Lord Venkateswara Temple is the richest and most visited Hindu temple in the world, receiving 50,000-100,000 pilgrims daily. Located atop the seven hills of Tirumala at 853m elevation. The Dravid architecture temple houses Lord Venkateswara (Vishnu avatar). Famous for its gold-plated Gopuram and the sacred Tirupati Laddu prasadam. Devotees offer hair tonsure as a religious vow. Best Time: September to February for pleasant weather.

Meenakshi Amman Temple is a historic Hindu temple dedicated to Goddess Meenakshi (Parvati) and Lord Sundareshwarar (Shiva). Built in 6th century with major renovations in 16th-17th centuries, it's one of the finest examples of Dravidian architecture. The temple complex covers 14 acres with 14 magnificent gopurams (towers), the tallest reaching 52 meters. The Hall of Thousand Pillars, Ashta Shakti Mandapam, and golden lotus tank are architectural marvels. The temple receives 15,000 visitors daily. Best Time: October to March. Meenakshi Tirukalyanam (April-May) is the annual 10-day festival.

The Golden Temple (Harmandir Sahib) is the holiest Gurdwara of Sikhism. The stunning gold-plated structure surrounded by the sacred Amrit Sarovar (pool of nectar) was built in 1604 by Guru Arjan. Open 24/7 to all faiths, the temple serves free meals (langar) to over 100,000 people daily. The Guru Granth Sahib is carried in a palki to the temple each morning and back at night. Best Time: October to March. Baisakhi (April) and Guru Nanak Jayanti are special.

Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Temple is one of the holiest Hindu temples dedicated to Goddess Vaishno Devi, located in the Trikuta Mountains at 5,200 feet. The 13.5 km trek from Katra is undertaken by over 8 million pilgrims annually. The temple cave houses three natural pindies representing Maha Kali, Maha Lakshmi, and Maha Saraswati. Legend says Mata Vaishno Devi meditated here for 9 months before taking the form of a rock with three heads. Best Time: March to October. Winter can be harsh with snowfall.

Somnath Temple is the first among the twelve Jyotirlinga shrines of Lord Shiva. Located on the shores of Arabian Sea, it's been destroyed and rebuilt 17 times. The current structure was rebuilt in 1951 after independence. The temple is mentioned in ancient texts like Rig Veda, Shiva Purana, and Skanda Purana. The temple's location is considered to be on the shore with no land between it and Antarctica. The Chalukya style architecture and beachfront location make it stunning. Best Time: October to March. Mahashivratri is the grandest celebration.

Sabarimala is one of the largest annual pilgrimage destinations in the world, with over 100 million devotees annually. The temple is dedicated to Lord Ayyappa, son of Shiva and Mohini (Vishnu's female avatar). Located at 1,260m in the Periyar Tiger Reserve, the temple opens only during specific seasons. Devotees observe 41 days of strict penance before the pilgrimage. The trek involves 18 sacred steps (Pathinettam Padi) that can only be climbed after ritual observances. Best Time: November to January (Mandala-Makaravilakku season). Temple closed during monsoons.

Kashi Vishwanath Temple is one of the 12 Jyotirlingas dedicated to Lord Shiva. Located on the western bank of holy Ganges in Varanasi, it's one of the most sacred Hindu temples. The current structure was built by Rani Ahilyabai Holkar in 1780. The main deity is a Jyotirlinga made of black stone, placed in a silver altar. The temple has a gold spire and dome donated by Maharaja Ranjit Singh. A visit to Kashi Vishwanath and a bath in Ganges is believed to grant moksha (liberation). Best Time: October to March. Maha Shivaratri is the most auspicious time.

One of the Char Dham pilgrimage sites, Badrinath Temple is dedicated to Lord Vishnu at 3,300m altitude. Located between Nar and Narayan mountain ranges, the temple opens for 6 months annually (April/May to November). The black stone idol of Badrinarayan (Vishnu) is considered one of 108 Divya Desams. The natural hot springs (Tapt Kund) near the temple are believed to have medicinal properties. Best Time: May to June, September to October.

Shree Siddhivinayak Ganapati Temple is one of Mumbai's most famous temples dedicated to Lord Ganesha. Built in 1801, the temple receives over 100,000 devotees on Tuesdays and religious festivals. The main idol is a 2.5 feet tall black stone statue of Lord Ganesha with his trunk turned to the right (rare form). The temple is known for granting wishes of devotees. Many Bollywood celebrities visit before starting new projects. Best Time: Year-round. Ganesh Chaturthi (August-September) sees massive crowds.

One of the 12 Jyotirlingas of Lord Shiva, Kedarnath Temple is located at 3,583m in the Garhwal Himalayas. Built in 8th century by Adi Shankaracharya, the temple opens only 6 months (April-November) due to heavy snowfall. The temple miraculously survived the 2013 Uttarakhand floods when a massive rock shielded it. The journey involves an 18 km trek from Gaurikund or helicopter service from Phata/Sersi. Best Time: May to June, September to October.

Jagannath Temple is one of the four sacred Char Dham pilgrimage sites. Built in 12th century by King Anantavarman Chodaganga Deva, it houses Lord Jagannath (form of Vishnu), along with his siblings Balabhadra and Subhadra. The temple is famous for its annual Rath Yatra (chariot festival) attracting millions of devotees. The 65-meter tall temple has a flag that always flaps in opposite direction to wind. Only Hindus are allowed inside the main temple. Best Time: October to March. Rath Yatra (June-July) is the most auspicious time.

Kamakhya Temple is one of the 51 Shakti Peethas dedicated to Goddess Kamakhya. Located atop Nilachal Hill, it's one of the most revered Tantric temples in India. The temple celebrates the menstrual cycle of the goddess during Ambubachi Mela. Built in 10th century, the temple has a unique structure with no idol but a natural stone yoni (female genital) that's constantly moist. The temple attracts Tantric practitioners from across the world during the annual Ambubachi festival. Best Time: October to April. Ambubachi Mela (June) attracts millions of devotees.