Back to grid

Most famous religious destinations in Asia

Back to grid
Kyoto
Temples, geisha districts and kaiseki dining
9.2
Where Tokyo feels modern, this old capital has about 1,600 Buddhist temples and 400 Shinto shrines. Thousands of red torii gates, which mark sacred ground, climb the mountain at Fushimi Inari. Kiyomizu Temple clings to a hillside on tall wooden pillars. Monks chant at dawn in quiet halls.
Highlights:
  • ⛩️ Climb the vermillion torii gates at Fushimi Inari Shrine
  • 🍱 Experience Japan’s beautifully presented Kaiseki dining at a traditional restaurant
  • 🎋 Stroll through the magical Arashiyama bamboo forest early in the morning
Jerusalem
Ancient History Meets Modern Culture
8.8
Inside the old walls are the Western Wall, the Holy Sepulchre church and the Dome of the Rock. Jews, Christians and Muslims all count it as holy. Follow the Via Dolorosa through narrow lanes. Watch the gold dome catch the evening light from the Mount of Olives.
Highlights:
  • ⛪ Walk the ancient Via Dolorosa to the Holy Sepulchre
  • 🏰 Climb the Tower of David for sweeping Old City views
  • 🕍 Visit the sacred Western Wall for prayer and reflection
Nara
Giant Buddha, tame deer and ancient temples
8.4
Todaiji Temple has a bronze Great Buddha 15 metres tall. It sits inside one of the largest wooden buildings in the world. Japan made Nara its capital in 710, nearly a century before Kyoto. More than a thousand wild deer roam Nara Park and bow for crackers.
Highlights:
  • 🏮 Explore historic Kasuga Taisha Shrine lantern pathways
  • 🏯 Visit Todaiji Temple and see the Great Buddha
  • 🦌 Feed and photograph friendly deer in Nara Park
Mecca
A spiritual journey like no other
8.0
A valley of dry hills in western Saudi Arabia holds the Kaaba. Muslims everywhere face this black cube in prayer. Each year more than a million pilgrims take part in the Hajj and walk around it seven times. Only Muslims may enter the holy city.
Highlights:
  • ⛲ Visit the Zamzam Well and taste its holy water
  • 🚶‍♂️ Walk between Safa and Marwa during pilgrimage rituals
  • 🕋 Perform Tawaf around the sacred Kaaba in Masjid Al Haram
Varanasi
India’s Timeless Spiritual Heartbeat
7.5
Where most cities have squares, this one has more than 80 ghats. These are stone steps that lead down to the Ganges. Hindus wade in at dawn to pray to the sun and wash away sins. Cremations burn at Manikarnika Ghat around the clock. In the evening, priests wave fire lamps at the Ganga Aarti.
Highlights:
  • 🕌 Explore the ancient ruins of Sarnath Buddhist site
  • 🛕 Visit the sacred Kashi Vishwanath Temple
  • 🪔 Attend the evening Ganga Aarti at Dashashwamedh Ghat
Medina
A Spiritual Oasis
8.0
The Prophet's Mosque stays open day and night and thousands pray inside before dawn. Muhammad moved to the city in 622 and is buried under the mosque's Green Dome. Giant umbrellas open across the courtyards each morning to shade worshippers. Pilgrims visit all year, often before or after the Hajj.
Highlights:
  • ⛰️ Climb Mount Uhud, site of the famous battle
  • 🏛️ Explore the historic Quba Mosque, Islam’s first mosque
  • 🕌 Visit Al Masjid an Nabawi, Prophet Muhammad’s mosque
Lhasa
A Spiritual Journey in Tibet
7.9
The Potala Palace, once the winter home of the Dalai Lamas, rises 13 stories over the city. At Jokhang Temple pilgrims spin prayer wheels and bow full length on the ground. Juniper incense smoke drifts over the Barkhor, the walking circuit around the temple. The city sits at 3,650 metres, so go slowly.
Highlights:
  • 🛍️ Stroll the vibrant Barkhor Street market and pilgrim path
  • ⛩️ Visit Jokhang Temple, the spiritual heart of Tibet
  • 🏰 Tour the majestic UNESCO-listed Potala Palace
Ise
Japan's most sacred Shinto shrine city
7.8
The shrine for Amaterasu, the Shinto sun goddess, is rebuilt every 20 years. This has gone on for about 1,300 years. Visitors cross the Uji Bridge and walk under tall cedars to the Inner Shrine. Nearby Okage Yokocho street sells akafuku, a sweet rice cake with red bean paste.
Highlights:
  • 🏯 Explore Naiku and Geku, the inner and outer shrine complexes
  • 🍡 Walk the charming old streets of Okage Yokocho and taste local snacks
  • ⛩️ Visit the sacred Ise Grand Shrine, Japan’s most revered Shinto site
Miyajima
Torii in the sea, deer and Mount Misen
8.6
Warlord Taira no Kiyomori built the shrine in its present form in 1168. At high tide the red torii gate seems to float in the sea. At low tide visitors walk out across the sand to touch its legs. Deer roam Miyajima, an island that has long been seen as sacred.
