India is a land of diverse cultures and religions, and it's home to numerous sacred destinations and spiritual retreats that are located in the middle of beautiful natural spaces. These places offer a unique blend of spiritual serenity and natural splendour. Heading straight into it, here are our 10 favourite Spiritual Retreats in India.
Rishikesh, Uttarakhand
Rishikesh, located in the foothills of the Himalayas, is often referred to as the "Yoga Capital of the World." It's a place where the holy Ganges River flows through serene forests and ashrams. Visitors can practise yoga, and meditation and participate in spiritual retreats.
Rishikesh offers a wide range of accommodation options, from budget hostels to luxury resorts and ashrams. Choose from some popular choices like the Parmarth Niketan Ashram, Ananda in the Himalayas, and The Glasshouse on the Ganges.
How to Reach: Book a flight from Kayak to the nearest Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun. Rishikesh is also well-connected by road and rail.
Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh
Varanasi, one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world, is a spiritual hub for Hindus. Located along the sacred Ganges River, this city is known for its ancient temples and the famous Ganga Aarti ceremony, where thousands gather to witness the ritual on the ghats.
Varanasi has a variety of hotels and guesthouses to suit different budgets. You can consider staying at places like Brijrama Palace, Suryauday Haveli, and the Taj Ganges or choose from the best hotels on Goibibo at amazing discounts.
How to Reach: Book a flight to Varanasi's own airport (Lal Bahadur Shastri International Airport). Varanasi is also well-connected by rail and road.
Amritsar, Punjab
The Golden Temple, also known as Harmandir Sahib, in Amritsar, is the holiest shrine in Sikhism. Surrounded by a shimmering pool of water, the temple symbolises spiritual and architectural magnificence. The community kitchen, or Langar, serves free meals to anyone, emphasising the principles of equality and service.
You can easily book hotels and guesthouses near the Golden Temple with amazing deals from Goibibo. The Radisson Blu Hotel and the Hyatt Amritsar are popular choices for luxury, while the Golden Temple also offers free dormitory-style accommodation for pilgrims.
How to Reach: Hop on a flight to Sri Guru Ram Dass Jee International Airport in Amritsar which connects the city to major Indian cities, and it's also well-connected by train and road.
Dharamshala and McLeod Ganj, Himachal Pradesh
Nestled in the Dhauladhar range of the Himalayas, these twin towns are known for being the residence of the Dalai Lama and the Tibetan government-in-exile. The region offers not only Buddhist monasteries but also serene landscapes for meditation and reflection.
Browse through TripAdvisor for options that range from budget guesthouses to upscale resorts. The Dharamshala region offers places like the Fortune Park Moksha and the Norling House inside Norbulingka Institute for a unique experience.
How to Reach: The nearest airport is Gaggal Airport in Dharamshala, and the nearest railway station is Pathankot. It's well-connected by road.
Kedarnath and Badrinath, Uttarakhand
These are two of the Char Dham pilgrimage sites in Hinduism, and they are set amidst the majestic Himalayas. Kedarnath is dedicated to Lord Shiva, while Badrinath is dedicated to Lord Vishnu. Pilgrims trek through breathtaking mountain terrain to reach these temples.
Accommodations are limited in these high-altitude areas, primarily in the form of simple guesthouses and dharamshalas. You can book guesthouses and hotels in nearby towns like Gaurikund and Joshimath from Goibibo.
How to Reach: Access to these temples is typically via trekking routes, with the nearest airport being in Dehradun, close to major transportation hubs like Rishikesh and Haridwar.
Vipassana International Academy, Igatpuri, Maharashtra
This meditation centre offers Vipassana meditation, a technique that traces its roots to ancient India. It provides a peaceful and scenic backdrop through silent meditation retreats for those seeking inner peace. The academy provides accommodations as part of the meditation retreat. Booking information is available on their official website.
How to Reach: Igatpuri is well-connected by road and rail. Use Skyscanner to book a flight to the nearest airport, Chhatrapati Shivaji International Airport in Mumbai.
Bodh Gaya, Bihar
Bodh Gaya is the place where Gautama Buddha is said to have attained enlightenment under the Bodhi tree. The Mahabodhi Temple is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a place of great significance for Buddhists. The tranquil gardens and the nearby Niranjana River add to the serene atmosphere.
Bodh Gaya has a variety of guesthouses, hotels, and monasteries to choose from. Some popular options include the Bodhgaya Regency Hotel, the Royal Residency, and monastic stays at various Viharas.
How to Reach: Book your flight to the nearest airport, Gaya International Airport from Kayak. You can also book a train to the nearest major railway station, Gaya Junction.
Vaishno Devi, Jammu and Kashmir
Vaishno Devi Temple is nestled in the Trikuta Mountains and is a popular pilgrimage site for Hindus. Devotees trek through the picturesque hills to reach the temple dedicated to the Goddess Vaishno Devi.
Katra, the base town for the Vaishno Devi pilgrimage, offers various hotels and guesthouses. Options include The White Hotels, The Atrium on the Greens, and other budget accommodations that you can check out on Kayak.
How to Reach: To reach the renowned Vaishno Devi temple book a flight to Jammu Airport, the nearest airport to Katra. Alternatively, if you prefer travelling by train, you can secure tickets to Jammu Tawi, which is the nearest major railway station to Katra. After arriving in Jammu, the final leg of your journey involves hiring a taxi to cover the approximately 35-kilometre distance to Katra.
Pondicherry (Auroville), Tamil Nadu
While not a traditional spiritual destination, Pondicherry, especially Auroville, is known for its focus on spiritual growth and unity. Auroville, often referred to as the "City of Dawn," promotes the idea of human unity and sustainable living in a peaceful and natural setting.
Discover Auroville's diverse guesthouses, retreat centres, and eco-friendly accommodations with Goibibo! Plan your unique and sustainable stay in this vibrant community.
How to Reach: Pondicherry has its own airport, Puducherry Airport, and is well-connected by road. You can also reach Pondicherry by booking a flight to Chennai via SkyScanner.
Mount Abu, Rajasthan
Mount Abu is the only hill station in the state of Rajasthan and is home to the Dilwara Jain Temples, known for their exquisite marble carvings. The serene Nakki Lake and the cool climate make this a peaceful destination for spiritual reflection.
Mount Abu has a range of hotels and resorts. You can stay at the Mount Regency, Cama Rajputana Club Resort, or budget accommodations like Hotel Mount View.
How to Reach: The nearest railway station is Abu Road, or you can book a flight to the nearest Udaipur Airport. Mount Abu is well-connected by road.
These are just a few of the spiritual retreats in India that combine the tranquillity of nature with the profound spirituality that the country is known for. Each of these destinations offers a unique experience and an opportunity to connect with your inner self while surrounded by the beauty of the natural world.
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