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In a few places across the country and mostly in remote locations and border areas, foreigners are allowed only after taking permits. Please note that is done only for security reasons and most of these areas are away from the normally famous tourist circuits. 

Temples with Restrictions

In India, temples are among the prime attractions for tourists within the country as well as abroad. However, there are a few temples and religious places in the country, where tourists of any other religion are not allowed to enter or go in only after adhering to strict rules and regulations. Just like foreigners are not allowed inside the Pashupatinath Temple in Nepal or a few Tibetan parts of southwestern Sichuan province, India too has a few places which foreigners cannot access. 

Before planning a temple tour of India, it is highly recommended that you get all the details about the temples you are planning to visit and follow all the customs before and after entering the premise of the respective temple.

Andhra Pradesh
At the Tirupati Temple in Tirupati, Andhra Pradesh, non-Hindu need to sign a faith form to enter the temple. Tirumala Venkateswara Temple, which is commonly known as the Tirupati temples is India's most popular and richest temple and is thronged by millions of pilgrims each year. 

Kerala
Kerala is one of the most beautiful regions of India and is visited by endless number of tourists all the year round. Kerala which is popularly known as ‘God’s own Country’ boasts of unmatched natural panorama, enchanting backwaters, exciting wildlife attractions and numerous holy temples. Although tourists are more than welcomed in every house and temple of Kerala, there are a few temples where non-hindus are either not allowed or if allowed, need to stick to strict guidelines.
Sabarimala is a world renowned pilgrim destination in India. the main attraction here is the Ayappa Temple, which is dedicated to Lord AyyappaTourists planning to visit the AyyappaTemple need to follow the strict dress code of the temple. Also women between ages 10 to 50 are not allowed to enter the temple.
Padmanabha Swamy Temple in Trivandrum is among the holiest temples in Kerala. Non-Hindus are not allowed inside the temple. Hindus wearing pants, churidaars or salwars are also not allowed. A mundu, which is a traditional garment, should be worn by the males. It can be rented from the temple premises for a nominal amount. Ladies can wear the mundu over their salwars. Cell Phones are banned inside the temple.  
Guruvayur Sri Krishna Temple in Guruvayur is among the holiest temples in India. However, non-Hindus are not allowed inside the temple premise and even hindus need to follow a strict dressing code. Men are to wear mundu around their waist, without any dress covering their chest. While women are allowed to wear sari, girls should wear long skirt and blouses. No short skirts and trousers are allowed inside the temple.
Foreign as well as non-hindus planning a visit to Kerala should not include the famous Raja Rajeshwara Temple at Taliparamba and the Vadakkunathan Kshetram Temple in Thrissur as non-Hindus are not allowed to enter the main area of the temple.in their itinerary, as non-hindus are not allowed inside the temple.

Tamil Nadu

With enchanting landscape, mountain hill stations and numerous holy destinations, Tamil Nadu is a popular choice for holiday makers from India as well as abroad. If you are a foreigner or a non-Hindu then you should do a thorough research on the temples you are planning to visit, as there are many temples across Tamil Nadu where non-Hindus are not allowed. One of the holiest and most popular temples in Tamil Nadu, the Meenakshi Amman Temple in Madurai dose not allow non Hindus inside the main sanctum of the temple, but are free to roam around the temple premise. The Meenakshi temple is among the oldest temples in the country and is dedicated to Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati.
Kapileshwar Temple in Chennai is included in most South India tours. It is one such temple where non-Hindus are not allowed in the inner sanctum but can explore the outer sanctum of the temple. However, the person should be properly dressed with no exposure of leg or body.
Tourists planning a visit to Sri Ranganathswamy Temple in Srirangam should keep in mind that non-Hindus are allowed only up to the second prakaram (outer courtyard) but not inside the gold topped sanctum sanctorum.
Malaikkottai Temple, Sri Thayumanaswamy Temple and Thiruvanaikkoil Temple in Tiruchy and Ramanathaswamy Temple in Rameswaram are some of the popular temples in the state, but there is a ban on the entrance of non-Hindus inside these temples.

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