India, with its long religious traditions, is the perfect place to enjoy a unique and profoundly spiritual experience. This is because India is home to yoga, Buddhist meditation, Ayurveda (traditional Hindu medicine), and one of the most spectacular religious ceremonies in the world: Ganga Aarti, the ritual performed to honor the Ganges River.
You can choose to spend some time in a monastery in Leh, or maybe head to one of the famous yoga centers in Rishikesh. Why not enjoy an Ayurvedic treatment in Kerela and admire the beauty of Ganga Aarti in Varanasi? There are so many things to choose from: it is truly your chance to unwind, relax, and try to get a deeper understanding of life.
Keep reading our short article to know how and where you can find the perfect spiritual experience in India!
Highlights
- India is the perfect place for those wanting a rich and deeply spiritual experience.
- Ganga Aarti, yoga, meditation, and Ayurveda are just some of the ways you can achieve this.
- Gather along the banks of the Ganges to witness Ganga Aarti.
- Find your way to an ashram (a monastery in Indian religions) to practice yoga and meditation.
- Varanasi, Leh, and Rishikesh are some of the best places to seek out an authentic Hindu spiritual experience.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Ganga Aarti
In Hinduism – India's main religion – the Ganges River is extremely important, as it is the embodiment of sacredness and the river goddess Ganga. To honor this important waterway, every night when the sun sets thousands of Hindus all over the country gather along its bank and perform Ganga Aarti.
Witnessing the ceremony of Ganga Aarti is an experience that people never forget: you will see masses of Hindus praying, singing, and burning incense along the Ganges. It creates an atmosphere unlike any other.
As said, the main purpose of the ceremony is to honor and show gratitude to the river goddess Ganga. You will see people burning fires and floating flowers on the river no matter the weather.
China Highlights, Asia Highlights, and Global Highlights collaborate to provide families and couples with personalized and stress-free experiences in diverse destinations.
|
|
Great Experience
WOW! I’ve traveled Asia some & I must say Sharon & Asia Highlights made this trip so much more enjoyable and easy More
Stephen Hollis,
Aug 2023
|
Alisa has has been great to work with
Alisa with Asia Highlights has has been great to work with. Very friendly and responsive. More
Ana Rausch,
Aug 2023
|
Using Sharon right now to book our…
Using Sharon right now to book our upcoming trip to Thailand. She has booked everything that we asked for. Has answered all of my inquiries, which has been many! Looking forward to having a great girls trip in Thailand More
Tracy,
Aug 2023
|
Thailand, Singapore, Bali
In Thailand, Tanny and Nori(Suparp), were both incredible! They were both fun, funny, and full of knowledge and made sure we got the full experience. They went the extra mile and always made sure we had cold bottled water and towels to cleanse our hands. In Singapore, Nicole was an absolute gem. She was so kind and knowledgeable and guided us in the right direction to make our day as enjoyable as possible. She helped us choose a top notch local lunch and coffee spot in China Town and taught us so much about the country! In Bali, Emon was an absolute joy. He was very knowledgeable and kind and absolutely made sure we were feeling comfortable and was willing to be flexible with us. He was fun to converse with and made our time traveling between destinations so enjoyable! I cannot recommend Asia Highlights enough! Accommodations, travel arrangements and guided tours were all a breeze. More
Cassi Thunker,
Jul 2023
|
Very supportive
Very supportive ! I have received eticket for Sky Lattern Festival very fast More
Chi?n Nguy?n Ng?c,
Jul 2023
|
My experience in Chang Mai with Asia Highlights
I greatly enjoyed my experience with Asia Highlights for a trip I booked to Thailand.All of my interests were catered too. My guide in Chang Mai Gemma was excellent.I truly felt the soul of Thailand culture and Buddhism. More
Richard,
Jul 2023
|
A pleasure to plan with
Well, this has been a painless and pleasurable process to find such a wonderful company. I had specific dates and places to be and Sharon worked with me diligently to refine the schedule and costs to suit my travel needs and budget. She informed me of a special tour on the dates I am to be in Thailand and I added that to my previous plans. More
Chris Williams,
Jul 2023
|
Large multi-generational holiday in Thailand
