Temples in Himachal Pradesh: Holy Shrines of Hills

Temples in Himachal Pradesh are situated in a land of lovely mountains and calm valleys. It is also famous for rich culture which are significant for religion and history. In Himachal, you will have ancient Devi temples, caves and shrines atop hills. These are not just holy places but are very beautiful place worth visiting. Whether you are seeking peace, love history or simply appreciate nature, these temples enhance your trip. Most are built in the mountains, beneath stunning views, and that only makes them seem all the more spiritual.

A. Hanuman Temples in Himachal Pradesh

Jakhoo Temple – Shimla

This is one of the most popular spiritual places to visit in Shimla. It is dedicated to Lord Hanuman and is located on the highest peak of the town. The temple has a massive 108-feet statue of Hanuman that is easily visible from the various corners of Shimla.

Legend says Hanuman halted at that spot in search of the Sanjeevani herb. The temple is covered by tall deodar trees and gives stunning views of the Shivalik hills, enhancing your visit further.

• Accessibility: 2.5 km trek or ropeway from Shimla Ridge
• Timings: 5 AM – 12 PM, 4 PM – 9 PM
• Top Visiting Period: March-June & September-November

Sankat Mochan Temple – Shimla

The Sankat Mochan Temple is another major temple in Shimla dedicated to Hanuman. It is a wonderful , peaceful and serene environment and has soulful energy. Built in 1950 the temple attracts both locals and tourists who come here to pray and with a hope of getting relief from their problems.

In addition to Lord Hanuman, the temple also has statues of Lord Rama, Lord Shiva and Lord Ganesha. Now a peaceful refuge amidst trees and nature, the setting is perfect for meditation and view.

• How to Reach: Kalka–Shimla Highway  approximately 5 km from Shimla town
• Timings: 6:30 AM – 8:00 PM.
• Ideal Period to Visit: March – June and September – November

Temple of Kaushala Hanuman, Chanan (Solan District)

The Kaushala Hanuman Temple situated in village Chanan near Solan village, is a popular place of worship among the locals. Amid dense trees and fields, the temple is charged with spiritual energy.

People visit here to pray to Lord Hanuman for energy and to protect himself/herself from evil spirits. The surrounding nature is peaceful and the place has a very calm and sacred atmosphere.

• How to Reach: 10 km from Solan, local buses or taxis can be hired to reach up there.
• Timings: 6:00 AM – 7:00 PM.
• When to Go: April-October.

B. Shiva Temples, Himachal Pradesh

Bijli Mahadev – Kullu

It is situated at Mathan Hill near Kullu. The temple is associated with Lord Shiva and has a peculiar recommended and powerful vibes.

In a tall metal rod at the temple that gets struck by lightning over and over again, people think it puts energy into the Shiva lingam, which is reformed each time lightning hits.

The temple is up a lovely path, and the walk itself is as fun and rewarding as when you get to the top, which has a very peaceful and spiritual feeling.

• How to Reach: 3 km trek from Chansari village, about 24 km from Kullu) by road.
• Timings: 6:00 AM – 8:00 PM.
• When to go: April to June and September to November

Trilokinath Temple – Mandi

This is one of the oldest temples and known as Trilokinath also it is derived from who means “Lord of the Three Worlds” which refers to the Lord Shiva. Surrounding the temple are green hills and nature. For Hindus and Buddhists, it is a sacred site. The temple is simple, but it’s so spiritual. There is such peace here and it feels like the calmness of night, even during the day.

• How to Reach: Temple is at walkable distance by mandi bus stand.
• Timings: 6:00 AM – 7:00 PM.
• Ideal time to visit: March to June and September to November.

Manimahesh Yatra – Chamba

This Yatra is a sacred journey to Manimahesh Lake, which is located at the base of Kailash mountain.

According to the locals, the lake is the home of Lord Shiva. The devotees believe that to have the reflection of a mountain in the lake is a blessing from Lord Shiva.

• How to Reach: 14 km trek from Hadsar village, and 65 km from Chamba.
• Timings: August–September.
• Ideal Time to Go: At the time of Manimahesh Yatra.

Mamleshwar Mahadev – Karsog

It is situated in the lovely Karsog Valley and has interesting myths associated with it. Legend has it that the Pandavas (the ancient heroes in one of India’s oldest epic, Mahabharata) built this. Its surroundings and the temple’s uniquely carved wooden architecture.

• Distance from Shimla: 100 k.m by Karsog road.
• Timings: Open throughout the day.
• When to Visit: April through October

Jatoli Shiv Temple – Solan

This temple is one of the higher and most beautiful Shiva temples in North India. It stands on an eminence and is constructed in the extremely beautiful South Indian style. This place is believed to be even meditated on by Lord Shiva himself as per the story. That’s why a holy water tank and a sacred cave also exist in the temple. This holy place is visited by thousands of devotees, and the number of visitors grows even more during the special festival of Maha Shivratri.

