7 hill-top temples in India you must add to your travel bucket list in 2026

India is home to several renowned pilgrimage sites that attract millions of devotees every year. While many are located in bustling towns and cities, some of the country's most sacred temples are situated high in the mountains, far from the crowds and noise of urban life.

Offering a unique blend of spirituality, scenic beauty and adventure, these destinations are ideal for travellers looking for a meaningful escape. Spread across the length and breadth of India, here are some famous as well as lesser-known hilltop temples worth visiting this year.

1. Saptashrungi Devi Temple, Maharashtra

Location: Vani, Nashik district, Maharashtra

Located high in the Sahyadri hills at about 4,659 feet above sea level, Saptashrungi Devi Temple is surrounded by seven mountain peaks, which give the temple its name. It is one of Maharashtra's most important Shakti Peethas and draws thousands of devotees every year. Visitors can enjoy beautiful views of the surrounding hills from the top. A funicular trolley service makes the journey easier, especially for elderly pilgrims.

More from Lifestyle

How to reach? Nashik Airport is around 80 km away, while Nashik Road Railway Station is about 70 km from the temple. Regular buses and taxis are available from Nashik and Mumbai.

2. Pavagadh Kalika Mata Temple, Gujarat

Location: Pavagadh Hill, Panchmahal district, Gujarat

Standing nearly 800 metres above sea level, Kalika Mata Temple is one of Gujarat's most famous hill temples. The shrine has a long history dating back to the 10th and 11th centuries and has been an important pilgrimage destination for generations. Visitors can reach the temple by cable car or by walking up the hill trail.

How to reach? The temple is about 45 km from Vadodara, which is well connected by flights, trains and roads to major cities across India.

3. Kedarnath Temple, Uttarakhand

Location: Rudraprayag district, Uttarakhand

Kedarnath Temple stands at an altitude of 3,584 metres near the Mandakini River. Dedicated to Lord Shiva, it is one of the 12 Jyotirlingas and among the most respected pilgrimage sites in India. Snow-covered mountains surrounding the temple add to its spiritual and natural beauty. The shrine remains open from May to October or November, depending on weather conditions.

How to reach? Pilgrims travel by road to Gaurikund, which is the starting point of the trek. Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun is the nearest airport, while Rishikesh is the closest major railway station.

4. Palani Murugan Temple, Tamil Nadu

Location: Palani, Dindigul district, Tamil Nadu

Palani Murugan Temple is one of the six sacred abodes of Lord Murugan. Located on Sivagiri Hill, the temple attracts devotees from across South India and is known for its religious importance and hilltop setting. Visitors can climb the traditional steps or use the ropeway and railway to reach the shrine.

How to reach? Palani has its own railway station. Madurai Airport is the nearest airport, and regular bus services connect Palani with major towns and cities in Tamil Nadu.

5. Vaishno Devi Temple, Jammu and Kashmir

Location: Trikuta Hills, Katra, Jammu and Kashmir

Vaishno Devi Temple is one of the most visited pilgrimage destinations in India. Dedicated to Mata Vaishno Devi, the sacred cave shrine attracts millions of devotees every year. The journey to the temple is considered an important part of the pilgrimage experience, and involves an arduous trek to reach the temple.

How to reach? Jammu Airport is around 50 km away. Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Katra Railway Station connects the shrine to many major Indian cities. Pilgrims can trek, hire ponies, use palanquins, take helicopters or use ropeway services.

6. Kamakhya Temple, Assam

Location: Nilachal Hill, Guwahati, Assam

Overlooking the city of Guwahati from Nilachal Hill, Kamakhya Temple is one of the oldest and most sacred Shakti Peethas in India. Dedicated to Goddess Kamakhya, the temple is an important centre of Tantric worship and attracts devotees from across the country. The temple complex also includes several smaller shrines dedicated to different forms of the goddess and Lord Shiva.

How to reach? Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi International Airport is about 20 km away. Both Kamakhya and Guwahati railway stations provide easy access to the temple.

7. Kirateshwar Mahadev Temple, Sikkim

Location: Legship, Gyalshing district, Sikkim

Set amid the green hills of Sikkim on the banks of the Rangit River, Kirateshwar Mahadev Temple is associated with stories from the Mahabharata. The peaceful surroundings make it a popular spiritual destination for both pilgrims and visitors. The temple complex also has shrines dedicated to Lord Rama and Goddess Durga.

How to reach? Bagdogra Airport and New Jalpaiguri Railway Station are the nearest major transport hubs. From there, visitors can travel to Legship by road. The temple is about 16 km from Gyalshing.