Famous Pilgrimage Destinations in India Accessible by Bus

India is often described as a land of spirituality, culture, and devotion. Home to thousands of temples, shrines, mosques, gurudwaras, and other sacred sites, it offers travelers countless opportunities to experience faith, tradition, and culture firsthand. For many, visiting famous pilgrimage destinations in India is not just a religious journey, but a transformative experience.

With modern transport options like buses connecting almost every corner of the country, these sacred sites have become more accessible than ever. Platforms like MyBusTime make planning your pilgrimage smooth by offering real-time bus schedules, fare information, and online booking options, ensuring a hassle-free travel experience. In this guide, we explore top 10 pilgrimage places in India that are easily reachable by bus, along with tips, travel insights, and essential information for devotees.

For travelers planning a long journey, check out our Delhi to Manali Bus Travel Guide to explore routes, timings, and fares.

Top 10 Famous Pilgrimage Destinations in India

India is renowned for its rich spiritual heritage and diverse religious traditions. The Top 10 Famous Pilgrimage Destinations in India attract millions of devotees and travelers every year, offering a mix of devotion, culture, and breathtaking landscapes. These sites span across states and religions, making India a truly sacred travel destination.

1. Vaishno Devi, Jammu & Kashmir

Vaishno Devi is one of the most visited pilgrimage places in India, attracting millions of devotees each year. Nestled in the Trikuta Mountains near Katra, this sacred shrine is dedicated to Goddess Vaishno Devi. The spiritual energy of the temple and the scenic Himalayan landscape make it a must-visit destination.

Travel by Bus:

Buses from Delhi, Jammu, and other major northern cities provide direct connectivity to Katra, which is the base for the trek to Vaishno Devi. From Katra, pilgrims can either hike to the temple, hire ponies, or use helicopter services.

Tips for Travel:

Use MyBusTime to check real-time bus schedules and book early, especially during peak seasons like Navratri.
Overnight buses allow you to reach Katra early morning, giving ample time to complete the pilgrimage and return comfortably.

Discover the beauty of Indian landscapes with our Scenic Bus Routes in India guide, perfect for travelers seeking picturesque journeys.

2. Haridwar and Rishikesh, Uttarakhand

These twin cities along the banks of the sacred Ganges are spiritual hubs famous for yoga, meditation, and religious ceremonies. Haridwar hosts the Kumbh Mela every 12 years, drawing millions of pilgrims, while Rishikesh is known as the “Yoga Capital of the World.”

Travel by Bus:

Distance from Delhi: 220–250 km
Bus Routes: Direct buses from Delhi ISBT Kashmiri Gate, Anand Vihar, and other terminals.
Bus Types: Ordinary, semi-deluxe, and AC coaches.

Travel Tips:

Evening buses are ideal if you wish to attend the Ganga Aarti in Haridwar.
These destinations are considered religious places near Delhi within 300 kms, making them perfect for weekend spiritual trips.
Platforms like MyBusTime provide real-time bus availability and fare information, making travel planning convenient.

3. Mathura and Vrindavan, Uttar Pradesh

Mathura, the birthplace of Lord Krishna, and Vrindavan, where Krishna spent his childhood, are vital stops in the Braj region. Known for their temples, ghats, and colorful festivals, they are popular among devotees of Hinduism.

Travel by Bus:

Distance from Delhi: ~180–190 km
Connectivity: Multiple daily buses operate between Delhi ISBT Kashmiri Gate and Mathura/Vrindavan.
Bus Operators: Both state-run and private buses, offering AC and non-AC options.

Travel Tips:

Time your visit to coincide with festivals like Janmashtami for a more vibrant experience.
Use MyBusTime to check bus timings, compare fares, and secure tickets online.

If you are looking for budget-friendly options, explore our Affordable Bus Trips from Mumbai for convenient travel plans.

4. Ajmer and Pushkar, Rajasthan

Ajmer is home to the revered Ajmer Sharif Dargah, while nearby Pushkar hosts the Brahma Temple, one of the few temples dedicated to Lord Brahma in the world. These cities attract devotees from across India, representing both Hindu and Islamic spiritual traditions.

Travel by Bus:

Distance from Delhi: Ajmer – 400 km, Pushkar – 415 km
Bus Routes: Direct buses from Delhi, Jaipur, and other nearby cities.
Bus Types: AC, non-AC, sleeper, and semi-deluxe.

