The 10 Best Ancient Temples in India You Should Visit

Let’s start the list with the most ancient Hindu temple in the world - the Mundeshwari temple. Dedicated to Lord Shiva and his consort Shakti, this temple dates back to 108 AD, according to the Archaeological Survey of India. How fascinating is that! Built in the Nagara architecture style, this temple is renowned for its architectural grandeur. To soak in the true spiritual glory of this temple, plan your visit during the Ramnavami or Shivaratri celebrations. In case you are wondering, you will have to take a flight to Gaya to reach here!

The architectural grandeur of the Konark Sun Temple does not require any introduction! A UNESCO World Heritage Site, it is a 13th-century ancient temple constructed by the Eastern Ganga dynasty. This iconic temple was built in the shape of a gigantic chariot with 12 pairs of elaborately carved stone wheels and seven horses. Though now in ruins, this temple dedicated to Lord Surya is still one of India’s most prestigious temples. You can explore this site by taking a flight to Bhubaneshwar, from where it is 64 km away.

Why are these temples on our list? It is because this group of Jain temples is a testament to ancient architecture and intricate craftsmanship. These five temples (Vimal Vasahi, Pittalhar Temple, Luna Vasahi, Mahavir Swami Temple and Parshvanatha Temple) were built between the 11th and 13th centuries. Each of them with its unique architecture, aesthetics and cultural significance, continues to allure the visitors even today. You may also be fascinated by the fine detailing on the doorways, pillars and ceiling. If you are intrigued to visit this ancient temple, book a flight to Udaipur, followed by a short road trip to Mount Abu.

Next on our list is the world's highest Shiva temple, situated at an elevation of 12,073 feet on the Chandranath Parvat. Mythology says it was built by the Pandavas to seek Lord Shiva's blessings. Though small in size, this black-rock temple is one of the most revered sites as it is the Tritiya (third) Kedar out of the Panch Kedars. Though the highest temple, it is in fact, quite easy and fun to reach! You will have to trek up a distance of 3.5 km from Chopta to reach the temple. Don’t worry, you can complete this moderate trek without many difficulties. Wondering how to reach Chopta to start the trek? Take a flight to Dehradun and then hit the roads!

If you haven’t already visited this site, take a flight to Vidyanagar and get ready for a tour like never before! After all, the Group of Monuments at Hampi showcases the divine aura and exceptional craftsmanship of the Vijayanagara empire. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is home to countless small and enormous old temples with several centuries of history engraved in their walls. But, the Vittala temple remains to be the most striking architectural wonder with the stone chariot and musical pillars. Yes, each of the massive pillars of this temple is carved out of a single rock and emits a different musical tone. Isn’t it astonishing? Besides this, the Virupaksha temple, Badava Linga temple and Lakshmi Narasimha temple are other prestigious sites that you can pay a visit to.

This group of temples will take us to the ancient city of Mahabalipuram! When you reach this UNESCO World Heritage Site you will see numerous temples carved from the rocks of the Coromandel Coast. These temples are the true example of the impressive architecture and rich cultural heritage of the 7th and 8th centuries. You will be intrigued to witness the splendour of the rathas-shaped (chariot) temples and mandapas-shaped (cave) temples. Some of the most famous temples here are Pancha Pandava Cave Temple, Shore Temple and Ganesha Ratha Temple. Looking for ways to reach here? All you have to do is book a flight to Chennai and then travel about 54 km via roadways.

There’s no way you haven’t heard about this celebrated Hindu pilgrimage site! This intricately carved temple is the first of the twelve jyotirlingas of Shiva in India. The temple’s history can be traced from as long as 649 BC. While the temple remains open throughout the year, we suggest you plan your visit during Shivratri (February - March) and Kartik Purnima (near Diwali). Because these festivals are celebrated here with great fervour, elevating the overall experience. A reminder here. The nearest airport to the temple is Diu, but you can also land in Rajkot and then reach the temple by road.

If you wish to delight the history buff within you, we suggest taking a flight to Aurangabad and heading towards the Kailasa Temple. A megalithic structure carved from one rock, the Kailasa temple has one of the most impressive ornamentations. Another interesting fact, it was built from the top, an unusual way of craving the rock. Credits to its gigantic size and splendid architecture, the Kailasa temple is among the most popular temples in the Ellora Caves. So, when you are on tour, get ready to be amazed by the allure of this iconic temple in Maharashtra.

The India oldest temple list would have been incomplete without mentioning the Meenakshi Amman Temple. Carved in the Dravidian style of architecture, the shrine dates back to over 25000 years. As per the pages of mythology, it is the same place where Lord Shiva (Sundareswarar) and Goddess Parvati (Meenakshi) got married. So, there is no doubt that it is one of the most significant temples in the country and is frequented by thousands of devotees every year. In fact, during the renowned 10-day Chithirai Festival, more than a million pilgrims visit the temple. So, don’t wait any longer and book a flight to Madurai to reach the Meenakshi Amman Temple.

Dedicated to Lord Krishna, the Dwarkadhish temple had to make an appearance on this list! The Chalukya style architecture of this 2200-year-old shrine is a treat to the sore eyes. The 43 m high spire with a waving flag is part of the skyline of the city and can be seen from a distance. The inside of the temple is as magnificent as the outside. As you enter the temple, each wall and pillar of this temple will tell you a unique story with motifs etched into the intricate architecture. So, once you have decided to visit this majestic temple, book a flight to Porbandar from where you will have to cover the distance of 95 km via roadways. Remember, to reach the shrine, you have to climb more than 50 steps.

Basically, the entire country is lined with ancient temples that represent the rich cultural and architectural heritage. All you need to do is note down the names of the temples you want to visit and start exploring!