Top 10 Spiritual Destinations In India To Recharge & Rejuvenate

Top 10 Spiritual Destinations In India To Recharge & Rejuvenate

Thanks to various cultures and religions of this ever-colorful country, India allows you to find your own spiritual spot. You may follow a religion or you might as well follow none, but the inner-peace that every individual seeks is not hard to find on your trip to India. And this is why we have compiled a list of spiritual places in India that are idyllic and serene for a completely spiritual holiday.

The list covers unexplored as well as famous religious destinations of the country that are soul-liberating stops for spiritual seekers, going from north to east to west and finally down south.

1. Dharamshala, Himachal Pradesh - Find peace in the land of Lamas

Like the lamas do it, you may find tranquility in this hilltown, the residence of Dalai Lama. Namgyal Monastery, Gyuto Monastery and the 1852 church, St. John in the Wilderness are among the most peaceful spots here.

There are plenty of Yoga retreats such as Himalayan Yoga Retreat, Abhinam Yoga TTC and Parimukti Yoga and Meditation, where you can meditate and find solace from the everyday rush. The surroundings are spiritual and rejuvenating too.

2. Spiti, Himachal Pradesh - Go soul-surfing amidst absolute serenity

Miles of craggy mountainscape, little habitation and bright blue sky where reckless clouds gambol, that’s Spiti for you. An important Buddhist Center, Spiti is home to monasteries such as Key Monastery and Tabo Monastery. The latter actually has a special place in Dalai Lama’s heart as it is one of the oldest monasteries in the world.

Blue Mango Retreat in the Himalayas is perfect for a spiritual holiday. Their programs and packages allow travelers to stay in monasteries, spend time with the monks, and go for monastery tours. They even take them for exclusive guided meditation tours.

3. Rishikesh, Uttarakhand - Recharge yourself at one of the holiest cities in the world

The Yoga Capital of the World, Rishikesh is among the holiest cities of India and a magnet for pilgrims from across the world. A myriad sounds and events here add to the aura of this spiritual city. From ringing of temple bells to chanting of holy verses; and from the moving Ganga aarti to aroma wafting from burning incense sticks - everything invigorates the inner self.

Patanjali International Yoga Foundation, Parmarth Niketen, Sivananda Ashram, Phool Chatti and Osho Ganga Dham Ashram are some of most famous ashrams in Rishikesh. Stay here for a rejuvenating stay, complete with Yoga, meditation and satvik food. Luxury options include Ananda in the Himalayas, Best Western Naturoville Ayurvedic & Yoga Retreat and NaturOville Vedic Retreat.

4. Uttarkashi, Uttarakhand - Find solace in the Kashi of the hills

This one is not as bustling as Rishikesh. Though there is a lot of Hindu religious crowd around, there are always spots you can find to spend time with yourself. You can camp near the banks of the Ganges, go for meditation retreats or just enjoy a luxurious and calming vacation.

Yoga centers and meditation retreats in Uttarkashi offer a number of programs for holistic wellness. Tapasyalayam, Krishnamurti Retreat Centre and Sivananda Kutir in Uttarkashi are best centers for the a soul-stirring and refreshing spiritual experiences.

5. Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh - Seek spirituality in the chaos

One of the oldest and holiest cities of India, Varanasi manages to slide in peace in its chaos. Assi Ghat, Kashi Vishwanath Temple and Manikarnika Ghat are the bustling religious attractions of the city.

Come here to lose yourself in the soulful melody of mantras being chanted to background music of ripples and waves in the Ganges. Besides, views of the ghats, boat rides around sunset and evening aartis in Varanasi are out-of-this-world.

There are innumerable muths and ashrams, where you can stay and indulge in various meditation and yoga programs. Osho Mandakini Meditation Centre and Dhamma Cakka are popular meditation centers offering holistic wellness and spirituality programs.

6. Amboli, Maharashtra - Dig in for inner peace, calm & spitituality

Lying on the mouth of Hiranyakeshi river, Amboli is a small town in the Sahyadri hills. The legend has it that there are 108 temples of Shiva around. Not all of them have been discovered yet, but nonetheless there are many religious attractions around for the Hindus.

Located in the Western Ghats, the hill station is a lovely escape with its gorgeous waterfalls and unusual flora. Stay at the Green Valley Amboli resorts to discover Amboli, its beauty and the hidden spirituality in the surroundings.

7. Tawang, Arunachal Pradesh - Discover a new you amid spellbinding nature

Tawang is home to Tawang Monastery - the largest monastery of India. It is also known as Galden Namgey Lhatse, meaning celestial paradise in a clear night. Mountains, lakes, valley and monasteries make it one of the best spiritual destinations in India.

In the backdrop of Gudpi and Chong-Chugmi ranges, set off on path of self discovery. Go solo or with a near one as you tread the path, fuelling your journey with solitude, moving natural beauty and meditation. Jong-nga-tser, Penga Teng Tso, and Sangetser Lake are among the most beautiful lakes.

There are no luxury retreats in Tawang. But mesmerizing beauty and calming silence blend to offer an unmatchable spiritual high.

8. Gokarna, Karnataka - Unlock true happiness on tranquilizing beaches

Gokarna is often been called the Pushkar or Rishikesh of the south. Besides religious tourists, many people are now turning to this spiritual land to seek peace and tranquility. You can take temple tours, enroll in Yoga retreats, explore beautiful beaches and enjoy a simple lifestyle to break-free from the monotony of your urban life.

Among many Yoga and meditation retreats, Swaswara Resort, Namaste Holiday Home, and Shankar Prasad Spiritual Retreat Centre are three stays for a holistically charging vacation. Go for family tour packages and make the most of your holiday.

9. Auroville, Tamilnadu - Move a step closer to global harmony

Auroville is an experimental township that promotes global unity and harmony by creating a community where people stay together irrespective of their nationality and religion. Take a holiday in Auroville and be a part of their workshops and therapies. Discover yourself by spending time at the Matrimandir - a place for individual silent concentration, and its 12 lush gardens.

Residents here practice Integral Yoga, which leads them to the path of spiritual consciousness. Look here to find the perfect retreat for yourself.

P.S. There is no ashram in the town. For an ashram stay, go to Sri Aurobindo Ashram in Pondicherry.

10. Tiruvannamalai. Tamilnadu - Rejuvenate with some unique retreats

Tiruvannamalai is a sacred city, located a few hours away from Chennai around Annamalai hill. It is a Hindu religious centre with scores of temples and attracts thousands of devotees during festivals like Karthigai Brahmotsavam, Pancha Parva Vizha and Aadipoora Vizha.

For spiritual seekers, Tiruvannamalai offers a spoiling number of retreats. You can opt from meditation and Yoga retreats such as Creativity Retreat, Ecology Retreat, Family-welcome Retreat and Awakening with Horses. Most famous ashrams are Yogi Ramsuratkumar, Swami Suddhananda Ashram and Sri Ramanasramam.Go for tour packages that offer stays suiting your budget and purpose of the holiday.

If there is too much noise in the city for you, it’s time to take a break and escape to one of these spiritual destinations in India to seek peace and re-discover your passion & zeal!