11 Spiritual Destinations in India to Explore for Enlightenment
Since the pandemic, passion for travel has slowly but surely revived itself as we are seeing more and more holiday-goers visiting places off the beaten track and spiritual destinations in India which offer authentic cultural experiences.
A boom in spiritual travel has a huge part to play in this, with The Economic Times commenting that an incredible ‘60% of tourism in India is associated with religious and spiritual tourism.’ From this same report, data shows that in 2022, eight times as many people visited the sacred city of Varanasi (known for its religious and spiritual influences) compared to the number of people who visited Goa for its beaches.
Spiritual destinations in India, or ‘temple tourism’ as many are coining it, are now more popular than ever, with visitors seeking solace, holistic holidays, and wellness retreats to soothe their unsettled post-pandemic soul. The travel bug is back, and we love to see people embracing spiritual destinations in India with open arms again.
We’ve put together our list of top 11 spiritual destinations in India so you can ‘Eat, Pray, Love’ your way around a country celebrated for its incredible spiritual culture.
Our Top Guide to the Spiritual Destinations in India
1. Rishikesh, Uttarakhand
If you’re a big Beatles fan, then Rishikesh in Uttarakhand is probably at the top of your list on your tour of spiritual destinations in India. It was here where the famous band started their study into Transcendental Meditation, learning from the teachings of Maharishi Mahesh Yogi, the founder of the religious movement.
On one side of Rishikesh sits the River Ganges, a symbol and physical manifestation of the Hindu Mother Goddess Ganga. Behind it roams the lush, sprawling, exotic beauty of the Himalayas. With nature at every fingertip, it’s no wonder visitors are drawn to India for its spirituality, as they return home feeling inspired and with a new zest for life from witnessing the incredible holy sites.
We also can’t talk about mindfulness and meditation without diving into the healing powers of yoga. Practise yoga in one of the most spiritual destinations in India, with temples of mighty prestige reverberating with holiness, and centuries of spirituality ingrained in its walls.
Sit and ponder life’s great mysteries in this ‘Yoga capital of the world,’ and enjoy basking in the meditative healing spaces in the city of pilgrimage.
Top three things to do:
- Try a unique musical experience playing the sitar or tabla.
- Embrace well-being practices such as Hasya yoga (laughter therapy), meditation or crystal healing.
- Receive a blessing by visiting one of the nearby temples.
2. Haridwar, Uttarakhand
When visiting the spiritual destination of Haridwar in Uttarakhand, the Ganga Aarti prayer ceremony is a truly remarkable celebration for those seeking to explore authentic Indian traditions and experiences.
Taking place every day just after sunset, the ceremony gives thanks to the River Ganges for its powerful and healing aura, including worship with chanting, clanging cymbals, blowing conch shells and ringing bells.
A loud, bright, and exciting cultural custom, this spiritual ceremony can help bring a holistic sense of completeness after a long day of calm meditation with joyful prayers and melodic chants. A top-tier choice for spiritual destinations in India!
Top three things to do:
- Join in with the celebrations of the spiritual Ganga Arti river ritual.
- Visit the sacred site of Har-Ki-Pauri where the pilgrims bathe on the banks of the River Ganges.
- Hike or take a cable car up to the hilltop Hindu Temple, Chandi Devi Temple, for amazing majestic views of the city.
3. Amritsar, Punjab
If you’re looking for spiritual destinations in India which offer exquisite temples to practise meditation or mindfulness, look no further than Amritsar in Punjab.
Most famous for its gilded, glistening Golden Temple (Harimandar Sahib), take in the sights of this awe-inspiring sanctuary, also known as the holiest religious site in Sikhism.
According to the Indian network CNBC TV, this temple of worship attracts 75,000-90,000 daily visitors, a sight to behold as it sits on a large pool of water in all its glory.
To enjoy the temple at its quieter times, consider visiting early in the morning or at dusk to avoid the heavy queues and crowds.
There are also the hidden gems of Hindu temples in Amritsar for more quiet, meditative activity. Visit Durgiana Mandir, named a ‘mini Golden Temple’, and Sri Ram Tirath Temple for its stunning architecture and peaceful atmosphere.
Top three things to do:
- Take part in the famous Palki ceremony, which involves carrying a wooden Guru Granth Sahib from Akal Takht to the Golden Temple and back again in the morning and evening.
