24 Best Pilgrimage Sites near Ahmedabad (2026)

At a distance of 46 km from Great Rann of Kutch, 48 km from Dhordo and 89 km from Bhuj, Kalo Dungar or Kala Dungar is a hill located near Khavda town in Kutch district of Gujarat. It is one of the most famous attractions in Great Rann of Kutch that can be visited as part of Kutch Tour.

Situated at an altitude of 458 m, Kala Dungar literally means Black Hill in Gujarati language is the highest point of Kutch and offers jaw dropping view of the entire region, especially the Rann and the Indo-Pak border. The hill is also the site of a 400-year-old temple of Lord Dattatreya, the three-headed incarnation of Lord Brahma, Lord Vishnu and Lord Shiva in the same body. Legend says that when Dattatreya walked on the earth, he stopped at the Black Hills and noticed many hungry jackals and offered them his body to eat. When jackals started eating Dattatreya's body, his body automatically regenerated. The practice of feeding jackals is still followed by the people. Priest of the temple prepares food and serve it to jackals each morning and evening, after the aarti.

Beyond the temple there are two viewpoints that give the spectacular view of white Rann. Being close to the Pakistan border, there is an army post at the top of the Kalo Dungar and only military personnel are allowed beyond here. Before Kalo Dungar at one location you can experience vehicle going down with high speed even with ignition off. One can also visit India Bridge which is about 18 km from Kalo Dungar. This bridge ...

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At a distance of 116 km from Great Rann of Kutch and 160 km from Bhuj, Narayan Sarovar or Narayansar is a village in Lakhpat taluk of Kutch district in Gujarat. Situated near Koteshwar Mahadev Temple, it is considered as one of the places of pilgrimage for Hindus in India and among the must visit places in Kutch.

The village got its name from the holy Narayan Sarovar Lake. Narayan Sarovar Lake is one of the 5 holy lakes of Hinduism, along with Mansarovar in Tibet, Pampa in Karnataka, Bindu Sarovar in Gujarat and Pushkar in Rajasthan. According to the Hindu mythology, the lake is associated with a time of drought in the Puranic area, when Lord Vishnu appeared in response to the avid prayers of sages and touched the land with his toe, creating the lake, now revered as holy to bathe in.

There are seven stone temples surrounded by the lake namely Sri Trikamraiji, Lakshminarayan, Govardhannathji, Dwarkanath, Adinarayan, Ranchodraiji and Laxmiji, built by the wife of Maharao Desalji. Accordingly, in 1734, she first built the temples of Lakshminarayan and Trikamray in the same style as the Dwarka temples while the other five temples built by Vagheli Mahakunvar form, along with the more lately built temple of Kalyanray. Collectively called as Narayan Sarovar Temples, these temples are surrounded by a fortified wall and are approached from the lake by flights of stone steps. The lake attracts huge crowds during the annual fair held in November or December. One can also visit ...

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About Mata No Madh Desh Devi Maa Ashapura Temple

At a distance of 77 Km from Rann of Kutch and 101 Km from Bhuj, Desh Devi Maa Ashapura is a popular Hindu temple located in Mata No Madh town of Kutch district, Gujarat. Mata No Madh Temple is dedicated to Maa Ashapura, the household deity of former Jadeja rulers of Kutch State and she is also considered the patron deity of Kutch. The goddess is also referred to as Desh Devi, meaning the Goddess of the people. It is one of the significant temples in Kutch region and among the popular places to visit as part of the Rann of Kutch tour packages.

History of Mata No Madh Desh Devi Maa Ashapura Temple

The Mata No Madh Temple, constructed in the 14th century by Ajo and Anagor, who were ministers of Lakho Phulani from the Bania caste, suffered damage during the earthquake of 1819. It was subsequently reconstructed in 1823 by Sundarji Shivji and Mehta Vallabhaji, members of the Brahma Kshatriya community. The temple experienced further damage during the earthquake of 2001, but it was restored once more and reopened for worshippers.