Highlights:
  • 🍁 Stroll through Momijidani Park’s maple trees in autumn
  • 🏔️ Climb Mount Misen for panoramic views of the Seto Inland Sea
  • ⛩️ Admire the floating torii gate of Itsukushima Shrine at high tide
Bagan
Ancient Temples and Timeless Sunsets
7.6
Dawn light turns the brick temples gold across a dusty plain in central Myanmar. About 2,000 pagodas and temples survive from the 11th to 13th centuries. Ride an electric bike between them on sandy paths. Watch the sun set over the Irrawaddy River as haze settles.
Highlights:
  • 🎈 Take a hot air balloon ride for aerial views
  • 🕌 Explore the stunning Ananda Temple’s architecture
  • 🌅 Watch sunrise over thousands of ancient pagodas
Istanbul
Where East meets West in stunning contrast
8.7
The call to prayer rolls over the Bosphorus from mosques on both shores. Hagia Sophia was built as a Christian church in 537. It later became a mosque and then a museum. Today it is a mosque again. The Blue Mosque faces it across a park and has six minarets.
Highlights:
  • 👑 Explore the opulent Topkapi Palace and its imperial treasures
  • 🚤 Cruise along the Bosphorus between Europe and Asia
  • 🕌 Admire the grand Hagia Sophia’s domes and mosaics
Bali
Tropical beaches, vibrant culture and adventure
8.2
This small island follows Balinese Hinduism in a mostly Muslim country. Offerings of flowers and rice sit on pavements every morning. Besakih, the Mother Temple, climbs the slopes of Mount Agung. At Tanah Lot, a sea temple stands on a rock that waves surround at high tide.
Highlights:
  • ⛪ Visit Uluwatu Temple perched high on a seaside cliff
  • 💦 Swim beneath the cascading Tegenungan Waterfall
  • 🌋 Watch the sunrise over Mount Batur volcano
Luang Prabang
Laid-back charm by the Mekong River
7.5
King Setthathirath built Wat Xieng Thong in 1560. Its roofs sweep down nearly to the ground. A glass mosaic of the tree of life glows on one wall. At dawn, monks in orange robes walk silent lines through town. They collect rice from kneeling locals in a custom called tak bat.
Highlights:
  • 🌅 Climb Phousi Hill for panoramic sunset views
  • 🏛️ Explore the historical Royal Palace Museum grounds
  • 💦 Visit the stunning Kuang Si Waterfalls and swim
Nikko
Tokugawa shrines, waterfalls and hot springs
8.6
Shogun Tokugawa Ieyasu died in 1616. His shrine at Nikko, called Toshogu, opened the next year. His grandson rebuilt it in 1636 with gold leaf and bright carvings. Look for the three wise monkeys and a sleeping cat. Cedar trees line the path up to Ieyasu's tomb.
Highlights:
  • 💦 Admire the majestic Kegon Falls viewpoint
  • 🌉 Cross the striking vermilion Shinkyo Bridge
  • ⛩️ Visit the ornate Nikko Toshogu Shrine complex
Damascus
Ancient Alleys, Bazaars and Minarets
5.8
Like Jerusalem, this old city has holy places for more than one faith. The Umayyad Mosque stands where a Roman temple and then a Christian church once stood. It has a shrine said to hold the head of John the Baptist. Straight Street, mentioned in the Bible, runs nearby.
Highlights:
  • 🌆 Stroll the narrow alleys of the Old City at dusk
  • 🛍️ Wander through Al-Hamidiyah Souq and shop local crafts
  • 🕌 Explore the ancient Umayyad Mosque, one of the world’s oldest
Kandy
Sacred Temples, Misty Hills, Tea Trails
7.3
Every July or August the Esala Perahera parade fills the streets for ten nights. Drummers, fire dancers and dozens of costumed elephants pass by. The lead elephant carries a golden casket that honours the Buddha's tooth relic. The Temple of the Tooth keeps what is said to be a tooth of the Buddha.
Highlights:
  • 🌺 Explore the vast Royal Botanical Gardens, Peradeniya
  • 🌊 Stroll peacefully around scenic Kandy Lake
  • 🦷 Visit the sacred Temple of the Tooth Relic
Suzdal
Time Travel to Old Russia
7.2
Each late winter, locals mark Maslenitsa, a week of pancakes and sleigh rides before Orthodox Lent. The small Russian town has dozens of churches and several monasteries within walking distance. The Intercession Convent was founded in 1364. Domes of blue and gold stand out against the snow.
