Some of the world’s best sights delve into the realms of the divine. Whether you are a person of faith, an observer or a free thinker, the world’s incredible places of worship will not fail to impress. If you enjoyed the first part which unveils the world’s most beautiful churches and monasteries , you’ll love this section which covers fascinating mosques and temples. In collaboration with our some of our travel blogger friends, here are some of the world’s most beautiful places of worship:
Temples and Shrines
Chaturbhuj Temple in Orchha, India
Jain Sculptures in Gwalior, India
Temples of Khajuraho, India
Tungnath (Panch Kedar Temples) in Rudraprayag, India
https://www.instagram.com/p/BKJAUBdAB2p/
Sri Vasavi Kanyaka Parameswari Temple in Penugonda, India
Virupaksha Temple in Hampi, India
Peace Pagoda in Galle, Sri Lanka
Temples of Ayutthaya, Thailand
READ MORE: Ayutthaya vs Sukhothai: Searching for the Best Ancient Ruins in Thailand
Temples of Sukhothai, Thailand
Wat Rong Khun in Chiang Rai, Thailand
Sanctuary of Truth in Pattaya, Thailand
Wat Phra Doi Suthep in Chiang Mai, Thailand
Wat Cha Long in Phuket, Thailand
Temples of Bagan, Myanmar
Takhaung Mwetaw Pagoda in Inle Lake, Myanmar
Shwedagon Pagoda in Yangon, Myanmar
Wat Ho Pha Bang in Luang Prabang, Laos
Candi Borobudur in Central Java, Indonesia
Tirta Empul Temple in Bali, Indonesia
Pura Ulun Danu, Danau Beratan Bedugul in Bali, Indonesia
Batu Caves in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Chin Swee Temple in Genting Highlands, Malaysia
Buddha Tooth Relic Temple in Singapore
Fo Guang Shan in Kaohsiung, Taiwan
Tian Tan Buddha (Big Buddha) in Hong Kong
Water Temple in Busan, South Korea
Sensō-ji i in Asakusa, Tokyo, Japan
Kinkaku-ji (The Golden Palace) in Kyoto, Japan
Sanjūsangen-dō in Kyoto, Japan
Fushimi Inari-taisha Shrine in Tokyo, Japan
Itsukushima Shrine in Tokyo, Japan
Dome of the Rock in Jerusalem, Israel
Temple of the Magician in Uxmal, Mexico
READ MORE: 8 of the Best Ancient Ruins and Pyramids in Mexico
El Castillo in Chichen Itza, Mexico
READ MORE: Exploring the Wonder of the World, Chichen Itza
Pyramid of the Sun and Pyramid of the Moon in Teotihuacan, Mexico
READ MORE: Teotihuacan: A Day Trip to the Archaeological Ruins near Mexico
Pyramid in Tikal, Guatemala
READ MORE: Tikal: Ancient Ruins in the Heart of the Rainforest
Rapa Nui (Easter Island) in Chile
Mosques
Imam Mosque (Shah Mosque) in Isfahan, Iran
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#rawINramadan series 07: Seven-Coloured Tiles. . 📍 Imam Mosque, Esfahan, Iran. . In contrast to the previous photo (photo series 06), Shah Mosque (or Imam Mosque), a 17th century mosque and one of the architecture masterpieces that surrounds Naghsh-e Jahan Square in Esfahan, is covered in hand-made seven-coloured tiles that make up either flower or geometric motifs or verses from the Quran that you see on its walls. To think how they actually managed to do it without any help from a software is just awe-inspiring. By the way, Naghsh-e Jahan Square, a #UNESCO World Heritage Site, was also known as Half of the World. . – – – – – In conjunction with the Muslim's fasting month of Ramadan, I'd be sharing photos of Islamic architecture, which were taken throughout my travels, for the next four weeks or so. Some of these photos are available for sharing through my "Ramadan Daily Reminder" series, which can be found here: www.tinyurl.com/raw-in-ramadan (or you can just click on the link in my bio). . #rambleandwanderXiran
A post shared by RaW | Travel Blogger (@rambleandwander) on Jun 13, 2016 at 9:46pm PDT
Sheikh Lotfollah Mosque in Isfahan, Iran
