10 Offbeat Spiritual Destinations In India To Embark On A Spiritual Journey

A land rich in culture and history, India is a country of many religions. An extensive number of religions originated in the homeland and hence, there are plenty of offbeat spiritual destinations in India. These sacred and famous places of different faiths not only help maximize the religious experience but also boost state tourism in India.

Nowadays, spiritual destinations are becoming popular amongst the younger generation too. From perfect frames for photography, with the beautiful locations to intriguing history and those tales of adventure, culture, festivals, traditions, rituals, and sometimes peace.

For those seeking some offbeat spiritual experience in India, here is the list is given below including the 9 offbeat spiritual destinations in India that must be included on your travel bucket list for the next few trips!

1. Ladakh

Ladakh is an uncharted territory among the offbeat spiritual destinations in India. It is a treasure trove to those in the search of peace. Soothing ambiance, beautiful landscapes, hilly terrain, and friendly locals are sure to leave you speechless.

Religious Attractions To Visit In Ladakh - Home to umpteen ancient monasteries, Ladakh is predominantly a Buddhist area. People visit from all over the globe to learn about Buddhism in these religious centers - the Hemis Monastery, the Phugtal Monastery, Thiksey Gompa, Lamayuru Gompa, Alchi Goma, and Likir Gompa are some of the most famous monasteries in Ladakh. 

2. Spiti

The answer to your wish to stay aloof for introspection is Spiti, the distant and remote. One of the most important Buddhist pilgrimages in India, Spiti is a unique and alluring valley with surrounding mountains & glaciers, barren lands, and prayer flags sputtering all across the region. 

Religious Attractions To Visit In Spiti - Buddhist research and cultural center, Spiti literally mean ‘The Middle Land’. Some of the most famous shrines visited by people for contentment and tranquillity in Spiti are Tabo Monastery, Key Monastery, Dhankar Gompa, Tangyud Monastery, Trilokinath Temple, and Gandhola Monastery.

Also Read: 11 Popular Pilgrimage Destinations In India

3. Dharamshala

The seat of the Dalai Lama, Mcleodganj is a popular tourist destination in Himachal Pradesh. There is a rage amongst the Indian tourists who consider Dharmashala to be one of the most popular Hindu pilgrimage destinations in India and it is a home away from home for the vast Tibetan population. The mouthwatering Tibetan cuisine paired with the calmness of this hilltown makes this place a favorite spiritual destination in India. 

Religious Attractions To Visit In Dharamshala - One of the most important pilgrimage sites in India, Dharamshala is primarily Buddhist in its essence and people usually come here for spiritual enlightenment. A few places to visit in Dharamshala are Namgyal Monastery, Tsuglagkhang Complex, Tse-Chok Link Gompa, and Gyuto Monastery. Kalachakra Temple and Bhagsunath Temple are also revered and famed by both Gorkhas and Hindus

4. Rishikesh

With an old charm that illuminates the soul, Rishikesh is one of the holiest places in India. Devotees flock into this hilltown to take a dip in the holy Ganges rives and purify themselves. Apart from the religious and spiritual significance, this city has a rich history and mythology associated with it.

Religious Attractions To Visit In Rishikesh - Hundreds of thousands of devotees and spiritual seekers visit Rishikesh to learn Yoga and dip in the sacred river of the Ganges. Some of the most popular Hindu temples near Rishikesh are Mansa Devi Temple, Har ki Pauri Ghat, Chandi Devi Temple, and Maya Devi Temple. Also, Rishikesh is a center for learning ancient Hindu culture and arts.

5. Varanasi

A sight to behold, Varanasi is considered to be one of the oldest cities in the world and one of the most spiritual places to visit in India. To spend a few days here is an exhausting and exhilarating experience. The chaos at this place will force you into its folds and then liberate you. Bound to give you a spiritual high, Varanasi is a magical place. 

