Top 5 International Pilgrimage Sites for a Meaningful Family Vacation

Since the beginning of mankind, humans have believed in the existence of God. A common thread that binds every human being to his/her supreme almighty is faith or religion. We humans have evolved various ways to practise our faith, the most popular of which is pilgrimage, or mission towards one’s sacred place of worship. Over the centuries of human history, various holy places of pilgrimage sprang up in different parts of the world, and that’s how the most famous pilgrimage sites came into existence.

Although human civilization witnessed various tumultuous events, such as the Crusades (holy wars), the emergence of empires, and religious reformation movements, the significance of these holy pilgrimage sites remained undiminished.

In this article, you will learn about some of the world’s most visited pilgrimage sites, which attract millions of pilgrims every year.

5 Most Visited Famous Pilgrimage Sites of the World

Here is the list of the five most visited pilgrimage destinations in the world that can make for a very worthwhile family trip:

The Holy Sepulchre, Jerusalem

Average pilgrims per year: 2.3 million

Situated in Jerusalem’s Christian Quarter, the Church of the Holy Sepulchre is considered as the most venerated site b y the followers of Christ globally. The religious site is a complex structure that houses two of Christianity’s holiest sites– the place where Christ was crucified and the tomb where the Messiah was buried and then resurrected. The Holy Sepulchre Church was built around the grave from which Jesus is said to have resurrected. 

Every year millions of pilgrims flock to revere Christ’s soul during the Holy Week preceding Easter Sunday. Going by tradition, the last four so-called Stations of the Cross appear on the church’s walls. An ornate Altar of the Crucifixion where Jesus is said to have died, rests on the rock. A pilgrim visiting the Church of the Holy Sepulchre will be exposed to all the events included in the Passion of Christ coming alive. The best part is there is no entry fee. However, the footfall has sharply declined from about 300,000 to slightly above 38,000 due to the ongoing war in Israel. Although the religion is open to people of all faiths, it is advised to plan your trip judiciously, carefully considering the current socio-political situation.

Sensoji Temple, Tokyo

Average pilgrims per year: 30 million

Also known as Asakusa Kannon Temple, Sensoji Temple, situated in Tokyo, is one of the most ancient Buddhist temples in the world, dating back to the 7th century AD. The iconic structure of the Sensoji Temple contradicts its antiquity. You will be surprised to know that this temple is dedicated to Kannon, who is revered as the Buddhist goddess of mercy! The obvious question that will come to your mind is – do Buddhists worship various deities? So, the fact is that the Japanese Buddhist pantheon comprises multiple Buddhas, Bodhisattvas and a few deities, among whom are six Kannons. This temple is dedicated to Asakusa Kannon, the Bodhisattva of compassion. Every year, millions of pilgrims worldwide flock to this mystical site to explore the spiritual wonders of the Sensoji temple.

Vatican City, Italy

Average pilgrims per year: 3.2 million

For the Catholics all over the world, Vatican City is the paradise on the earth. Being the nerve centre of Roman Catholicism, Vatican City houses some of the world’s most terrific marvels of the Renaissance Era. These include St Peter’s Basilica, Archbasilica of St. John Lateran, Apostolic Palace, and the highest seat of the Pope, the Sistine Chapel. Although pilgrims all over the world gather in multitudes at this holy pilgrimage site during the main festivals, Christmas and Easter, the Vatican City witnesses the highest footfall during the conclave in which the election of the new Pope takes place. The Vatican is all set for the “Great Jubilee of 2025”. The beginning of 2025 will mark the 2,025th anniversary of the Incarnation of Jesus. During this holy year, the Vatican expects an unprecedented footfall of around 35 million pilgrims from the Roman Catholic society. 

Mecca, Saudi Arabia

Average pilgrims per year: 2.26 million

Considered the birthplace of Islam, Mecca is one of the world’s most coveted and most visited pilgrimage sites. Every year, it attracts 2 to 3 million pilgrims worldwide, who gather inside the Great Mosque of Mecca to perform Hajj during the holy month of Zil-Hajj (Dhul-Hijjah). The significance of this holy pilgrimage site is that near the city of Mecca lies the holy cave called Gar-e-Hira, where Prophet Muhammad received the message of the Quran from the angel Jibril. Inside the Mosque of Mecca lies a giant black stone which is considered very auspicious. All pilgrims must complete seven rounds of this black stone and then kiss it, to get rid of the sins. It is said that the stone used to be originally white, but turned black due to absorbing people’s sins. According to the tenets of Islam, it is advised for every Muslim to visit Mecca and perform Hajj at least once in a lifetime.

Wailing Wall of Jerusalem

Average pilgrims per year: 12 million

Commonly known as the Western Wall, the Wailing Wall of Jerusalem is the religious centre of the Jews. Built by King Herod the Great in 20 BC, the Western Wall is the relic that is worshipped by the Jews all over the world. Pilgrims who come to pray before this wall, either express their wish verbally or write it on a piece of paper and then place it in the gaps within the wall. In 1967, exactly 20 years after the creation of Israel, the Jewish people dug two levels below the ground of the wall and created the Western Wall Complex. People also use this site as the auspicious place to perform the rites of bar mitzvah (coming-of-age ceremony for adolescents) for their boys and bat mitzvah for their girls.

These are the five most visited sacred places of pilgrimage that can make for a wonderful family vacation. At these world famous pilgrimage sites, you can explore the unknown wonders of various religions and get exposed to vivid cultures. 

However, certain sacred places of pilgrimages, such as Jerusalem, are currently under the threat of war or political turmoil. We strongly advise you to consider thoroughly before planning your trip to such destinations at this point of time.

Yet, if you are determined to visit a pilgrimage site in a war-affected zone, you must carry your ideal travel companion, i.e., travel insurance.

Ensure Safe & Peaceful Pilgrimage with Travel Insurance

Before you embark on a pilgrimage to a destination abroad, you must get your trip covered with an international travel insurance plan, such as the Care Explore plan by Care Health Insurance. Such a plan provides coverage against medical and non-medical emergencies while travelling abroad.

In addition, if you are stuck in an emergency situation such as war, the Care Assistance team can also facilitate your safe evacuation from the war-affected zone.

However, we advise you to carefully read the Care Group travel insurance policy brochure and prospectus. You can also talk to the customer care team for complete guidance on claim settlement. 

>> Also Read: Travel Insurance for Families: Protect Your Loved Ones

Disclaimer: Plan features, benefits, coverage, and claims underwriting are subject to policy terms and conditions. Kindly refer to the brochure, sales prospectus, and policy documents carefully.