15 Pilgrimage Places To Visit Nearby Bengaluru

“No amount of heat, rain or cold can stop the soul which wants to exult in the worship of God”

It’s time to give that much required change to yourself and what can be better than to sojourn around Bengaluru to witness some of the wondrous pilgrimage getaways that reawakens your inner self. As you set foot in this capital city nestled in Southern India, you may be astounded at the fact that the place which is oh so “popular” for its nightlife and parks is also surrounded by a number of magnificently carved temples, mosques and churches. In fact some of them are so beautiful that they let you reanimate a new world in which you live a peaceful and tranquil time, forgetting about all your worries. This is why, you must go for a holy venture to these enriched shrines near Bengaluru and let your soul stay there for a while lost in the soothing chants. Here are our top 15 picks for the best pilgrimage getaways near Bengaluru for you.

* Tirupati

At a distance of 250 kms from the oh so urban city of Bengaluru lies the land of inescapable charm, Tirupati. The city which is known for its primeval shrines is nurtured in Andhra Pradesh, the glorious state of South India. With a temperature ranging between 28°C and 15°C, its one of the best winter getaway destinations for a short trip of 1 or 2 days where staying a little longer would not be a bad option too ! The city is not just bound to being a smart city as devotees in abundance travel here with a religious outlook hence it is known as the most primitive and ancient pilgrimage site in India. Tirupati is not just famous for its temples but for the indulgence of its locals and visitors in various frenzy festivals like Ratha Saptami,Shri Krishna Janmashtami,Srivari Brahmotsavam and many more.

* Madurai

Enter the enchanting city of Madurai settled on the bank of Vaigai River in the state of Tamil Nadu. Heard of Meenakshi Temple? Well it’s here in Madurai. The temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati who is known for fertility, love, devotion. Meenakshi Temple showers blessings on all its devotees seeking answers on health, wealth and children. Donning vibrant colours, the holy place has 14 towers with approximately 33,000 sculptures of gods, goddesses, animals , demons, each telling a story of the battles fought. This popular house of worship dates back to 6th Century which was rebuilt by Vishwanatha Nayaka in 16th C and is beautiful inside out. One sight not to miss is the Meenakshi Nayakkar Mandapam which has an illuminating sculpted passage leading to a hall.

* Tirumala

High above the blue flowing sea lies the holy hill town of Tirumala surrounded by seven wondrous peaks. Tirumala which is 267 km away from Bengaluru is a must visit pilgrimage site in South India, for the reason that it’s the homeland of Lord Venkateswara, a form of the Hindu God Vishnu and it’s also destined with undeniable beauty of the Tirumala Temple. As the temple lies on Venkata, the seventh peak it’s also known as the “temple of seven hills”. Devotees throughout the year travel to this temple. You will find people wearing sarees and dhotis with tilaka and tonsure adding the traditional tinge. Apart from seeking blessings from the almighty, you can savour the views at the seven hills that behold such soul stirring blue sky with silvery clouds.

* Srirangapatna

Srirangapatna settled in the state of Karnataka, represent its own essence and culture! It is best known for its historical importance where the warm town got it’s name from Ranganatha Swamy Temple that was built by the Ganga Dynasty rulers. The temple is dedicated to Lord Vishnu, hence holds a lot of importance for Hindu devotees. This sacred site showcases a blend of Vijayanagar and Hoysala styles of temple architecture with ‘50 shrines’ where the Vimanam shaped like an OM is gold plated and small water bodies flowing here and there can be seen.

* Puttaparthi

Take the blessings of Sri Sathya Sai Baba who was born here, in the tranquil town of Puttaparthi. The town which is located on the banks of Chitravathi River though being small in area has a lot of blessings and love to offer as the ashram Prasanthi Nilayam meaning “the abode of highest peace” is nestled here. This Ashram was inaugurated in the year 1950 and here you can see the darshana hall where Sai Baba used to give darshan to the worshippers. Preaching the message of Shanti, the ashram is coloured in blue, yellow and pink representing spirit, intellect and love. Besides this, there are a lot of shrines adding to the beauty of Puttaparthi.

* Kanchipuram

Enjoy your spiritual tour here in one of the oldest cities of Tamil Nadu. Spreading over an area of 11.605 sq km , the city is known for its historical importance where it served as an educational center. The city according to Vaishnavism Hindu mythology is one of the seven tirtha sites. Kanchipuram nurtures in it religions like Jainism, Hinduism, Buddhism, and is best known for its silk sarees and temples. Ekambareswarar Temple is the largest temple in Kanchi devoted to Lord Shiva and it represents the five elements of nature and of Earth. The architecture of the expansive temple leaves you awestruck with lofty gateway towers and sacred shrines. Enjoy the Panguni Uthiram festival, which is one of the most celebrated events by the town and the temple for 10 days in March or April.

* Velankanni

Velankanni is truly one of the most popular Christian pilgrimages which can be visited by any worshipper who has will in heart to serve the Almighty. When here, you would be delighted to see the lights glimmering on the Basilica of Our Lady of Good Health which is ascribed to three miracles at different places near the Basilica itself. From being a small church in 16th Century to being rebuilt into a stunning white structure in 1960, it is one of the country’s biggest Catholic pilgrimage sites. The shrine dons a gothic architecture with red contrasting tiles to its white structure and includes three chapels. Spend an evening in the warmth of the Basilica and feel a sudden calmness take over or be a part of the annual festival which takes place from late August to 8th of September.

