Uttarakhand, known as the Land of Gods, is home to many ancient temples and sacred legends. This beautiful Himalayan state is believed to be the dwelling place of several Hindu deities. Over time, the spots where divine energy was once felt turned into holy temples that are now among the most respected in India.
These temples are more than just places of worship—they reflect Uttarakhand’s deep spiritual roots and its harmony with nature. Whether you’re looking for faith, history, or peace in the mountains, visiting these temples is a journey into the spiritual heart of India.
Chitai Golu Temple, Almora
Located about 8 km from Almora, the Chitai Golu Temple is one of the most popular temples in Uttarakhand. Dedicated to Golu Ji, an incarnation of Lord Shiva in the form of Gaur Bhairav, this temple is easy to recognize because of the thousands of copper bells hanging around its premises.
Golu Ji is known as the God of Justice, and it is believed that those who worship him with pure devotion receive justice and have their wishes fulfilled. The temple becomes especially lively during the annual fair in April, when devotees offer bells as a token of gratitude for answered prayers.
Location: Almora, Kumaon Region
Distance: 8 km from Almora
Devidhura Bagwal, Champawat
Located about 45 km from Lohaghat, Devidhura is a charming town known for its Barahi Temple and the famous Bagwal Fair. This unique festival, held every year at the temple, is one of the most fascinating cultural events in Uttarakhand. During the fair, two groups of people take part in a traditional stone-pelting ritual, accompanied by singing and dancing, creating a vibrant and energetic atmosphere.
It is believed that despite the stone pelting, no life has ever been lost during this ritual. The Bagwal Fair, celebrated on Raksha Bandhan, is deeply connected with the temple’s spiritual traditions and draws large numbers of devotees and visitors every year. With improved road access, reaching this famous temple has become easier, making it a must-visit during the festive season.
Location: Champawat District, Kumaon Region
Distance: 45 km from Lohaghat, 73 km from Almora
Jhoola Devi Temple, Ranikhet
Located near Ranikhet, the Jhoola Devi Temple is a sacred shrine dedicated to Goddess Durga. The temple gets its name from the word Jhoola (meaning cradle) because the deity is depicted sitting on one. According to locals, the temple is around 700 years old, though the original idol was stolen in 1959.
Similar to the Chitai Golu Temple, this temple is easily recognized by the hundreds of bells hanging in its courtyard. Devotees believe that Jhoola Devi fulfills the wishes of those who pray with pure devotion, and once their wishes come true, they offer a copper bell to the goddess as a token of gratitude.
Location: Chaubatia, Ranikhet, Kumaon Region
Distance: 7 km from Ranikhet, 55 km from Almora
Purnagiri Temple, Champawat
The Purnagiri Temple is one of the 108 Siddha Peethas and a major pilgrimage site in Uttarakhand. Surrounded by the serene beauty of nature, this sacred temple holds great religious importance and is considered one of the spiritual gems of the state.
During Chaitra Navratri (March–April), thousands of devotees from across India visit this holy shrine to seek blessings and fulfill their wishes. Apart from its spiritual aura and peaceful surroundings, visitors can also enjoy breathtaking views of Nepalese villages and the Tanakpur township from the temple.
Location: Champawat District, Kumaon Region
Distance: 20 km from Tanakpur
Kainchi Dham Temple
The Kainchi Dham Temple is one of the most famous spiritual sites in Uttarakhand, dedicated to Baba Neem Karoli, a revered saint of the Kumaon region. Located on the Bhowali–Almora Road, beside the peaceful Shipra River, this sacred place was visited by Baba Neem Karoli in 1962, making it a holy spot for his followers.
The temple gained further significance after the installation of the Lord Hanuman idol on June 15, 1964, and since then, an annual fair is held every year on the same date. Devotees from all over the world visit the shrine to seek blessings and experience the divine energy of the place.
Kainchi Dham is known not just for its spiritual power but also for its global fame—famous personalities like Steve Jobs, Mark Zuckerberg, and Virat Kohli have visited here.
Location: Bhowali–Almora Road, Nainital District, Kumaon Region
Distance: 17 km from Nainital
Patal Bhuvaneshwar Cave, Pithoragarh
The Patal Bhuvaneshwar Cave is one of the most fascinating and sacred temples in Uttarakhand. Located in the Pithoragarh district, this ancient limestone cave is mentioned in the Skanda Purana and is believed to be the place where 33 crore Hindu Gods and Goddesses reside together. It is said that visiting this holy cave is equivalent to performing the Chota Char Dham Yatra in Uttarakhand.
