Spiritual travel in India offers you a journey beyond geography – it is the discovery of self. A trip in search of spirituality in India will make you introspect and reflect within yourself. We assure you that you will leave the country feeling enriched and content. Read on to find out more about spiritual travel in India.
Spirituality in India
The birthplace of Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism, and Sikhism, India has been one of the most important spiritual spaces in the world for millennia. Transcending organized religion, spirituality is less about worshipping deities and more about divine introspection. Every religion has different spiritual paths and ideologies but the same goal: moksha (liberation). There are different forms of practising spirituality, such as yoga, meditation, vipassana, seva, pilgrimage, and satsang.
What are the types of spiritual trips in India?
Pilgrimage tours
Pilgrimage tours are frequently undertaken by millions of devotees every year. Some of the popular pilgrimage tour routes include the Chardham Yatra, Jyotirlinga Temple Tour, Vaishno Devi, Tirupati Balaji, Jagannath Puri, and Rameswaram.
Yoga and meditation retreats
India is the birthplace of yoga and many travel here to experience the numerous yoga and meditation retreats around the country. Rishikesh, Dharamshala, Auroville, and Kerala are the major places where yoga is practiced widely.
Ayurveda and wellness retreats
The land of Ayurveda, India offers many wellness and herbal therapies. Ayurveda is ideal for rejuvenating the mind and detoxifying your body. Kerala, Goa, and the Himalayas are the top destinations for Ayurveda and wellness retreats.
Vipassana
Vipassana is silent meditation, useful for introspection, reflection and healing. India has many silent retreats and Vipassana centers such as Global Vipassana Centre, Osho International, and Tushita Meditation Centre.
Temple trail
For travelers interested in the heritage and stunning architecture of the ancient temples in India, a sacred temple trail can be a good idea. The temples of Khajuraho, Hampi, Madurai, and Konark Sun Temple are magnificent works of art created many centuries ago.
Festival trails
Festivals are a huge part of India, with more than a thousand taking place throughout the year. Some festivals celebrate spirituality and devotion in a big way, attracting devotees and travelers from all over the world. Kumbh Mela, Rath Yatra, Pushkar Fair, Maha Shivratri, Ganesh Chaturthi, Navratri, Dussehra, and Diwali are the biggest celebrations with collective energy.
Ashram stays
Staying in ashrams is a great way to practise discipline and community living. Stay in ashrams like Art of Living, Sri Aurobindo Ashram, Ramakrishna Mission, or Sivananda Ashram and experience simple living. Here, you will be able to participate in seva (service), meditation, yoga, chantings, and philosophical sessions to embrace mindfulness.
Which are the best spiritual destinations in India?
Varanasi
One of the oldest living cities in the world, Varanasi is more than 3000 years old. Located along the banks of the sacred River Ganges, this is one of the most spiritual destinations in India. There are 84 ghats lining the river, where people visit to perform pujas and rituals. Taking dips in the river is supposed to rid your body of your sins. Dying in Varanasi is considered to be holy. At the Manikarnika Ghat, cremations continue day and night.
Rishikesh
The yoga capital of the world, Rishikesh is nestled in the Himalayas, with mesmerizing views of snow-capped mountains and pine forests all around. There are many ashrams and yoga centers here, making it a perfect place to experience yoga and spirituality.
Haridwar
Haridwar is one of the seven holy cities of India, situated at the foothills of the Himalayas. The word literally translates to “Gateway to God”. Devotees believe that a dip in the Ganges here removes sins. Experience the Ganga aarti that takes place every evening at Har Ki Pauri, light oil lamps, and take yoga and meditation workshops.
Amritsar
The Golden Temple in Amritsar is the heart of Sikhism in India. The beautiful temple, Sri Harmandir Sahib, is surrounded by a vast complex. Every visitor is welcome here, and the temple feeds more than 50,000 people daily for free. Visit early morning between 3.30 am and 5.00 am or late at night from 9.00 to 10.00 pm for the best experience.
You can volunteer for Langar Seva, which includes activities like chopping vegetables, preparing food, or serving food.