• How to Reach: 7 km from Solan on Rajgarh Road; by car/taxi.
• Timings: 6:00 AM – 8:00 PM.
• Ideal Visiting Period: March-to-June and September-to-November.

Baijnath Shiv Temple – Kangra

This is one of the most sacred Lord Shiva temple in Himachal. The temple was constructed in the year 1204 A.D. The architecture of the temple is quite simple and follows Nagara style. It is the temple of Lord Shiva as Vaidyanath. It is a stone that’s connected to Ravana as well. In addition to being a sacred spot, the temple is notable for its beautiful design.

• How to Reach: 50 km from Dharamshala and 16 km from Palampur
• Timings: 6:00 AM – 9:00 PM.
• Ideal Period to visit: October-March (climate-wise)

Luthru Mahadeva Cave — Near Sundernagar, Akri

This cave temple is located deep inside the jungle and it is in the forest area of Akri village in Mandi district. The legend says that Lord Shiva appeared here in the form of a Shivling. To access the secret shrine, devotees have to walk in the forest and cross small water streams. Now, nestled in nature and surrounded by silence, the cave is transformed into a serene and beautiful meditation space.

• How to Reach: 10 kms from Sundernagar, plus a short trek from Akri village.
• Visiting hours: Available in the day (this is a non-commercial temple)
• When to Visit: March to June, September to November.

C. Kali Mata Temples, Himachal Pradesh

Chamunda Devi Temple – Kangra

One of the important Shakti temples of Himachal, it is dedicated to form of Goddess Durga. Located along the banks of the Baner River, this Gupt kashi is said to be graced with the blessings of Shiva and also shakti. We have the cave of the lord Shiva behind the temple.

• How to Reach: 15 Kms from Dharamshala; Easily accessible by road.
• Timings: 6 am – 12 pm, 1 pm – 9 pm
• Ideal Period of Visiting: March to June and during Navratri.

Aadi Himani Chamunda – Kangra

Above the present temple, on a ridge, is the original seat of Chamunda Devi. You need to trek 13 km to reach there and once you are there you are just behind the Dhauladhar range. This temple has an extremely spiritual significance.

• How to Reach: Have to Trek from Jadrangal, near Palampur.
• Timings: Open during trekking hours.
• Ideal Visiting Time: April-October

Jwala Devi Temple – Kangra

The deity here is famous for its eternal flame, which burns continuously from natural rock crevices without the need for any fuel. Devotees believe this flame represents the fiery form of the Goddess, and it has been inspiring pilgrims for centuries. The temple is also considered a Shakti Peetha, a sacred site where parts of Sati Devi are said to have fallen, making it one of the most important places of worship in Hindu tradition.

• Distance from Kangra: 35 km (Taxi & Bus available)
• Timings: 5:00 AM – 10:00 PM.
• Visiting Seasons: October to March.

Chintpurni Temple – Una

It is one of the temples dedicated to Goddess Chinnamastika, one of the ten Mahavidyas. The native devotees of faith who worship here are believed to be relieved of worries and anxieties. This temple is one of the important stops on 9 Devi Darshan Yatra.

• Distance: 50 km by road from Una.
• Timings: 5:00 AM – 10:00 PM.
• Ideal Visiting Season: October to March.

Naina Devi Temple – Bilaspur

It is an ancient Hindu temple situated on top of a hill where the eyes of Goddess Sati fell. One of the Shakti Peethas built in enrichment of their powers, it is also the most important one among them all, visited by thousands of pilgrims, especially when the annual fair takes place. The views of Gobind Sagar Lake below are truly mesmerizing, with its calm blue waters adding to the beauty of the surroundings.

• How to Reach: 70 Kms from Bilaspur; Reach temple by ropeway or by stairs.
• Timings: 5:00 AM – 9:00 PM.
• When to Visit: Between the months of July and October.

Bagalamukhi Temple – Bankhandi

This temple is dedicated to one of the ten Mahavidyas, Bagalamukhi. She is to be worshipped in order to be protected against the enemies and as a support to get victory over the enemies as they say. A place of tantra, the yellow-themed temple is not only steeped in traditions but draws in thousands of rituals.

• How to Reach: 30 Kms from Kangra by NH-70.
• Timings: 5:00 AM – 9:00 PM.
• Best Time to Visit: Year-round.

D. Krishna Temples, Himachal Pradesh 

Brajeshwari Devi Temple – Kangra

This temple is mainly a Devi temple but there is also an idol of Lord Krishna which is worshipped during the festive occasions. This is the site where the breast of Sati is believed to have fallen, and is also one of the 51 Shakti Peethas. Due to invasions and earthquakes, the temple has been reconstructed many times.