The cave itself is an adventure to explore — it stretches 160 meters long and 90 feet deep, filled with natural rock formations that resemble various deities and mythological figures. Visiting Patal Bhuvaneshwar is not only a spiritual experience but also a journey through the hidden stories of Hindu mythology.
Location: Bhubaneshwar Village, Kumaon Region
Distance: 14 km from Gangolihat, 116 km from Almora
Jageshwar Dham Temples, Almora
The Jageshwar Dham is one of the most beautiful and ancient temple complexes in Uttarakhand, dedicated to Lord Shiva. It consists of 124 small and large temples, surrounded by lush green mountains and the soothing flow of the Jata Ganga River, creating a serene and spiritual atmosphere.
According to the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), the temples date back to the post-Gupta and pre-medieval era, making them nearly 2,500 years old. The complex is famous for its stone lingams, sculptures, and intricate carvings on stone altars, reflecting the region’s rich architectural heritage. The peaceful surroundings also make it a perfect place for meditation and spiritual reflection.
Location: Jageshwar, Almora District, Kumaon Region
Distance: 37 km from Almora
Binsar Mahadev Temple, Ranikhet
Nestled amidst dense deodar forests, the Binsar Mahadev Temple is a peaceful and sacred shrine dedicated to Lord Shiva. Known for both its spiritual charm and natural beauty, this temple is believed to have been built in the 9th or 10th century, making it one of the oldest and most important religious sites in Uttarakhand.
The temple houses idols of Lord Ganesh, Har Gauri, and Maheshmardini, showcasing beautiful stone carvings and ancient artistry. The idol of Maheshmardini bears an inscription in Nagarilipi, dating back to the 9th century. It is said that King Pithu built the temple in memory of his father Bindu, which is why it is also known as the Bindeshwar Temple.
Surrounded by forests of deodar, pine, and oak, and overlooking a gentle stream, the Binsar Mahadev Temple offers both spiritual peace and breathtaking natural views.
Location: Binsar, Ranikhet, Kumaon Region
Distance: 17 km from Ranikhet
Chandrabadni Temple, Tehri
Perched atop the scenic Chandrakoot Mountain, the Chandrabadni Temple is a revered shrine dedicated to Goddess Sati. It is believed that this is the spot where Sati’s torso and weapons fell, making it one of the sacred Shakti Peethas in Uttarakhand. From the temple, visitors can enjoy breathtaking views of the Surkanda, Kedarnath, and Badrinath peaks.
The temple itself is small but spiritually powerful. It houses a Shri Yantra carved on a flat stone, and every year, a special ritual is performed where a cloth canopy is tied above the Shri Yantra by a priest — traditionally done blindfolded.
An annual fair is held here in April, attracting devotees from nearby regions. This makes it one of the best times to visit and experience the temple’s divine atmosphere and stunning mountain views.
Location: Tehri Garhwal
Distance: 33 km from Devprayag, 45 km from Srinagar
Kandoliya Temple, Pauri
Located on a hilltop overlooking Pauri town, the Kandoliya Temple is one of the most significant pilgrimage sites in the Garhwal region of Uttarakhand. Dedicated to Kandoliya Devta, the local deity, the temple is just a 2 km walk from the main town and is regularly visited by devotees seeking blessings and peace.
The temple offers breathtaking views of the Himalayan peaks and the Gagwarsyun Valley. Surrounded by dense oak, pine, and deodar forests, along with vibrant rhododendron orchards and wildflowers, Kandoliya Temple is not only a spiritual retreat but also a perfect spot for nature lovers.
Location: Pauri, Garhwal Region
Distance: 2 km from Pauri
Jwalpa Devi Temple, Pauri
Located on the left bank of the Navalika River, the Jwalpa Devi Temple is one of the most revered Shakti temples in Uttarakhand. According to legend, Sachi, the daughter of the demon king Pulom, wished to marry Lord Indra, the king of heaven. She prayed to Jwalpa Devi, who appeared before her as Deptiman Jwaleshwari and granted her wish.
Even today, it is believed that the Goddess fulfills the wishes of all who pray with true devotion. The temple attracts large numbers of devotees, especially during Navratri and the Basant Panchami fair, when the entire area comes alive with devotion and celebration.
Location: Pauri, Garhwal Region
Distance: 34 km from the main town of Pauri
Koteshwar Mahadev Temple, Rudraprayag
Located just 3 km from Rudraprayag, the Koteshwar Mahadev Temple is a sacred cave temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. According to legend, Lord Shiva rested and meditated here while hiding from the Pandavas, who were seeking his forgiveness after the Kurukshetra war. On his way to Kedarnath, he chose this serene spot to meditate.
