The Delhi NCR region is flanked by many religious and historical sites that attract pilgrims, history enthusiasts, and spiritual seekers. From ancient temples to sacred rivers, it gives an insight into India’s rich cultural and religious heritage. Here are some of the most renowned religious sites near Delhi NCR that you can visit for a weekend spiritual retreat.

1. Hastinapur (Approx. 120 km from Delhi)

Hastinapur is considered to be a sacred religious place and an ancient city in the Indian state of Uttar Pradesh. It is considered to be closely linked with the epic Mahabharata as an ancient capital of the Kuru dynasty. The city has temples dedicated to different deities, among them being notable Jain Temples at Hastinapur. Jains have regarded the area as sacred, because it is the place of birth of several Tirthankaras. The Kailash Mandir and the Shri Digamber Jain Temple attract visitors throughout the year. It’s a perfect destination for peace-seekers and also those looking to connect themselves with the legacy of Mahabharata.

2. Shukartal (Around 150 km from Delhi)

It is the place where Shukartal lies along the Yamuna River within Uttar Pradesh, dedicated to Shukra Teerth and the Shukra Ashram to sage Shukra. Here comes a story behind this place-that it was associated with Shukra, who is considered the guru of demons. One is supposed to take a bath here which cleans one from all sin. There is a proper importance of its visit due to its calm and serene environment.

3. Vrindavan (Approx. 150 km from Delhi)

Vrindavan is one of the holiest towns in the Braj region, which has a connection with Lord Krishna’s childhood. Situated on the banks of Yamuna River, it holds numerous temples, ashrams, and ghats. Banke Bihari Temple and Prem Mandir are the most prominent among them. Thousands of devotees throng to this place every year. The serene atmosphere and festivals of Holi and Janmashtami make Vrindavan a place for worship, love, and glee. It is an ideal abode for devotees and those who seek spiritual solitude.

4. Pura Mahadev (Approximately 200 km from Delhi)

Pura Mahadev is a less renowned yet highly revered religious site situated close to Meerut. This temple is devoted to Lord Shiva and is said to be one of the places where Lord Shiva performed a divine dance. The temple gives a very authentic spiritual experience and people visit it often for the blessings of Lord Shiva.

5.Brijghat (Approx. 160 km from Delhi)

Brijghat is an important holy town that is located by the side of the Yamuna River, in the province of Uttar Pradesh. As a region, it houses the extensive Braj territory, where according to legend, Lord Krishna spent his early years. The place is ideally suited for a peaceful ride on the Yamuna and viewing ancient temples, such as Radha Gokulanand Temple. The atmosphere of peace mixed with the sanctity of the river makes it a marvelous place for spiritual introspection.

6. Anoopshahr (Approx. 130 km from Delhi)

Anoopshahr is an auspicious town on the banks of Yamuna River. The temples at Anoopshahr and Ganga Ghat attract devotees who seek to bathe in its sacred waters. Generally, the pilgrims like to come here for praying to their god and being blessed and calm, away from much rush than the other pilgrim places.

7. Mathura (About 180 km from Delhi)

Mathura is the city and the most important holy spot in India, as there a belief that Lord Krishna has been born here, for which Krishna Janmabhoomi temple is one famous temple, which highlights a place where Krishna was born; other important temples have are Dwarkadhish Temple, Vishram Ghat, Keshav Dev Temple etc. Mathura is just as much a religious as cultural center, where festivals of the sort of Janmashtami and Holi come once in a year.

8. Govardhan (Around 210 Kms from Delhi)

This is a religious point in the Braj region where Lord Krishna had lifted the entire hill to save the natives from the wrath of thunderstorm god Indra, and the hill has temples over it, and devotees perform the parikrama, a circumambulatory trek of 21 km around Govardhan Hill. Must see places include Govardhan Temple and Radha Kund.

9. Kurukshetra (Approx. 160 km from Delhi)

Kurukshetra is known for the Mahabharata’s battle and where Lord Krishna had given Bhagavad Gita to Arjuna. The Brahma Sarovar, Jyotisar, and Bhishma Kund are holy spots that attract pilgrims and devotees. This place should not be missed for any student of ancient Indian history, philosophy, or spirituality.

10. Laksha Graha (Approx. 150 km from Delhi)

Laksha Graha, situated on the outskirts of the town of Sonipat, is the place, according to the Mahabharata, where their enemies imprisoned the Pandavas in a wax palace. Not as famous as other sites associated with the Mahabharata, it’s a quiet, off-the-beaten-path destination for the spiritual wanderer.

11. Parikshitgarh (About 160 km from Delhi)

This city has been named after the grandson of Arjuna who was known as King Parikshit. He is believed to have renounced his kingdom due to a curse cast upon him. The belief goes that he obtained salvation at this place through meditation of Lord Vishnu. This is the only main temple here, thus, Bulandshahr becomes one of the peaceful pilgrimage destinations for devotees.

12.Bulandshahr (Approx. 75 km from Delhi)

Bulandshahr is known for the Baba Neem Karoli Ashram and other temples of various Hindu gods. Dhanishta Mandir and Saraswati Mandir are two of the famous ones. The town can be a great weekend destination for those looking for a spiritually serene atmosphere.

13.Karanwas (Approx. 150 km from Delhi)

Karanwas is a small village, and the reason for the visit here is because of its famous Karanwas Temple, which is dedicated to Lord Krishna. It is not very famous, but still, a sacred place for Krishna’s devotees, as well as those who look for less crowded places for introspection and spirituality.

Near Delhi NCR, there lie beautiful religious places that are simply an ideal place to discover spiritual moments with ancient traditions, sacred myths, and divine energies. Whether you find peace in serene temples or seek an opportunity to go deeper in festivals and rituals, this is the destination you’re looking for, that would take you on an excellent meaningful weekend retreat.