India is a country united by its diversity. History has been landscaped into the ancient cities within walls and shrines of idols we believe in. These cities stood strong throughout the time, preserving the heritage and knowledge. Across the country we know places which are home to numerous devotees of different cults, religions, sects, and then there are people not bounded by all these, people in search of the ultimate truth, meditating at the Ghats thousands of miles away from their homes, in search of peace, wisdom which is considered to be limited to few. These holiest cities of India date thousands of years back in history and carved in map by numerous battles, invasions, and cultural effusions.

10. Kedarnath – Divine serenity

Kedarnath in a part of rudraprayag district, it is most remote of “char dham” pilgrimage. Located among glaciers and lakes at 3583 meters surrounded by Himalayan range, Kedarnath is a gateway to the most inspiring experience of being close to nature. The shrine of lord Shiva exposes you to divine, and fills your insides with an enchanted silence.

9. Badrinath – Echoing Hymns

Situated among awe-inspiring Garhwal range, along the banks of Alaknanda River, the town of Badrinath comes under Chamoli district. The legend says that adi sankara found a black stone statue of lord Badrinarayan in Alaknanda. Visited by 6, 00,000 people every year, this town transfix and shroud you with a rare tint of peace and divinity.

8. Ajmer – Sufi shrine

Ajmer is known for the dargah of Sufi Saint Khwaja Moinuddin Chishti, and 11 kilometers away is Pushkar, having the only Brahma temple. Ajmer is surrounded by aravali hills and has one of the largest artificial lakes – anasagar. Ajmer has a vivid history which makes this place holy and people of all religions come here in search of peace and holiness.

7. Haridwar – Gateway to Divinity

After flowing for more than 250 kilometers Ganges enters the plains for first time at Haridwar, while Hindu mythology says that the city was among four where amrit, the elixir of immortality from samudra manthan was dropped, this is manifested in form of a large gathering every four years known as Kumbha Mela. People come here in search of peace and perform rituals to attain moksha.

6. Bodhgaya – Enlightening Souls

Bodhgaya is known as the place where lord Buddha attained enlightenment, indexed as a UNESCO world heritage site, Bodhgaya eventually is most revered place for Buddhist followers. By visiting this place you’re bound to see the simplicity of Buddhism and that will be the time when you’ll understand what peace means.

5. Allahabad – Union of Streams

The second oldest city of India goes by the name prayag – the place of offerings. Akbar renamed prayag as Allahabad, the garden of lord. Allahabad has always played a pivotal role in political history and cultural development, a real infusion of cultures and religions Allahabad hosts many building in indo-Islamic architecture declared as heritage structures. The kumbha mela every four years witness the largest gathering of devotees. Prayag is one of the holiest shrines in Hinduism; Shaktism a prominent cult of Hinduism has considered Prayag as a Maha Shakti Peetha.

4. Shirdi – At the doors of a saint

Shirdi is regarded as one of the holiest places in India, home to the miraculous saint Sai baba. A saint revered equally by Hindu and Islamic people. He gave no distinction based on religion or caste. Sai Baba’s teaching combined elements of Hinduism and Islam, he gave the Hindu name Dwarakamayi to the mosque he lived in and performed Islamic rituals. The sai baba mandir is visited by 20,000 people a day, and this is also one of the richest trusts in India.

3. Amritsar – Oneness and martyrs

Amritsar is holy because of two reasons, firstly it has witnessed the greatest massacre of jaliyan wala baag and second it is the place of worship for all of humans, in the golden temple, no one is outcast, no one is different. United by diversity comes true here. Amritsar has the essence of the fight for freedom, human endeavors and goodwill for everyone.

2. Kashi – The spiritual capital

Mark twain once said, “Benares is older than history, older than tradition, older even than legends.”
Kashi is famous for its Ghats, purging millions of souls every year at the banks of Ganges. Complementing the concept of divinity represented in physical, metaphysical and supernatural element. Built upon the massive pillars of cultural heritage, historical events, legends, folklores and myths, Varanasi is holiest of the cities in India. A few miles away is Sarnath where Gautama Buddha delivered his first speech. Kashi is placed among the ancient centers of cultural, religious and intellectual developments. See the sunrise across the Ganges horizon or indulge into aartis, they will answer all your doubts, and tell you that time and life is a stream never stopping.

1. Leh – A portal to eternity

Leh is one of the most remote locations in India; this cold desert is known for its calm and serene surroundings, the kingdom of ladakh and boasts being the second largest district of the India. This city stood tall throughout history and has been a place of co-existence for different sects, yet we are harming its ecology.  Shanti stupa and leh palace are the centers for many important Buddhist activities. Most serene of all the places, leh is close to nature and it’ll surely fill you with the feeling of eternity.