Sacred Temples of India Tour – 15 Days
India’s spiritual heritage spans thousands of years, reflected vividly in its legendary temples, revered shrines, ancient architecture, and timeless traditions. The “Sacred Temples of India Tour – 15 Days” is an immersive pilgrimage journey that covers some of the country’s holiest destinations. From Himalayan shrines and sacred Jyotirlingas to Dravidian temple marvels and UNESCO-protected complexes, this itinerary allows travellers to delve deeply into India’s profound spiritual culture.
This comprehensive 15-day guide provides a formal, descriptive, and research-based overview of important temples, day-wise itinerary planning, major distances, access routes, staying options (without any hotel contact numbers), and the best time to embark on this spiritually enriching tour. Crafted specially for WordPress integration, it supports travel agencies, cultural bloggers, and spiritual-tour content creators.
Overview of the Sacred Temples of India Tour
This 15-day spiritual circuit covers India’s most iconic temples across the north and south:
- Delhi & Varanasi: Deeply spiritual centers with ancient temples and holy ghats.
- Khajuraho & Orchha: Architectural wonders with historical and religious significance.
- Indore & Ujjain: Home to sacred Jyotirlingas and legendary Hindu pilgrimage sites.
- Nashik & Shirdi: Sites associated with Lord Rama and Sai Baba.
- Rameswaram & Madurai: South India’s most revered temples with Dravidian architectural magnificence.
- Kanchipuram & Chennai: Ancient temple towns known for spirituality and monumental shrines.
Together, these sacred destinations offer travellers a holistic spiritual experience through rituals, temple darshans, devotion, art, mythology, and cultural immersion.
15-Day Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival in Delhi – Introducing India’s Spiritual Landscape
Arrive in Delhi, a city where ancient temples, Mughal architecture, and vibrant bazaars coexist harmoniously. The day includes visits to major temples:
- Akshardham Temple
- Birla Mandir (Laxminarayan Temple)
- Hanuman Mandir (Connaught Place)
- Lotus Temple (Bahá’í House of Worship)
Delhi offers the perfect introduction to India’s multi-cultural spiritual traditions.
Day 2: Delhi to Varanasi – India’s Spiritual Capital
Fly from Delhi to Varanasi, one of the world’s oldest living cities.
Flight Duration: approx. 1 hour 20 minutes
In the evening, witness the divine Ganga Aarti at Dashashwamedh Ghat, a mesmerizing experience of devotion, incense, chanting, and glowing lamps reflecting upon the holy river.
Day 3: Varanasi – Temple Circuit & Sarnath
Early morning boat ride on the Ganges reveals temples along the ghats, pilgrims performing rituals, and spiritual ceremonies.
Important Temples:
- Kashi Vishwanath Temple
- Durga Kund Temple
- Annapurna Temple
- Tulsi Manas Temple
Later, visit Sarnath, where Buddha delivered his first sermon. Explore the Dhamek Stupa, Chaukhandi Stupa, and the Archaeological Museum.
Day 4: Varanasi to Khajuraho – A UNESCO Spiritual Gem
Distance: 420 km by air route
Travel Time: approx. 1.5 hours by flight
Khajuraho’s temples are globally admired for intricate sculptures representing devotion, art, and human emotions. Explore:
- Kandariya Mahadev Temple
- Lakshmana Temple
- Chitragupta Temple
These structures reflect India’s ancient spiritual and artistic brilliance.
Day 5: Khajuraho to Orchha – Riverfront Pilgrimage Town
Distance: 180 km
Travel Time: 4 hours
- Ram Raja Temple
- Chaturbhuj Temple
- Lakshmi Narayan Temple
Orchha’s serene ghats and temple complexes present a tranquil spiritual environment beside the Betwa River.
Day 6: Orchha to Indore – Gateway to Mahakaleshwar
Distance: 500 km
Travel Time: 9–10 hours by road or 1 hour by flight (via Gwalior–Indore route)
Evening free for visiting Indore’s spiritual landmarks and traditional markets.
Day 7: Ujjain Darshan – Home to Mahakaleshwar Jyotirlinga
Ujjain is among Hinduism’s holiest cities, famous for the Mahakaleshwar Temple—one of the 12 sacred Jyotirlingas.
- Mahakaleshwar Jyotirlinga
- Kal Bhairav Temple
- Harsiddhi Temple
- Ram Ghat (Kshipra River)
Day 8: Indore to Nashik – Holy City of the Kumbh
Distance: 400 km
Travel Time: 7–8 hours
- Trimbakeshwar Jyotirlinga
- Panchavati
- Sita Gufa
Day 9: Nashik to Shirdi – The Land of Sai Baba
Distance: 90 km
Travel Time: 2 hours
Visit the sacred Shirdi Sai Baba Temple, an important pilgrimage destination known for peace, healing, and devotion.