Mythology of Mata No Madh Desh Devi Maa Ashapura Temple

According to a legend, Devchand, a Bania, was passing by the temple region to sell his manufactured items during Navratri. He decided to stay at Mata no Madh to celebrate Navratri as he was a devotee of the Goddess. He never wished for anything but ...

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At a distance of 33 km from Gandhidham, 64 km from Bhuj, 66 km from Mandvi and 138 km from Gateway of Rann, Bhadreshwar Temple is a Jain temple situated at Bhadreshwar village in Kutch district of Gujarat. Also known as Vasai Jain Temple, it is one of the important Jain pilgrimage centers in Gujarat and among the famous places to visit in Bhuj.

Bhadreshwar Temple is believed to be one of the oldest Jain temples in India. According to legend, the foundation stone of this temple was laid down by a Jain layman named Devchandra, centuries ago, about 45 years after the death of Lord Mahavir, but there is no evidence to either support that claim. Although the temple have been renovated many times. The temple is said to be first renovated by King Sidhsen of Bhadrawati in 449 BC and then, the temple have been renovated and rehabilitated many times. The temple have been destroyed many times due to earthquakes of 1819, 1844, 1875, and 2001 but the chronicles of Mistris of Kutch renovated it every time.

Built in the line of Dilwara Temples, the temple complex has 53 shrines, a major central temple and 52 minor shrines around it, one of which reputedly holds the original Parshwanath idol from 500 BC. The main temple, facing east, is strikingly beautiful, in all white marble with majestic pillars. In the shrine are three white marble images. The central image of Lord Ajitnath, the second of the Tirthankars, is flanked by Lord Parshwanath with the snake hood in the right and Lord ...

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At a distance of 46 km from Junagadh and 60 km from Rajkot, Jalaram Bapa Mandir is a Hindu temple located in Virpur near Rajkot, Gujarat. Situated near Kodhaldham Temple, it is one of the popular places of pilgrimage in Gujarat and among the best places to visit in Rajkot.

Jalaram Bapa popularly known as Bapa was a Hindu saint born in 1799 to Pradhan Thakkar and Rajbai Thakkar in the village of Virpur, Gujarat. His mother Rajbai Thakkar was very fond of saints and sadhus and no saint could go from Virpur without receiving the hospitality of Rajbai. He was a devotee of the Hindu god Rama. At the age of 18, Jalaram Bapa became a disciple of Shri Bhojalram of Fatehpur. With blessings of his guru, he started 'Sadavrat', a feeding center for sadhus and saints as well as the needy. This tradition of feeding people continues to this day in Virpur.

The temple is an actual resident house of Jalaram Bapa where he lived till his last breath. The main attraction in the temple is the portrait picture of Jalaram Bapa and original photo of Bapa which has been taken before one year of his death. The idol of Bapa is in standing posture wearing a white turban and a dhoti- kurta and holding a stick in the left hand.

Jalaram Bapa's birthday is celebrated at the temple with great pomp every year on 7th day Shukla paksha of the Hindu month of Kartika. A huge fair is conducted at Virpur on the occasion and millions of devotees visit Virpur to pay their respect to the saint and have ...

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About Shree Khodaldham Temple

At a distance of 7 Km from Virpur, 47 Km from Junagadh and 67 Km from Rajkot, Shree Khodaldham Temple is a holy temple situated near Kagvad village in the Rajkot district of Gujarat. Located on Virpur-Jetpur road, the temple is dedicated to Maa Khodiyar. It is one of the popular religious places in Gujarat and among the must visit temples as part of the Rajkot pilgrimage packages. It serves as a cultural hub for the Leuva Patel community and hosts numerous religious and community events.

History of Shree Khodaldham Temple

The foundation stone for Shree Khodaldham Temple was laid in the year 2012 and was opened for the public in 2017. Built by Shri Khodaldham Trust of Leuva Patel community, Shree Khodaldham Temple is one of the largest comprehensive Hindu Temples, measures 299 feet long and 135 feet high.

