The cultural capital of Gujarat, Ahmedabad is a well-known and the biggest city in India known for its rich culture and heritage. Many things, places, ancient temples, and the vibrant festivals of Ahmedabad will make you witness the vibrant culture of Gujarat. Not just by resisting Ahmedabad, the rich culture and heritage voyaged to its surrounding places too. Now we are going to explore the best religious places near Ahmedabad. Let’s have a look at what are the prominent religious attractions near Ahmedabad and how far from you to reach.
Exploring Ahmedabad’s Spiritual Gems: 10 Iconic Religious Sites
1. Gandhinagar (25 km)
The capital city of Gujarat, Gandhinagar is the nearest place to Ahmedabad known for its famous Akshardham Temple. The temple is an architectural marvel of Gujarat with stunning and intricate styles of works. This temple is dedicated to Bhagwan Swaminarayan. There is a lot to explore in this temple complex like its beautiful garden, exhibition halls depicting the moral of Hinduism, prayer halls, etc. To experience an architectural marvel, a visit to this temple is noteworthy.
Apart from this temple, other prominent religious attractions to be covered here are Adalaj Stepwell, Hanumanji Temple in Sarita Udyan, and Trimandir. Trimandir is a beautiful temple complex that comprises the temples of Lord Krishna, Simandhar Swami, and Lord Shiva depicting Jainism, Hinduism, and Buddhism.
2. Shankeshwar (120 km)
Shankeshwar is a popular town in Gujarat for Jainism. The place is home to numerous famous Jain temples among all, Shankeshwar Parshwanath Jain Temple is the prominent one to visit. It is one of the ancient Jain Temples built in the 13th century. This temple was dedicated to Lord Parshwanath and it is a wonderful temple with stunning architecture. The idol of the Bhagwan Shankeshwar Parshva in Padmasana posture is the major attraction of the temple. The temple complex consists of various temples dedicated to other Thirthankaras of Jainism.
Apart from this temple, other important Jain temples to be covered here are Agam Mandir, Rajendrasuri Navkar Mandir, Guru Mandir, Dadawadi, Kalapurnam Smriti Mandir, and Dharmanath Temple.
3. Dakor (85 km)
Dakor is a simple and popular religious site near Ahmedabad for Ranchhodraiji Temple. This temple was dedicated to Lord Krishna and he is in the form of Ranchhodraiji. Due to this reason, the temple was called like. The architecture of the temple with intricate carvings and sculptures stands as a major attraction. The Gomti Kund in the temple complex is another important attraction. People believe it is a sacred kund to take a holy dip to cleanse them from sins. During Sri Krishna Janmashtami, the temple receives a large number of devotees from all nearby places.
Besides the temple, here you can visit Gugli Ghatand Kusum Vilas Palace. At Gugli Ghat people perform different prayers and rituals to the river Gomtiduring special occasions. Then, Kusum Vilas is a beautiful palace to witness its exquisite architectural styles and museum.
4. Ranakdevi (120 km)
Ranakdeviis a small village located in the Surendranagar district of Gujarat. It is quite popular for its famous Ranakdevi Temple dedicated to Goddess Ranakdevi. The temple is a great place to witness the Gujarati style of architecture with stunning exteriors and interiors.
Locals believe that the Goddess protects them from evils and grants the wishes they prayed for. During Navaratri, the temple receives huge crowds from the surrounding place and at that time with festivities, the temple looks fully charged. Even though it is a small local temple, the serenity and calm atmosphere here make you visit the temple.
5. Vadnagar (100 km)
Vadnagaris a famous village near Ahmedabad known for its historic and religious attractions. Especially, this place is quite famous for the Hatkeswar Mahadev Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. It is the centre of attraction of the place with its stunning architecture and it dates back nearly 1800 years ago. Apart from the temple, the Gurudwara of Guru Nanak Dev Ji, Jami Masjid, and various Buddhist sites are other key attractions of the place. Here in this village, you can spot remnants of various Buddhist stupas and monasteries.
