Top Religious Places in Central India

Known For : Mahakaleshwar Jyotirlinga Kal Bhairava Temple Ram Mandir Ghat

Ujjain, considered to be one of the holiest cities of India, is an ancient city situated on the eastern bank of the Shipra River in the Malwa region. Ujjain is one of the four sites for the Kumbh Mela, the largest peace gathering on the planet that attracts 100 million people to the festival.

Best Time: October to March

26 Ujjain Attractions

Known For : Narmadakund Kapil Dhara Trimukhi Temple

Amarkantak, also known as "Teerthraj" (the king of pilgrimages) is located amidst the exemplary Vindhya and Satpura mountain ranges in Madhya Pradesh. Amarkantak is situated at an altitude of 1065 meters making it a hill station with some of the most exquisite temples that one will ever see. One of the holy rivers of India, River Narmada, originates from Amarkantak rendering this place special.

Best Time: October to March

11 Amarkantak Attractions

Known For : Omkareshwar Jyotirlinga temple Kedareshwar Temple Parikrama on the Island

Situated at the confluence of the rivers Narmada and Kaveri, the holy city of Omkareshwar is shaped in the form of Hindu religious symbol 'Om', due to the merging of two valleys and a central pool of Narmada waters. It derives its name from 'Omkara' which is just one other name of Lord Shiva. Situated on the Mandhata islands, Omkareshwar houses one of the 12 revered Jyotirlingas and hence, draws thousands of devotees each year. It has two ancient shrines- Omkareshwar and Amarkareshwar. The sacred town also boasts of architectural wonders and scenic beauty, in addition to the pilgrim sites.

Best Time: October to March

5 Omkareshwar Attractions

Known For : Holkar Fort Mandleshwar Rajwada

Based on the banks of the River Narmada, this gorgeous town is largely referred to as the temple town of Madhya Pradesh. It also holds a lot of mythological and historical importance given the fact that it has found a mention in the epics of Ramayana and Mahabharata.

Best Time: October to March

15 Maheshwar Attractions

The oldest and most aesthetically pleasing temples among the Western group of Temples, the Lakshman temple is named after the ruler of that time. The trinity of Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva is depicted in the horizontal beam over the entrance of the temple.

Known For : Sanchi Stupa The Great Bowl Ashok Pillar

A symbol of the vast heritage present throughout the culturally rich India, the Buddhist monuments of Sanchi are one of the oldest stone structures in India. Designated a World Heritage site by UNESCO, the Great Stupa was installed in the 3rd century BC by Emperor Ashoka of the Mauryan dynasty. The sculptures and monuments present at the site are a fine example of the development of Buddhist art and architecture. The stupa sits atop a hill in Sanchi, surrounded by lush gardens, providing visitors peace and serenity at this grand tribute to the peaceful religion of Buddhism.

Best Time: July to March

6 Sanchi Attractions

Dedicated to Goddess Durga, the Bilai Mata Temple is a beautiful temple known for its exquisite architectural carvings.

One of the 52 Shakti Peeths of the country, this 600 year old temple has been constructed in South Indian style of temple architecture in the 14th century by the rulers of the Chalukya Dynasty.

Housing the idols of Lord Ganesha and Lord Narasimha, an incarnation of Lord Vishnu, this Dravidian style temple is well known for its sculpted murals and the dome that touches 50 ft. height. There is also Shiva Temple and a Ganesha Temple situated close to the Mama-Bhanjaa Temple.

This is one of the most important pilgrimage centers of Chhattisgarh. Surrounded by forests and mountains, the place is situated on the banks of River Mahanadi offering captivating views.

Ganga Maiya Temple, located 60 km from Bhilai at Jhalmala has very interesting legend attached to it. As per the story goes, the local fisherman found the deity of the temple in his net but ignored it instead of recovering it.

Housing and ancient Shiva Mandir, Deobalod is situated about 3 km from Bhilai.

Situated on a hilltop, a little away from Bhilai is a significant religious site, the state is known for. Also referred to as Badi Bambleshwari, the temple is located in Dongargarh and is half a kilometer away from another temple by the name of Chotti Bambleshwari.