Highlights:
  • ⛪ Discover the impressive Spaso-Evfimiev Monastery complex
  • 🏠 Explore the Museum of Wooden Architecture and churches
  • 🏰 Visit the historic Suzdal Kremlin dating to the 10th century
Sergiyev Posad
Spiritual Heart of the Golden Ring
7.7
Blue domes with gold stars top the Dormition Cathedral inside the Trinity Lavra of St. Sergius, a major monastery. Sergius founded the monastery around 1337. Russian Orthodox believers see it as a spiritual centre, much as Catholics see the Vatican. Pilgrims queue to pray at the tomb of Sergius in the Trinity Cathedral.
Highlights:
  • 📸 Photograph the 88-meter bell tower at golden hour
  • 🎨 Admire centuries-old frescoes inside Assumption Cathedral
  • ⛪ Marvel at Trinity Lavra of St. Sergius architectural grandeur
Old Goa
Rome of the East, Timeless Grandeur
7.1
Whitewashed churches glow against green palms in the old Portuguese capital. The Portuguese took Goa in 1510 and built these churches in the years after. The Basilica of Bom Jesus holds the remains of St. Francis Xavier in a silver casket. The Se Cathedral nearby has a famous Golden Bell.
Highlights:
  • 🕍 Walk through the atmospheric ruins of St. Augustine Tower
  • 🏛️ Admire Portuguese baroque architecture at Se Cathedral
  • ⛪ Explore the grand Basilica of Bom Jesus, home to St. Francis Xavier’s relics
Rishikesh
Yoga capital meets adventure haven
7.9
Each March, yogis from around the world gather here for the International Yoga Festival. The Ganges runs clear and fast here. Yoga ashrams line the banks of the river. The Beatles studied meditation at an ashram here in 1968. At dusk, priests lead a river prayer with lamps at Triveni Ghat.
Highlights:
  • 🌉 Cross the iconic suspension bridge, Lakshman Jhula
  • 🧘‍♀️ Practice yoga at renowned ashrams like Parmarth Niketan
  • 🕯️ Attend the evening Ganga Aarti ceremony at Triveni Ghat
Amritsar
Golden spirituality in Punjab's heart
7.3
The Golden Temple is the holiest shrine of Sikhism. Its gilded sanctuary seems to float in a pool called the Amrit Sarovar. Visitors cover their heads and walk the marble path around the water. A free community kitchen serves tens of thousands of simple meals a day. Anyone may sit and eat.
Highlights:
  • 🇮🇳 Experience the energetic flag-lowering ceremony at Wagah Border
  • 🕯️ Reflect at Jallianwala Bagh, site of historic massacre
  • 💛 Visit the stunning Golden Temple, spiritual Sikh heart
Haridwar
Sacred riverbanks echo ancient pilgrim chants
8.4
Har Ki Pauri is the main ghat, a set of steps leading down to the Ganges. Each evening priests wave flaming lamps in a river prayer called the Ganga Aarti. Crowds float tiny leaf boats with flowers and candles. The Kumbh Mela, a huge bathing festival, comes here every 12 years and draws millions.
Highlights:
  • 🏔️ Visit Chandi Devi Temple via cable car
  • 🚶‍♂️ Walk along the sacred Ganges promenade
  • 🕉️ Attend Ganga Aarti at Har Ki Pauri
Najaf
Spiritual heart of Shia pilgrimage and heritage
7.2
Few cemeteries match the Valley of Peace, which holds millions of graves. The Imam Ali Shrine, topped by a gold dome, sits nearby. Shia Muslims believe it holds the tomb of Ali, the cousin and son in law of the Prophet Muhammad. Pilgrims arrive from Iran, Pakistan, Lebanon and beyond.
Highlights:
  • 🌅 Walk along the Tigris River promenade at sunset
  • 🏛️ Explore Al-Kadhimain Mosque's intricate marble carvings
  • 🕌 Visit Imam Ali Shrine and attend a Friday sermon
Karbala
Pilgrimage heart, ancient shrines echo devotion
6.1
Millions of Shia Muslims walk here for Arbaeen, which marks forty days of mourning for Imam Hussein. Many start in Najaf and walk for three days. Tents along the road give out free food and a place to sleep. Golden domes mark the shrines of Hussein and Abbas, who died here in 680.
Highlights:
  • 🛍️ Stroll through Karbala's bustling Souq Al-Husayn market
  • 🏺 Explore the ancient Al-Mada'in archaeological site nearby
  • 🕋 Visit Imam Hussein Shrine during Ashura commemorations
Bodh Gaya
Where Enlightenment Began Amid Sacred Monuments
Pilgrims arrive in big numbers from November to February when the weather turns cool. They sit beneath the Bodhi tree at the Mahabodhi Temple. The Buddha is said to have found enlightenment there. Monasteries built by Thailand, Japan, Bhutan and other countries line the roads nearby.
