachings with his very first followers. Around the corner from that site, was the sacred fire or Dhuni. It is believed that the fire was lit by Sai Baba and is so miraculous that it never dies.

The sun was getting hotter and we decided to head back to the hotel for lunch and some rest.

A divine ending to the day

Later in the evening, we came back to the temple to view the aarti session. This prayer session is said to be one of the most divine experiences at the temple. And when it happened, I could see why. It was followed by a puja and ended with offering prasad to the devotees.

Throughout the trip, my grandfather told me fascinating stories about Sai Baba and his life, and the experiences of people that he had heard of. I was truly awed by the anecdotes, the sight of the temple and the overall energy of the place.

When it comes to visiting such holy places, every season is a good season, and every time is a good time. We had no particular objective but to experience a holy place as a family, which gladly, we could successfully achieve.

Travel tips:

• If you are traveling solo or with a lesser number of people, you can book a dependable Pune to Shirdi cab, which you can keep with you for the day or overnight stay.

• The best time to visit Shirdi is either late winters or after the monsoon.

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Top 7 Reasons to Visit Rome

Rome is the capital of Italy and is a destination that features on many people’s bucket list. The city of Rome has a long history as it was founded in the year 753 BC and is home to some of the richest culture that you will struggle to find anywhere else in the world. From the Colosseum to the independent Vatican City-state that resides within Rome, the capital of Italy is one of the most impressive cities you can visit.

Rome is a unique and unforgettable place, and a vacation here will be an experience that will stay with you for years to come. If you aren’t quite convinced enough at how amazing Rome is, then here are seven reasons why you should visit Rome.

Seven Reasons to Visit Rome

Art and Culture

Rome, along with the rest of Italy, is one of the culturally richest countries in the world thanks to the influence and power of the former Roman empire that dominates much of the country’s history. Rome is very proud of its heritage, and around every corner in Rome you will see a museum, palace, or art gallery boasting a huge collection of both old and new artworks. Also, many of the old villas that historical noble families used to live in are now open to the public as a form of museum so that you can get an idea of their lives.

Accommodation

One of the best things about visiting Rome is that you can enjoy everything the city has to offer, no matter what your budget; from the luxury boutiques that are available in the Central Station region of the city, to the hostels that are available in the Esquilino area at a cheaper price, there is something for everyone.

While the hustle and bustle that exists in Rome can seem confusing and chaotic, you will eventually become pleasantly surprised at how close everything is so that you can walk to most places of interest. If you are heading to the city of Rome to enjoy all the romance that it has to offer, then you may want to stay in the hilltop location of Aventine Hill which is very popular amongst honeymooners. This is a more exclusive area of Rome so there aren’t that many hotels there, which makes it a great private area of the city to enjoy with your other half.

Endless History

For your first time visit to Rome, you have to explore the endless amount of history that the city has to offer. You should be sure to visit the historic center where you can experience the medieval streets, vibrant bars and restaurants, as well as the buzzing atmosphere.

The three main historical parts of Rome that are essential sightseeing areas are Ancient Rome, the historic center and the Vatican. Centered around the Colosseum, Ancient Rome is home to many ancient ruins. You should be sure to check out these tours of Rome to ensure that you experience everything that the amazing city has to offer.

The Fountains

Rome is home to one of the most well-known fountains in the world, the Trevi Fountain, and it was designed by Italian architect and designer Nicola Salvi in the year 1762. It is one of the oldest water sources to exist in Rome and used to provide the water for the Roman baths. Despite the creation of this masterpiece back in 1762, he wasn’t the original architect, but Pope Clemens XII held a contest for a new design for the foundation back in 1730 and Salvi won.

Top Tip: It is illegal to get the coins that are thrown into the fountain and people have been arrested for this offense in the past. The money is used towards a supermarket program to help provide the poorest of Rome’s people with food.

Fashion

Rome is one of the fashion capitals of the world, and it is more than fair to say that the Italians know a fair bit about fashion and clothes. Therefore, if you see yourself as a bit of a fashionista yourself, then you will be pleased to know that you will be surrounded by the amazing pieces of fashion provided by the likes of Valentino, Gucci and Dolce and Gabbana.

The ‘Made in Italy’ stamp is held with pride all over the world, so where better to experience everything that is fashion than in the Via del Corso, which is great for the budget-friendly shopper, or the Via dei Condotti, if you fancy treating yourself to something special during your trip!

The Weather

The weather in Rome is well-known for being mild all year round, which makes it a great destination that you can enjoy in every season. Each season in Rome has its own unique selling point, from enjoying the sunny weather with a glass of wine outside an Italian bar in summer to feeling festive in the winter months with the Christmas atmosphere. However, it can get very warm in Rome in the summer months so don’t forget to pack your sunscreen.

Wine and Food

Eating and drinking in Rome is quite affordable and many restaurants provide an unlimited buffet style lunch, but this takes place mostly on the weekdays rather than weekends. You can get these buffet style lunches for as little as €9 in some areas of the city. While in Rome you should be sure to taste as much of the delicious Italian breads, meats, and wine as possible!

If you make a visit to the Vatican, you will be spoilt for choice when it comes to dining out options. But if you really want to immerse yourself in the local culture, be sure to pay a visit to Arlu, a family owned restaurant where Italians spend up to three hours indulging in homemade pasta dishes, freshly made desserts and locally produced wines.

There are many reasons why you should visit Rome, but whether you want to spend your trip exploring the historical attractions, or simply enjoying an Italian meal sat outside in the sun, there is something for every type of traveler to enjoy.

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