Navratri is the time when many of us begin jotting down a list of Maa Durga temples and other forms of Goddess Shakti that we will visit. Some may just want to visit a Devi temple near their house for a day. Others are willing to travel to a Shakti Peeth. Depending on your location, you may have only so many days.
India has plenty of temples to explore, so it's worth doing a little research before you start. Will you explore Shakti temples in Himachal Pradesh or Kamakhya in Assam? Or travel south to the Devi temples of South India?
Use this list to figure that out. It will tell you about the best Shakti Peeths and Devi temples to visit, how many days the trip should take, and how much time you need on the road. Pick one to plan your Navratri trip.
You’ll also find out when a local cab or a one-day cab can make the trip easier.
Which Shakti Peeth Should You Visit During Navratri?
Which temple you pick depends on where you’re staying and what kind of trip you want. If you’re in North India, Himachal Pradesh or Uttarakhand are easy choices. If you’re in the Northeast, Kamakhya Temple in Guwahati is the one to see. And if you’re travelling from Gujarat, Ambaji is the natural pick.
Here is a quick overview to help you decide:
| Region | Temple or destination | Best suited for |
|---|---|---|
| North India | Naina Devi, Jwala Ji, Chintpurni and Mansa Devi | Regional Devi temple trips |
| Jammu region | Shri Mata Vaishno Devi, Katra | A dedicated pilgrimage with trekking |
| East and Northeast India | Kamakhya Temple, Guwahati | A major Shakti worship destination |
| West India | Ambaji Temple, Gujarat | A Gujarat pilgrimage or regional road trip |
| Central India | Maihar Sharda Devi Temple, Madhya Pradesh | A dedicated Devi temple visit |
| South India | Kamakshi Amman Temple, Kanchipuram | A temple-focused cultural trip |
Important: Not every temple on this list is a Shakti Peeth in every tradition. Some are counted as Shakti Peeths in one tradition and are simply well-loved Devi temples in another. The lists themselves differ from source to source.
So check the religious classification of each temple before you go. Don’t assume every popular Goddess temple is a Shakti Peeth.
1. North India: Which Shakti Temples Should You Visit?
North India is the best place to start if you are trying to blend a temple trip with a road trip. There are more than a handful of significant Goddess temples in Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand, and the significant Vaishno Devi pilgrimage to reach in Jammu.
Naina Devi Temple, Himachal Pradesh
Naina Devi Temple in Bilaspur district, Himachal Pradesh, is one of the major Goddess pilgrimage spots in the region. According to the belief, the eyes of Goddess Sati fell here, which is how the temple got its name.
The temple is busy all year, but Navratri is the most special time for pujas. If you’re going with family, set aside enough time. You’ll need to get there, walk up, and wait in queues.
Travel planning: First, decide if Naina Devi works as a day trip from where you’re starting. Some travellers will book a cab for the day and return the same evening. If you want a slower visit with less rush, plan to stay a night.
Jwala Ji Temple, Himachal Pradesh
Jwala Ji Temple in Kangra district is known for its sacred natural flames. It is one of the best-known Devi pilgrimage spots in Himachal Pradesh, and it shows up on many regional temple itineraries.
If you have the time, you can add other temples in Kangra to the same trip. It depends on how many hours you have and how the traffic is. During Navratri, try not to plan too many stops in one day. The roads get busy, and the temples get very crowded.
Travel planning: If you have several temples on your list, an outstation cab can make the trip easier, especially if there are temples or sights on the way. Before you set out, decide the route, how long the drive will take, and how you will reach each temple.
Chintpurni Temple, Himachal Pradesh
Chintpurni Temple is one of the significant places where Maa Durga devotees visit. It is situated in the Una district of Himachal Pradesh and makes for a trip for regional pilgrimage.
Travellers can either put the temple on a special trip or visit it as part of a broader visit to Himachal Pradesh temples. The feasibility of a day trip will be determined by your pick-up point, number of places en route, and your duration of stay at the temple.
Travel tip: Start early, carry drinking water, and keep some flexibility in your schedule. Festival days may involve additional waiting and traffic near popular pilgrimage sites.
Mansa Devi Temple, Haridwar, Uttarakhand
Mansa Devi Temple is located on Bilwa Parvat in Haridwar and is amongst the prominent pilgrimage places of Haridwar. Mansa Devi Temple in Haridwar is a part of Uttarakhand Tourism's Shakti Trail and is considered a Shakti Peeth.
Many travellers combine Mansa Devi with other attractions in Haridwar. Chandi Devi Temple is another prominent Goddess temple in the city, making a two-temple itinerary an option for visitors who have sufficient time.
