12 places to discover
Chandragiri Hill, also called Chikkabetta, is the smaller of the two hills at Shravanabelagola in Hassan District, Karnataka. Opposite Vindhyagiri Hill, it is a major Digambara Jain pilgrimage centre with numerous basadis (Jain temples), memorials and inscriptions. Traditionally associated with Emperor Chandragupta Maurya and Acharya Bhadrabahu, the hill preserves structures from the Ganga period onwards and offers views of the town and Vindhyagiri.
Kandikonda Hill is a hillock located approximately 1 kilometer from Kandikonda village in Kuravi mandal, Mahabubabad district, Telangana. The hill is crowned by a Sri Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy temple, which attracts lakhs of pilgrims annually, particularly during Kartika Pournami. Historically, the site was associated with temple constructions by the Recherla chiefs between 1375-1378 CE and served as an administrative division seat during Nizam rule.
Mahamaya Temple is a Hindu temple dedicated to Goddess Mahamaya located atop Maya Tungri hill in Ramgarh Cantonment, Ramgarh district, Jharkhand. Situated overlooking the town, it is a prominent religious site for devotees in the region. The temple is known for its hilltop setting, panoramic views, and significance during Navratri and Durga Puja, attracting pilgrims and sightseers throughout the year.
Mailam Murugan Temple is a Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Murugan located on a small hillock in Mailam village, Tindivanam taluk, Villupuram district, Tamil Nadu. The temple enshrines Subramanyaswamy with consorts Valli and Deivanai and is reached by a flight of stone steps. Known for its hilltop setting, Dravidian architecture and annual festivals, it is a prominent pilgrimage centre in northern Tamil Nadu attracting devotees from across the region.
Malahanikareshwara Temple is a hilltop Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Shiva located on Malahanikareshwara Hill overlooking Sringeri town in Chikkamagaluru district, Karnataka. Situated above the Sringeri Sharada Peetham and Tunga River, it is known for its elevated location, panoramic views of the town and surrounding Western Ghats, and its association with the Advaita tradition. The temple is reached by a flight of stone steps and features a Shiva linga as the main deity.
Moula Ali Dargah is a revered Islamic shrine located atop Moula Ali Hill in Secunderabad, Telangana. Built in 1578 by Sultan Ibrahim Qutb Shah, it is dedicated to Hazrat Ali and houses a stone believed to bear his handprint. The site attracts pilgrims of all faiths and offers panoramic views of Hyderabad from its hilltop location.
Mundeshwari Temple is an ancient Hindu temple located atop Paura Hill near Ramgarh village in Kaimur district, Bihar. Dedicated to Goddess Mundeshwari and Lord Shiva, it is considered one of the oldest functional Hindu temples in India, dating to the 4th-5th century CE with an inscription from 108 CE. The octagonal stone temple exhibits Nagara architectural style and is protected by the Archaeological Survey of India, attracting pilgrims and heritage visitors.
Narayani Temple is a Hindu Shakti shrine dedicated to Goddess Narayani, located atop Narayani Hill near Khalikote in Ganjam district, Odisha, close to Rambha and Chilika Lake. Revered as an incarnation of Durga, the temple is an important pilgrimage site in southern Odisha. Set amid scenic hills and forests, it is known for its hilltop setting, traditional Odishan architecture, and panoramic views of the surrounding countryside and lake region.
Pretshila Hill is a sacred hill located northwest of Gaya city in Gaya district, Bihar, on the outskirts of Gaya Ji. Revered in Hindu tradition, it is a key site for Pind Daan rituals performed during Pitru Paksha to liberate ancestral souls. The hill features a temple at its summit dedicated to Yama and Pretas, accessed by around 500 stone steps, and offers panoramic views of the surrounding plains and Falgu River area.
Ramatheertham Rama Temple is a hilltop Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Rama located in Ramatheertham village, Nellimarla mandal, Vizianagaram district, Andhra Pradesh. Situated about 12 km from Vizianagaram city on a small hillock, it enshrines ancient idols of Rama, Sita and Lakshmana. The site is notable for its scenic hill setting, adjacent Jain archaeological remains on Bodhikonda and Ghanikonda, and its importance as a regional pilgrimage centre, especially during Sri Rama Navami.
Ramatheertham Temple is a Hindu hilltop temple dedicated to Lord Rama located on Ramatheertham Hill near Chimakurthy town in Prakasam District, Andhra Pradesh. Situated amid granite hill surroundings for which Chimakurthy is known, the temple is a local pilgrimage center associated with Ramayana traditions. Reached by a flight of stone steps, it offers panoramic views of the town and rocky landscape and attracts devotees especially during Sri Rama Navami.
Sonagiri Jain Temples is a major Digambara Jain pilgrimage complex located on two hills near Sonagiri village in Datia district, Madhya Pradesh. The site comprises 77 white marble temples, with 26 in the village and 51 on the hill, dating from the 9th to 17th century. The main Temple No. 57 enshrines an 11-foot idol of Chandraprabha. Known as Laghu Sammed Shikhar, it is revered as a Siddha Kshetra where numerous ascetics attained salvation.