Architecture of Shree Khodaldham Temple

Khodaldham Temple has a distinctive architecture that displays the tradition of Leuva Patel community. It is one of the largest temples in Gujarat dedicated to Goddess Khodiyar. The temple is a magnificent architectural marvel, with intricate carvings and grand structures, attracting both devotees and tourists. The events of Ramayana, Mahabharata and Gita have been inscribed on the walls, and pillars of the temple.

The idol of Maa Khodal, along with 20 other gods and goddesses, has been ...

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About Nilkanthdham Swaminarayan Temple

At a distance of 62 Km from Vadodara, Nilkanthdham Swaminarayan Temple is a beautiful Hindu temple, and spiritual-cultural campus located at Poicha Village in Gujarat. Dedicated to Lord Swaminarayan, this temple is also referred to as Nilkanthdham Poicha or Poicha Swaminarayan Mandir. Situated on the banks of the Narmada River, it is one of the amazing temples in Gujarat and among the popular places to visit as part of the Vadodara family packages.

History of Nilkanthdham Swaminarayan Temple

The Nilkanthdham Swaminarayan Temple located in Poicha was built by the Swaminarayan Gurukul Rajkot Sansthan, guided by Shree Dharmavallabhdasji Swami, and inspired by Guruvarya Shree Devkrushndasji Swami and Shastri Maharaj Shree Dharmajivandasji Swami. The temple was inaugurated on October 28, 2013, by Guruvarya Shree Devkrushndasji Swami. The murti pran pratishtha ceremony was conducted by Shree Rakeshprasadji Maharaj, the acharya of the Laxmi Narayan Dev Gadi, in the presence of saints and devotees of the Swaminarayan Sampraday.

Architecture of Nilkanthdham Swaminarayan Temple

The Nilkanthdham Swaminarayan Temple showcases a grand design that harmoniously blends traditional Hindu architecture with contemporary elements. Constructed from pink sandstone in a magnificent style, it is distinguished by its elaborately carved stone pillars, ...

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About Shri Stambeshwar Mahadev Temple

At a distance of 75 Km from Vadodara and 160 Km from Ahmedabad, Stambeshwar Mahadev Temple is a 150 years old Hindu temple located in the town of Kavi Kamboi near Vadodara in Gujarat. Stambeshwar Mahadev Temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva. Situated between Arabian Sea and the Gulf of Cambay, it is one of the most prominent pilgrimage sites in Gujarat, and among the prime places to visit near Vadodara. The temple is mainly supported on pillars, hence called 'Stambeshwar Mahadev.' Popularly known as the Disappearing Shiva Temple, the temple is unique because the temple submerges every day during high tide and as the tide starts to get low it again starts emerging out of the sea, unveiling the 4 feet high Shiva lingam.

History & Mythology of Shri Stambeshwar Mahadev Temple

The temple structure that you see today is almost 150 years old. However, the Shiva Linga was there for thousands of years. According to the mythology, the Shiva Linga in Stambeshwar Mahadev Temple was installed by Lord Kartikeya himself. Legend says that, Lord Kartikeya feels guilty after killing the demon Tarakasura. On the advice of Lord Vishnu, Kartikeya installed Shiva Lingas at three places and offered his prayers in order to absolve his sin of killing a great devotee of Lord Shiva. And, Stambeshwar Shiva Linga is one among them. The temple is also mentioned in the Skanda Purana, which refers ...

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At a distance of 29 km from Una, 66 km from Sasan Gir, and 76 km from Amreli, Tulsi Shyam Temple is a Hindu temple situated at Tulsishyam in Gujarat. It is one of the revered temples in this region of Gujarat and among the must-visit places as part of Gir packages.

