Top 10 Pilgrimages in India to Visit by Train
Pilgrimages in India receive greater importance. Due to the majestic religious beliefs, numerous devotees from all over the world come to the holy land of India to acquire spiritual insight. Indeed people embark on a new adventure in visiting pilgrimage places.
India is known for its epic culture, rich heritage, and diverse spiritual beliefs. Incidentally, Lord Gautama Buddha achieved enlightenment in India underneath the holy tree of Bodhi. With most of these charismatic features traveling pilgrimage once in a lifetime has been given prominence.
Here are the top 10 pilgrimages in India where you can visit by train.
1. Shirdi: You might have heard the shout-out Shirdi Waal Sai Baba. The Shirdi temple of Sai Baba is one of the famous shrines located in Maharashtra. Due to the charismatic traits of Sai Baba, disciples of all religions visit the holy shrine to honor his legacy.
To travel here by Train from Bihar, board Train no. 11034 DBG Pune Express from Hajipur Railway Station to KPG Kopargaon Railway Station, which is 16 km away from Shirdi. There are several special trains for reaching Shirdi. You can check the availability of these trains, tickets, and fares using the RailMitra train enquiry app.
2. Ajmer: The Dargah of Saint Khwaja Moinuddin Chishti, famously called Ajmer Shareef Dargah, is one of the most famous Sufi pilgrimages in Rajasthan. This sacred pilgrimage lies at the bottom of Tara Garh hill. Pilgrims traveling right here can also explore Ana Sagar Lake, Nasiyan Jain Temple, and Dhai din ka Jhopra.
Now reach the pious shrine by COVID special train that includes Rajdhani SPL, ADI Hamsafar SPL, and Train no. 12916 Ashram Express from Delhi to Ajmer. The nearest Railway Station to Ajmer Shareef is Ajmer Junction (AII). To reach Dargah from here, book a cab or rickshaw.
3. Bodh Gaya: The Mahabodhi Temple located in the Gaya district of Bihar is the holiest pilgrimage spot for Buddhists. Since 2002, this temple has been recognized as a World Heritage site by UNESCO. Monks from all around the world visit Bodh Gaya to meditate and recite the holy Buddhist scriptures.
Gaya Junction is the nearest Railway Station positioned 13 km away from Bodh Gaya, which is well-connected with Patna, Varanasi, Delhi, Kolkata, and other places.
4. Vaishno Devi: Vaishno Devi Mandir is situated in the town of Katra of Jammu and Kashmir. This temple committed to Goddess Durga is a famous pilgrimage to visit in India. Devotees across India and abroad climb at the high altitude of 5,300 ft and cheer “Chalo Bulava aya hai Maata ne bulaya hai” in the glory of Ma Durga.
Take a train ride from New Delhi Railway Station (NDLS) to Katra, SVDK. You may catch the latest Train Vande Bharat Express (Train No. 22439) to visit the Mata Rani threshold.
5. Varanasi: Varanasi is the most sacred Hindu pilgrimage in India that has numerous temples at the bank of the river Ganges. The devotees visit here to attain salvation by taking a bath in the holy water of the river Ganges. Kashi Vishwanath Mandir and Sankat Mochan Mandir are the most visited temples of Varanasi.
To travel Varanasi by train, Vande Bharat (Train No. 22436), Kota PNBE Express (Train No. 13238), Pune Nizamuddin Special (Train No. 02493) are some of the popular trains running up and down to Varanasi Junction. Hire a cab from the Junction to explore the location.
6. Rameswaram: Ramanathswamy Temple in the State of Tamil Nadu is devoted to the Hindu God Shiva. According to Hindu mythology, Lord Rama sanctified this place, and on his return from Lanka, he stopped here and decided to worship Lord Shiva to expiate his sins. Inside the holy place Rameswaram. The best time for the pilgrims to visit Rameswaram is from October to April.
Several popular trains pass through Rameswaram Junction that comprises (Train No. 16618), (Coimbatore Jn(CBE) to Rameswaram (RMM), Rameswaram Express, (Train No. 22622), Kanniyakumari(CAPE) to Rameswaram (RMM), Cape RMM Express, Train No. 16101, Chennai Egmore(MS) to Kollam Jn (QLN), Rameswaram Express, etc.
7. Mathura: Mathura is a holy city known as the birthplace of the Hindu deity, Lord Krishna. Sri Krishna Janmbhoomi Temple is the main Pilgrim center here that attracts the swarm of devotees at this place daily. Holi Festivals is celebrated with joy and fun here.
Patna Mathura Express (Train No. 13237), Humsafar Express (Train No. 19670), PNBE Kota Express (Train No. 13239) are some of the popular trains to reach Mathura Junction Station (MTJ).
8. Puri: Puri is a city in the state of Odisha, which is famous for the Jagannath Shrine. The temple is one of the sacred ‘Char Dham’ pilgrim centers residing on the seashore. According to the Hindu notion, the holy spot of Puri is a resting place for Lord Vishnu.
Some of the main trains to travel this pilgrimage include Howrah Puri Express (Train No. 12837), Sri Jagannath Express (Train No. 18410), and New Delhi Purushottam Express (Train No. 12802). You may take one of these trains to reach Puri Railway Station.
9. Amritsar: The Golden Temple owes its name to the Sikh Guru Harminder Sahib is a must-visit pilgrim spot of the Sikhs in India. The glam of the Golden building glittering in the water catches the sight of visitors around the globe. Don’t omit the chance to take a bite of Langar in the Golden Temple of Amritsar.
The closest Amritsar Railway Station is just 2.4 km away from the temple. Traveling to Amritsar is easy from Delhi Station that takes around 9 hours to reach this place.
10. Kedarnath: Kedarnath Temple is a divine char Dham pilgrimage placed in the kingdom of Uttrakhand. Believers flock to the temple every year to feel the presence of God at this pilgrimage.
Rishikesh is the nearest Railway Station 229 km away from the temple. However, frequent trains from Delhi and other metro cities such as Amritsar, Howrah, Mumbai, and Ahmedabad run to and from Haridwar Station. Book a cab from this divine place to reach the temple and attain peace and prosperity.
What Is the Importance of Pilgrimage?
Pilgrimages have spiritual significance. Visiting a pilgrimage place is a journey to the shrine, which is more associated with a devotee’s belief and faith. So, it is also believed as the most authentic way to attain spiritual wisdom and sanctify your sins. Ultimately, you will learn to live with peace and a higher state of self-management.
How Many Pilgrimages Are There in India?
There are hundreds of Pilgrimages in India. All of the holy places are associated with some beliefs and faiths. One cannot say the exact no. of Pilgrimages in India. However, each the North, the South, the East, and the West of India have some prominent pilgrimage spots that stand out due to their popularity among visitors and devotees.
What is the Best Pilgrimage for Spiritual Tour in South India?
Southern India has some of the best pilgrimage places like Tirupati in Andhra Pradesh, Rameswaram, Kanyakumari, Madurai in Tamil Nadu, Mysore in Karnataka, and Puducherry, one of the Union Territories of India. These Pilgrimages are considered as the golden habitat of Gods and Goddesses, and there are innumerable myths associated with them.
Are you excited to take a tour of these 10 Pilgrimages of India by train? Download the RailMitra app or visit www.railmitra.com to check ticket availability and fare. In addition, you can also enquire about train running status, PNR prediction of waitlisted tickets, and more. What’s more, you can even order scrumptious food on the train by simply clicking on the website or app.
Visiting these pilgrimage places will strengthen your belief and purify your soul!