Spiritual tourism mixes tourism with spiritual experiences so that travelers gain enlightenment and also entertainment.
There are so many things that can be learned in such torus and they can be life-transforming experiences.
There are many reasons for spiritual tourism such as an undertaking journey to religious sites or exploring alternative medicines and much more.
The older generation also did spiritual tourism but it was more of a religious nature.
The younger generation of today is new-age travelers, who want to visit spiritual retreats that offer them a mix of religious and exotic locations where they can get detoxed and relish their souls.
Westerners who come to India for spiritual tourism do so because they believe in the religious customs and traditions that they will experience and will follow while on a spiritual tour in India.
For example, they like a dip in the Holy Ganges and offer prayers at night on the banks of this river.
Another example is they are interested in celebrating Indian festivals because they bring pleasantness and satisfaction into their lives.
Thanksgiving after COVID
Undertaking spiritual tourism Post COVID is important to show gratitude to the almighty for surviving the pandemic.
By making a visit to various holy sites or undertaking journeys to locations such as far-off natural spots that give spiritual elevation, you are soothing the pain caused by this disease.
No matter how difficult circumstances can be, you will find it in your heart to say thanks for being alive, coming out of COVID successfully, and having a job when there are many who don’t.
According to the founder of positive psychology Martin Seligman, showing gratitude will make life happier and also quite satisfying because when we feel this emotion we are looking for a positive aspect of our life and by expressing it to others during thanksgiving, we are enhancing our relationships with then.
During the darkest days of the pandemic, you will still find small gestures that are beautiful sources of gratitude, which really heal the heart.
According to Dr. Robert Emmons, who is the author of the book entitled “Thanks! How the New Science of Gratitude Can Make You Happier, gratitude has a profoundly positive effect on health, mind, and soul.
The effect can be seen in the form of low blood pressure to have a better immune system which is very important to survive the pandemic even if you are vaccinated.
Why Opt For Spiritual Tourism?
The purpose of spiritual tourism is to find new meaning in your life by connecting body, mind, and soul through spiritual experiences.
Such experiences are not related to any particular religion so the traveler can visit places like temples, churches, synagogues, etc, and gain the enlightenment that’s needed to attain peace of mind.
It also involves journeying to natural locations like lakes, oceans, forests, wildlife parks, botanical gardens, rocks, and caves to show gratitude to the almighty.
It also is about undertaking travels that bring inner peace and forgiveness.
Through the places that are visited, a traveler’s mental, physical, and emotional energies are elevated bringing about definite improvement in body, mind, and spirit.
With the growth in technology, there is more encroachment into a traditional lifestyle.
The local and native population is at risk of becoming extinct, but what can encourage them is travelers who come to them to interact with them by learning about their culture and traditions.
As a result, their natural gifts and arts are protected, while the traveler gains an enriching experience that elevates them in a spiritual way.
Going to such places brings the effect of doing meditation, which enhances psychological well-being and also gives time to reflect on the challenges faced so far and how to manage them with better mental health.
Youngsters in the country are succumbing to mental depression which they want to avoid by taking weekend breaks to places where they can soak in the beauty of nature.
They are able to rejuvenate themselves emotionally and spiritually in such locations. Some of the most important spiritual tourism locations in India are:
- Brihadeeswarar Temple, Thanjavur
- Tawang Monastery, Arunachal Pradesh
- Kumbh Mela, Haridwar
- Srirangam Temple, Trichy
- Golden Temple, Amritsar
People are drawn towards such places because they bring us in touch with our real selves and remind us about the almighty’s showing us that there is a power bigger and more important.
So spiritual tourism takes us to locations where we find ourselves through spiritual enlightenment but we are doing so while vacationing.
As the world is coming out of the pandemic, international travel will become more about spending time in destinations that enhance spiritual energy.
Spiritual tourism is very important now and it is not just visiting places that are religious but also going to centers where you can learn yoga, else indulge in a four-wheel drive, fly fishing tours or perhaps get into a wilderness retreat.
Today spiritual tourism has come out as one of the most important aspects of India’s tourism industry and with COVID easing out, people want to undertake journeys that keep them spiritually uplifted so that they can better manage their life.
About Air India
Air India is the flag carrier of India and offers flights to 70 international destinations and 100 domestic destinations.
With such great connectivity, you can easily find a convenient flight to the destination of your choice for indulging in spiritual tourism and gaining overall well-being.
This airline is also a member of the Star Alliance group which offers greater connectivity to passengers.
It is the largest airline in terms of passengers carried and its main hub is the Indira Gandhi International Airport in Delhi.
The airline is currently upgrading its fleet so that it offers passengers the latest flights with modern technology and the best comforts.
Air India flight booking can be done through the airline’s website, travel sites, or authorized agents. You can use the booking facility to access any key spiritual tourism spot in the country.