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A country as culturally diverse as ours, that too with such rich history and heritage, spirituality forms an integral part of the lives of most of the people in India. A part of our beings that is deeply ingrained in our daily lifestyles as well, spirituality in India holds great significance. Not only does it form an important part of the lifestyle of the locals in the country, but India as a spiritual destination also attracts a number of devotees and peace seekers from across the world due to its variety of pilgrimage sites.
With more and more people looking for ways to find serenity in today’s life, India with its numerous pilgrimage and spiritual sites offers to you the most authentic experiences. With wellness retreats, holistic holidays and seeking overall solace making us embrace the aspect of spiritual tourism in India, here are some of the best places to experience spiritual travel in India.
Here’s for you to explore spiritual tourism in India away from the obvious roads taken
1. Amritsar- Punjab
A city that is soaked in the Sikh philosophy, Amritsar is popularly known for the postcard perfect monument of the dazzling Golden Temple. A great place in the country to venture out on a spiritual trip in India, Amristar radiates a fascinating spiritual democracy. The main attraction of course being the ancient temple in India, the temple complex captivates you with the hums of kirtan and pilgrims who unite through their sense of service. With the sacred pool of the Amrit Sarovar reflecting the shimmering gold, what captivates devotees is the deep spiritual cleansing of the soul through it.
2. Arunachala- Tiruvannamalai, Tamil Nadu
Nestled in the heart of Tamil Nadu, Tiruvannamali feels like a portal into stillness and serenity. Dominated by the sacred Arunachala Hill which is believed to be an embodiment of Lord Shiva himself, this site for spiritual tourism in India pulsates in a different kind of energy altogether. Devotees from around the globe visit this destination for spiritual travel in India and even take the long walk of 14 km Girivalam path barefoot, which is a spiritual circumambulation that is believed to dissolve all ego and karma.
3. Bodh Gaya- Bihar
A well known destination that is considered among the best for a spiritual tour in India, Bodh Gaya is where enlightenment took root. The destination where Prince Siddhartha transformed into Buddha under the spreading branches of the Bodhi Tree, Bodh Gaya is considered as an epicentre of spirituality. A place that embodies peace and serenity, Bodh Gaya resonates with a deep and tranquil energy. Home to various famous ancient temples in India that represent the Buddhist traditions, Bodh Gaya is especially known for the Mahabodhi Temple complex which is among the most revered ancient temples in India.
4. Hemis- Ladakh
Away from the hustles and bustles of the modern lifestyle, the cold desert of Ladakh holds a unique spiritual stillness. Home to the Hemis Monastery which is among the ancient temples in India, nestled amidst the mountains, this pilgrimage site is the jewel crown of the region. With the area turning into a site of various colours, sights and sounds during the vibrant Hemis festival, this place for spirituality in India is a refuge for those seeking solace and clarity for the rest of the year.
5. Auroville- Tamil Nadu
A living and breathing vision into the future, Auroville is the brainchild of Sri Aurobindo and The Mother. An experimental township near Puducherry, Auroville is dedicated to the collective spiritual evolution and human unity. With the massive golden orb of the Matrimandir standing at the centre of the town, Auroville is a live example of sustainable living and community sentiments.
6. Tawang- Arunachal Pradesh
Tucked in the far northeast of the country, Tawang whispers a spirituality of the mountains. Home to the Tawang Monastery, which is considered as the largest of its kind in India, this ancient temple in India embodies the peaceful pulse of Mahayana Buddhism. A remote and otherworldly destination for spiritual tourism in India, travellers visiting Twang are greeted by the site of fluttering colourful prayer flags and long horns echoing across the valleys upon their visit.
7. Meherabad- Maharashtra
The resting place of Meher Baba, a mystic known for his messages on love and silence, Meherabad is a place for spiritual travel in India that is located near Ahmednagar. With pilgrims gathering in this place every February for the occasion of Amartithi, which is Meher Baba’s death anniversary, the devotees here then meditate in profound silence near his tomb, the act of which is known as Samadhi. A spiritual site in the country that encourages inner retreat and spirituality, the tranquility observed here is like the language of the soul.