We’ve all had those ‘Eat Pray Love’ moments when we find ourselves asking questions that go beyond the ‘what should I eat for dinner tonight?’ or ‘what should I do this weekend?’ Existential questions, that can sometimes be hard to deal with and lead towards a path of spirituality. Travel, then, provides a great way to reconnect with your inner self, and discover answers that elsewhere you might not find. When you travel to India you can find yourself because it challenges you as an individual. It is different from any other country because of its unique traditions, culture, and it also just gives you a sensory shock. So, personalizing a spiritual trip to India is not only about religion but an awakening of the senses.
Yoga in India
Travelling for spirituality is an age-old tradition. To leave behind the familiar in hopes of finding answers. Whether it’s following spiritual travel routes that have attracted Christian pilgrims for scores of years, like the El Camino de Santiago in Spain, or just heading out for a hike to clear one’s head.
India is a country that lends itself very well to spiritual trips. The very culture of the country is deeply rooted in spirituality and discovery. There are also countless spiritual travel routes in India that one can choose to follow. India is the land of yoga, of Ayurveda, of sadhus and hermits that leave their lives behind in a quest to find answers. Not that we’re suggesting anything that extreme! But it is a country that has called out to countless people, looking to discover a little something more about the world. If you do find yourself beginning to ask these questions, here are a few suggestions for a spiritual trip to India.
Go on a Yoga trail
The practice of yoga is an ancient one, that has spread to all corners of the world, in a variety of forms and methods. But, India is the birthplace of yoga, and it is here that you will find it being practised in its most pure form. You can sign up for a course at yoga ashrams across the country. They all offer different programmes and styles. The yoga ashrams in North India, especially around the spiritual hubs of Varanasi and Rishikesh, are the best known. However, there are plenty of yoga ashrams in South India too that you could consider. You won’t need to commit to a full-fledged course if that’s not what you’re looking for. Instead, you could just sign up for a one-day course to see if yoga is the right fit for you. We can help you find the best-suited programme for you and your needs so don’t get overwhelmed by the options!
Trace the roots of Ayurveda
Yoga in India and Ayurveda go hand in hand. Ayurveda is another ancient Indian practice, or even a way of life, that has spread across the world. Most people are only familiar with their medicine or massages. However, Ayurveda is so much more than that. The ayurvedic philosophy believes that each individual has a mix of three elements of nature – air, earth and fire. By maintaining a balance of these three, you will find inner peace. It is widely believed that the traditions of Ayurveda in South India hold truest to its roots. It is here that you will find some of the best options for a holistic programme. Programmes that will immerse you in all the benefits that Ayurveda has to offer.
Go soul searching with Vipassana
Looking for a spiritual trip? Vipassana is a Buddhist tradition that is about discovering the nature of reality. It’s a form of meditation and a little different from Yoga. Yoga is a combination of body exercise and meditation while vipassana is only meditation.
It involves detaching yourself from the outside world and follow the principles of Dharma, the law of nature. This is not something that you can undertake alone, as you need a teacher to guide you along the path. There are certified vipassana courses in India that you could consider if you think this is for you. We can help you find one that fits in best with the rest of your travel plans! Whatever you choose – Yoga in India or otherwise.
You can see a sample Spiritual trip in India by our Client Stephanie that highlights different spiritual and yoga experiences. Get in touch with us and we will make that spiritual trip happen.