- Wander through the old town and take in the sights of the bustling bazaars, rich Punjabi street food, and the colourful and unique daily festivals.
- Stroll through the historic memorial garden of Jallianwala Bagh Park and visit the murals to reflect on the victims of the 1919 Massacre of Amritsar.
4. Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh
Soul searchers travel far and wide to visit the major Hindu pilgrimage site of Varanasi in Uttar Pradesh.
This spot on our list of spiritual destinations in India is incredibly special, as it is believed to be where Buddha founded Buddhism back in 528 BC. Because of this, it is considered India’s holiest city.
Fondly nicknamed the ‘City of Temples,’ writers, gurus, spiritual seekers, pilgrims and travellers alike visit Varanasi for its wealth of history and profound spiritual significance. With its religious origins travelling as far back as Lord Shiva, Hindus bathe in the sacred River Ganges to cleanse themselves of sins, feeling replenished and made anew following the Hindu belief in the cycle of rebirth.
The Kashi Vishwanath Temple is a great place to start your spiritual enlightenment journey, and pairing this with a boat tour on the sacred River Ganges pulls the whole experience together for an authentic spiritual holiday.
Top three things to do:
- The Famous Ghats are steep steps used to walk down onto the river water’s edge and pray or meditate. Pilgrims complete their rituals on the ghats, a ceremony made even more captivating to watch at sunset.
- The River Worship Ceremony is a truly extraordinary celebration, with flaming torches, incense clouding the skies, and thousands of lamps sailing along the river’s surface.
- Float along the River Ganges on a boat trip for sweeping sights of the city.
5. Vrindavan, Uttar Pradesh
Coming up fifth on our list of spiritual destinations in India is Vrindavan in Uttar Pradesh.
Wrapped tightly in the arms of its mysticism and religious devotion, Vrindavan is nestled on the banks of the Yamuna River.
A sacred town steeped in Hindu mythology; travellers visit Vrindavan for spiritual growth, enlightenment, and the temples dedicated to the divine energy and teachings of Lord Krishna.
On visiting the Banke Bihari Temple, dedicated to the playful and mischievous aspect of Lord Krishna, you will find a focal point for pilgrims and seekers alike. Offering rhythmic chants, melodious bhajans (religious songs), and the all-encompassing fragrance of incense; dive headfirst into this prayer experience for an immersive spiritual awakening that can captivate the soul.
Top three things to do:
- Visit temples such as the Banke Bihari Temple, known for its unique deity and vibrant atmosphere, and the Radha Raman Temple, where Lord Krishna is worshipped.
- Attend the Arti ceremony (ceremonial worship) by the riverbanks and enjoy the flickering lamps, hymns and chants.
- Explore the Braj region with its distinctive art, music and dance culture to explore a deeper connection with Hinduism.
6. Sarnath, Uttar Pradesh
Journey into the cradle of Buddhism in Sarnath, Uttar Pradesh, where profound and blessed experiences unfold. This is one of the spiritual destinations in India with arguably the most ancient and rich history.
Sarnath holds huge cultural and religious significance as the place where Lord Buddha delivered his first sermon. Pilgrims and seekers alike are drawn to Sarnath to immerse themselves in the serenity and historical resonance of this sacred site.
Embrace the opportunity for reflection and self-contemplation in one of the oldest spiritual destinations in India, where many people find inner peace and enlightenment.
Top three things to do:
- For those seeking calm and serenity, visit the colossal structure of Dhamek Stupa where Buddha preached and the tranquil Deer Park where he first taught the Four Noble Truths.
- Explore the stunning Sarnath Archaeological Museum, home to remarkable collections of sculptures, artefacts, and relics dating back to the ancient periods of Gupta and Maurya.
- Visit the Buddhist temple Mulagandha Kuti Vihar, known for its beautiful frescoes depicting the life of Buddha. The arti ceremony here is particularly exquisite!
7. Pushkar, Rajasthan
Pushkar in Rajasthan offers visitors the unique opportunity to explore one of the few temples on our list of spiritual destinations in India dedicated to Lord Brahma, creator of the universe in Hinduism.
Dive into traditional Indian Hinduism with the ritual of bathing in the holy waters of the sacred Pushkar Lake, joining pilgrims who believe in its cleansing power for sins and the bestowment of blessings from Lord Brahma.
