Spiritual India: 6 Top Destinations You Shouldn't Miss
Spiritual experiences in India
India has been gifted with numerous festivals and rituals which attracts to many visitors. Here is the list of top activities of India that you can pick while you are on your trip to India.
Spiritual India, rich in holy places, traditions and rituals, offers much for those seeking knowledge and awareness. Visit these popular sacred destinations of various faiths to maximize your spiritual experience in India.
1. Varanasi
Varanasi, in the state of Uttar Pradesh, is another of the seven sacred Hindu cities with a very old history. Known as the city of Lord Shiva, the god of creation and destruction, it’s believed that anyone who dies here will be liberated from the cycle of reincarnation. The fascinating thing about this mystical city is that its rituals are revealed openly to along the many riverside ghats. It's an intense city that attracts Hindu pilgrims and foreigners alike.
2. Haridwar
Ancient Haridwar (the "Gateway to God") is one of the seven holiest places in India, and one of the oldest living cities. Located at the foothills of the Himalayas in Uttarakhand, it's particularly popular with Hindu pilgrims who come to take a dip in the holy waters of the fast flowing Ganges River and wash away their sins. Unlike Varanasi, the water is clean and fresh in Haridwar. The evening Ganga Aarti holds special appeal.
3. Rishikesh
Rishikesh, the birthplace of yoga, is a popular place to come and meditate, do yoga, and learn about other aspects of Hinduism. It’s situated on the banks of the Ganges River, surrounded by hills on three sides, not far from Haridwar in Uttarakhand. Rishikesh lures those seeking knowledge and peace with its numerous ashrams and yoga institutes. It's particularly popular with spiritual seeking foreigners, while Haridwar holds more significance for Hindu pilgrims.
4. Amritsar
Amritsar was founded in 1577 by Guru Ram Das, the fourth guru of Sikhs. It’s the spiritual capital of the Sikhs and gained its name, meaning "Holy Pool of Nectar", from the body of water around the Golden Temple. The exquisite Golden Temple attracts pilgrims from all over the world. It looks particularly arresting at night when it’s beautifully lit up, with its imposing pure gold dome illuminated.
5. Bodhgaya
Bodhgaya is the most important Buddhist pilgrimage place in the world. Located in the state of Bihar, it’s here that Lord Buddha became enlightened during intense meditation under a Bodhi tree. The exact spot is now marked by the sprawling Mahabodhi Temple complex. The town is also home to dozens of Buddhist monasteries. Those who are interested will find plenty of meditation and Buddhism courses and retreats on offer.
6. Kerala
Spa is probably one of the best ways to attain the holistic experience in India. And when it is combined with the traditional science of Ayurveda, it only becomes better. The top of the chart destination for Ayurveda Spa in India would be Kerala, without a doubt. This southern India state has been offering excellent facilities for not only the ayurvedic spa but also therapies and treatments that involve the science of Ayurveda. Throughout Kerala, a large number of Ayurveda centres, as well as Ayurveda Resorts, are scattered. One can choose the suitable place that suits his budget and surrenders himself completely to the goodness of this age-old science.
Truly, India is an incredible land that is capable of offering experiences that can be found nowhere in the world.
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