Pilgrimage, ashrams and retreats
Holy places, yoga in Rishikesh, ayurveda in Kerala and how to behave.
India has countless places of pilgrimage. Varanasi on the Ganges is the holiest city of Hinduism, the Golden Temple in Amritsar the heart of Sikhism, Bodh Gaya the place where the Buddha attained enlightenment. The Kumbh Mela, held in rotation in four cities, is the largest religious gathering in the world.
Rishikesh, at the foot of the Himalaya, is known as the capital of yoga, and Kerala as the home of ayurvedic treatments. The quality of schools and clinics varies widely: look for accreditation, ask about the training of teachers and doctors, and be wary of promises of a cure.
In an ashram you live by the rhythm of the community: early rising, simple vegetarian food, no alcohol or tobacco, modest clothing and often silence at set hours. Donations are customary; pushy 'guides' and 'priests' at temples can be politely refused.
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Useful links
- Incredible India incredibleindia.gov.in
Pilgrimage sites and spiritual destinations. - Yoga portal of the Indian government yoga.ayush.gov.in
Recognised yoga institutions and certification.