Dharamshala and McLeod Ganj
Dharamshala and McLeod Ganj in the Himalayas is a sanctuary for Tibetan Buddhism. McLeod Ganj, known as “Little Lhasa”, is the home of the Dalai Lama as well as the Tibetan government-in-exile. The natural beauty, combined with spirituality, attracts travelers from all over the world. Visit Tsuglagkhang Complex, the residence of Dalai Lama, Namgyal Monastery, Bhagsu Nag Temple and waterfall, and Tibet Museum. Experience spirituality through yoga, meditation, volunteering, and visiting various monasteries. Trekking across Triund or Indrahar Pass is also a great way to reflect and experience mindfulness.
Bodh Gaya
In the state of Bihar at Bodh Gaya under a bodhi tree, Siddhartha Gautama became the Buddha. Bodh Gaya is one of the most important sites for Buddhists all over the world. While the bodhi tree found in the complex today is not the original tree, it was grown from a part of the original, and is protected by UNESCO.
Tirupati
Tirupati in Andhra Pradesh is home to Lord Venkateswara Temple, one of the richest temples in the world. Pilgrims from all over the world visit this temple by climbing up 3500 steps or driving up a ghat. It can take hours to actually view the deity, but it is considered to be a big blessing.
Puri
Puri in Odisha is one of the four sacred points of Char Dham Yatra. Known for the Jagannath Temple, Puri is situated near the sea, rooted in spirituality. Visit the temple, attend Mangala Aarti or Sandhya Aarti, and try the Mahaprasad, offerings that carry the blessings of the deity. Sitting by the sea and meditating is also a beautiful spiritual experience.
Auroville
Auroville is an experimental township for sustainable living and spirituality. Founded on the teachings of Sri Aurobindo, Auroville attracts visitors from all over the world. Meditate at Matrimandir, the heart of Auroville. This golden dome symbolizes the Divine Mother. Reflect near the Banyan Tree, explore the Visitors’ Centre, or participate in different activities organized by Auroville communities. There are daily yoga and conscious movement sessions here as well.
Madurai and Rameswaram
Tamil Nadu is renowned for its Dravidian temple architecture with intricate details carved in stone. These temples have withstood the test of time, remaining unchanged since centuries. Madurai is one of the oldest living cities in India. It is known for the Meenakshi Amman Temple dedicated to Goddess Meenakshi.
Rameswaram is one of the four points of Char Dham pilgrimage circuit and is a part of the Indian epic Ramayana.
Tips for spiritual tourism
- Respect local customs and religious traditions of the people. Dress modestly while visiting places of religious importance.
- Don’t try to visit all the spiritual places in India in one trip. Spend more time at fewer destinations. Choose places that you feel a connection with, since every spiritual place in India offers a different experience.
- Keep your heart and mind open during your travels. Spiritual tourism is more than just a checklist to be ticked – it is about inner reflection, mindfulness, and enlightenment.
- Be wary of spiritual gurus who charge money for blessings or offer shortcut enlightenment programs.
- If you are a solo traveler, make sure you inform someone of your plans beforehand.
- The energy of these spiritual places is sacred. Respect it. Maintain silence often, which is a big part of spirituality.
- Eat light and sattvic (pure) foods and prefer simple, vegetarian meals.
- Try to participate in various activities. Volunteer to help in kitchens, join prayers and aartis, take yoga and meditation classes – there is a lot to do in spiritual tourism.
- It is a good idea to keep a journal of your thoughts and experiences so that you can look back on it after getting home.
Read also: Spiritual Trip to India
Did you find this blog helpful? Let us know! At India Someday, we curate personalized itineraries to India for you based on your likes and preferences. Contact us and together we can plan the perfect trip to India for you!
Frequently Asked Questions
Rishikesh, Dwarka, Varanasi, Dharamshala, Haridwar, Kedarnath, Puri, and Rameshwaram are a few spiritual and religious places to visit in India.
Yes, spiritual tourism is booming in India. With more and more people wanting to experience spirituality, there is a big shift in pilgrimage tours in India.
The Char Dham pilgrimage includes the four holy sites of Badrinath, Dwarka, Puri, and Rameswaram. These places are considered to be the foundation of Hindu pilgrimage and are scattered across north, south, east, and west of India.
Varanasi or Kashi is the oldest inhabited city in India and an important spiritual site for travelers and devotees.
About Aishwarya Shete
Aishwarya Shete is a content writer at India Someday. Her passions are writing, photography, and more importantly, food. She hopes to travel the world someday and document it through her pictures and words.
helping you travel your way
Everything you need to know about India is here We have tried writing about everything you may need help with for your trip to India, If you need help in planning a trip to India Get in touch with us to to plan your trip of a life time.