The holiday was wonderful. Our guides, Mr Monchai (Bangkok), and Ms Tipagorn (Tippy) (Chiang Mai) were exceptional. Travelling in a large multigenerational group with many children requires patience and our guides truly understood that. Mr Monchai and Ms Tippy shared their extensive knowledge of the many wonderful places we visited, and were flexible to take us to additional places along the way based on discussions. While everyday was busy, having them greet us with patience and a smile truly made this a memorable holiday. The hotels we stayed at were equally wonderful and went above and beyond to celebrate not only my parents 50th anniversary but also celebrate 2 milestone birthdays that occurred. We will cherish this holiday for many years to come. We hope to use Asia Highlights again. More
CL,
Jul 2023
|
I never used a travel agent in my life
I never used a travel agent in my life, but Sharon for Asia Highlights did a phenomenal job helping planning and coordination a family vacation. The best part of working with Sharon was that she maintained an open line of communication and provided answers to my question well within 12-24 hours. Additionally, Sharon was flexible and customized our vacation to my families needs. Overall great experience. More
Antione Barry,
Jul 2023
|
Great company to plan a trip to Southeast Asia!
Sharon Haung has been wonderful to work with! Very patient and accommodating. Responds immediately given time change and is prepared, prompt, and professional. More
Debi Hinerfeld,
Jul 2023
|
We took a 15 days trip (10 days Vietnam and 5 days Thailand …
It was an amazing experience the guides and drivers were there awaiting for us at each airoport for a transfer to the hotels also on time for all the tours all the guides were so lovely , very experienced and spoke very good English , one of the days on tour in Thailand I lost my phone in a temple in Bangkok mr chai went out of his way in a middle of thousands of visitors and managed to find an bring it back to me I found that amazing , also while on a trip I contacted Jason li out tour organizer few time via whatup and he replied and helped on the spot I recommend asiahilights 150% The quality of the service hotels the guides the drivers outstanding From start to finish ABSOLUTELY BRILLIANT ???? More
SIMO el ghobar,
Jun 2023
|
Wonderful Guides and Experience
Our large group arrived in Bangkok with Tanni as our guide. She was wonderful! An absolute joy to spend time with. She is knowledgeable, kind, and extremely funny. I don’t know what we would have done without her! After Bangkok, we traveled to Chang Mai, where Indy was our tour guide. She was a delight! She is kind, knowledgeable, and so patient. Our trip to Thailand was an adventure of a lifetime and these two women helped make it memorable. I would definitely use Asia Highlights for any future travel in Asia. More
Jessica Bennett,
Jun 2023
|
Guide - Chai
We travelled from Vietnam to Bangkok and were blessed to have a guide named Chai. He was a superb guide and it is a pity we couldn't bottle him and take him home. He was very knowledgeable and an absolute gentleman. He could not have done enough to facilitate us and imparted so much knowledge about the Temples, Buddism and the History of Thailand in general. Not only did he give us a great overview of the past and current ways of living in Thailand but I also feel I came away a much better person having interacting with him. I will carry many of his teachings with me for the rest of my life and know that having met him was a very special blessing in my life. More
Customer,
Jun 2023
|
Our guide Tanni was kind
Our guide Tanni was kind, knowledgeable, funny and beyond accommodating for our group. We felt like we'd made a friend and it enhanced our trip in the most positive way. Everything was coordinated perfectly which is not easy to do in a large traveling group. Excellent experience! More
Marissa Manson,
Jun 2023
|
We are only on day 5 of our 15 day trip…
Our first stop so far was in Hanoi where our guide Trong was just so awesome! He shared about his culture and family life which showing us sites through a city tour. He was so funny making lots of jokes and always made sure we were having fun while learning about everything! He checked on us frequently even when we were no longer with him since we then went on a cruise in Halong Bay! Halong Bay and the cruise on Paradise Elegance went way above anything I expected. The scenery was breathtaking, the ship was so beautiful and clean with such fresh, good food! And I can’t sing enough praise for the staff who took care of us- especially Anna and Belle! They went above and beyond to make sure we enjoyed every aspect from eating meals with Anna to every other detail with Belle! I highly recommend Asian Highlights to help plan these extraordinary trips! This already has been a trip of a lifetime and we still have so much more to see all thanks to Cathy!! More
Diane Creitz,
Jun 2023
|
Tanni for the win!
