10 Best Places in India for Spiritual Awakening Experiences in India

Theodore J. Nottingham said it right, “So you who seek for deep truth, for the mystery and sacredness of life, don’t give up looking just because the externals seemed to be the opposite of what they should be. Keep searching, for it is to be found. You will find that pearl of great price, in fact, you will be led to it. So don’t give up! One day, you will be given that which will set your heart on fire and you will become a new person, the person you were always meant to be.”

There is no denying to the fact that in our fast-paced lives, there is always a constant struggle. A struggle to find our own place in this vast world. The big crowded cities leave no space. Isn’t spiritual awakening“the life of inner peace, being harmonious and without stress, and the easiest type of existence.” The biggest irony of our lives is space – space to breathe and feel free. We are always one step away from ‘Explore, Observe & Engage.’ 

But no matter what how stressed and closed you feel right now, the world is big enough and there are still some places, particularly, India that will take your mind off your constricted life. This is the part where Touch Down India tries to un-bridge the gap. We tour India, the land of spiritual awakening experiences. As Suzy Kassem beautifully describes India in her poem,

“If you hold this Dazzling emerald Up to the sky, It will shine a billion Beautiful miracles Painted from the tears Of the Most High. Plucked from the lush gardens Of a yellowish-green paradise, Look inside this hypnotic gem And a kaleidoscope of Titillating, Soul-raising Sights and colors Will tease and seduce Your eyes and mind.”

For centuries, travelers from all over the world have come to India to embark on the journey of self-discovery. Doesn’t matter if you are into meditation, yoga or even ancient practices; or just finding a moment of happiness, there is room for everyone. 

Let’s look at our list of top 10 places to go in India if you are looking to find Inner Peace

1. Chopta, Uttarakhand

Why?

At Touch Down India, we are always in search of places that are less explored. And, one such place is Chopta Tungnath in Uttarakhand that is also known as Mini Switzerland. A trek to the Tungnath, the highest Shiva Temple in the world is one of the most spiritual awakening experiences in India.

2. Bodhgaya, Bihar

Why?

Spend time in the holy land of Bodhgaya, where Lord Buddha attained enlightenment 2600 years ago; you are transported amidst flower-filled gardens and tall trees, and the air breathes meditation and philosophy. According to us, the whole ambiance of this monastic tranquillity, the intensity of devotion and self-disciplined life is what makes it interesting for other spiritual seekers, not just from India but from all over the world.

3. Pushkar, Rajasthan

Why?

Pushkar, home to the holy abode of Brahma, the creator and also to the numerous temples that each carries its unique story. A lakeside sacred settlement is a perfect place if you are looking to get closer to yourself. Watch the sunset; listen to the hymns and bells from the nearby temples, while you sit down and reflect a little on yourself. After all, are we all just the reflection of our surroundings. 

4. Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh 

Why?

Explore yourself in the oldest inhabited place, Kashi or Benaras / Varanasi. As we have told earlier, the whole energy of the place makes your focus shift from the ordinary things in life to the larger question of the purpose of your existence. There could nothing be more enlightening than closely watching the circle of life and death.

5. Auroville, Tamil Nadu 

Why?

In this day and age, for if you want to visit an idealistic place where peace, sustainability and divine consciousness thrives then, Auroville, also called ‘the City of Dawn’ is a must place to visit. People from all over the globe have come together keeping aside their creed, colour, caste and nationality, to be able to work toward building a universal, cash-free, nonreligious township. Nothing can be perfect than this, we bet.

6. Rishikesh, Uttarakhand 

Why?

Beatles visited Rishikesh in the late ’60s. Ring any bells? Rishikesh, the ‘Yoga Capital of the World’ is a haven for spiritual seekers. If we keep aside the ashrams for a while, the other half of the town brims with life and magic of Nature. From the fast-flowing Ganges, forested hills to the evening that is filled with sadhus’ chanting mantras, almost supernatural breeze, ringing of the bells and the Ganga-Aarti, every little action of this part of Uttarakhand carries serenity.

7. Coorg, Karnataka

Why?

Visit the home of forests, waterfalls, and temples. And, sometimes we just need to be around bountiful nature to really sit, put together our thoughts and get one step closer to find who we are and our roles in this vast universe.

8. Majuli, Assam

Why?

Welcome to the largest river island in the world that is only approachable by a ferry ride. And, this is what makes it one of our spiritual awakening journeys because literally and figuratively, there is no other way you can reach this little paradise.

9. Varkala, Kerala

Why?

These unique cliff formations along the Arabian Sea are world famous and gives you a sense of the magic of Nature around us. And, sometimes just “Look deep into nature, and then you will understand everything better.”

10. Leh, Ladakh

Why?

As Lord Bryon said, “There is pleasure in the pathless woods, There is rapture on the lonely shore, There is society where none intrudes, By the deep sea, and the music in its roar, I love not man the less, but nature more” And, Leh offers you exactly that – the spectacular views of the Zanskar and Karakoram ranges; sound of cymbals and deep chanting of the mantras wrapped in juniper incense; the monasteries and the monastic way of living around will let you dive deep in your thoughts of self-introspection.