Travel planning: A local cab service can help with movement between suitable city stops, subject to road access and local restrictions. Check the operating arrangements for temple transport and ropeway services separately.
Shri Mata Vaishno Devi, Katra, Jammu region
Shri Mata Vaishno Devi is among the most-visited religious shrines in India. It is situated in the Trikuta Hills near Katra. Visitors have to undertake a long uphill trek to reach the main shrine.
It is more correctly considered as a journey to be taken rather than an aside to one already overcrowded. Tourists should be aware of requirements for registration, latest travel information and official pilgrimage arrangements before setting out.
Travel planning: Though a taxi can carry you to the town of Katra from your city, it cannot substitute the onward route of pilgrimage. Allocate sufficient time for reaching, resting, registering, and proceeding to the temple.
2. East and Northeast India: Visit Kamakhya Temple During Navratri
Kamakhya Temple, Guwahati, Assam
Located on Nilachal Hill in Guwahati, Kamakhya Temple is one of the most prominent Shakti worship centres in India. It is believed to be one of the 51 Shakti Peeths and is worshipped as Goddess Kamakhya.
It is famous for its separate religious practices and also for Shakta worship. When the time for Navratri is scheduled, it would be easier to visit here as part of an overall Guwahati trip and find out the travel situation in advance.
How to plan your trip: Guwahati can serve as the base for your visit. Depending on your arrival time and other sightseeing plans, you may prefer a local cab for city travel or an outstation cab for a longer journey.
Allow extra time for queueing, walking, and traffic to and from the temple if you are visiting with elderly relatives or children.
3. West India: Plan a Navratri Temple Trip to Gujarat
Ambaji Temple, Gujarat
Ambaji Temple is in the Banaskantha district of Gujarat. It is an important pilgrimage site dedicated to Maa Amba. It matters most to devotees travelling through Gujarat and nearby parts of Rajasthan.
It works well as a regional temple trip, especially if you want to pair darshan with a road journey through the area. A nearby temple complex also has representations of the 51 Shakti Peeths, so you can learn about the wider Shakti tradition while you’re there.
Travel planning: Abu Road and Palanpur are handy reference points when you map your route. Confirm the final route and travel time from your actual pickup location.
If you’re planning a trip with several stops, an outstation cab with a clear itinerary can help keep things organised. Check the temple opening hours and local traffic arrangements before you leave.
4. Central India: Maihar Sharda Devi Temple
Maihar Sharda Devi Temple, Madhya Pradesh
Maihar Sharda Devi Temple is a well-known pilgrimage destination dedicated to Goddess Sharda. It is located in Maihar, Madhya Pradesh, and is visited by devotees throughout the year.
The temple is associated with a hilltop pilgrimage, so travellers should check current access arrangements and the time required for darshan. It can be considered for a dedicated temple visit or as part of a broader journey through the region.
Travel planning: If you are coming from another city, decide whether you need a one-way cab, a round-trip cab or a multi-day outstation journey. The right option depends on your arrival and departure plans, not simply the distance to the temple.
5. South India: Visit Kamakshi Amman Temple, Kanchipuram
Kamakshi Amman Temple, Tamil Nadu
Kamakshi Amman Temple in Kanchipuram is one of South India’s best-known Goddess temples. It is dedicated to Goddess Kamakshi. Devotees visit for the religious traditions, and many come for the temple architecture too.
Kanchipuram fits well into a longer temple trip. How easily it fits depends on where you’re coming from and how much time you have. If you’re already in Chennai or nearby, it’s simpler to plan the temple as part of a regional route.
Travel planning: A local cab or a one-day cab can help if you want to cover several stops in and around Kanchipuram. If you’re starting from another city, compare a direct outstation trip with a longer multi-day plan.
This is a major Devi temple, but don’t automatically call it a Shakti Peeth. Check which tradition you are following first.
How to Choose the Right Temple for Your Navratri Trip
Instead of choosing a destination only because it is famous, consider how the trip will work in practice.
Choose a destination close to your starting city
If you have only one day available, look for a temple that can be reached and visited comfortably within your travel window. A long-distance journey may leave little time for darshan, especially during Navratri.
Decide how many temples you want to cover
One temple can make a meaningful pilgrimage on its own. If you want to visit two or more temples, check the actual road distance between them and estimate the time needed at each stop.
Check the pilgrimage arrangements
Temple timings, entry procedures, transport services, ropeways and crowd-management arrangements may change. Use the temple's official website or relevant government tourism sources to confirm the latest information.