14 of my closest friends and family descended upon Bangkok ready to see the town. Asia highlights and Tanni took us on a tour that changed our lives. We experienced so much everyday. Tanni was amazing! She did all the thinking for us, so we all could just be present and enjoy the moment. I can’t recommend this company, and especially Tanni enough. More
Megan McGlynn,
Jun 2023
|
This isn't my first trip with Asia…
This isn't my first trip with Asia Highlights. They are great at helping me plan, working my requests into the itinerary, and booking it all. We travel with friends and just got back from a trip to Thailand and Vietnam. Albee did a great job with all the details and we had a wonderful time. We will use them for our next adventure! More
Katie Potesta,
Jun 2023
|
Amazing service
Although we have not been our trip yet I wanted to still write a review based on customer service and the ease of booking. Alisa has been extremely prompt and responsive with planning our trip to Thailand. She has had great recommendations and guidance to add to our custom itinerary. Highly recommend using Asia highlights! -Alex More
Alex,
May 2023
|
I have never hear of this company…
I have never hear of this company before , and after reading all these reviews ,I decided to give it a try . The professionalism and communicative skill received by one of the agent , Sharon of Asia Highlights , convince me that She was the right travel agent for my trip in Asia . Very quickly she communicated with me and got all the detail of my desire vacation . Sharon made me a great itinerary with great experiences that I am dreaming to experience and I am looking forward to it . Thanks Sharon for been so great and crafting me a dream vacation with great suggestions. More
orge alvarez,
May 2023
|
Coco Yang worked tirelessly to…
From the moment I landed in Bangkok, Ms Noi Ying was there to welcome me and get me settled into my hotel. We enjoyed several days together touring Bangkok and Kanchanaburi. In Chiang Mai, Mr Ekachai took my son snd I on an amazing trip to the Elephant Jungle Sanctuary and to visit a community Lanna home, gardens and a hands-on cooking class preparing an authentic Thai meal. Lisa arranged a last-minute speedboat tour of 5 breathtaking islands in Phuket. From start to finish, the guides exceeded my expectations!! Thank you, Asia Highlight!! Debbie Woods More
Debbie Woods,
May 2023
|
Yoga in India
In Sanskrit, the word "yoga" means "to connect". The purpose of yoga is to help people connect to themselves, to still the mind, strengthen the body, and soften the heart. The process of yoga helps people experience an intimate relationship with their bodies and more importantly, consciousness.
Yoga began in India thousands of years ago, and nowadays many tourists decide to visit yoga centers scattered around the country. Some of the more famous ones are the Sri Aurobindo Ashram in Pondicherry, the Chinmaya Mission in Mumbai, and the Ramakrishna Mission in Belur Math.
These yoga centers provide everything: from in-depth courses to flexible drop-in classes. Of course, every center is different, with different teaching styles and approaches. So it is advised to do a little bit of research and find the one that most suits your desires.
When traveling, ask your hotel concierge or travel advisor to help you locate a yoga center near you.
Buddhist Meditation in India
Buddhist meditation is a technique used to train awareness and calm the mind. It is a fundamental step of one's path toward enlightenment and self-realization. Besides, meditation is useful in reducing stress, anxiety, and depression.
Some of the best meditation centers of India are in Dharamsala and McLeondganj, home of the Dalai Lama. Traditionally, meditation (along with yoga) is taught in spiritual hermitages or monasteries called ashrams. Usually, these hermitages are located far from cities, for example in forests.
