India is home to some of the finest churches, dargahs, temples, mosques, gurdwaras and stupas. These showcases not only architectural beauty, but also represents the country’s secular nature and spiritual history. No wonder then that these destinations, attracts pilgrims, tourists, and photographers all year round, and you may be one of many who are planning a pilgrimage this season. While doing this, ensure that you time your travel right, make prior bookings, and don’t forget your pilgrimage travel insurance.
Having a pilgrimage insurance policy will help cover you and your family financially in case of any emergencies occurring during your travel. You can buy a Pilgrimage Holiday Travel Insurance from trusted insurance companies like Bajaj Finserv to get insurance coverage of up to Rs.3 lakh on a nominal premium. You will also get an array of benefits such as travel and hotel assistance, cover for the loss of debit, credit or PAN cards and coverage for baggage loss.
Now that you know why to insure your pilgrimage with a pilgrim insurance policy, here’s a list of some of the popular destinations you can consider for pilgrimage this year.
• Kedarnath
Kedarnath is counted as one of the most auspicious religious destinations and features as one of the prime places within the Hindu Char Dham Yatra. Situated at a high altitude in Uttarakhand, the best time to visit Kedarnath is from April to September. However, you must check the weather conditions before planning your trip. It is one of the most remote areas among the four abodes, featuring breath-taking snow-clad peaks. The journey to Kedarnath is a trek worth taking, but the climb can be difficult. So, ensure you do your research before setting out on this pilgrimage.
• Shah-e-Alam’s Roza
This medieval mosque is located in Ahmedabad and is also known as the Rasulabad Dargah. It is the second biggest as well as one of the most famous dargahs in India. The dargah contains the tomb of Shah Alam, a mosque, a madrassa and a mussafirkhana, and attracts lakhs of travellers every year. The daily prayer rituals and recurring fairs within the premises contribute to its popularity too. The best time to visit it is during winter and monsoon, as summers can get very hot in the city.
• Shikharji
Shikharji, also known as the Parasanath Hill, is one of the most sacred places Jainism in the country. It is famous among Jains as 20 out of 24 tirthankars are said to have attained enlightenment here. It is situated at a height of 1,350 meters and is the highest mountain in Jharkhand. The total footpath trail is approximately 27kms to visit all the 31 tonks, and you can cover it in 1 day. You can visit Shikharji any time of the year, but if you want to avoid crowds, it is best to plan a visit during the summer months.
• Jama Masjid
The largest mosque in India, the Jama Masjid is also known as a must-visit pilgrimage destination located right in the nation’s capital throughout the world. The mosque has a pious ambience and its interiors are dotted with great ancient sculptures. If you have seen its pictures, it is no mystery why its architectural grandeur leaves every visitor astonished. A unique aspect of the mosque is that every dome it houses is of a different height, which makes each stand out. Its sprawling courtyard is capable of hosting more than 25,000 people at the same time.
• Varanasi
Varanasi or Banaras are better known as the Hinduism capital of the country. This is because Varanasi houses some of the most ancient Hindu temples. Apart from temples, this city contains 88 ghats that lead to holy Ganges river. Iconic spots near the river and rituals like Ganga Aarti attract a lot of visitors every year. The city also is home to 15 unique and ancient mosques such as Abdul Razzaq, Hazrat Sayyed Salar Masud Dargah, Alamgir and others.
Apart from these beautiful sites, you can choose from various other religious destinations like Tirupati, the Golden Temple, Shirdi, Badrinath and more on your pilgrimage. But, before putting your itinerary in place, make sure you apply for domestic travel insurance. To start with, check your pre-approved insurance offer from Bajaj Finserv. Choose from among various customized offers and apply hassle-free in just a click. Bajaj Finserv also brings you pre-approved deals on loans and several other financial services. Use them as per your needs and finance all your requirements with ease.