India, a melting pot of diverse faiths and religions, is witnessing a phenomenal growth in religious tourism. These religious or spiritual tours claim a major percent of the revenue pie. Religious tourism is a wonderful way of de-stressing. According to the recent surveys, a large number of people (especially youths) are now-a-days heading towards peaceful temple towns for 'short duration holidays'. India, known as a very spiritual and religious land, is home to Hinduism, Islam, Christianity, Buddhism, Jainism, Sikhism and other innumerable religious traditions. Religion, here, covers every aspect of life.

Hinduism, practiced by over 80% of the population, is the dominant faith in India. Besides that, the country has the second largest population of Muslims in the world after Indonesia. Each religion here has its own pilgrimage sites, heroes, legends and even culinary specialties. India is dotted with a number of ancient temples and religious festivals, known for vibrant culture and spiritual philosophy. While exploring the spiritual side of the country, you will notice that your trip to India is incomplete without a visit to its pilgrimages. Some of the highly revered and frequented sites in India are:

• Char Dham (Gangotri, Yamunotri, Kedarnath and Badrinath)
• Ghats of Ganges in Varanasi
• Ashrams and ghats in Rishikesh
• Vaishno Devi
• Krishna Temples at Mathura-Vrindavan
• Rama Temples at Ayodhya
• Holy temples at Guruvayur, Madurai, Trivandrum, Shirdi, Mahabalipuram and Kanyakumari
• Buddhist sites at Bodhgaya
• Monasteries in Leh Ladakh

These sites are not only important for their spirituality, but also for their architectural magnificence. India became the melting pot of various religions about 5,000-10,000 years back. Today, it has become an integral part of the entire Indian tradition.

Spiritual tours in India let you the opportunity to spend your relaxing holidays at the best of pilgrimages. Pilgrimages in India are the most suitable places in the world to be one with the Almighty God. These tours, drawing the maximum number of tourists from all over the world, are the key attractions of India Tourism.

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