India is one of the top Spiritual destinations that charms people from across the globe. Its culture and ancient spiritual practices have received special attention for decades. Walk on the path of self discovery as you get rich insights to the rituals, traditions and mindful living practised at the various spiritual retreats. Master ancient meditation and yoga techniques or choose the lessons of Buddhism, learn to chant and pray or simply absorb the positive energies of these blissful destinations amidst natural beauty. The spiritual tour promises to heal, declutter your mind and help you live a meaningful life.
Set out on a Buddhist Trail to find bliss at the prominent places in India. Find your enlightenment under the holy Bodhi Tree only at Bodhgaya in the state of Bihar. It is here where Buddha found enlightenment and thus one of the most important Buddhist shrines. The UNESCO World Heritage site has numerous monasteries done in Japanese, Tibetan, Thai and Bhutanese style. The 80 ft high statue of Buddha is a stunner. The Buddhist teachings are sure to help you connect with yourself. The Buddhist trail also includes the Shravasti in Uttar Pradesh State and the birthplace of Buddha at Lumbini.
Varanasi is one of the holy cities of India popular for the 84 Ghats by the river Ganga. Each ghat has its own significance and a sunrise boat ride lets you witness the different rituals that take place at these riverside ghats. The Ganga River and Ghats come alive with the evening Ganga Aarti where the ringing of bells, sound of chants, diyas and fragrance of incense sticks gives you a soul stirring experience. The temples and ghats here give insight to Hindu rituals and one can also observe the...
Sri Harmandir Sahib, best recognized as the Golden Temple is the pride of Amritsar. The Gurudwara practices Sikh rituals and is open to people of all faiths. The positive vibes and peaceful atmosphere lets you find calmness here. The incredible structure lets you experience the Sikh hospitality as you step into one of the largest community kitchens of the world. About 50,000 to 100,000 people are said to be fed by this kitchen on a daily basis. Ensure to carry...
The spiritual journey in India is incomplete without visiting the only Brahma temple located in the beautiful town Pushkar in Rajasthan. As per the legends, the holy Pushkar lake was created by the Lord Brahma and has about 52 ghats where devotees flock to take a dip in the holy water. The Pushkar fair that happens during Karthik Poornima in the month of October/ November is a cultural event that attracts huge crowds.
Named after the deity Kasar Devi, it is a tiny village, beautifully settled by the hills of Kumaon in Uttarakhand. Known for its stunning landscapes, valleys, this destination lets you reconnect with self, thanks to the serene atmosphere. A spiritual retreat in the Himalayas, this temple also falls under the geomagnetic field and is believed to have cosmic energies. The magnetic properties are said to help one with deep meditation and have better spiritual insights.
Located in Uttarakhand, Haridwar, is a holy city prominent for its ghats and temples. Devotees flock here to take a dip in holy Ganga to wash away their sins. The ancient temples like Chandi Devi, Mansa Devi and Maya Devi Temple are worth a visit. Have a divine experience of the Ganga Aarti at Har Ki Pauri where the sounds of bells, chants awaken the soul. Visit ashrams to learn and practice yoga and meditation.
Since ancient times, Rishikesh has been the place for sages and gurus who practiced spirituality here. These days the city is known for both adventure sports and spiritual learning. Popular as the Yoga and meditation capital, many tourists across the globe come here to find inner peace. Stay at an ashram and learn meditation and yoga practices to heal your mind, body and soul. Many international artists including the Beatles have enjoyed a spiritual halt here, the famous Beatles ashram is also located in Rishikesh.
The aesthetic pillars, magnificent Gopuram (towers) and intricate structures make Ramanathaswamy Temple an architectural wonder. The temple consists of 22 holy water tanks where devotees take a dip to ask forgiveness for their sins. It is one of the 12 holiest Lord Shiva shrines (jyotirlinga) in the country. The walk in the spectacular corridor in the temple is the longest temple corridor in the world.
Located in Andhra Pradesh, Sri Venkateswara is one of the most sought after shrines in India. The ambience, chants, richly decked up elephants and the massive architecture offers a rich cultural experience. The temple complex has several other shrines to visit. The temple is always lively as it celebrates festivals with great zeal.
Thiruvannamalai is a cultural and spiritual centre that attracts travellers from across the globe to dwell in spirituality. Located at the foothills of Arunachala, the Annamalaiyar temple is not just a spiritual place but also an architectural masterpiece. The serene natural ambience itself has a calming effect that lets you relax. Meditate at the Sri Ramana Maharshi ashram which was once the place used by the sage himself.