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#rawINramadan series 09: A Time for Reflection. . 📍 Sheikh Lotfollah Mosque, Esfahan, Iran. . It was a cold winter night and there was hardly anyone around Naqsh-e Jahan Square. I left the beautiful Shah Mosque (see photo series 07) with a heavy heart and walked towards the middle of the square to find this much smaller mosque that is certainly no less beautiful. My heart lifted again. I sat myself down, and in that cold still of the night, braced for some reflection. . – – – – – Occupying part of one side of Naqsh-e Jahan Square, a #UNESCO World Heritage site, Sheikh Lotfollah Mosque was the first to be built of all the 4 landmarks that are located on each side of the square. Meant to be a private mosque of the royal court (unlike Shah Mosque which is for the general public), this early 17th century mosque doesn't have any minaret and is of a much smaller size. It is said that the tile work is far superior to those covering Shah Mosque. However, to me, a layman who just happens to appreciate architecture, both are equally beautiful in their own ways. (Diplomatik tak? 😂) . – – – – – In conjunction with the Muslim's fasting month of Ramadan, I'd be sharing photos of Islamic architecture, which were taken throughout my travels, for the next four weeks or so. Some of these photos are available for sharing through my "Ramadan Daily Reminder" series, which can be found here: www.tinyurl.com/raw-in-ramadan (or you can just click on the link in my bio). . #rambleandwanderXiran
A post shared by RaW | Travel Blogger (@rambleandwander) on Jun 15, 2016 at 9:33pm PDT
The Shah Cheragh Shrine in Shiraz, Iran
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Do you prefer to see sights during the day, or when they're all lit up at night? The Shah Cheragh shrine is the resting place of the brothers of Imam Reza, and a holy pilgrimmage site for Shiite muslims in Shiraz, Iran. The complex is quiet during the day, when the sun is at its peak and the heat is too much for all of the pilgrims in their long, conservative clothes. At night, however, the area comes to life, as people flock to the square to pray, pay their respects, and of course, take a billion and one selfies with their friends 😉 Can you believe that this is just a gate into the main square? It's not even the main attraction, and still it's gorgeous!
A post shared by Alex | Lost With Purpose (@lostwithpurpose) on May 21, 2016 at 4:22am PDT
Jama Masjid in Delhi, India
https://www.instagram.com/p/BFBhTueR5Yb/?taken-by=jonistravelling
Badshahi Mosque in Lahore, Pakistan
Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
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#rawINramadan series 14: Big & Beautiful. . 📍 Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, Abu Dhabi, UAE. . The first time I visited this mosque, I had arrived late in the afternoon. Took plenty of photos around the courtyard area (see also photo series 05) before going into the main prayer hall to perform Maghrib prayer (around sunset time). Afterwards, I took more photos inside, of the walls adorned with flowers and God's names, of the white columns with plant motifs, of the beautiful (and record-breaking) carpets, of the Swarovski chandeliers and what not. I thought things couldn't have been done better, the view couldn't have been more beautiful. And then, I went outside, walked along the courtyard, turned around, and saw this view. 😍 . – – – – – In conjunction with the Muslim's fasting month of Ramadan, I'd be sharing photos of Islamic architecture, which were taken throughout my travels. Some of these photos are available for sharing through my "Ramadan Daily Reminder" series, which can be found here: www.tinyurl.com/raw-in-ramadan (or you can just click on the link in my bio). . #rambleandwanderXuae
A post shared by RaW | Travel Blogger (@rambleandwander) on Jun 20, 2016 at 9:32pm PDT
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#rawINramadan series 05: Guiding Pillars. . 📍 Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, Abu Dhabi, UAE. This mosque doesn't really need an introduction with it being one of the most beautiful mosques in the world (see photo series 14). Everything about it is grand but not in-your-face kind of way. Well, at least not to me. It's one of the few which, instead of using Islamic geometric motifs, uses plants/trees/flowers motifs throughout the building, all of which have been done beautifully. . – – – – – In conjunction with the Muslim's fasting month of Ramadan, I'd be sharing photos of Islamic architecture, which were taken throughout my travels, for the next four weeks or so. Some of these photos are available for sharing through my "Ramadan Daily Reminder" series, which can be found here: www.tinyurl.com/raw-in-ramadan (or you can just click on the link in my bio). .