Highlights:
  • 🙏 Attend evening prayer session, hear chanting monks
  • 🌳 Walk the Bodhi Tree path, feel serenity
  • 🕉️ Meditate at Mahabodhi Temple, witness sunrise
Lumbini
Birthplace of Buddha’s serene pilgrimage
Soft chanting drifts over a quiet pond where Queen Maya is said to have bathed before the Buddha was born. The Maya Devi Temple marks his birthplace. An Ashoka pillar from 249 BCE stands nearby. Hire a bicycle to ride past monasteries built by Thailand, Japan, Germany and other countries.
Highlights:
  • 🏛️ Explore Lumbini Museum, learn pilgrimage history and artifacts
  • 🌳 Walk through sacred Bodhi tree grove, feel spiritual serenity
  • 🛕 Visit Mahabodhi Temple complex, witness ancient Buddhist architecture
Mount Kailash
Majestic peaks echo ancient pilgrimage whispers
Hindus, Buddhists and Jains walk around Mount Kailash clockwise. Followers of Bon, an older Tibetan faith, go the other way. The loop is about 52 kilometres and takes pilgrims three days. The pass is more than 5,600 metres up. No one is allowed to climb the peak, which is holy to all four faiths.
Highlights:
  • 🌅 Pilgrimage: circle the sacred plateau at sunrise
  • 🚶‍♂️ Circumnavigate the mountain on a guided trek
  • 🗻 Ascend Mount Kailash's summit via the standard route
Sri Pada / Adam's Peak
Majestic peaks echo ancient pilgrimage whispers
Lamps glow along thousands of steps that wind up a dark mountainside. Pilgrims climb at night to reach the 2,243 metre summit by sunrise. Buddhists call the mark at the top the Buddha's footprint. Hindus say it is Shiva's. Muslims say it is Adam's. The season runs from December to May.
Highlights:
  • 🍵 Explore hill country tea plantations nearby
  • 🕉️ Visit sacred cave and offer prayers
  • 🌄 Climb sunrise trail to summit at dawn
Borobudur
Majestic stone monolith echoing ancient devotion
Monks and pilgrims walk from Mendut temple to Pawon temple and on to Borobudur each year at Vesak. This Buddhist holiday falls in May or June. The monument has nine stacked levels and more than 500 Buddha statues. Book a spot on the upper terraces to watch mist lift off the volcanoes.
Highlights:
  • 🕉️ Take a guided tour of surrounding monasteries and pagodas
  • 🏮 Explore temple carvings at night illuminated lanterns
  • 🌅 Climb Borobudur sunrise for breathtaking views
Prambanan
Ancient stone guardians echo timeless devotion
Eight main shrines stand on a plain east of Yogyakarta in Java. The tallest, for the god Shiva, rises 47 metres. Hindu kings built the complex in the 9th century. On dry season nights, dancers act out the Ramayana, an ancient epic, on an open air stage beside the temples.
Highlights:
  • 🎶 Attend traditional gamelan performance in evening
  • 🏔️ Climb the main temple for panoramic views
  • 🌅 Explore Prambanan Temple complex at sunrise
Angkor Wat
Timeless stone guardians echo ancient devotion
A moat about 190 metres wide rings this 12th century temple in northwest Cambodia. King Suryavarman II built it for the Hindu god Vishnu. It later became a Buddhist site. Stand by the reflecting pond at dawn as the sun rises behind the five towers.
Highlights:
  • 🍜 Sample street food in Siem Reap night market
  • 🏞️ Hike through Ta Prohm ruins, embrace mossy architecture
  • 🌅 Explore sunrise at Angkor Wat's main temple
Tirumala Venkateswara Temple
Majestic hilltop sanctuary of divine devotion
Each year the Brahmotsavam festival fills nine days with processions of Lord Venkateswara on golden chariots and decorated mounts. Many pilgrims walk up thousands of steps from Tirupati to reach the hilltop temple. Others shave their heads as an offering. Most visitors leave with a famous sweet called laddu.
Highlights:
  • 🙏 Attend daily Pooja ceremony, offer prayers
  • 🏔️ Climb 3,000-step Srikalahasti path
  • 🕉️ Visit Venkateswara Temple at sunrise
Shwedagon Pagoda
Majestic gold spire crowns Yangon’s skyline
The crown of the stupa is set with 5,448 diamonds and 2,317 rubies. Its brick base is covered in gold plates. The pagoda is said to hold eight strands of the Buddha's hair. Legend dates it to over 2,500 years ago. By the early 16th century it was Burma's most famous Buddhist pilgrimage site.
Highlights:
  • 🍵 Sip tea at a nearby monastery courtyard
  • 🛕 Explore pagoda’s inner sanctum via guided tour
  • 🌅 Witness sunrise over Shwedagon Pagoda's gilded spires
Feedback