Consider the needs of your travel group
Families travelling with children or senior citizens may need more breaks and a less demanding itinerary. Check walking requirements, parking arrangements and access restrictions before finalising the plan.
Keep your return journey realistic
During Navratri, traffic and queues can make a trip longer than expected. Avoid scheduling a tight return connection or planning several distant temples in a single day.
How to Plan a Navratri Temple Trip by Cab
A cab can be useful when your temple itinerary includes several stops or when public transport does not fit your preferred timings. The most suitable service depends on the distance, duration and number of places you plan to visit.
Local travel with CabBazar: For temple visits and sightseeing within a city, a local hourly rental may suit an itinerary with several nearby stops. CabBazar lists local hourly car rental and sightseeing packages on its booking platform.
One-day cab service with CabBazar: If you are planning a same-day temple visit from a nearby city, compare the travel distance, waiting time and package duration before booking. A one-day cab service is practical only when the full itinerary fits the selected package and the driver's permitted duty hours.
Outstation cab service with CabBazar: For a pilgrimage outside your city, an outstation cab can help you plan a direct journey or a trip with multiple stops. CabBazar offers one-way, round-trip and multi-destination booking options, subject to route and availability.
CabBazar cab service for family trips: Families can compare vehicle options according to passenger count and luggage requirements. Confirm the vehicle category, fare inclusions, stop policy, parking costs and any additional charges before confirming a booking.
Before booking, check the final fare and itinerary carefully. A cab makes the road journey easier to organise, but temple entry, darshan queues, walking routes and local restrictions remain separate parts of the pilgrimage.
Navratri Temple Travel Checklist
Before leaving for your temple visit, keep these essentials in mind:
- Check the latest temple timings and any special Navratri arrangements.
- Confirm your route, estimated travel time and parking or drop-off points.
- Carry identification and any required registration confirmation.
- Keep drinking water, necessary medicines and weather-appropriate clothing.
- Allow extra time for traffic, security checks and darshan queues.
- If travelling with family, agree on a pickup point in case the temple area is crowded.
- Confirm cab fare, package duration, included stops and the return plan.
- Follow the temple's dress code, photography rules and local instructions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which Shakti Peeth is best to visit during Navratri?
There is no single best Shakti Peeth for everyone. Kamakhya in Assam, Mansa Devi in Haridwar and Naina Devi in Himachal Pradesh are among the destinations travellers may consider. Your choice should depend on your starting city, available time and travel preferences.
Which Shakti Peeths can be visited in North India?
Travellers can research destinations such as Naina Devi, Jwala Ji, Chintpurni and Mansa Devi. Shri Mata Vaishno Devi is another major pilgrimage destination in the Jammu region, although its travel arrangements differ from those of a roadside temple visit.
Is Kamakhya Temple a Shakti Peeth?
Yes. Kamakhya Temple in Guwahati, Assam, is widely recognised as one of the 51 Shakti Peeths and is an important centre of Shakti worship.
Can I visit two or more temples in one day?
Yes, if the temples are reasonably close to one another and the schedule allows enough time for travel, darshan and queues. During Navratri, avoid assuming that normal travel times or waiting times will apply.
Can I book a one-day cab service for a temple visit?
A one-day cab service can be suitable for a temple trip starting from a nearby city, provided the complete route fits the package duration. Check the pickup time, distance, waiting period and return schedule before booking.
Does CabBazar offer outstation cab service for temple trips?
CabBazar lists outstation cab services, including one-way, round-trip and multi-destination options. Travellers should enter their actual pickup and destination details to check the available service and fare.
Is local cab service useful during Navratri?
Local cab service can be useful for reaching temples and covering nearby sightseeing stops. However, vehicle access may be restricted close to popular temples during festivals, so travellers should confirm local transport arrangements.
How can I plan a comfortable family pilgrimage during Navratri?
Choose a realistic itinerary, start with adequate time, check official temple updates, carry essentials and allow breaks for children or senior citizens. If travelling by cab, confirm the vehicle size, route, package duration and return arrangements before departure.
Plan Your Navratri Journey with CabBazar
A Navratri temple visit can be a short outing or a multi-day pilgrimage. Once you have chosen the destination, plan the route around your starting city, the time available for darshan and the needs of everyone travelling with you.
For nearby temple visits, compare local rental and one-day cab service options. For longer journeys, explore CabBazar's outstation cab service, one-way trips or round-trip options according to your itinerary.
Planning your next temple visit? Explore CabBazar to check cab options for your journey and plan your travel around the temples you want to visit.