When it comes to tourist attractions, Sharmistha Lake is a wonderful place to enjoy the soothing and serene atmosphere, and locals believe this lake is a mythological significant place.
6. Wadhwan (130 km)
Wadhwan is a rich cultural and religious place near Ahmedabad located in Surendranagarin Gujarat. The place comprises different temples dedicated to Hinduism and Jainism. The major attraction of the place is its Swaminarayan Temple dedicated to Bhagwan Swaminarayan. It is a wonderful temple with mindblowing architecture. Besides, Ramji Mandir, Rukmini Mandir, and Bhathiji Maharaj Temple are the popular Hindu Temples.
When it comes to Jain’s prominent temples, the temples are Chandraprabhu Jain Temple, Vishwakarma Jain Temple, PashwananthJain Temple, Adinath Jain Temple, and Shri Mahavir Swami Jain Temple. For those who want to experience a rich cultural religious trip, Wadhwan is a good choice.
7. Bahucharaji (100 km)
Bahucharaji is a famous religious place known for its special and unique temple called Bahuchar Mata Temple. This temple is dedicated to the Goddess of Bahucharaji. What’s the special and different thing about the temple is it is a favourable pilgrimage for the transgender community. As per the mythological stories, Bahuchar Mata came to earth to protect the people facing gender identity issues.
That’s why this place is a great pilgrimage to the transgender community. Besides, the architecture of the temple with intricate carvings and vibrant colors looks elegant. During Navaratri, the temple receives a great number of devotees from all nearby places.
8. Shamlaji (135 km)
Located in the Aravalli Range of Gujarat, Shamlaji is a beautiful destination for religious and tourist attractions near Ahmedabad. The place is quite famous for Shamlaji Temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu. It is an ancient temple, which dates back to the 11th century. Among Lord Vishnu temples in Gujarat, this temple is one of the prominent. The architectural blend of Jain and Hindu styles of works adds more charm to the temple. Overall, this temple is an important Hindu religious place to visit. Apart from this temple, Kedarnath Mahadev Temple in the complex is another important temple to visit.
The beautiful tourist attractions to cover in this place are Hot springs near ShamlajiTemple, Matiyala Dam, Champaner-Pavagadh Archaeological Park, and Wildlife Sanctuary of Shamlaji. For nature lovers, this place is a good choice to experience spirituality amid serenity.
9. Nilkanthdham Swaminarayan Temple (170 km)
Located in Poicha village, Nilkanthdham Swaminarayan Temple is a modern-day architectural wonder of Gujarat. This temple was built in 2013 and dedicated to Lord Swaminarayan. This temple is an architectural wonder with mind-blowing structures, carvings, and ponds. Especially, the pond around the main temple with a Shivalinga is the pinnacle of the temple’s architecture.
Apart from the main temple, different temples are dedicated to Lord Vishnu, Lord Ganesh, Hanuman, Saptarishi, 108 Gaumukh, and the 12 avatars of Vishnu are the special attractions of the place. Many other attractions in the temple complex like Sahjanand Universe, 151 feet Swaminarayan idol, several idols of Hindu mythological stories, an amusement park, a science city, etc stand as other major attractions.
10. Ambaji (180 km)
Ambaji is a sacred place near Ahmedabad known for the Ambaji Temple located in Banaskanthdistrict of Gujarat. The Ambaji Temple is one of the Shakti Peetasand this temple represents Goddess Shakti’s heart. The temple complex houses various temples dedicated to different deities. Among all, Kamakshi Mandir dedicated to Goddess Parvati andGabireshwar Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva are prominent temples to visit.
Apart from the Ambaji Temple, Kumbhariya Jain Temples are worthy temples dedicated to different Thirthankarsof Jainism. The architectural styles of these temples are outstanding examples of Jainism architecture. When it comes to tourist attractions Kailash Hill Sunset Pointnear the Ambaji Temple and Balaram Wildlife Sanctuary are worthy places to explore the nature and wildlife of Ambaji.