A post shared by RaW | Travel Blogger (@rambleandwander) on Jun 10, 2016 at 9:20pm PDT
Masjid Sultan in Singapore
Sultan Omar Ali Saifuddien Mosque in Bandar Seri Begawan, Brunei
Royal Town Mosque, Klang, Selangor, Malaysia
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#rawINramadan series 16: Chasing Sunset/Happy Hours. . 📍 Klang Royal Town Mosque, Klang, Selangor, Malaysia. . A relatively new addition to this Royal Town of Klang, the mosque, with its Middle Eastern influences & contemporary elements in its architecture, looks dazzling, especially at sunset when viewed from the historic double decker bridge that crosses Klang River. Sunset time is a "happy hour" for Muslims who fast as this is the time they break their fast of the day. . – – – – – In conjunction with the Muslim's fasting month of Ramadan, I'd be sharing photos of Islamic architecture, which were taken throughout my travels. Some of these photos are available for sharing through my "Ramadan Daily Reminder" series, which can be found here: www.tinyurl.com/raw-in-ramadan (or you can just click on the link in my bio). .
A post shared by RaW | Travel Blogger (@rambleandwander) on Jun 23, 2016 at 3:05am PDT
Crystal Mosque (Masjid Kristal), Kuala Terengganu, Terengganu, Malaysia
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#rawINramadan series 10: Something Crystal. . 📍 Crystal Mosque (Masjid Kristal), Kuala Terengganu, Terengganu, Malaysia. . Here's another one from my hometown. 😊 Located in Islamic Heritage Park not far from the city centre, the mosque, every now & then, gets listed as one of the most beautiful – especially when seen at night when it comes alive with a beautiful display of lights. Made of steel and glass, which gives it the crystal-like appearance and thus the name, Masjid Kristal is Malaysia’s first mosque with a WiFi connection, providing the faithfuls and all visitors with internet access since 2008. On a personal note, I still prefer the Floating Mosque (see photo series 06) to Crystal Mosque. How about you guys? . – – – – – In conjunction with the Muslim's fasting month of Ramadan, I'd be sharing photos of Islamic architecture, which were taken throughout my travels, for the next four weeks or so. Some of these photos are available for sharing through my "Ramadan Daily Reminder" series, which can be found here: www.tinyurl.com/raw-in-ramadan (or you can just click on the link in my bio). .
A post shared by RaW | Travel Blogger (@rambleandwander) on Jun 16, 2016 at 9:33pm PDT
Ubudiah Mosque, Kuala Kangsar, Royal Town of Perak, Malaysia
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#rawINramadan series 04: Hidden Beauty. . 📍 Ubudiah Mosque, Kuala Kangsar, Royal Town of Perak, Malaysia. Built in 1913, the mosque was designed by the same British architect who designed many heritage buildings in Malaysia, including Ipoh railway station, Kuala Lumpur railway station and Jamek Mosque in Kuala Lumpur. Those who are familiar with all these buildings would notice the similar style/design, which was popular in late 19th century in British India. Footnote: Sometimes, for selfish reasons, I get frustrated when I can't take photos of a beautiful building like this in full, without all the tall trees, which, to me, don't really serve any purpose at all apart from distracting and hiding the beauty of the building. I mean, how could you build something so beautiful and yet do something like this? On the other hand, maybe I shouldn't get too hung up on this and should just concentrate on the beautiful side of the place instead. What do you guys think though? . – – – – – In conjunction with the Muslim's fasting month of Ramadan, I'd be sharing photos of Islamic architecture, which were taken throughout my travels, for the next four weeks or so. Some of these photos are available for sharing through my "Ramadan Daily Reminder" series, which can be found here: www.tinyurl.com/raw-in-ramadan (or you can just click on the link in my bio). .
A post shared by RaW | Travel Blogger (@rambleandwander) on Jun 9, 2016 at 8:30pm PDT
Sultan Salahuddin Abdul Aziz Shah Mosque in Selangor, Malaysia
Klang Royal Town Mosque in Selangor, Malaysia
Putra Mosque in Putrajaya, Malaysia
Istiqlal Mosque in Jakarta, Indonesia
Camii Masjid in Tokyo, Japan
Blue Mosque in Istanbul, Turkey
Kocatepe Mosque in Ankara, Turkey
Have you been to any of the world’s most beautiful places of worship? Do you know other places of worship that should be included in this list? Let us know.