Dedicated to Lord Krishna, Tulsi Shyam Temple is a well-known temple located inside the Gir National Park. Legend says that Lord Krishna eliminated the demon called Tul and so the place is associated with his name along with that of Krishna as Shyam as Tulsishyam. The idol of Lord Tulsishyam is said to be 3000 years old made out of black stone. Visitors need to climb 100 steep steps to reach the temple from the parking. There is also a temple dedicated to Goddess Rukmini Devi on a small hillock near the main temple.

There are three hot sulphur springs that are believed to have healing powers. Of these, the 1st one is filled with hot water, the second one is filled with more hot water and the third water spring is having hot boiling water. Another attraction that draws people to this temple is the stretch of road near the temple famed for its Gravity Hill phenomenon. At the temple one will find boarding facilities at a nominal cost and food is provided by the trust at free of cost.

There are two approach routes to this place - one from Una is in a good state while the second one from Amreli is a bit longer and has a lot of potholes and ...

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About Girnar Hill

At a distance of 10 Km from Junagadh Junction, Girnar Hill is a sacred mountain situated in Junagadh, Gujarat. It is one of the popular Jain places of pilgrimage in Gujarat, and among the must-visit places as part of the Junagadh tour packages. Spread over an area of about 70 miles, Mount Girnar is older than the Himalayas and the Jain temples upon it are amongst the most ancient in the country. It has five principal peaks Ambaji, Gorakhnath, Guru Dattatreya, Oghad Ansuya and Kalika. Out of these, Gorakhnath is situated at an altitude of 3672 feet and is the highest point in Gujarat. For centuries, Mount Girnar has been one of the most important pilgrimage sites in Gujarat and indeed in all of Western India, with 866 Hindu and Jain temples spread over its 5 summits. For Jains, this place is considered holy as this is the Nirvana Kshetra of 22nd Tirthankara Neminath and for Hindus, this place is considered holy as Dattatreya stayed here.

History of Girnar Hill

Girnar is a significant mountain that has served as a sacred site for Hindus and Jains for many centuries. In ancient times, it was referred to as Raivata or Ujjayanta and has been a pilgrimage destination for Jains since before 250 BCE, as it is the site where the 22nd Tirthankara, Lord Neminatha, achieved Nirvana. Additionally, the mountain is linked to Shiva, who is believed to have performed his cosmic dance of destruction ...

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At a distance of 8 km from Junagadh Junction, Datar Hill is holy site in Junagadh city of Gujarat. Situated opposite to Girnar Hills, it is one of the popular places of pilgrimage in Gujarat and amongst the most visited sites in Junagadh.

Situated at an altitude of 2,779 feet, Datar Hill is one of the five principle peaks of Mount Girnar. Also known as Guru Dattatray or Dattatri, it is a popular religious place in Saurashtra region as it houses the shrine of Jamiyal Shah Datar. The dargah at the bottom of the hill is the tomb of a Muslim saint Jamal Shah Datar. It is ornately carved and crowned with a large onion dome and small minarets in a style similar to maqbara, the mausoleums of Nawabs of Junagadh. The shrine is visited by sufferers of leprosy in hope of a cure.

There is also a small shrine on the summit of the hill associated with the saint. One has to climb 3,000 steps to reach the shrine from Wellington Dam, which was built over the Kalwa River by the British. The place is truly scenic during monsoon as tiny waterfalls cascade down the hills. Visitor can also visit Koyala Vajir Temple and Digambar Jain Bhagwan Neminath Temple while on their way to the summit. From summit, one can have a spectacular view of the town below.

Also known as Upla Datar, the shrine is popular for its 5 days Urs festival celebrated here every year with great pomp and show. At least 3 lakh devotees of both Muslim and Hindus visit the Datar shrine during these five days, ...

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At a distance of 27 km from Patan and 36 km from Mehsana, Bindu Sarovar is a sacred pond located in Siddhpur town near Patan, Gujarat. Situated on the banks of Saraswati River, it is one of the holy places in Gujarat and among the most visited places near Patan.

