Pilgrimage Destinations

People having diverse cultures, religions and traditions stay together like a closely knit family. West India is speckled with religious places that are worth a pilgrimage tourism. Although West India is not so abundant in religious temples yet there are a couple of places one cannot afford to miss while on a pilgrimage tour to West India.

West India comprises of Maharashtra, Gujarat and Goa.

Maharashtra has a score of pilgrimage destinations which include:

Shirdi
Shirdi is the holy land of Shri Saibaba. Every activity at Shirdi revolves around the temple dedicated
to Saibaba. Thursdays are extremely crowded for there are special pujas. The other places of interest here are Dwarkamani Mosque; near the mosque is the dhuni(eternal flame) which burns day and night. Also visit Shani Mandir, Narasimha Mandir and the Sakori Ashram.

Nasik
Temples and Ghats on the banks of Godavari have made Nasik one of the holiest places for Hindus. It is called as City of Temples. It is the place where Laksman chopped off the nose of Ravana's sister, Shupranakha. The prominent temples here are Panchvati comprising of trees, temples and caves with Ramayana era significance; Trimbakeshwar temple- one of 12 Jyotirlingas in India; Shri Kapaleshwar Mahadev and Muktidham.

Siddhivinayak temple
One of Mumbai's most elegant temples and is dedicated to Lord Ganesha. The idol is made of a single black stone. The name  Siddhivinayak means Ganesha who grants your wishes.

Gujarat Pilgrimage Tourism includes:

Somnath Temple
One of 12 Jyotirlingas, it is an important Hindu pilgrimage. According to legend, Som, the Moon God built the temple from Gold, Ravana from Silver, Lord Krishna from Wood and King Bhimdev from Stone.

Dwarkadheesh
One of the destinations of Char Dham pilgrimage. It is known as Jagat mandir and trilok sundar, the most beautiful in 3 worlds.

Sidi Saiyyad Mosque
Spectacular intricate designs and a peaceful atmosphere are the main aspects of the mosque.

Goa Pilgrimage Tourism
The Christian legacy and the Gothic architectural style of Churches is the specialty of Goa

Churches in Goa
Secathedral, Old Goa- largest church in Asia.
Basilica of Bom Jesus, Old Goa- houses the uncorrupted remains of the holy apostle St. Francis' Xavier.
Chapel of St. Catherine, Old Goa- was built to commemorate victory of Goa on St. Catherine day.

Temples in Goa
Shri Shantadurga Temple, Kavlem- largest and most popular in Goa.
Shri Mahalsa Temple, Mardol- the temple hall has painting carvings of 10 incarnations of Lord Vishnu.
Shri Mangesh Temple, Priol- is the most impressive temple in Goa.