Many ashrams all over India can help you tend to your mind and body. They range from 5-star accommodations to basic dwellings.
Ayurveda
Ayurveda originated in India thousands of years ago finding its roots in Hinduism. It is a traditional system of alternative medicine primarily made up of herbal therapies, dietary changes, and massage.
Ayurveda follows the general principle of "harmony": to balance the physical existence, the mental existence, and the personality of an individual.
Within Ayurveda, building a healthy metabolic system is fundamental. As are practicing yoga, meditation, and respecting the body's natural circadian rhythms.
Ayurvedic Treatment
Massages are one of the main treatments. They focus on relaxation and stress relief: the doctor aims to find the energy points and balance energy within one's body. It is common for the masseur to use tuning forks and metal tools to relieve the body's tension.
To expel the toxic materials from the body, Ayurveda relies on panchakarma, "the five treatments". It is a pleasant experience: the body is massaged with oils, treated with herbal steam therapy, etc. Not every panchakarma treatment is the same, as physicians try to give each person an individualized experience.
Ayurvedic Centers
It is believed that Ayurveda originated in the Indian state of Kerala, and almost every hotel in the state has an Ayurvedic center.
Some of the better-known centers are the Kairali Ayurvedic Health Resort of Palakkad (with branches in Delhi and Khajuraho), and the Somatheeram Ayurvedic Resort of Kovalam. If you are looking for Ayurvedic treatment, the Arya Vaidyasala in Kottakkal is a pioneer institute.
Best Places to Enjoy a Spiritual Experience in India
So far, we have listed the main activities of a Hindu spiritual experience in India and the places specialized in them. However, India is a huge country and finding the right place can be challenging. That's why we've listed the best places to enjoy each one of the various experiences described above.
From the Ganga Aarti ceremony in Varanasi to the Buddhist monasteries in Leh; from an Ayurvedic treatment in Kerala to yoga lessons in Rishikesh: these are the best of the best and you won't be disappointed.
Ganga Aarti in Varanasi
As described above, Ganga Aarti is a wonderful religious experience that takes place every night along the banks of the Ganges River. Of all the places, there is no doubt that the best place to witness the ceremony is Varanasi (Haridwar and Rishikesh are highly recommended as well).
When the sun sets, head to the Kashi Vishwanath Temple to see a huge assembly of people bringing to life this choreographed ceremony.
The ceremony starts with the blowing of a conch shell to remove all the negative energy in the area. Then people start waving incense in the air and walk in circles around large lamps, all while chanting and playing music. It is truly unforgettable.
If you wish to attend Ganga Aarti in Varanasi, we strongly recommend arriving as early as possible. You can also admire the ceremony from a boat or standing on one of the many balconies offered by the shops along the river.
Buddhist Monasteries in Leh
When in Leh, you will be surrounded by mud-brick homes, monasteries, green farmland and desert that blends into the snowy mountains. It is easy to understand why Leh is a unique setting for those wanting to explore the world of meditation.
The core of Leh is without any doubt its medieval town, with its maze-like alleys, Buddhist monuments, and prayer stones. Don't forget to visit the ancient Leh Palace and see all nine stories. However, the royal family now lives in Stok Palace.
- Thikse Monastery
The monastery is located a 30-minute drive from Leh. Its unique structure resembles a staircase, and one of its particularities is that monks of both genders live there. This monastery belongs to the Gelug sect of Tibetan Buddhism led by the Dalai Lama.
You can freely visit it by yourself or hire a guide. We recommend visiting it around 6:00 am so you can listen to the monks chanting their morning prayers.
- Hemis Monastery
An hour's drive from Leh is the Hemis Monastery, which is the wealthiest monastery of the region. The monastery boasts beautiful architecture. You can visit the two statues of Buddha and Guru Rimpoche, or head to the museum hosting a large collection of Buddhist relics.
During the Hemis Festival (held in June or July) you can enjoy music, shows, and dancing for two full days.
