India, home to a vastly varied religious population, boasts numerous spiritual destinations that will leave you feeling revitalized and uplifted. Whether it’s cultural immersion or searching for deeper meaning, India will leave you feeling renewed and renewed.
Varanasi is one of the holiest Hindu pilgrimage cities, home to numerous temples and ghats that draw devotees and tourists from around the globe. Don’t miss attending Dashashwamedh Ghat’s evening Aarti ceremony as well as taking a dip in its holy waters of Ganges River!
Varanasi
Varanasi holds immense spiritual importance for Hindus. Situated along the Ganges and not too far from Sarnath where Lord Buddha gave his first sermon, it holds immense meaning for this faith community.
Varanasi is a city steeped in history and tradition. Filled with temples, shrines and ghats dedicated to Shiva worshipers can take part in bathing in his sacred waters and offering their devotion. Of all the temples found here Kashi Vishwanath stands out as an emblematic example with one of the largest Shiva Lingams located there.
There is also a temple dedicated to Lord Rama, with walls that bear verses from Ram Charit Manas engraved onto their walls – making this site an absolute must for tourists visiting this region.
The ancient city is an intricate network of narrow lanes and steps crammed with shops, food stalls and hidden shrines – be prepared for an overwhelming aroma of incense, cow dung and waste!
Puri
Puri is one of India’s four pilgrimage ‘Dhams’ and draws devotees from across the world, hosting millions of visitors each year who come for its spiritual richness and magnificent architecture and intricate carvings in its main temple.
Puri offers many other spiritual attractions as well, including beaches, Maths, Ashrams, natural wonders and architectural splendors.
Jagannath Temple, one of the country’s premier Hindu pilgrimage sites, stands as another prominent attraction in Bhopal. Dating back to 12th century AD, this majestic structure houses Lord Jagannath and Balabhadra as well as Subhadra as deities.
This ancient and reverent temple houses several other religious shrines that are cared for by over 6,000 priests, making it one of the most visited spots in India – particularly during Rath Yatra, an annual festival which commemorates their travels across space and time.
Tamil Nadu
Tamil Nadu is one of India’s oldest states and an ideal spiritual retreat, known for its distinctive Dravidian culture and breathtaking landscapes including mountains, silver waterfalls, verdant vegetation, sandy beaches and monumental structures.
State is a hub of Hindu religious activity and its population are predominantly Hindu. Known for its rich diversity and cultural legacy, as well as a vibrant language – one of the oldest spoken in the world.
Tamil Nadu is known for its handicrafts, such as brass and copperware, silk fabrics, leatherwork, and hand-painted fabric called Kalamkari (hand-painted cloth). Tamil Nadu is often called the “Land of Temples”, boasting over 33,000 ancient structures.
Temple towns throughout Tamil Nadu boast remnants from past dynasties such as Chola. Visit Kanchipuram and Mahabalipuram temples or seek blessings at Meenakshi temple for a truly opulent experience.
Auroville
Auroville, located near Pondicherry in India, is an experimental spiritual community that attracts travellers from around the world. Offering visitors a glimpse into Indian culture while being close to many beautiful tourist spots makes this destination truly captivating.
Mirra Alfassa envisioned Auroville as a city where people from diverse backgrounds could live together peacefully and harmoniously, believing that peace, unity, and compassion are keys to creating a happier, more harmonious society. The residents of Auroville believe in these core principles for creating happiness within society.
Visit Auroville and the Matrimandir (Gold Orb), a sacred site dedicated to Aurobindo and Mother. As this location is considered holy ground, be sure to take an official tour.
A must-see in Auroville is the 44-acre Botanical Garden, featuring over 250 tree species on 44 acres. Not only does this botanical garden contribute to environmental preservation efforts but is a perfect spot for relaxation in lush green surroundings.