Travel Tips:

Overnight buses are convenient for early morning arrivals, allowing you to explore both destinations efficiently.
Check MyBusTime for schedules, operator details, and seat availability.

5. Amritsar, Punjab

The Golden Temple, or Harmandir Sahib, in Amritsar is one of the most visited pilgrimage places in India for Sikhs. The serene environment, langar service, and spiritual aura draw millions of visitors annually.

Travel by Bus:

Direct buses from Delhi ISBT Kashmiri Gate, Ludhiana, and Jalandhar.
Multiple departure timings, including night and day buses with sleeper options.

Travel Tips:

Plan your arrival to witness the Palki Sahib ceremony in the evening.
MyBusTime provides real-time updates on bus availability and timings, ensuring a stress-free journey.

Plan a relaxing holiday in the mountains with our guide to the Best Hill Stations in South India accessible by bus.

6. Shirdi, Maharashtra

Shirdi is synonymous with Sai Baba, one of India’s most revered saints. Devotees travel from all corners of the country to seek his blessings.

Travel by Bus:

Buses connect Shirdi to Mumbai, Pune, and Nashik.
Options include AC coaches for comfort and non-AC buses for budget travelers.

Travel Tips:

Plan your journey during weekdays to avoid long queues at the temple.
Pilgrimage places in India PDF guides often list Shirdi as a must-visit location for spiritual travelers.
MyBusTime helps you find reliable operators and book tickets in advance.

7. Tirupati, Andhra Pradesh

Tirumala Venkateswara Temple, located in Tirupati, Andhra Pradesh, is one of the richest and most visited Hindu pilgrimage sites in India. The temple sees thousands of devotees daily, making planning ahead essential.

Travel by Bus:

Buses from Chennai, Bengaluru, and Hyderabad provide direct connectivity to Tirupati.
AC sleeper and semi-deluxe buses are ideal for long-distance travel.

Travel Tips:

Book tickets in advance via MyBusTime for guaranteed seats during peak seasons.
Carry essential documents for darshan and queue management.

Need a quick break? Check out our Weekend Getaways from Delhi by Bus for easy-to-reach destinations.

8. Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh

Varanasi, also known as Kashi, is one of the oldest living cities in the world. The ghats, temples, and spiritual heritage make it a must-visit for travelers seeking profound spiritual experiences.

Travel by Bus:

Direct buses from Delhi, Lucknow, and nearby towns.
Sleeper and semi-deluxe buses available for overnight travel.

Travel Tips:

Evening buses are ideal to arrive in time for the mesmerizing Ganga Aarti.
Platforms like MyBusTime allow you to book tickets online and check live bus updates.

9. Rameswaram, Tamil Nadu

Rameswaram, located on Pamban Island, is a sacred site for Lord Shiva devotees. It is also part of the Char Dham pilgrimage.

Travel by Bus:

Buses connect Rameswaram to Chennai, Madurai, and other southern cities.
AC sleeper buses ensure comfort during long journeys.

Travel Tips:

Use MyBusTime to find reliable operators and schedule your journey during off-peak hours.
Carry light luggage for easier boarding and deboarding at multiple stops.

For mountain lovers, our Hill Station Trip by Bus article provides detailed information on routes, schedules, and tips.

10. Kedarnath, Uttarakhand

Kedarnath, a sacred shrine in the Himalayas dedicated to Lord Shiva, is part of the Char Dham Yatra. Accessible via buses to Gaurikund, followed by a trek, it remains a challenging yet rewarding pilgrimage.

Travel by Bus:

Buses from Haridwar and Rishikesh to Gaurikund.
Local transport options connect Gaurikund to the base of the trek.

Travel Tips:

Check religious places near Delhi within 300 kms for preliminary stops.
Only use verified bus operators listed on MyBusTime for safety and timely departures.

Advantages of Traveling to Pilgrimage Destinations by Bus

Passengers can enjoy direct routes, flexible schedules, and scenic journeys through India’s diverse landscapes. Platforms like MyBusTime make it easier to check timings, book tickets online, and plan your trip efficiently.

Affordable Travel: Buses are cheaper than trains or flights, making long journeys economical.
Direct Routes: Many buses drop passengers close to temple entrances.
Variety of Options: AC, non-AC, semi-deluxe, and sleeper buses available for comfort and budget preferences.
Scenic Views: Enjoy landscapes while traveling through hills, rivers, and plains.
Convenient Booking: Platforms like MyBusTime provide online booking, real-time tracking, and fare comparison.