11. Gadhada (180 km)
Gadhadais a famous pilgrimage site for Swaminarayandevotees. It is located in the Botad district of Gujarat. For the Swaminarayan sect of Hinduism, this place is a wonderful choice to visit. Swaminarayan Temple is the major attraction of the place, it is a beautiful temple complex with exquisite architectural styles and intricate carvings. Numerous temples in this complex stand as major attractions. Akshar Bhavan, Nityanand Swami Temple, and Nilkanth Varni Temple are the prominent temples of the complex.
Other prominent temples in this place are Bhutnath Mahadev Temple, Radha Krishna Temple, Ramji Mandir, and Meldi Mata Temple. Apart from the temples, Gomati Lake is a good tourist point to enjoy the beautiful natural attractions of the lake.
12. Palitana (215 km)
Palitana is a holy destination for Jains near Ahmedabad. It is home to ShatrunjayaHill, which houses nearly 863 carved Jain Temples. They are exquisite examples of Jainism architecture. Also, devotees believe in this village Lord Adinathgot enlightenment. Due to all these reasons, Palitana is a sacred religious place for Jain followers. The most important temple in the place is Sri Adishwar Temple, which is an architectural marvel to witness. Especially the carvings of beautiful motifs of the temple stand as a major attraction of the Temple. Other important temples to explore in this village are Kumarpal Temple, Chaumukh Temple, Sampriti Raja Temple, and Vimalshah Temple.
To reach all these temples, devotees have to trek nearly 3350 steps to watch these iconic wonders. Whatever maybe, after trekking the hill you feel like you reached a magical world. During Mahavira Jayanti, the village will receive great footfall and the celebrations will also look beautiful with vibrant chariots.
13. Shree Khodaldham Temple (280 km)
Shree Khodaldham Temple is a beautiful temple complex that houses various Hindu Temples. This temple was built in 2012 by the Shri Kodhaldham Trust of the Leuva Patel Community. It houses various temples dedicated to Maa Khodiyar, Maa Amba, Maa Verai, Maa Bahuchar, Maa Mahakali, Gaurtal, Annapurna, Momai, Chamunda, Randal, Butbhavani, and Shihori.
These are the important idols located in the temple. Apart from these, Mahadev Temple, Ram Darbar, Ganesh Temple, Hanuman Temple, Shrinathaji Temple, and Radhakrishna Temple are other prominent temples in the complex. With this complex, you can visit various temples of Hindu gods at a stand.
14. Bhavanath Mahadev Temple (320 km)
Nestled at the foothills of Girnar mountain ranges near Junagadh town, Bhavanath Mahadev Temple is a sacred abode of Lord Shiva. For nature and spiritual lovers, this temple is a perfect choice to blend in. The special attraction of the temple is its architecture, which looks stunning with intricate carvings and sculptures. Along with the Lord Shiva Temple, different temples are dedicated to various deities. During Mahashivaratri, from all nearby places, people throng to the temple to seek the blessings of Lord Shiva.
Apart from the temple, the lush greenery and attractions of the Girnarranges will be like a nature’s paradise to enjoy. People who love trekking can trek to the Girnartop to visit other temples. To enjoy nature amid spirituality, this is one of the best places near Ahmedabad.
15. Bhadreshwar (320 km)
Bhadreshwar village is a famous religious place near Ahmedabad known for Bhadreshwar Jain Temple and other temples and mosques. BhadreshwarJain Temple is one of the oldest Jain Temples in India and also it is an architectural marvel. The temple complex houses a total of 53 temples dedicated to different deities. The major attractions of the Temple are Parshwanath idol, Lord Ajitnath, and Lord Santinath. Apart from this temple complex, Chokhanda Mahadev Temple and Rokadiya Hanuman Temple are other famous Hindu temples. Also, Duda Masjid and Lal Shahbaz Dargah are the ancient mosques to visit here.