Another story says that Lord Shiva hid here from the demon Bhasmasur, who had received a deadly boon. Lord Shiva prayed to Lord Vishnu, who appeared as Mohini and destroyed the demon. These legends make Koteshwar Mahadev a deeply spiritual and historically rich site.
Situated beside the Alaknanda River, the temple offers a peaceful and scenic setting, making it a perfect place for both devotees and nature lovers.
Location: Rudraprayag, Garhwal Region
Distance: 3 km from Rudraprayag
Kartik Swami Temple, Rudraprayag
Perched dramatically on the edge of a cliff, the Kartik Swami Temple is dedicated to Lord Kartikeya, the son of Lord Shiva. Standing at an altitude of 3,050 meters, it is the highest temple in Uttarakhand devoted to Lord Kartik. The temple offers a breathtaking panoramic view of the Himalayas — on clear days, you can see peaks like Bandarpoonch, Kedarnath, Chaukhamba, Neelkanth, Dronagiri, and Nanda Devi.
Inside the temple, there is a naturally carved idol of Lord Kartik on a marble-like rock. To reach the shrine, visitors need to trek 2 km from Kanak Chauri Village through a peaceful forest trail. Though less crowded, the temple’s divine energy and scenic beauty make it a truly unique spiritual experience.
Location: Rudraprayag, Garhwal Region
Distance: 2 km from Kanak Chauri
Hariyali Devi Temple, Rudraprayag
The Hariyali Devi Temple is a revered Siddha Peetha, located at an altitude of 1,400 meters above sea level. According to Hindu mythology, when Kansa tried to kill Mahamaya, her body parts scattered across the earth — and it is believed that her hand fell at Hariyali Devi, Jasholi.
The temple enshrines a bejewelled idol of Goddess Hariyali Devi, depicted riding a lion, along with idols of Kshatrapal and Heet Devi. Known for its divine energy and peaceful setting, the temple attracts devotees especially during Janmashtami and Deepawali, when special prayers and celebrations are held.
Location: Rudraprayag, Garhwal Region
Distance: 37 km from Rudraprayag
Kamleshwar Temple, Srinagar Garhwal
The Kamleshwar Temple is one of the most revered Lord Shiva temples in Uttarakhand. According to legend, Lord Rama once worshipped Lord Shiva here by offering a thousand lotus flowers. When he realized he was one flower short, he offered one of his eyes instead, earning him the name “Kamal Nayan” (lotus-eyed).
Every year, during the sacred occasion of Vaikuntha Chaturdashi, women devotees gather at the temple to offer prayers throughout the night, lighting hundreds of lamps as a symbol of devotion and purity. The temple’s spiritual aura and historical significance make it an important site for pilgrims visiting Garhwal.
Location: Srinagar, Garhwal Region
Distance: 106 km from Rishikesh
Umra Narayan Temple, Rudraprayag
The Umra Narayan Temple is a sacred shrine dedicated to Lord Vishnu and is believed to have been built by Adi Shankaracharya during his journey to Badrinath Dham. This ancient temple holds great religious importance and is one of the revered temples in the Garhwal region of Uttarakhand.
Lord Umra is considered the clan deity of the Gairola family from Gram Sann. As part of a long-standing tradition, villagers offer the first harvest of their crops to the deity, seeking blessings of prosperity and protection for their homes and fields.
Location: Rudraprayag, Garhwal Region
Distance: 6 km from Rudraprayag
Kalimath Temple, Rudraprayag
The Kalimath Temple is one of the 108 Shakti Peethas in India and among the most revered Devi temples in Uttarakhand. Located near Guptkashi and Ukhimath, this sacred temple is unique because it is the only place where Goddess Kali is worshipped along with her sisters, Goddess Laxmi and Goddess Saraswati.
Unlike other temples, Kalimath does not have an idol — instead, a Sri Yantra is worshipped as the divine symbol of the Goddess. According to legend, after Goddess Kali defeated the demon Raktbeej, she descended into the earth at this very spot, making it a place of immense spiritual power.
Location: Rudraprayag, Garhwal Region
Distance: 20 km from Ukhimath
Visit the sacred land of Uttarakhand, where divinity and spirituality fill the air. Each temple in this region offers a deep connection between faith and nature. A visit to these revered temples can bring you the inner peace and spiritual healing you’ve been seeking for a long time.
