Walking with the Gods: My Journey Through India’s Sacred Landmarks

Travelling through India is like wandering through a living museum—every lane whispers a legend, every river hums an age-old hymn, and every temple radiates a sense of timeless devotion. If there is one path that truly reflects India’s spiritual heartbeat, it is the trail that connects its sacred temples. Recently, journeyed across five of India’s most iconic shrines—Kashi Vishwanath in Varanasi, the Golden Temple in Amritsar, Vaishno Devi in Jammu & Kashmir, Tirupati Balaji in Andhra Pradesh, and the Himalayan jewels of Kedarnath and Badrinath.
What unfolded was more than a trip; it was a soulful adventure rich in history, culture, devotion, and breathtaking landscapes.

Kashi Vishwanath Temple, Varanasi – The Eternal Light of Shiva

My journey began in Varanasi, a city that feels older than history itself. Here, life and spirituality intermingle in the most mysterious ways. At the heart of this sacred city stands the Kashi Vishwanath Temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva, celebrated as the Lord of the Universe. Walking through the bustling lanes leading to the temple, I felt the pulse of an ancient civilisation that has survived countless generations.

The temple’s golden shikhara gleams brilliantly, especially when sunlight hits it. The newly built Kashi Vishwanath Corridor has added a sense of grandeur and openness, connecting the temple directly to the ghats of the holy Ganga. Once inside, the rhythmic chants, the ringing bells, and the fragrance of incense create a spiritual ambiance like no other. What amazed me most was how this temple has stood resilient despite multiple invasions and reconstructions. The unwavering faith of devotees is what truly keeps Kashi alive—eternal, powerful, and transformative.

How to Reach Varanasi

• Nearest Airport: Lal Bahadur Shastri International Airport (25 km)
• Nearest Railway Station: Varanasi Junction (5 km)
• Taxis, e-rickshaws, and battery buses are easily available to reach the temple corridor.

Golden Temple, Amritsar – A Shimmering Symbol of Peace

From the mystical ghats of Varanasi, I travelled to Amritsar, home to one of the most serene places on Earth—the Golden Temple. The moment I stepped barefoot onto the cool marble floors of the complex, a deep calm washed over me. The sight of the golden sanctum floating in the middle of the Amrit Sarovar felt almost magical, as though time itself had paused to admire it.

The temple, built under Guru Arjan Dev in the late 16th century, beautifully reflects Sikh philosophy—equality, service, and humility. The soulful kirtan playing continuously feels like a lullaby for the soul. But what moved me the most was the Langar, the world’s largest free community kitchen. Sitting on the floor and sharing a meal with thousands of strangers made me realise that spirituality isn’t just about rituals—it’s about being human, present, and compassionate.

How to Reach Amritsar

• Nearest Airport: Sri Guru Ram Dass Jee International Airport (12 km)
• Nearest Railway Station: Amritsar Junction (2 km)
• Autos and cycle rickshaws provide easy access to the temple from all parts of the city.

Vaishno Devi Temple, Jammu & Kashmir – A Trek of Devotion

My next destination took me to the towering Trikuta Mountains of Jammu, where the sacred shrine of Vaishno Devi is tucked inside a natural cave. Unlike the stillness of Amritsar, the journey here is filled with energy, enthusiasm, and rhythmic chants of “Jai Mata Di!” echoing across the hills.

The 14 km trek from Katra to the shrine is a blend of devotion and adventure. Whether you walk, take a pony, ride a palki, or opt for a helicopter, the sense of spirituality remains the same. The temple houses the three Pindis—symbolising Goddess Kali, Lakshmi, and Saraswati. Reaching the cave felt like a reward for every step I had taken through the mountain path. The Shrine Board maintains the route extremely well, ensuring cleanliness, safety, and comfort for the millions who visit every year.

How to Reach Vaishno Devi (Katra)

• Nearest Airport: Jammu Airport (50 km)
• Nearest Railway Station: Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Katra Railway Station
• Trek: 14 km from Katra; ponies, palkis, battery cars, and helicopters are available.

Tirupati Balaji Temple, Andhra Pradesh – Where Devotion Meets Grandeur

From the northern mountains, I flew down south to Tirumala, home to the world-famous Tirupati Balaji Temple. Perched atop the Seven Hills, this temple is dedicated to Lord Venkateswara, an incarnation of Vishnu. Tirupati isn’t just a pilgrimage—it’s an experience that leaves an imprint on your heart.

The temple’s Dravidian architecture is captivating, with magnificent gopurams, rich carvings, and the iconic golden dome that glows like a celestial crown. But the real highlight is the moment you stand before the Lord himself—adorned with jewels, radiating divine energy. The long queues might seem intimidating, but every devotee agrees—it’s worth every second.

The temple also has unique traditions, like the famous hair tonsuring ritual, where devotees offer their hair as a symbol of surrender and gratitude. And how can one forget the legendary Tirupati Laddu, a prasadam so iconic that it has a GI tag!

How to Reach Tirupati

• Nearest Airport: Tirupati Airport (40 km)
• Nearest Railway Station: Tirupati Railway Station
• Government buses, private vehicles, and special temple transport services connect to Tirumala Hills.

Kedarnath & Badrinath, Uttarakhand – The Himalayan Pilgrim Circuit

My final destination was the majestic Himalayas, home to the twin shrines of Kedarnath and Badrinath, two of the holiest temples in Hinduism and essential parts of the Char Dham Yatra.

Kedarnath – The Abode of Shiva Among the Peaks

Standing at an altitude of almost 12,000 feet, Kedarnath is more than a temple—it is an emotion. Dedicated to Lord Shiva, the stone temple sits against dramatic snow-capped mountains. The 16 km trek from Gaurikund is physically demanding, but every waterfall, meadow, and glacier view makes it worthwhile. When I finally stood before the ancient temple—built by Adi Shankaracharya—I felt an overwhelming sense of peace. In the 2013 floods, the temple miraculously survived, reinforcing the belief that divine forces protect this sacred land.

Badrinath – The Peaceful Home of Vishnu

A few hours away lies Badrinath, dedicated to Lord Vishnu as Badri Narayan. Unlike Kedarnath’s rugged surroundings, Badrinath has a more serene, colourful setting. The town, dotted with bright houses and surrounded by snowy peaks, feels welcoming and warm. The temple’s vibrant façade, hot springs nearby, and peaceful atmosphere make it one of the most spiritually uplifting places in India.

How to Reach Kedarnath & Badrinath

• Nearest Airport: Jolly Grant Airport, Dehradun
• Nearest Railheads: Haridwar / Rishikesh
• For Kedarnath:
  • Drive to Sonprayag → shuttle to Gaurikund → 16 km trek
  • Helicopter services are available from Phata, Sersi, and Guptkashi
• For Badrinath:
  • Accessible via road from Rishikesh, Haridwar, and Joshimath
  • Roads are open only from May to November.

A Journey That Changes You

Across all these destinations, one realisation became clear—Indian temples are not just places of worship; they are living cultural ecosystems. They preserve traditional crafts, support local communities, inspire music and festivals, and guard stories that have been passed down for millennia.

From the glowing ghats of Varanasi to the shimmering Golden Temple, from the uphill chants of Vaishno Devi to the vibrant devotion of Tirupati, and finally the majestic silence of Kedarnath and Badrinath—each temple left me with something unforgettable.

If you ever dream of a journey that blends spirituality, culture, nature, and introspection, follow this sacred trail. It doesn’t just show you India—it transforms you from within.

Team Maverick.