A famous pilgrim spot, Uwasaggharam Parshwa Teerth, founded in year 1995 is Jain Temple lying in Nagpura. Besides the temple, the site is also home to a garden, temples, Yoga center and Guest house all built on the bank of River Sheonath.

The shrines of Banjara Mata Temple are, without a doubt, its speciality. Devoted to Goddess Banjari Mata, this sacred place is famous for hosting events during the Dussehra and Navratri festivals. Many devotees from neighbouring states and across the country flock to breathe in the pleasant and sacred aura. One can feel the calmness lingering in the air. The temple is open all days of the week and can be visited between 6:00 AM to 7:30 PM. The temple's exquisiteness and authenticity is the reason why thousands visit the place to seek blessings.

Located in Gariaband, about 85 km from the city of Raipur, Jatmai temple is placed amidst a small jungle. The temple, devoted to Mata Jatmai is constructed with granite and has beautiful murals at its entrance. The holy place is lit up and decorated with great enthusiasm during the festivals of Navratri. The peaceful vibe reflected from this temple is surely unmatched.

Spread over a large area in the outskirts of the city, Kevalya Dham has several temples within the premise dedicated to Jainism. The structure is made up entirely of marbles and is an architectural beauty. Away from the hustle bustle of city life, the temple brings peace and joy to mind the moment you step inside the place. With large open spaces and serene gardens, the temples are equally liked by kids who want to frolic around.

Popular for its magnificent architecture and rich heritage, Rajiv Lochan Mandir is a temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu. Located in Rajim – 1-hour car ride away from Raipur – the temple's edifice rests on 12 columns with aesthetic stone carvings around them. The best time to visit this holy sight is from 16th February to 1st March, when the sacred Rajim Lochan Mahotsav is hosted.

In addition to devotees, the 900-year-old Mahamaya Temple also attracts historians and archaeologists due to its rich history and architecture. With home to several gods and goddesses including Mahakali, Bhadrakali, Lord Shiva, Lord Hanuman, Lord Bhairav, and more, this holy sight is undoubtedly one of the most celebrated in the state of Chattisgarh. 18 inch thick walls surround the temple, and 16 thick stone columns support the temple's structure. It indeed showcases mastery in architecture. According to historians, the temple was built by King Ratnadev in the 11th century.

The Bhoramdeo Temple bears a striking resemblance to the Sun Temple of Konark and is believed to have been constructed during the 7th to 12th century. It is popularly known as the Khajuraho of Chhattisgarh as it also resembles the Khajuraho Temple of Madhya Pradesh. It is the main temple among the bunch of four ancient temples in this region - Madwa Mahal, Istaliq Temple, Cherki Mahal and Bhoramdeo temple - and stands as strong as ever in the Kabirdham district. This temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva. The outstanding Nagar style of architecture and the intricately carved images are a spectacular work of art. The Bhoramdeo Temple flaunts admirably sculpted images of the ten avatars of Lord Vishnu, in addition to the images of Lord Shiva and Lord Ganesha. Pilgrims often stay back to savour the outstanding views that the temple has to offer, after seeking their blessings.

Built around 1025-1050 AD, this temple exudes grandeur and finesse in its architecture. With beautiful frescos of women in various postures adorning the walls of this temple, this place is one of the most stunning tourists sites in Khajuraho.

The Surya Mandir or Sun Temple is one of the most spectacular shrines as well as an architectural wonder that adorns the city of Gwalior. As the name suggests, the temple is dedicated to the holy Sun God and was constructed in the year 1988 by the famous industrialist G.D. Birla. Built on the lines of legendary Sun Temple at Konark, Orissa, the Sun Temple of Gwalior is a magnificent amalgam of exquisite architecture in red sandstone and pearly white marble.

Initially built as a Vishnu temple, the Devi Jagdamba temple has beautifully carved erotic figures. The Garba Griha houses a stunning sculpture of the Goddess of the Universe. The temple also houses a beautiful image of Goddess Parvati, with the image of Mithuna.

Built in the year 1130 the Dulhadev Temple enshrines a beautiful shivalingam and striking sculptures of Apsaras and other ornamented figures. The temple also has a stunning sculpture of Lord Shiva with his wife Parvati, the intricate details of the carvings adding to the charm of the overall architecture.