The special attractions of the religious sites in this place are all they belong to centuries back. To witness ancient religious places near Ahmedabad, this is one of the best places. For all religions, this place is a good choice to visit.
16. Girnar (315 km)
Located near Junagadh, Girnar is a famous pilgrimage site for Hindus, Buddhists, and Jains. Different temples on this mountain range receive devotees from all nearby places. The most important temples and religious sites to visit here are Amba Mata Temple, Neminath Temple, Gorakhnath Temple, Dattatreya Temple, Mallinath Temple, Bhartrihari Caves, and Kalika Mata Temple.
Also, ancient Buddhist monuments located in Girnar are worthy to visit here. Overall, Girnar is a cultural destination to explore different religious places at a very little distance. For serene and spiritual lovers, Girnar is a wonderful option to visit.
17. Somnath (420 km)
Somnath is a popular religious destination known for the Somnath temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. This temple is one of the twelve Jyotirlingas of Lord Shiva. As per mythological stories, the temple was built by the moon god “Chandra”. That’s why it is also called Somnath means “Lord of the Moon God”.
The Chalukya architectural style is another attraction of the temple. Apart from this temple, Gita Mandir, Bhalka Tirtha, Triveni Sangam Temple, Rudreshwara Temple, Parshuram Temple, Suraj Mandir, Kamnath Mahadev Temple, and Panch Panda Caveare other prominent religious places in Somnath. Read More: Somnath Temple, Gujarat: History, Location, Timings, and Darshan Booking
18. Dwarka (450 km)
Dwarka is a famous pilgrimage site for Lord Krishna devotees. This place is home to numerous temples and beaches. Dwarka was once the capital of Lord Krishna’s kingdom and many places here stands as the epitomes of Lord Krishna’s doings. The major attraction of the place is the 2000-year-old Dwarkadhish Temple. It is also known as Sharada Peeth established by Adi Shankaracharya. Besides, Nageshwar Jyotirlinga Temple, Rukmani Devi Temple, Beyt Dwarka, Bhadkeshwar Mahadev Temple, Swaminarayan Temple, and Gomti Ghat are the other religious attractions of Dwarka.
Apart from the temples, Shivrajpur, Dwarka, and Okhamadhiare famous beaches to visit here. Scuba diving is also available at the beaches of Dwaraka to explore the underneath wonders of the waters.
19. Mata No Madh (430 km)
Math No Madh is a famous place in the Kutch district of Gujarat known for Desh Devi maa Ashapura Temple. This temple was dedicated to Maa Ashapura, who is a household deity of Jadeja rulers. The idol of Maa Ashapura is the best attraction of the temple because it has seven pairs of eyes.
Besides, the simple Indian architecture of the temple with intricate carvings stands as the major attraction of the temple. During Navaratri, the temple looks grandeur, and thousands of devotees visit the temple.
20. Nashik (500 km)
Last but not least, Nashik is a popular pilgrimage site near Ahmedabad located on the banks of the river Godavari. This place houses numerous temples and also this place is cited in many mythological stories. As per the mythological stories, during exile, Lord Rama stayed in this place, and also Lakshmana cut the nose of Shurpanaka in this place. Because of all these, Nashik is quite popular historically. The prominent religious places to be visited here are Someshwar, Panchavati, Muktidham Temple Ram Kund, Pandavleni Caves, and Trimbakeshwar.
The important festival to witness here is the Kumbha Mela, which takes place once every 12 years. At the time, from all corners of India devotees and sadhus thronged to the place to take a holy bath in river Godavari.
These are the top 20 religious places to explore near Ahmedabad. To embark on a religious trip near Ahmedabad, these places are worthy to visit once in a lifetime. You will feel serene and calm in destinations like these for sure. Whenever you want to escape from Ahmedabad on a religious trip, this bucket list will guide you the best.
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