menu icon
Kedarnath

7 Spiritual Places to Find Inner Peace in India 2024

People travel on a spiritual path searching for eternal happiness, enlightenment, and feeling to be near God. India's most revered locations can be found along the sacred Ganges river's path. Everything in these places, including the air and the natural surroundings, give off positive spiritual energy, purifying and balancing the mind, body, and spirit. When you are feeling particularly stressed, taking a journey to one of these serene locations can help you relax and reenergize while surrounded by the magnificent splendor of nature. 

Let's look at the seven most spiritual places in India where individuals have started finding inner peace and a sense of direction and meaning in their lives.

Rishikesh 

Located on the banks of the Ganges, the most revered river in India, lies the tehsil of Rishikesh in the Tehri Garhwal district of Uttarakhand. This ancient city was established in the ninth century AD by Adi Shankaracharya. It is steeped in many mythological and religious tales featuring Lord Vishnu, Lord Bharat, and many renowned sages.

The powerful Ganges that flows adjacent to the urban area heightens the natural splendour of Rishikesh, magnified by its location at the base of the grand Garhwal Himalayas. The stunning metropolis possesses a distinct aura as it is situated amidst the awe-inspiring waterfront walkways, verdant peaks, expansive woodlands, and blue cloudy sky.

Many yoga retreats and meditation centers are located in Rishikesh, the world's headquarters of yoga, where people can study discipline and practice meditation. The city is known as an entry point to the Garhwal Himalayas due to its location in the state of Uttarakhand, at the base of the powerful Himalayas. This location attracts visitors not only to take a dip in the Ganges, but also, relax, learn about Ayurveda, and experience spa therapies but also to try adventure sports.

Badrinath

Temple Worship Badrinath - Free photo on Pixabay

One of Uttarakhand's four Dhams, Badrinath is one of the most well-known places for a spiritual trip in India and is located at a height of 3,300 meters above sea level. Its sanctuary and the well-known valley of flowers, also a UNESCO World Heritage Site, will enchant you. You can take a 45°C warm, therapeutic bath in a pure hot spring at Tapt Kund and visit glacier sites. 

Skiing, wild water rafting, and trekking are other options for thrill-seekers. The months of September through October and May through June are ideal for trips to Badrinath. The closest airport is Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun, about 310 kilometers distant from NH 7, but the trip there will be worthwhile because of the delightful and panoramic drive.

Kedarnath

File:Side view of Kedarnath Temple.jpg - Wikimedia Commons

In the Rudraprayag region of Uttarakhand, close to the Mandakini river, Kedarnath is located in the Garhwal Himalayas above sea level at 3,583 meters. The state's Char Dhams, famous for the Kedarnath shrine, is one of the most popular pilgrimage sites and is considered India's most spiritual site. However, the temple is only accessible from April end to October ending because of adverse weather conditions. You can visit the Deora Tal lake to see the Himalayas in the distance or hike while experiencing the pure mountain air.

May, June, September, and October are ideal for exploring Kedarnath. Jolly Grant airport in Dehradun is the closest airport, which is about 270 kilometers away by car, and from there, you can travel down to Gaurikund, the final motorable point. You can also opt for trekking, riding a horse, or traveling in a palanquin to make the 14 km ascent to Kedarnath from here.

Prayagraj

Prayagraj (Allahabad) - PixaHive

This metropolis, the second oldest in the nation and known by its former name of Prayag, is also said to be the holiest spiritual site in India. At Triveni Sangam, sit down to catch a unique glimpse of the Yamuna, Sarasvati, and invisible Ganga waterways coming together. Be present there to witness the vibrancy of the entire city during the six- or twelve-year-old Maha Kumbh Mela, the world's biggest religious meeting. Take a quick dip in the holy Ganges, just like the millions of tourists who do to atone for their misdeeds and release their ancestors from the circle of rebirth. 

