Pilgrimage Road Trips in India: Top 15 Pilgrimage Routes for 2024!

Looking for a meaningful way to explore India? Combining your spiritual journey with a road trip might be just what you need. India is filled with temples, shrines, and holy places, each with its own special story. The best part? These sacred spots are surrounded by some of India’s most beautiful scenery.

Taking your car or joining a road trip to these holy places does two things – it lets you connect with your spiritual side while also enjoying the amazing views along the way. You could be driving through snow-capped mountains, along peaceful beaches, or across golden deserts – each route offers something different.

Don’t worry if you’re short on time or want a longer adventure – there’s a pilgrimage road trips in India for everyone. Some trips take just a day or two, while others can stretch into a week-long journey. Let’s look at some of the best pilgrimage routes you can drive through in India.

1. Char Dham Yatra, Uttarakhand

• Route: Haridwar – Yamunotri – Gangotri – Kedarnath – Badrinath – Haridwar
• Distance: Approximately 1,500 km (round trip)
• Duration: 10–12 days

The Char Dham Yatra is a renowned pilgrimage journey that takes travelers through the high mountains of Uttarakhand. This circuit covers four sacred sites: Yamunotri, Gangotri, Kedarnath, and Badrinath. The Char Dham Yatra road trip is challenging, as it involves narrow, winding roads in the mountains, but it’s also known as one of the most beautiful pilgrimage road trips in India. As you drive from Haridwar to each of these holy towns, you pass through lush green valleys, rivers, and beautiful villages. Many believe that visiting all four places brings spiritual peace and washes away past sins.

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2. Amarnath Yatra, Jammu & Kashmir

• Route: Srinagar – Baltal – Amarnath Cave – Srinagar
• Distance: Approximately 150 km (from Srinagar to Baltal, then a 14 km trek)
• Duration: 3–4 days

The journey to Amarnath Cave in Jammu & Kashmir is considered one of the most beautiful pilgrimage road trips in India. The Amarnath Cave, where a natural ice formation resembling Lord Shiva forms every year, is a sacred site for Hindus. Starting from Srinagar, this road trip includes passing by Dal Lake, beautiful meadows, and snowcapped peaks. From Baltal, pilgrims need to trek or take a pony ride to reach the cave, which adds an adventurous twist to this spiritual road trip. With its stunning scenery, the Amarnath Yatra is one of the best pilgrimage road trips in India, especially during the summer months.

3. Dwarka to Somnath, Gujarat

• Route: Dwarka – Porbandar – Somnath
• Distance: Approximately 235 km
• Duration: 5–6 hours

The Dwarka Somnath road trip is a popular pilgrimage & religious road trip in India, taking you to two significant holy cities in Gujarat. Dwarka is known as the ancient kingdom of Lord Krishna, and Somnath is home to one of the 12 Jyotirlingas of Lord Shiva. Along the way, travelers can stop in Porbandar, the birthplace of Mahatma Gandhi, making this journey both spiritual and historical. The coastal views, gentle waves of the Arabian Sea, and traditional Gujarat culture make this one of the most spectacular road trips in India.

4. Vaishno Devi Yatra, Jammu

• Route: Jammu – Katra – Vaishno Devi Temple
• Distance: 50 km (from Jammu to Katra, then a 12 km trek)
• Duration: 1–2 days

A journey to the Vaishno Devi shrine is one of the most popular pilgrimage road trips destinations in India. The road trip begins from Jammu to Katra, a town situated in the foothills. From Katra, a 12 km trek leads to the holy cave of Goddess Vaishno Devi. Many pilgrims take this journey each year, often in groups, with faith in their hearts. The trek to the shrine is lined with scenic hill views, making the journey just as special as the destination itself. The Vaishno Devi road trip is perfect for those seeking blessings and adventure alike.

5. Golden Temple, Amritsar, Punjab

• Route: Delhi – Amritsar
• Distance: Approximately 450 km
• Duration: 7–8 hours

The Golden Temple road trip is a beautiful drive for those visiting Punjab. The journey from Delhi to Amritsar takes around 7–8 hours, offering views of the green Punjab countryside and fields along the way. The Golden Temple itself is a peaceful and beautiful place to visit, with its golden dome shimmering on the water. This road trip also includes stops at Jallianwala Bagh, a historic garden, and the lively Wagah Border ceremony. The Amritsar trip is truly one of the top pilgrimage road trips in India, combining history, culture, and spirituality.

6. Rameswaram, Tamil Nadu

• Route: Madurai – Rameswaram
• Distance: Approximately 170 km
• Duration: 3–4 hours

Rameswaram, located on Pamban Island, is a sacred destination for Hindus and is one of the four Char Dhams. This pilgrimage road trip in India takes travelers over the famous Pamban Bridge, which offers stunning views of the Bay of Bengal. Known for the Ramanathaswamy Temple, which is dedicated to Lord Shiva, Rameswaram attracts people from all over the country. The bridge drive and ocean views make it one of the most beautiful pilgrimage road trips in India.

7. Shirdi, Maharashtra

• Route: Mumbai – Shirdi
• Distance: Approximately 240 km
• Duration: 5–6 hours

Shirdi is known as the home of Sai Baba and is a very popular pilgrimage road trip destination in India. The road from Mumbai to Shirdi is scenic, passing by fields, small towns, and hills. Shirdi itself has a calm and welcoming atmosphere, with devotees flocking to the Sai Baba Temple all year round. The trip to Shirdi is also one of the best pilgrimage road trips in India for families who come to seek blessings and a sense of peace.