Ayurvedic Treatment in Kerela
It is believed that Ayurvedic medicine originated in the region of Kerela. A famous port city in Kerela is Cochin, a city packed with mansions, churches, synagogues, and mosques. The best way to experience the city of Cochin is by taking a walking tour to admire both the architecture of the city along with the markets and shops.
Kerela has become increasingly famous thanks to its many Ayurvedic resorts, offering spa packages, massages, and healing therapies.
One of the best resorts in the area is the Carnoustie Ayurveda and Wellness Resort. It boasts luxurious villas, exceptional dining, and an amazing Ayurvedic spa. Head there for a luxury treatment.
If you are vegetarian, then choose Kalari Kovilakom, known for its tranquil yoga and meditation sessions. The Ayurvedic therapies are customizable and can last up to 28 days.
Last but not least, Nattika Beach Ayurveda Resort is another famous beach resort in the area. Guests can stay in a luxurious villa a few steps away from the ocean and the Ayurveda experience is unforgettable.
Yoga in Rishikesh
India lovers all over the world know of famous Rishikesh, where you can find numerous ashrams and different styles of yoga and meditation. Research in advance to find the right style for you!
Parmarth Niketan is located on the bank of the Ganges and is the biggest ashram in the area. It sports 1,000 rooms with various standards of accommodation. During your stay, you will have two yoga classes and three meals per day. You can also learn about Vedic heritage and spirituality by attending daily classes.
Sivananda Ashram is another famous center in the area and its teachings are based on the five points of yoga: posture, breathing, relaxation, meditation, and diet. To reserve accommodation, guests need to apply at least a month in advance.
For those wanting to explore the world of Iyengar yoga, head to the Patanjala Yoga Kendra center, located at Omkarananda Ganga Sadan. You can attend free daily classes but if you wish to sleep there and get an intensive course, you need to book months in advance. You can also attend lectures on the Bhagavad Gita.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Visit India with Asia Highlights
For those wanting to escape their bustling modern life and enjoy a deeply spiritual experience, India is one of the best places to go…you just have to find the right fit for you!
So, let our knowledgeable team help you. We will take care of everything, ensuring you a hassle-free vacation and the ideal occasion to enjoy a unique spiritual experience that will relax you both inside and out.
Check out the following links and start learning about your next beautiful journey!
You might like to read
Why Travel with Asia Highlights (98.8% positive customer reviews among 10,000+)
- Unique experiences tailored to your interests: Enjoy a premium trip that goes beyond the typical tourist attractions.
- Hassle-free travel and peace of mind: Every aspect of your trip will be carefully planned and organized by your 1:1 travel consultant.
- Experienced and knowledgeable guides: Your guides will be local and love to work for travelers' smiles.
- 10-Day Royal Rajasthan and Camel Festival Tour
- Best South Asia Tours to India, Nepal, Sri Lanka, and Bhutan
- 7-Day Off the Beaten Path South India Tour
- 9-Day India Golden Triangle with Varanasi
- 11-Day India and Nepal Tour
- 9-Day Classic South India Tour
- 9-Day India Highlights and Food Tour
- 10-Day North India Tour (Delhi to Shimla)
- 10-Day India and Nepal Mini Group Tour for Xmas 2023
- Weather in India in January: Is It a Good Time to Visit? Where to Go
- Weather in February in India [2023]: Cold and Warm!
- Weather in India in March: Good for Travel or Not?
- Weather in India in April: Temperatures and Where to Go
- Weather in May in India [2023]: a Good Time to Go?
- Weather in India in June: the Monsoon Begins — OK to Travel?
- Weather in July in India [2023]: Too Wet to Travel?
- August Weather in India: Still Rainy? (5 Places to Go)
- Weather in September in India: Rainy or Not?
- Weather in India in October: Best Time for Pleasant Weather
- Weather in India in November — Dry Season Travel
- Weather in India in December: 7 Best Places to Visit in India in December
Get Inspired with Some Popular Itineraries
At Asia Highlights, we create your kind of journey — your dates, your destinations, at your pace. You can have any trip tailor made for your travel.
