Uncover Spiritual Travel in India: Yoga, Ayurveda & Ashram Retreats

Introduction: India is the World's Spiritual Center

For millennia, souls have sought India. Now, millions of spiritual tourists come to India seeking something more than a visit - an experience. India holds the holy waters of the Ganges in Rishikesh and the ancient healing ashrams of Kerala, to name just two places where the soul is transformed on a spiritual pilgrimage.

From the Himalayan peace of a meditation center, to the gentle warmth of an Ayurvedic oil massage, to the clarity of mind and body achieved through yoga practice, India has it all. And no other country has such rich spiritual roots. Here's all you need to know to create the ultimate spiritual travel experience in India.

What is Spiritual Travel in India?

India's spiritual travel is more than sightseeing. It is a deliberate journey into the self - to use the wisdom teachings of India to discover, heal and awaken. And it is very personal. Everyone travels for a different reason, and India has something for everyone.

Most spiritual travelers discover the following aspects of India: yoga, Ayurveda and the ashram experience. These three practices create a potent ecology of healing and transformation that has been lived for at least 5,000 years.

Yoga: The soul of spiritual travel in India

It's impossible to talk about spiritual travel in India without yoga. Yoga is a gift from India, and can really only be practised in the Indian way. Rishikesh, referred to as the "Yoga Capital of the World" is perched at the base of the Himalayas on the banks of the River Ganga. This draws a large number of practitioners each year for an in-depth practice at world-leading schools such as Parmarth Niketan and Sivananda Ashram.

Apart from Rishikesh, Karnataka's Mysuru (formerly Mysore) is the world capital of Ashtanga yoga. International practitioners travel to this city to learn the "first series" in the home of this yoga tradition. At the same time, Pune has emerged as the hub of Iyengar yoga, founded in the teachings of the world's most inspiring gymnastic teacher, B.K.S. Iyengar.

Yoga in India is no exercise. It's a way of life - an integrated system that facilitates the integration of breathing, body, mind and spirit. So, a two-week India yoga tour can alter your perception of oneself and the world forever.

Top Yoga Destinations in India:

• Rishikesh, Uttarakhand - any type of yoga, yoga teacher training

• Mysuru, Karnataka - Ashtanga yoga

• Pune, Maharashtra - Iyengar yoga

• Goa - vinyasa and hatha yoga by the beach

• Dharamshala, Himachal Pradesh - Tibetan Buddhism-inspired yoga

Ayurveda: Western Travelers can Breathe Easy

Another unique feature of spiritual travel is India is Ayurveda, a 5,000 year old natural medicine. The word means "science of life", and its principles remain unchanged to this day. Specifically, health is defined in Ayurveda as more than being free from illness, but also as balance of body, mind and spirit.

Kerala is the Ayurveda hub of thIndia. In Kerala, unlike western spas which offer pseudo-Ayurvedic products, the Ayurvedic treatment is traditional and presided over by doctors (called Vaidyas). therapies such as Panchakarma (five-fold detoxification therapy) are given for 7-28 days and has long-term benefits.

The methods adopted in a typical Ayurvedic package are first a consultation for determining your dosha (mind-body type). Then a customized diet-oil massage-regimen of herbal medicines, daily routine and diet is advised. Thus, people come back from their Kerala retreat feeling rested, energised and refreshed.

You can find Ayurveda Retreat Centers:

• Kottakkal Arya Vaidya Sala, Kerala

• Somatheeram Ayurvedic village, Kovalam

• Kalari Kovilakom, CGH Earth, Palakkad

• Ananda in the Himalayas, Uttarakhand

• Vana Retreat, Dehradun

Ashram Retreats: Living the Spiritual Life

An ashram is a spiritual community living together around a spiritual teacher and practice. An ashram is the ultimate spiritual travel experience in India - and possibly even a life-changing one. In an ashram, you don't watch spiritual practices take place. Rather, you experience it in the most tangible way - from dawn to dusk.

Ashram life generally starts early in the morning with meditation and chanting. After that, there's yoga, then vegetarian food, karma yoga (disinterested service), study of spiritual teachings and satsang (spiritual discussion) in the evening. Such a schedule, though rigorous, allows chatter in the mind to diminish and greater awareness to arise.

In India, some of the most popular ashrams are Sri Aurobindo Ashram (Puducherry), Ramana Maharshi's ashram (Tiruvannamalai) and the Divine Life Society (Rishikesh). Additionally, Auroville - the international city near Puducherry - is a community of shared spirituality welcome to all visitors, regardless of faith.

Let's not forget that ashrams in India are not exclusive to Hindus. They are open to people of all faiths and no faiths. The aim is always spiritual, not proselytising.

Pilgrimage sites you can include in your itinerary

India's pilgrimage sites enhance the spiritual journey. Some of the world's best pilgrimage destinations are in India. Millions of people believe that Varanasi, which has evolved on the banks of the river Ganges and is also one of the oldest continually inhabited cities in the world, is the spiritual hub of India. The Ganga Aarti ceremony during sunrise and sunset is a life-changing experience.

The Char Dham pilgrimage (Yamunotri, Gangotri, Kedarnath and Badrinath) will take you to the Himalayas. Similarly, the Kumbh Mela, held every 12 years in Prayagraj, is the most-prevalent peaceful gathering anddeclaration of faiths on earth.

Buddhists will find Bodh Gaya, Bihar, the site of the Bodhi tree where the Buddha attained enlightenment. The Tibetan exiled government is at the town of Dharamshala, in Hisamchal Pradesh, home of the Dalai Lama, a place for meditating and learning Buddhism.

Tips to Spiritual Journey to India

A little preparation will make your journey to India peaceful not stressful Here's what to keep in mind if you are planning an India spiritual journey.

Best Time: November to March is the most convenient time to travel to most places. However, May to October is ideal for the Himalayas.

Entry Visas: International travellers will need an e-Visa, which can be applied online.

Packing List: Pack lightweight, lose, comfortable and covered clothing. Shoulders and knees must be covered for temples.

Health: Inquire with your doctor about vaccinations. Bring a "medicine chest" and plenty of water.

Pick the Right Package: Research reviews, ask about the credentials of the yoga instructors and those practising Ayurvedic medicine and chooose a package that suits you - rather than just your pocket.

Conclusion: Let Paradise Yatra Guide Your Spiritual Journey

India is the last place to go on a spiritual journey. Its spiritual practices - ashram-tapash, Ayurveda and yoga - soften your thoughts, views and practices. India is more than a destination. It is your very own reflection.

If you are ready for this life-changing experience you don't have to undertake it alone. Paradise Yatra is an agency that organises healing spiritual travel in India. Whether it is an ashram retreat in Rishikesh or an Ayurveda Panchakarma retreat in Kerala, pilgrimage tours to holy sites in India and much more, Paradise Yatra offers compassion, attention and professional guidance in designing your journey.

So, whatever your spiritual journey may be to India, with Paradise Yatra, all you have to do is turn up and start inhaling.

Also Read: Best Religious Places in India for Peace and Prayer