Day 10: Shirdi to Madurai (Flight)
Travel from Shirdi to Madurai via Mumbai or Chennai.
Total Flight Duration: approx. 4–5 hours (including connection)
Day 11: Madurai – The Temple City of Tamil Nadu
Madurai is home to the iconic Meenakshi Amman Temple, renowned for its Dravidian architecture, detailed sculptures, divine atmosphere, and vibrant culture.
- Meenakshi Temple
- Tirumalai Nayakkar Palace
- Gandhi Museum
Day 12: Madurai to Rameswaram – Sacred Island Pilgrimage
Distance: 170 km
Travel Time: 3–4 hours
- Ramanathaswamy Temple (Jyotirlinga)
- Dhanushkodi Beach
- Pamban Bridge
Rameswaram is considered one of the holiest Char Dham destinations of India.
Day 13: Rameswaram to Kanchipuram – City of a Thousand Temples
Distance: 470 km
Travel Time: 8–9 hours
- Kamakshi Amman Temple
- Ekambareswarar Temple
- Varadaraja Perumal Temple
Day 14: Kanchipuram to Chennai – Coastal Spiritual Hub
Distance: 75 km
Travel Time: 2 hours
- Kapaleeshwarar Temple
- Parthasarathy Temple
- Marina Beach
Day 15: Departure from Chennai
Conclude the 15-day temple tour with a serene heart and spiritually enriched mind. Proceed to Chennai Airport or railway station for onward journey.
Important Temples & Sacred Points to See
North India
- Kashi Vishwanath Temple, Varanasi
- Birla Mandir, Delhi
- Hanuman Mandir, Delhi
- Sarnath Buddhist Complex
Central India
- Mahakaleshwar Jyotirlinga (Ujjain)
- Khajuraho Temple Complex
- Orchha Ram Raja Temple
Western India
- Trimbakeshwar Jyotirlinga (Nashik)
- Shirdi Sai Baba Temple
South India
- Meenakshi Temple (Madurai)
- Ramanathaswamy Temple (Rameswaram)
- Ekambareswarar Temple (Kanchipuram)
- Kapaleeshwarar Temple (Chennai)
Major Distances Covered in This Tour
| Route | Distance | Approx Travel Time |
|---|---|---|
| Delhi → Varanasi (Flight) | 800+ km | 1.5 hours |
| Varanasi → Khajuraho (Flight) | 420 km | 1.5 hours |
| Khajuraho → Orchha | 180 km | 4 hours |
| Orchha → Indore | 500 km | 9–10 hours |
| Indore → Nashik | 400 km | 7–8 hours |
| Nashik → Shirdi | 90 km | 2 hours |
| Madurai → Rameswaram | 170 km | 3–4 hours |
| Rameswaram → Kanchipuram | 470 km | 8–9 hours |
How to Reach the Temple Circuit
Starting Point: Delhi
By Air: Indira Gandhi International Airport has global connectivity.
By Rail: New Delhi, Old Delhi & Hazrat Nizamuddin stations serve major routes.
By Road: Connected via expressways to major North Indian cities.
Other Key Points
- Varanasi, Khajuraho, Indore, Madurai & Chennai have airports.
- Shirdi, Nashik & Rameswaram are well-connected via highways.
Staying Options (Properties)
Delhi
Comfortable mid-range hotels, heritage stays, boutique properties, and modern city hotels.
Varanasi
River-facing hotels, heritage ghatside stays, spiritual guesthouses, and modern accommodations.
Khajuraho & Orchha
Boutique resorts, heritage properties, and peaceful nature lodges.
Indore & Ujjain
Urban hotels, budget-friendly stays, and spiritual guesthouses near temple zones.
Nashik & Shirdi
Pilgrimage stays, spacious hotels, and comfortable spiritual retreats.
Madurai
Temple-view stays, boutique hotels, and comfortable city properties.
Rameswaram
Sea-facing hotels, pilgrimage lodges, and mid-range resorts.
Kanchipuram & Chennai
Heritage-style temple-town stays, business-class hotels, and beachside luxury resorts.
Best Time to Undertake the Sacred Temples Tour
The ideal time for this 15-day spiritual journey is October to March. During these months:
- Weather is pleasant across all destinations.
- South Indian temple visits are more comfortable.
- Northern India offers clearer skies for darshans & rituals.
- Festivals like Diwali, Navratri & Pongal enhance cultural experiences.
Conclusion
The “Sacred Temples of India Tour – 15 Days” is a profound spiritual expedition through India’s holiest landscapes. Covering ancient shrines, Jyotirlingas, heritage temples, sacred rivers, and pilgrimage towns, this journey provides both inner peace and cultural enlightenment. Every destination has a story, every temple resonates with devotion, and every ritual carries centuries of tradition.
Ideal for spiritual explorers, family pilgrims, cultural heritage travellers, and seekers of inner harmony, this itinerary offers an unforgettable path through India’s timeless spiritual legacy.