• How to Reach: Located at Kangra town and can be reached by taxi or bus.
• Timings: 5:30 AM – 9:00 PM.
• Ideal Times to Visit: Janmashtami, Navratri (August–October)

Shri Krishna Temple — Yulla Kanda (Kinnaur)

One of the most unique temples of Lord Krishna that you will find in the remote Kinnaur region is the Shri Krishna Temple located at Yulla Kanda. Situated high in the mountains, the temple is surrounded by green meadows and towering mountain peaks. Dating back hundreds of years, this architecture combines both Himachali and Tibetan themes. The temple is one of great spiritual value and visually stunning.

• How to Reach: Reach Reckong Peo and then Yulla Kanda by the local roads followed by trekking.
• Timings: 6:00 AM – 7:00 PM.
• Most Ideal Time To Visit: June-September (when the roads are functional and climate is clear)

Mahakal Temple – Kandi (Kangra)

Ajmer Temple Complex is a beautiful temple in the Baroh village near Kangra devoted to Lord Krishna and Radha. The architecture is contemporary with traditional temple elements against a background of hills and fields. A space for quiet prayer and meditation, with Krishna bhajans often resonating through the temple grounds.

• How to Reach: 10 km from Kangra town; can be reached by local taxis or buses.
• Timings: 6:00 AM – 8:00 PM.
• Ideal time to go: October to March also during Janmashtami

E. Other Notable Temples

Hadimba Devi Temple – Manali

Notably, the Hadimba temple (dedicated to Bhim’s wife from the Mahabharata) located mid of cedar forest and built in a unique pagoda style. It is a combination of wooden architecture, mythology, and the nature around and is a place you should cover while in Manali.

• How to Reach: Walking distance from Manali bus stand
• Timings: 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM.
• Ideal Period to Explore: May through July and September through October.

Tara Devi Temple – Shimla

Goddess Tara, an avatar of Durga, is worshipped in the Tara Devi Temple, which is located on a hill surrounded by dense pine trees, near the city of Shimla. Its peaceful vibe and breathtaking views are among the reasons this location has visitors both from nearby and afar.

• Distance from Shimla: 11 km by road.
• Timings: 7:00 AM – 6:30 PM.
• Ideal Visiting Months: March until June and September to November.

Shikari Devi Temple – Mandi

This hilltop shrine is special because of the absence of a roof as it is believed snow never gathers on this holy place. At an elevation of 3,300 meters, a moderate trek, this is a spot trekkers and pilgrims alike visit.

• How to Reach: 16 km hike from Janjehli
• Timings: 6:00 AM – 8:00 PM.
• When to Visit: May to October

Bhimakali Temple – Sarahan

This Temple Bhimakali Temple is an engineering of Hindu and Tibetan architectural styles. This is one of the 51 Shakti Peethas and has idols of Hindu and Buddhist. An ancient temple complex with beautiful views.

• How to Reach: 170 km from Shimla via NH-5.
• Timings: 6:00 AM – 7:00 PM.
• Ideal Months to Go: April–June and September–November.

Travel Tips

• Dress in a manner that is both minimal and respectful of local culture.
• Shoes are not permitted within the boundary of the temple.
• Some temples are a small hike, so wear good walking shoes.
• Bring cash as some of the temples in isolated areas may not be capable of accepting digital payments.
• Don’t come during peak snowfall unless the temple itself is open year round.

Conclusion

The temples in Himachal Pradesh aren’t just holy places to say your prayers; they’re top treasures of spirituality and natural beauty. Situated in snow-capped mountains, high deodar trees and serene valleys, every temple narrates a story connecting the gods to the Himalayas. Whether it is the eternal flame at Jwala Devi, the serene heights of Shikari Devi or the amazing architecture of Baijnath temple, these places reflect the deep spiritual sense of this area.

To the visitor, these temples are more than just a place to worship, they’re an opportunity to understand the local culture and beliefs and marvel at majestic nature. The best time to visit most temples in Himachal Pradesh is from March to June and September to November, but the weather is great for sightseeing and religious tourism.

Whether you seek a blessing, peace of heart or an experience of connectedness, the temples of Himachal provide a unique opportunity to feel the sacred pulse of the Himalayas. So book your trip today and let the serene vibes of Himachal Pradesh regenerate you.

FAQs

Q2. Which are the first 5 Temples of Himachal Pradesh?

Jakhoo Temple, Jwala Devi, Chintpurni, Naina Devi, Hadimba Devi Temple are some of the most visited temples.

Q3. What is the Devi Darshan Yatra?

Ans. Devi Darshan Yatra is a pilgrimage of 9 Devi Temples of Himachal Pradesh, Himachal Pradesh is home to several such shrines that dot the hills and valleys.

Q4. Are these temples accessible year round?

Ans. The majority of temples can be visited any time throughout the year, with the exceptions within high altitude regions where heavy snow fall may close them.

Q5. Are there any Buddhist monasteries in Himachal Pradesh?

Ans. Dharamshala, does have several major Buddhist monasteries though like Tabo and Key Monastery.