Religious Attractions To Visit In Varanasi - There is a spiritual essence in every nook and corner of this city. Some of the most popular river banks where tourists throng from all over the world are Dashashwamedh Ghat, Assi Ghat, Manikarnika Ghat, and Manmandir Ghat. And the most spiritual temples in Varanasi are Durga Temple and Kashi Vishwanath Temple.

Also Read: 6 Famous Hindu Pilgrimage In India Every Seeker Must Visit

6. Vrindavan

Popular for being the birthplace of Lord Krishna, Vrindavan is bound to be on any list of the most famous Hindu spiritual places in India. Vrindavan holds spiritual significance for Hindus, Jains, and Buddhists alike. The colossal ghats and temples that fill up the town of Vrindavan foster a complacent feeling of devotion.  

Religious Attractions To Visit In Vrindavan - Some of the revered temples in the Brijbhoomi are Hare Rama Hare Krishna Temple, Banke Bihari Temple, Prem Mandir, ISKCON Vrindavan, and Shyama Shyam Dham.

7. Pushkar

One of the most significant pilgrimage sites in India, Pushkar has 300 temples and over 52 bathing ghats. An ideal place for a weekend getaway from nearby cities, Pushkar is a small town in the palatial state of Rajasthan. With intertwining histories and narrow alleys blazing with colors, Pushkar not only ensures an overall highly rated travel experience but also an apprising trip to this holy town. 

Religious Attractions To Visit In Pushkar - Some of the most thronged temples in Pushkar by both Indians and foreigners are Savitri Temple, Brahma Temple, Paap Mochini Temple, Old Rangji Temple, Atmeshwar Temple, Raghunath Temple, and Mahadeva Temple.

8. Bodhgaya

Developed as an international place of spirituality, Bodhgaya is situated in the Gaya district of Bihar. One of the most religious places in India, Bodhgaya attracts spiritualists from all over the world. Today, there are temples and monasteries established by Sri Lankans, Tibetans, Japanese, Thai, and Bhutanese. 

Religious Attractions To Visit In Bodhgaya - The place where Gautama Buddha became the Enlightened One, Bodhgaya is one of the four most sacred Buddhist centers in the world. Hundreds of thousands of devotees visit Bodhgaya each year in the quest to study and meditate. The most popular spiritual places in Bodhgaya are Mahabodhi Temple, The Bodhi Tree, Vishnupada Mandir, Great Buddha Statue, and Animesh Lochan Chaitya. You can also visit the Buddhist Monastery of Bhutan, the Thai and Tibetan Monastery, and the Chinese Temple and Monastery.

9. Amritsar

A city engulfed in culture, religion, and history, Amritsar is home to the most famous Gurudwara in the world. This spiritual destination not only takes you deep into the Indian partition history but also promises a sacred calm. Those looking for gratification along with spiritual bliss should take a trip to this vibrant and colorful city. 

Religious Attractions To Visit In Amritsar - The spiritual place that attracts tourists throughout the year is the Golden Temple or Sri Darbar Sahib, which is the main religious center of the Sikh community. Among other important religious places in Amritsar are ISKCON Amritsar and the Mata Lal Devi Temple built on the lines of the Vaishno Devi shrine.   

10. Tamil Nadu

Popular for its ancient Dravidian culture, Tamil Nadu is home to some of the popular living temples that are a point of interest for many travel enthusiasts who have keen interest in expanding their knowledge about religious diversity. These temples with an antiquity of centuries old religious testaments are a must visit for spiritual seekers as these are perfect to honor your pursuit to discover spiritual destinations.

Religious Attractions To Visit In Tamil Nadu - Brihadeeswarar Temple in Thanjavur, Meenakshi Temple in Madurai, Sri Laxmi Narayan Golden Temple, Vellore, Navapashanam Temple, Devipattinam, Srirangam Temple in Trichy, Bala Murugan Temple, Siruvapuri

Now that you are familiar with the offbeat spiritual destinations in India, go pack your bags and embark on a spiritual journey. Plan your spiritual journey with Adotrip and book the cheapest flight tickets, hotels, and tour packages because, with us, nothing is far!