For checking updated bus schedules, you can visit our Bus Time Table page for real-time timings and routes.

Tips for a Comfortable Pilgrimage Bus Journey

Dress comfortably and in layers to adapt to changing temperatures. Book your tickets in advance through MyBusTime to secure your preferred seat and avoid last-minute hassles. Always check the bus schedule and reach the boarding point early for a stress-free start to your spiritual journey.

Book in Advance: Ensure availability, especially during festivals.
Carry Essentials: Water, snacks, first aid, and light blankets for overnight travel.
Check Weather: Himalayan and northern routes can be unpredictable.
Use Verified Operators: Prefer buses listed on MyBusTime for safety.
Plan Multi-Stop Trips: Combine nearby pilgrimage sites to save travel time.

FAQs – Famous Pilgrimage Destinations in India

Q1: What are the top 10 places of pilgrimage in India?
A1: The top 10 famous pilgrimage destinations in India include Varanasi, Haridwar, Rishikesh, Tirupati, Vaishno Devi, Puri, Ajmer Sharif, Amritsar, Kedarnath, and Badrinath. You can check MyBusTime for convenient bus routes to these destinations.

Q2: What are the 4 major pilgrimage sites in India?
A2: The four major sites often referred to are Varanasi, Rameswaram, Puri, and Dwarka. Using MyBusTime, travelers can plan bus journeys to reach these sites comfortably.

Q3: Where can I go for spiritual tourism in India?
A3: India offers a variety of spiritual tourism spots like temples, ashrams, and gurdwaras. Popular choices include Haridwar, Rishikesh, Tirupati, and Vaishno Devi. MyBusTime helps you find the best bus routes to reach these spiritual hubs.

Q4: Which are the 7 dhams in India?
A4: The seven dhams, also known as Char Dham and extended Char Dham, include Badrinath, Kedarnath, Gangotri, Yamunotri, Rameswaram, Dwarka, and Puri. Plan your bus travel to these sites via MyBusTime for smooth connectivity.

Q5: Which are the 12 jyotirlingas of India?
A5: The 12 jyotirlingas are Somnath, Mallikarjuna, Mahakaleshwar, Omkareshwar, Kedarnath, Bhimashankar, Kashi Vishwanath, Trimbakeshwar, Vaidyanath, Nageshwar, Rameshwaram, and Grishneshwar. MyBusTime can guide you on bus routes to reach nearby towns.

Q6: Where are all 51 Shakti Peeths in India?
A6: The 51 Shakti Peeths are spread across India, including Kalighat (Kolkata), Kamakhya (Assam), and Hinglaj (Balochistan/Pakistan). You can check MyBusTime for buses connecting nearby cities and towns for these sites.

Q7: Are bus services safe for pilgrimage journeys?
A7: Yes, bus travel is safe, economical, and convenient. Platforms like MyBusTime provide verified operators, real-time updates, and options for AC and non-AC buses to pilgrimage destinations.

Q8: Can I book tickets online for buses to pilgrimage sites?
A8: Absolutely! MyBusTime allows you to check schedules, seat availability, and book tickets online for almost all major pilgrimage destinations in India.

Q9: How long in advance should I book a bus for a pilgrimage trip?
A9: It is recommended to book at least 1–2 weeks in advance, especially during festival seasons, using MyBusTime to ensure preferred seats and convenient travel timings.

Q10: Which are some religious places near Delhi within 300 kms?
A10: Popular pilgrimage sites near Delhi within 300 kms include Haridwar, Rishikesh, Mathura, Vrindavan, Kurukshetra, and Neemrana. MyBusTime provides detailed bus routes and timings to these locations.

If you prefer state-run services, explore our detailed guide on Road Ways buses for convenient travel options across India.

Conclusion

India’s rich spiritual heritage is reflected in its countless temples, shrines, and holy towns. Traveling to these famous pilgrimage destinations in India has never been easier thanks to modern bus services. From the northern mountains of Vaishno Devi to the southern shores of Rameswaram, buses provide affordable, convenient, and comfortable access to sacred sites.

Whether you are visiting the most visited pilgrimage places in India or exploring religious places near Delhi within 100 kms, platforms like MyBusTime simplify travel planning by offering updated bus routes, fare details, and online booking.

Plan your next spiritual journey with MyBusTime, and explore the divine heritage of India with ease, comfort, and peace of mind.

Explore routes and book tickets here: MyBusTime