The pandemic confined most of us to our homes, and a lot of us turned to prayers and meditation to find a sense of inner peace. And now, as travel reopens, what’s also increasing is an interest in spiritual destinations in India. If you’re also someone looking for a spiritual sojourn, we have the perfect guide for you! By Anushka Goel
Spiritual tourism is something that has always been popular in India. With many-many pilgrimage spots in the country, be it any region, India is home to several destinations that speak of spirituality and religion. And if you are looking to plan a trip to find inner peace and tranquillity, these spiritual destinations in India are the perfect fit for you.
Spiritual destinations in India for a pilgrimage
Vaishno Devi
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One of the most popular spiritual tourism spots in India is the Vaishno Devi shrine, the popular Durga temple in Jammu and Kashmir. Approachable on foot and via helicopter, the shrine attracts lakhs of tourists annually, and ardent devotees place great faith in the goddess there.
Amarnath
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Another famous spiritual destination in India is Amarnath, known for its ice Shiva Linga which naturally forms there every year. The destination is open during the summer months, and attracts thousands of pilgrims who reach there by foot or via helicopters.
Amritsar
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One of the most popular Gurudwaras in India, Golden Temple (Sri Harmandir Sahib) is located in Punjab’s Amritsar, and witnesses thousands of devotees daily. These include newly married couples who visit the place to seek blessings for a happy married life, including those who are seeking peace and serenity. The place is also known for one of the largest langar kitchens in India, feeding thousands of people for free every day.
Varanasi
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Varanasi is among the most visited spiritual destinations in India not only in terms of the Indian tourists that visit the place, but international travellers as well. The place, home to the Ganga river, is known for its Ganga Arti, and thousands reach its many ghats to perform funeral rites for their deceased family members. The place provides a tranquil calm amid the chaos, with the soft sipples of the water calming the mind and soothing the soul.
Bodh Gaya
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Another popular religious site in India, Bodh Gaya is associated with the Mahabodhi Complex, among other things that make for a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Bihar. The place is of utmost importance to Buddhists, as Gautam Buddha is said to have attained enlightenment under the Bodhi Tree.
Mathura-Vrindavan
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Known for its many Krishna temples, Mathura and Vrindavan are always bustling with activity and tourists. From stunning temples to some yummy street food and an overall festive vibe, there’s nothing you can’t find here, and this is one spiritual destination in India that will draw you in time and again.
Haridwar-Rishikesh
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Haridwar is known as the abode of Lord Vishnu, and Rishikesh is called the Yoga Capital. The places, with their ambient weather and plenty of adventure activities, are also places of pilgrimage and spirituality, frequented by both Indian and international tourists alike. So whether it be a pilgrimage or for leisurely activities, a trip here is something the entire family will enjoy!
Char Dham
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The Char Dham yatra consists of pilgrimages to Badrinath, Dwarka, Jagganath Puri and Rameswaram, and is said to be among the holiest trips one can take. And amid the pandemic, all pilgrims aged above 50 and suffering from ailments will need to get their health check-ups done, according to the latest reports. The destinations attract thousands of tourists every year, especially the elderly, and a mandatory health check-up is a great way to keep the pilgrims healthy, happy, and safe.
Shirdi
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Shirdi is another spiritual destination in India that attracts plenty of devotees every year. Sai Baba devotees flock here by the thousands, seeking blessings and finding their inner peace at the temple. What’s more, according to reports, the destination is among the most popular pilgrimage spots in West India!
Pushkar-Ajmer
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Pushkar and Ajmer are two destinations located close to each other but are popular for completely different kinds of shrines. Pushkar houses the only Brahma Temple in the world, and is known for the popular Pushkar Fair and the rose-based products such as rosewater and gulkand one can purchase here. Ajmer, on the other hand, houses the famous Ajmer Sharif dargah, where pilgrims from across religions go and seek blessings, often going with wishes (mannat) they want to be granted.
Tirupati
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Tirupati is home to the famous Sri Venkateswara Temple, which holds a lot of faith among ardent devotees. Some even visit every month and offer prayers at the temple, seeking blessings and before beginning any auspicious tasks.
Hero and Featured Image: Courtesy of NARINDER PAL/Unsplash
Related: These UNESCO World Heritage Sites In South India Let You Explore India’s Rich Past
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