The architectural and spiritual significance of Pushkar Lake and its surrounding temples is unparalleled, with pilgrims and gurus travelling to this holy city to cleanse in the sacred waters and pray in the majestic temples.
Top three things to do:
- Take a cable car ride up to Savitri Temple, a popular pilgrimage spot where you can offer your prayers to the Hindu Goddess Savitri.
- Enjoy panoramic sunset views of the town and surrounding desert from the top of Pap Mochani Temple. The simple but powerfully magnetic architecture is a testament to its rich religious history.
- Feel at one with the earth practising yoga and meditation at Pushkar Yoga Garden, where you can experience authentic Indian therapy and mindfulness.
8. Hampi, Karnataka
Listed as a prestigious UNESCO World Heritage Site, the ruins of the once-colossal city of Hampi in Karnataka stand as the epicentre for religious enlightenment and activity.
As one of the oldest sites in India, the intricate carvings of the ancient temples and ruins sanctify the site, marking it as one of the top ten hugely significant spiritual destinations in India.
These temples are fortified with stone walls which allow visitors to travel centuries back to a simpler time. Feel the weight of the world lift off your shoulders as you stroll through the legendary Hampi site, with its divine and holy powers sweeping across its many ancient and legendary temples.
Temples to visit:
- Hemakuta Hill Temple – Bestowing panoramic views of the landscape, wonderful for spiritual reflection and contemplation.
- Krishna Temple – A sacred space reflecting the grandeur of the Vijayanagara Empire.
- Monkey Temple – Home to many monkeys, enjoy the playfulness and charm of this unique site.
9. Tiruvannamalai, Tamil Nadu
Nestled in the serene landscape of Tamil Nadu, Tiruvannamalai is undoubtedly one of the top spiritual destinations in India.
Drawing seekers from all around the world for its spiritual energy and supposed healing powers, pilgrims and visitors engage in deep meditation and prayer in this hidden site, tucked away from large bustling civilisations.
Visitors are often drawn to the town not only for its historical and architectural significance but also for the transformative spiritual experiences that are believed to occur within its sacred walls.
Top three things to do:
- Undertake the spiritual journey of Girivalam around the sacred Arunachala Hill, a site believed to be the embodiment of the Lord Shiva with a ritual that purifies the mind, body and spirit.
- Meditate and pray at the Arunachalesvara Temple, dedicated to the Lord Shiva, alongside the eternal flame which burns bright.
- Trek through Virupaksha Cave and experience its magical, spellbinding and calming effects as you explore.
10. Kumbakonam, Tamil Nadu
Further South in Tamil Nadu, we have Kumbakonam, one of the more bustling spiritual destinations in India.
Explore the numerous temples dedicated to various Hindu deities and take in the views of the ancient and colourful sites of prayer and worship.
Pilgrims from all around the world travel to Kumbakonam to take a dip in the holy water of the Mahamaham tank, believed by many to cleanse sin and bestow blessings on those who take the plunge.
Top three things to do:
- Enjoy the beauty and tranquillity of Bhagavatha Padithurai Ghat, which offers a quiet respite from the busy city, where you can bathe and relax in the calming healing waters.
- Gowthameswarar Temple is a wonderful Hindu temple with stunning, age-old carvings.
- Dedicated to Lord Shiva with an on-site school, visit Sri Nageswarar Temple for its rich history and religious symbolism.
11. Ayodhya Ram Temple
This temple in the city of Ayodhya has just opened in January 2024, reflecting a modern site for spiritual enlightenment and awakening.
Believed to be the birthplace of Lord Rama, the seventh avatar of Lord Vishnu, this newly constructed site opening was a momentous occasion celebrated by many Hindu visitors.
With visitors saying that the idol Ram Lalla watches you from any angle (like the Mona Lisa) this deity is also said to hold divine powers as the representation of Lord Rama as a child. Built to honour the deity and his birthplace, this new monument is already gaining worldwide acclaim as a site of huge cultural and religious significance.
We hope this guide to the spiritual destinations in India inspires you to start your transformative travel journey. If you’re looking for your next holistic holiday, we can help plan a tailor-made tour to see the major holy and religious sites. Experience the cultures ingrained in these spiritual destinations in India.
Contact us today to get started on your path to enlightenment and plan a tailor-made bespoke tour.
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