* Nagore

Bright blue skies and azure water flowing, is a scenic view, isn’t it ? Well with Bay of Bengal along the shore, Nagore is a truly blessed small town with people giving warm welcome to worshippers irrespective of their nationality as it’s the home of the Nagore Dargah , the pristine Islamic shrine which dates back to 5th century. Every brick, every worshipper, every ritual and festival in Nagore opens it arms to the whole mankind with love. The Kanthuri festival lasting for 14 days is the most important celebration of the year where pilgrims and locals honour the death anniversary of Shahul Hamid, falling in the months of October and November. Besides, worshippers can take a dip in the holy water of Shifa Gunta, so pack your bags and visit Nagore!

* Shravanabelagola

Climb up the Vindhyagiri hill to spot the Bahubali statue, when you are in the holy town of Shravanabelagola.The town which got its name from the Bela Kola, a white water pond in the middle of the town is situated in the state of Karnataka, and is one of the famous pilgrimages for Jains. One can come across the greatest examples of Basadi being beautifully erected here, from the Bahubali statue which is the tallest monolithic stone statue in the world sculpted from a single block of granite to Suparshwanatha Digambar Jain Temple, all of these attract Jain devotees from all over the world. Witness the greatest celebrations taking place here on Mahamastakabhisheka festival once in every 12 years, with devotees showering sandalwood, rice, gold and silver flowers here.

* Puducherry

Popularly known as Pondy, this Union Territory holds its place as a French Town ascribed to their rule over it till 1954. One can still find traces of the dominance of the French on its culture, lifestyle and architecture. So while some may prefer indulging in the French cuisine, pilgrims travel here to revel in the visual beauty of the churches and mosques built here. One popular pilgrimage site from the list would be the Church of Our lady of good health, which is 270 years old and is located in the heart of the village Ariyankuppam. Hand over heart you will fall in love with the interior here with round arches making way for the aisle. On your way to the church you will also find the first ever mosque in Pondicherry, the Jamia Mosque. Also known as the Khutbah Mosque it is said to be positioned in front of the most idealized pilgrimage site of Muslims, Mecca. Of course, one cannot forget about Auroville, which is situated a few kilometers away from Pondicherry and preach of a religion that embraces all. Therefore when it comes to religious tours around Bengaluru, Pondicherry cannot be missed.

* Hampi

Heart winning culture and uniqueness in every part, that is the temple town of Hampi for you. Situated on the bank of the Tungabhadra River, this town is acknowledged as a UNESCO World Heritage Site with temples like Virupaksha. Mostly all the temples in South India are dedicated to Lord Shiva but in Hampi, there are Jain Temples too like the beautifully sculpted Hemkut dating back to 14th Century. The architecture of the temple is minimalist with pillared halls and small shrines where you can spend your time praying to the almighty and revitalize your sense in the chants for Lord Shiva who is known as Virupaksha here.

* Hyderabad

Though being a little far from Bengaluru, still true worshippers can visit this holy place. The Capital City of Hyderabad is popularly known for the Makkah Masjid and Charminar which are the top Islamic pilgrimage sites of Telangana. Makkah Masjid which is one of the largest Masjids in India was built by a single piece of granite with 8,000 workers carving it. An interesting fact about the Masjid is that the main hall can accommodate 10,000 worshippers at a time being so huge and dramatically marvellous! Talking about Charminar, it’s one of the major landmarks of Hyderabad and a global icon which is a two in one creation being a monument and a mosque.

* Lepakshi

Vijaynagar styled temples, refined architecture, and art is the best way Lepakshi is described. Lepakshi a village in Andhra Pradesh and is 124 km away from Bengaluru and is best known for its important house of worship devoted to Lord Shiva, Vishnu and Veerabhadra. Founded in the 16th Century, the village is known for the famous Veerabhadra Temple which is visited mostly in winters being an epitome of grace and a relief to the eyes with Vijaynagar style architecture. Some of the most aesthetic paintings in soothing colours depicting the Hindu epics of Ramayan and Mahabharata can be found here. Seek blessings of the mighty Lord Shiva statue when visiting this beauty.

* Chidambaram

Plan a trip to the stage of wisdom, Chidambaram. The town located in the Indian state of Tamil Nadu is one of the best pilgrimage getaways for Hindus. As you enter the town not only will you come across different people but a different vibe,a spiritual one! Chidambaram is known for the Thillai Nataraja Temple, a Hindu Temple which is devoted to Lord Shiva having five parakarams as per the Agama rules. The shrine is adorned with bronze stone sculptures, statues and thillai trees which make the outer view of the town quite scenic. With great historical significance, this classic temple influences worship, architecture, performing arts and Hindu culture. As the name suggests the temple is famous for the Natyanjali dance festival on Mahashivratri.

* Murudeshwara

Reawaken your inner self here in Murudeshwara where you will come across some of the most heart stirring houses of worship. The serene land located in the state of Karnataka is a must visit pilgrimage site in South India where you can sight the second highest statue of Lord Shiva made to shine in the sun at the Murudeshwara Temple. Devotees, majorly Shaivites come here to serve and light diyas and pray for good health of their loved ones. What adds more holy essence to the beauty is the Arabian sea on three sides of the temple.