Bindu Sarovar simply means a lake of drops. It is believed that Lord Mahavishnu's tears have fallen in this lake. Also known as Matru Gaya Kshetra, Bindu Sarovar is one among the five sacred theerthas of Hindu religion - Pancha Sarovar. The other four are Manas Sarovar in Tibet, Pushkar Sarovar in Rajasthan, Narayana Sarovar in Gujarat and Pampa Sarovar in Karnataka. Hindus normally go to Gaya in Bihar to offer pinda to their male ancestors but Bindu Sarovar is the only place in India where Matru Shradh is being carried out. It is also known as the Sri-sthal or a 'pious place' and finds a reference in the ancient Vedic text the Rig-Veda.

According to legend, Bindu Sarovar is the place where Sage Kardhama did severe penance for 10000 divine years and had the darshan of Lord Vishnu. It was on the banks of River Saraswati at this Bindu Sarovar, Sage Kapila had preached Moksha Gnana to his Mother Devhuti and performed the Matru Shradh of his mother salvation. It is said that at Bindu Sarovar Lord Parshuram also performed 'Matru Shradh' and his temple is also created here for darshan. Hence, Bindu Sarovar is considered as holy as Triveni Sangam at Allahabad.

Along the shore of the Bindu Sarovar, one can ...

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About Shankeshwar Parshwanath Jain Mandir

At a distance of 60 Km from Patan Railway Station, Shankeshwar Jain Temple is an ancient Jain temple located in Shankeshwar town in Gujarat. The temple is dedicated to Lord Parshwanath, the 23 Tirthankar of Jainism. It is the oldest, historical and major temple of Jainism after the Shatrunjaya hill in Palitana. It is one of the important Jain pilgrimage sites near Ahmedabad, and among the best places to visit as part of Patan sightseeing packages.

History of Shankeshwar Parshwanath Jain Mandir

Located on the banks of the Rupen River, Shankheshwar Parshwanath Jain Temple was built in the year 1098 CE by Sajjan Shah. Later, Vastupal Tejpal renovated this temple under the instructions of Vardhamansuri in the year 1229 CE. At that time, the temple housed 52 idols. The temple was destroyed by Alauddin Khalji in the 14th century and later in the year 1652 CE, a new temple with 52 idols was built under the inspiration of Vijaysensuri. In 1703 CE, the Sangha built the new temple and got the idol reinstalled. But, the current temple was built in 1811 CE.

Mythology of Shankeshwar Parshwanath Jain Mandir

The mythology surrounding the Shankheshwar Parshwanath Jain Temple in Patan centers on the miraculous abilities attributed to the idol of Parshwanath, as well as its ties to Lord Krishna and various historical figures. One narrative ...

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About Hastagiri Jain Tirth

At a distance of 25 Km from Palitana, Hastagiri Jain Tirth is a famous Jain temple located near Chok in Gujarat. Hastagiri Jain Tirth is dedicated to Bhagwan Rishabhdev or Shri Adishwar Bhagwan. This hilly land is also known as Hastisengiri. Situated on a hill on the bank of the Shatrunjaya River, it is one of the popular Jain pilgrimage sites in Gujarat, and among the must-visit places in Palitana. This Tirth allows you to immerse yourself in the spirituality and divine aura during your visit.

History & Mythology of Hastagiri Jain Tirth

According to mythology, Hastagiri Jain Tirth was built by the eldest son of Bhagwan Rishabhdev, Bharat Chakravartin. Devotees and management have been able to preserve the footprints of Bhagwan Rishabhdev even today in a small temple on the hills. Bharat Chakravartin had attained salvation here. He had observed fast unto death and attained moksha here. The elephant of the King also followed him, thus the Tirth is called as Sri Hastagiri Jain Tirth. Now, there is a large and massive temple on this mount, which was built and consecrated in the year 1979.

Architecture of Hastagiri Jain Tirth

Spread over an area of 9 acres, the Hastagiri Jain Tirth is an octagonal shaped Jain temple, and among the major places to visit as part of Palitana tour. The main sanctum of the temple houses four idols of Rishabhdev facing to four cardinal ...

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