Travel today is increasingly moving beyond sightseeing and packed itineraries, with many travellers looking for experiences that allow them to slow down, reconnect and explore something more meaningful. India, with its diverse spiritual, cultural and philosophical traditions, offers a wide range of destinations that bring together spirituality, wellness, art and self-discovery.
According to a 2026 KPMG in India-PHDCCI report, more than 60% of India’s domestic tourist visits are estimated to be linked to religious travel, underlining the deep connection between travel and spirituality in the country.
From traditional ashrams and Buddhist centres to contemporary spaces dedicated to art, culture and mindfulness, here are five destinations for travellers looking for a different kind of journey.
1. Eternal Oasis, Gurugram
Located on Golf Course Road in Gurugram, Eternal Oasis is a contemporary centre bringing together art, culture and spirituality under one roof. Launched in March 2025, the 100,000 sq. ft. centre was conceived by Umesh Mathur as a space designed to nurture the mind, body and spirit.
Envisioned as a “third space” beyond the home and workplace, Eternal Oasis offers visitors opportunities to engage with art, culture, creativity and spirituality.
The centre features three performance venues, six flexible workshop spaces, a large art gallery, a professional recording studio, 30 residential rooms and an 80-seater eatery. It also includes a Buddhist temple and meditation room, terrace spaces, lawns and parking facilities.
With its mix of creative and contemplative spaces, Eternal Oasis offers an urban setting for mindfulness, cultural engagement and personal development.
2. Garden of Spiritual Wisdom, Sarnath
For travellers interested in India’s philosophical and spiritual traditions, the Garden of Spiritual Wisdom in Sarnath offers an immersive experience.
Located behind the Chaukhandi Stupa, the 8.05-acre garden presents Indian spiritual traditions through galleries, artistic installations, sculptures and thematic experiences.
Its attractions include a Gallery of Indian Philosophy, a section dedicated to Buddhist Philosophy, an exploration of the Four Noble Truths and the Eightfold Path, as well as an Ayurvedic plant display.
The garden introduces visitors to ideas of peace, compassion, self-realisation, harmony and non-violence, making it a space where India’s spiritual heritage can be explored through visual and experiential storytelling.
3. Parmarth Niketan, Rishikesh
Set along the banks of the Ganges, Parmarth Niketan is among Rishikesh’s well-known spiritual centres. Founded in 1942 by Pujya Swami Shukdevanandji Maharaj, the ashram provides an environment centred around yoga, meditation, spiritual learning and Indian culture.
With more than 1,000 rooms and a range of programmes, the ashram welcomes visitors looking to experience traditional Indian spiritual practices in an immersive setting.
A key part of the experience is the daily Ganga Aarti, which takes place in the evening on the banks of the river. Parmarth Niketan is also the host of the annual International Yoga Festival, making it particularly relevant for travellers interested in yoga, meditation and the traditional ashram experience.
4. Museo Camera, Gurugram
Self-discovery does not always have to take place in a traditional spiritual setting. At Museo Camera, the journey can begin through art, photography and visual storytelling.
Established in 2016 by photographer and archivist Aditya Arya, the Gurugram museum explores the history and evolution of photography. Its collection includes cameras, photographic equipment, photographs and archival material.
The museum also hosts exhibitions, workshops and educational programmes, providing visitors with opportunities to explore photography and India’s visual heritage.
For travellers drawn to art, creativity and culture, Museo Camera offers a different way to pause, observe and engage with the world.
5. Zorba, New Delhi
Located amid the green surroundings of Ghitorni in New Delhi, Zorba combines spirituality, creativity and community in a contemporary setting.
The space hosts workshops, retreats and programmes around meditation, mindfulness, personal growth, music, dance and creative expression. Its programming offers visitors an opportunity to step away from the pace of everyday life and explore different approaches to wellbeing and self-discovery.
Rather than following a conventional pilgrimage format, Zorba offers a more contemporary approach to exploring mindfulness, creativity and community.
What Makes a Spiritual Destination Meaningful?
A spiritual journey does not necessarily have to follow a traditional pilgrimage route. For some travellers, it may mean spending time at an ashram, practising meditation or exploring ancient philosophies. For others, it could mean discovering art, listening to music, walking through a historic space or simply finding time away from everyday routines.
From the banks of the Ganges in Rishikesh and the Buddhist heritage of Sarnath to contemporary cultural spaces in Gurugram and Delhi, these destinations offer different ways to slow down and reconnect. Ultimately, the most meaningful journeys can be those that leave travellers with not just memories of a place, but also time for reflection, curiosity and self-discovery.