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8. Jagannath Puri, Odisha

• Route: Bhubaneswar – Puri
• Distance: Approximately 60 km
• Duration: 1–2 hours

Jagannath Puri, located on the eastern coast of India, is a major pilgrimage site and part of the Char Dham circuit. The short road trip from Bhubaneswar to Puri is very scenic, with the Bay of Bengal along the way. The Jagannath Temple is the main attraction here, especially during the annual Rath Yatra festival. With its rich culture and spiritual vibe, the road trip to Puri is one of the most beautiful pilgrimage road trips in India, perfect for those seeking blessings near the ocean.

9. Kashi (Varanasi), Uttar Pradesh

• Route: Lucknow – Varanasi
• Distance: Approximately 320 km
• Duration: 5–6 hours

Varanasi, also known as Kashi, is one of the oldest cities in the world and is considered one of the most sacred places for Hindus. The road trip from Lucknow to Varanasi is smooth, with stops along the way for snacks and chai. Once in Varanasi, travelers can visit the ghats, where they witness Ganga Aarti and experience the spiritual energy of the place. This pilgrimage road trip in India is unique, combining ancient history and culture along the holy Ganges.

10. Ajmer Sharif Dargah, Rajasthan

• Route: Jaipur – Ajmer
• Distance: Approximately 130 km
• Duration: 2–3 hours

Ajmer is home to the famous Ajmer Sharif Dargah of Khwaja Moinuddin Chishti, a revered Sufi saint. This road trip from Jaipur to Ajmer is filled with views of Rajasthan’s desert landscape and historic architecture. Ajmer attracts people from all religions who come to pray at the Dargah, making it one of the top pilgrimage road trips in India. The spiritual aura and the peaceful vibe of Ajmer make it a memorable journey.

11. Bodh Gaya, Bihar

• Route: Patna – Bodh Gaya
• Distance: Approximately 115 km
• Duration: 3–4 hours

Bodh Gaya is one of the holiest Buddhist sites, known for the Bodhi Tree where Lord Buddha attained enlightenment. The road trip from Patna to Bodh Gaya takes you through rural Bihar, with beautiful countryside views and local villages along the way. Once in Bodh Gaya, you can visit the Mahabodhi Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The trip to Bodh Gaya is among the best pilgrimage road trips in India for those looking to explore India’s spiritual diversity and Buddhist heritage.

12. Shankaracharya Temple, Jammu & Kashmir

• Route: Srinagar – Shankaracharya Temple
• Distance: Approximately 10 km (from Srinagar city center)
• Duration: 30 minutes

While shorter than others, the drive to the Shankaracharya Temple is one of the most beautiful pilgrimage road trips in India. Located atop Shankaracharya Hill, the temple offers stunning views of the Dal Lake and Srinagar’s scenic landscape. Dedicated to Lord Shiva, this ancient temple is a peaceful retreat from the bustling town below. Though brief, this road trip allows visitors to immerse themselves in the peace and natural beauty of the Kashmir Valley.

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13. Grishneshwar Jyotirlinga, Maharashtra

• Route: Aurangabad – Grishneshwar
• Distance: Approximately 30 km
• Duration: 1 hour

Grishneshwar Temple, located near the famous Ellora Caves, is one of the 12 Jyotirlingas of Lord Shiva. This pilgrimage & religious road trip in India combines both spiritual and historical exploration, as travelers can also visit the Ellora Caves, a UNESCO World Heritage site, along the way. The temple’s proximity to the caves and Aurangabad makes it an ideal pilgrimage road trip destination for those interested in both heritage and worship.

14. Sabarimala, Kerala

• Route: Kochi – Sabarimala
• Distance: Approximately 160 km
• Duration: 4–5 hours

Sabarimala Temple, dedicated to Lord Ayyappa, is one of the most popular pilgrimage sites in southern India. The drive from Kochi to Sabarimala is full of lush green landscapes, rivers, and hills, offering beautiful views of Kerala’s countryside. The road trip to Sabarimala is also a pilgrimage & religious road trip in India that includes a hike from Pamba to the temple. This journey becomes particularly special during the Mandala season when thousands of devotees from across the country make the trip to pay homage to Lord Ayyappa.

15. Hemkund Sahib and Valley of Flowers, Uttarakhand

• Route: Rishikesh – Govindghat – Ghangaria – Hemkund Sahib
• Distance: Approximately 300 km (to Govindghat, then a 19 km trek)
• Duration: 3 days (including trek)

The road trip to Hemkund Sahib is one of the most spectacular pilgrimage road trips in India, set in the Himalayas in Uttarakhand. Govindghat, the starting point for the trek to Hemkund Sahib and the Valley of Flowers, is accessible via a stunning drive through mountain roads. The journey continues on foot from Govindghat, where pilgrims and nature enthusiasts trek through lush meadows, cascading waterfalls, and, in the summer, fields of blooming flowers. Hemkund Sahib, a holy Sikh shrine, sits at an altitude of 4,632 meters, surrounded by snowcapped peaks and a glacial lake, making it one of the most beautiful pilgrimage road trips in India.

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