India is home to thousands of temples—each with its own unique story, architecture, and spiritual significance. While destinations like Tirupati, Shirdi, and Varanasi attract millions every year, there are hidden gems—lesser-known temples—that are equally powerful, serene, and worth exploring.
In 2025, as spiritual tourism continues to rise, step off the beaten path and discover these 7 underrated temples in India that offer peace, mysticism, and a deeper connection to the divine without the overwhelming crowds.
- Kalugumalai Jain Temple – Tamil Nadu
Why Visit:
Carved into a rocky hill, this 8th-century temple complex is a rare fusion of Jain and Hindu architecture. The serenity and untouched beauty make it a meditative retreat.
Highlights:
- Intricate rock-cut sculptures
- Historical inscriptions
- Nearby Kalugasalamoorthy Temple (dedicated to Lord Murugan)
Ideal For:
History lovers, solo spiritual seekers, and offbeat pilgrims
- Bateshwar Temples – Madhya Pradesh
Why Visit:
A complex of over 200 sandstone temples dedicated mostly to Shiva and Vishnu, nestled along the banks of the Yamuna. This site is still being restored and has minimal footfall.
Highlights:
- 8th to 10th-century temple architecture
- Serene, uncommercialized surroundings
- Annual Bateshwar Fair for rural pilgrimage
Ideal For:
Photographers, explorers, and devotees seeking silence
- Devprayag – Uttarakhand
Why Visit:
Though known for the confluence of the Alaknanda and Bhagirathi rivers, the Raghunathji Temple here is often overlooked. It is one of the oldest temples dedicated to Lord Rama.
Highlights:
- Sacred confluence (start of the Ganga)
- Panoramic Himalayan views
- Spiritual power spot without crowding
Ideal For:
Char Dham route pilgrims, nature lovers, and sadhaks
- Lepakshi Temple – Andhra Pradesh
Why Visit:
Home to the largest monolithic Nandi statue, this 16th-century temple is famous for its suspended pillar, mural paintings, and ancient Vastu principles.
Highlights:
- Hanging pillar that doesn’t touch the ground
- Mysterious footprints believed to be of Sita
- Vijayanagara-style architecture
Ideal For:
Day-trippers from Bangalore, architectural enthusiasts
- Triprangode Siva Temple – Kerala
Why Visit:
Located near Tirur in Malappuram district, this rare Lord Shiva temple in Kerala holds unique rituals and is one of the oldest temples in the state.
Highlights:
- A Swayambhu (self-manifested) Shiva lingam
- Unusual temple layout with multiple sanctums
- Calm, leafy surroundings far from commercial zones
Ideal For:
Devotees seeking authentic Kerala temple experience
- Bhuleshwar Temple – Maharashtra
Why Visit:
An ancient temple located on a hill near Pune, dedicated to Lord Shiva. It has Islamic-style domes and minarets, showcasing rare Indo-Islamic fusion architecture.
Highlights:
- Hidden in a forested hill
- Unique black stone carvings
- Legend says even Parvati danced here for Lord Shiva
Ideal For:
Pune locals, trekkers, and architecture lovers
- Kiradu Temples – Rajasthan
Why Visit:
Often called the “Khajuraho of Rajasthan,” these temples in Barmer are known for their intricate sandstone carvings and eerie legends. Few people visit due to local superstitions—but they’re stunning and safe during the day.
Highlights:
- Detailed sculptures and carvings
- Set against the vast desert backdrop
- Spiritual and historical significance
Ideal For:
History buffs, spiritual adventurers, and mystery seekers
Why Explore These Hidden Temples?
- No heavy crowds: Peaceful darshan without long queues
- Deeper connection: Authentic rituals and calm surroundings
- Cultural learning: Architecture, legends, and local stories
- Unique experiences: Discover aspects of devotion beyond mainstream pilgrimages
Whether you’ve already visited India’s major temples or are looking for something quieter and deeply personal, these destinations offer spiritual growth and visual wonder.
Travel with Ease: Sai Shub Tours Has You Covered
Planning to explore these 7 underrated temples in 2025? Let Sai Shub Tours curate your offbeat spiritual experience with:
- Custom travel routes for hidden temples
- Senior citizen-friendly vehicles
- Local guides who know lesser-known legends
- Clean accommodations near remote shrines
- Options for meditation and local poojas
We bring both popular pilgrimage and unseen sacred spaces to your journey—guided with care and devotion.