We’ve all had those ‘Eat Pray Love’ moments in life where, we find ourselves asking questions that go beyond the ‘what should I eat for dinner tonight?’, or ‘what should I do this weekend?’. Existential questions, that can sometimes be hard to deal with and lead towards a path of spirituality. Travel, then, provides a great way to reconnect with your inner self. It helps discover answers that you might not find elsewhere. When you travel to India, you can find yourself because it challenges you as an individual. It is different from any other country because of its unique traditions and culture and it also just gives you the right amount of sensory shock. So, personalising a Spiritual trip to India is not only about religion but an awakening of the senses.
Meditation in Hampi- Photo Credit Olya Ku
An integral part of Indian culture
Travelling for Spirituality is an age-old tradition; to leave behind the familiar in hopes of finding answers. Whether it’s following spiritual travel routes like the El Camino de Santiago in Spain, or just heading out for a hike to clear one’s head.
India is a country that lends itself very well to spiritual trips. The very culture of the country is deeply rooted in spirituality and discovery. There are also countless spiritual travel routes in India that one can choose to follow. India is the land of yoga, of Ayurveda, of sadhus and hermits that leave their lives behind in a quest to find answers. Not that we’re suggesting anything that extreme! But, it is a country that has called out to countless people, looking to discover something more about the world. If you do find yourself beginning to ask these questions, here are a few suggestions for a spiritual trip to India.
Go on a Yoga trail
The practice of yoga is an ancient one and has spread to all corners of the world in a variety of forms and methods. But India is the birthplace of yoga, and it is here that you will find it being practiced in its purest form. You can sign up for a course at yoga ashrams across the country, all of which offer different programmes and styles. The yoga ashrams in north India, especially around the spiritual hubs of Varanasi and Rishikesh, are the best known. However, there are plenty of yoga ashrams in South India too that you could consider. You won’t need to commit to a full-fledged course. Instead, you could just sign up for a one-day course to see if yoga is the right fit for you. We can help you find the best-suited programme for you and your needs. So you won’t have to worry, and don’t get overwhelmed by the options!
Ente Yoga by Seethu
Trace the roots of Ayurveda
Ayurveda is another ancient Indian practice, or even a way of life, that has spread across the world. Most people are only familiar with medicine or its massages. However, Ayurveda is so much more than that. The ayurvedic philosophy believes that each individual has a mix of three elements of nature – air, earth and fire, and that by maintaining a balance of these three, you will find inner peace. It is widely believed that the traditions of Ayurveda in South India hold truest to its roots, and it is here that you will find some of the best options for a holistic programme that will immerse you in all the benefits that Ayurveda has to offer.
Ayurveda in Kerala- Photo Credit Gundula Vogel
Go soul searching with Vipassana
Vipassana is a Buddhist tradition that is about discovering the nature of reality. It’s a form of meditation that involves detaching yourself from the outside world and following the principles of Dharma, the law of nature. This is not something that you can undertake alone, as you need a teacher to guide you along the path. There are certified vipassana courses in India that you should consider if you think this is for you. We can help you find one that fits in best with the rest of your travel plans!
Achieve Mindfulness- Photo Credit Lesly Juarez
You can see a sample Spiritual trip our Client Stephanie took across India highlighting different spiritual experiences
About Harsh Sonawala
Harsh Sonawala is the co founder of India Someday and since his childhood, he has travelled to different parts of India and the world. The thrill of travelling and sharing his experiences with others was the reason behind starting India Someday. Other than the office where he is conjuring up marketing ideas, he can be found scuba diving in the Andamans or relaxing in a chalet in the Himalayas.
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.