Varanasi

people sitting on brown wooden bench during night time

The idea for the Oscar-winning actor Morgan Freeman’s movie “The Story of God” came when he visited Varanasi and found the city to be intriguing. This city is in Uttar Pradesh, known by the former names Kashi or Benaras. It is the oldest in India and is regarded as its spiritual center. This location, on the shores of the Ganges River, attracts devotees from around the globe, hoping to atone for their wrongdoings and find salvation.

Take a revitalizing dip, to experience what it's like to be fortunate. A yoga teacher can also assist you in discovering the potential and value of this age-old form of exercise and meditation. Varanasi is best visited between November and February when the weather is comfortably chilly. This place is considered as the most spiritual place in India. 

Gangotri

Above sea level at a height of more than 3,415 meters, Gangotri is a popular pilgrimage site in the Uttarakhand region along the shores of the Bhagirathi River. May through September are the ideal months to explore Gangotri. The renowned Jalmagna Shivling, which is only visible in winter when the water level decreases, must be visited if you travel to this location during the winter. It is also said that shivling appeared naturally in this place. It is said that this is the place where Lord Shiva once freed the Ganges from his tangled hair so that it could start its voyage at Gaumukh, inside the Gangotri glacier.

Enjoy the tranquility and beauty of the magnificent, snow-covered mountains, glaciers, and valleys, and sense your unity with God. A pass, given at the Gangotri National Park or in Uttarkashi, is required if you intend to hike to the Gaumukh protected area, which is 18 km from Gangotri. Dehradun Jolly Grant airport is the closest airport, about 250 kilometers from Gangotri. From there, you can also drive and take a halt for an overnight stay in Uttarkashi.

Haridwar

The name Haridwar signifies a way to the Gods. It is one of the most visited towns in India and is also one of the most spiritual places in India. Haridwar is in Uttarakhand, where the Ganges River's crystal-clear water flows from the mountains to the lowlands. Put yourself right in the center of Indian culture and use meditation to take in the revenant ambiance. Moreover, you can participate in the Ganges ritual at Har ki Pauri.

Watch as followers ignite lovely oil diyas, and marigold flowers and let them float in the river, lighting and enlivening the banks in a spellbinding display. Over a million devotees visit this location on significant celebration days. The months of March through June are the most ideal for visiting Haridwar because they are neither too hot nor too chilly. Since the majority of religious events during the season are postponed, the wet season can be avoided. 

FAQS

Which city is termed the most spiritual city?

Varanasi, the holiest city for Hindus and the world's earliest city still in existence (dating back to 2,000 BCE), is where India's religious and cultural life beats. Varanasi, one of the seven sacred towns in Hinduism, is also referred to as Benares, Banaras, or Kashi.

Which place is the spiritual centre on Earth?

Kailash in Tibet is the spiritual centre on Earth. This place is visited by many tourists from all around the world.

What are the signs of spiritual growth?

You could start to have a great feeling of empathy, kindness, and unwavering love for other people as your spiritual life develops. Along with feeling closer to the environment and animals, you can also discover a stronger desire to advocate for social justice and assist those in need.

Who is called a spiritual person?

An individual who achieves spiritual enlightenment begins to perceive the higher realm of affection, generosity and unity and dwells within that realm. This person elevates themselves to a state of unity with a reality that surpasses our current comprehension and experiences in their present existence.

Go back to main blog page
Top 5 Reasons to Travel With Max
thumbs up icon
AUTHENTICITY

All our trips are authentic and carefully designed

shuffle icon
FLEXIBILITY

Our trips are flexible to alter according to your demand

rating icon
EXPERTISE

Our experts have first hand knowledge about destinations

value icon
BEST VALUE

We offer best value for your money invested in touring with us.

calm icon
PEACE OF MIND

With Max Holidays you complete travel in peace of mind

Let's plan your trip

Put us on work to plan your next travel. Send your details to our experts now to get a free travel plan with quote