The Places to Visit While on a Spiritual Journey in India
India’s culture is diverse with several religions and cultures coexisting. An ancient country, its culture is built on spirituality and faith. Travelers from all over the world are attracted to the country’s spirituality and visit its various religious sites.
This blog will explore some of the key spiritual retreats in India and provide some tips for the best possible experience you can have traveling from the UK. So, here is a list of places to visit after receiving your Indian visa for UK citizens.
1. Varanasi
The Holy City of Varanasi is situated along the path of the River Ganges. It is among the most ancient living Indian cities.
As the city through which the Mother Goddess herself flows, it is home to the spirit of Hinduism. Visiting this place is sure to create a spiritual awakening within you as the very air will fill your heart with divine blessings.
Around 3000 temples are situated in this spiritual retreat in India, and it is surrounded by several ghats along the banks of the holy river. Just taking a walk through the city streets will help you come across several temples around every corner.
Also, an everlasting experience you can have in this city is the Ganga Aarti. This daily worship of the Mother Goddess, at dusk and dawn, is bound to help you get closer to the divine. Also, a boat ride along the river current is the source of a panoramic view of this ancient city.
Finally, since it is impossible to fully experience the 3000 temples of Varanasi, the Kashi Vishwanath Temple is one you must visit. Among the holiest tributes to Lord Shiva, it is highly revered as a pilgrimage site in India. Other than the experience of spirituality, the temple’s architecture itself is also breathtaking.
2. Rishikesh & Haridwar
Have you ever wondered how The Beatles felt when they visited India to experience yoga and meditation? You need to visit Rishikesh with an eVisa to India.
A peaceful city with pleasant weather all year round, your experience of the Yoga Capital of India is bound to be calming and soothing. Learn several asanas, take part in calming meditation exercises and rejuvenate your body and soul.
The Uttarakhand government also organises the Annual International Yoga Festival, where you can meet several yoga enthusiasts from all over the world.
Not far from Rishikesh is Haridwar, an ancient Hindu pilgrimage site. This holy city has the Himalayan foothills on one end and the Holy Mother, the Ganges, on the other.
The city is also where the grand Indian Kumbh Mela takes place. While it is held only periodically, you can experience the Haridwar Ganga Aarti at any time of the year. It is as mesmerising and fulfilling an experience as the Varanasi Ganga Aarti.
3. Bodh Gaya
If you want to experience true freedom, this spiritual retreat in India is the place to be. Bodh Gaya is as holy to Buddhism as Mecca is to Islam. The small temple town is the site where Lord Buddha attained enlightenment. It is also the birthplace of Buddhism.
In the centre of the city is the Grand Mahabodhi Temple. An imposing structure, it stands tall at approximately 180 feet. In the temple, in a small chamber, stands Lord Buddha’s likeness, represented as a massive gilded image. The Bodhi Tree is situated near the rear of the compound.
In Bodh Gaya, you will find that every major Buddhist nation has a monastery, Japan, China, Bhutan, Cambodia, Thailand and so on. They are located at very short distances from each other, making it suitable to experience them all at once.
4. Amritsar
Another prominent spiritual retreat in India is Amritsar. It is situated in Punjab, the crucible of the Sikh religion. It is here that the Golden Temple, the religion’s holy site, is situated.
This temple is a Sikh holy place. However, it is also a place that stands tall as a symbol of brotherhood and equality. The temple’s architecture is designed to teach the integral Sikh lesson on humility and the principle that all humans are built equal. You can enter the complex from every direction. This represents egalitarianism, a fundamental value taught by the religion.
Here, you can also experience the Sikh Langar. It is a communal kitchen that offers meals to everyone, regardless of background. You will be welcome to sit together with locals and enjoy a meal. This tradition can also help you become a part of the community, irrespective of where you are from.
5. Tirupati & Southern Temple Circuits
The hub of Southern Temples in India is the Andhra district of Tirupati. They have a distinct architecture, and the most notable among them is the Tirumala Temple. It is considered next to the Vatican City in earnings, making it one of the wealthiest religious institutions in the world.
Other notable temples here are:
- Sri Kapileswara Temple
- The Govindarajaswami Complex
Visiting these temples is an experience of the eye-opening architecture, alongside experiencing the devotion and rituals that take place here.
6. Dharamshala & McLeodganj
In the quaint mountain town of Dharamshala, situated near the Himalayan Town of McLeodganj, is the exiled Tibetan Government’s capital, and it is where the Dalai Lama received asylum.
This town is a peaceful wonder surrounded by mountains with cool and calming weather year-round. If you are applying for an eVisa to India, this place should be on your itinerary.
A hub of Tibetan culture and Buddhist ideologies, the Dalai Lama temple is a must-visit location here. It has a tranquil environment and is a sanctuary for peace and spiritual enlightenment. The breathtaking beauty of the temple’s architecture is enough for a spiritual awakening in people.
If you visit, be sure to take part in treks through the mountains. The peaks are beautiful, the plains are awe-inspiring, and the valleys are picturesque. You cannot miss this ethereal experience when visiting Dharamshala and McLeodganj.
Tips for Spiritual Travelers
If you are from the UK and applying for an Indian Visa for UK citizens for a spiritual journey, there are a few tips that you must follow.
Firstly, respecting local customs is a must. You need to know what to do when entering a temple, following the customs, as well as the fact that you must leave your shoes outside.
Different temples follow different customs, so a suggestion would be to contact a local guide. The guide will be able to help you follow through with every custom and can act as a bridge to the language barrier.
Thirdly, you need to know the appropriate attire. An amazing approach here can be buying traditional Indian clothing. While this can seem like an extra expense, such attire can help you be welcomed into Indian culture with open arms.
Finally, India is a mixture of several cultures and religions, so opening your heart to practices different from your culture. After all, a tour of the spiritual retreats in India is meant to make your soul embrace and enjoy differences.
Ready to Visit India for a Spiritual Awakening?
India is a country with deep spiritual connections. If you want to visit India for a spiritual tour, you will find that so many cultures come together in religious harmony. The temples of India can help you explore your inner spiritual awakening. Visiting these places will not only be a travel experience, you will find it a transformative experience