Eat, Pray and Love when in India

The idea of a soul quest or journey of self-discovery is not new. India has been the popular travel destination for spiritually-inclined seekers and travellers for decades. But the release of Julia Roberts’s starrer Eat, Pray, Love has actually pitched the international travel industry a lot. Why live a virtual life with a movie when you can experience the real thing?

Elizabeth Gilbert of Eat, Pray and Love must have stayed at the Gurudev Siddha Peeth ashram of Mahrashtra and spent many months there just to understand India. Well, you don’t have to spare so much time simply to explore India. Here are five places that will surely quench your thirst of spirituality and get your Eat Pray Love fix on India.

                                                     

Taj Mahal, Agra:  A symbol of eternal affection, Taj Mahal is amongst the most famous love gestures of the world. It’s equally breathtaking in reality as you expect from its pictures. This 17th century mausoleum is one of the finest examples of Mughal architecture. UNESCO has earmarked the lovely monument as one of the seven wonders of the modern world.

Varanasi: Situated on the banks of River Ganges, Varanasi is the city of Moksha for Hindus since ages. Holiest place for Hindus, the city is simply amazing and believed to be the best opportunity to obtain Moksha. Millions of tourists visit Varanasi every year, a place where Lord Buddha met his disciples and gave his first sermon. Stand on the ghats, quench your thirst for spirituality and think about your place in the world. Its fascinating watching daily life based round the ghats which includes people bathing and washing their clothes in the river as well as performing prayers and doing yoga.

Kerala: Situated in the southern western part of India, Kerala is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful states. It has been conferred as one of the ten paradises of the world by National Geographic. Globally famous for charming backwaters, exotic hill stations, wildlife parks, palm fringed beaches and spa centers, ayurvedic body care, ethnic temples, enriched culture and plentiful other fascinating attractions, Kerala is breathtaking in all ways.

Jaipur: Pink city or call it royal city, Jaipur is a jewel in Rajasthan’s crown. Fairy-tale palaces, rugged fortress, all display remarkable harmony in architectural splendor. The impressive forts, splendid havelis and colourful bazaars make Jaipur a huge hit among travellers all over the world. Amber Fort is one of the popular sights of the city, but visit during the month of March. It is the time when Elephant Festival is celebrated. There’s processions, polo and dances all using elephants. There is even a tug of war between 19 men and one elephant.

Hari Mandir ashram, New Delhi: A visit to Hari Mandir by Hollywood heartthrob Julia Roberts in last September caused a ruckas – as the locals here were not able to celebrate an important festival. The ashram is extremely popular among Western seekers. It is spiritual home of Gurumayi Chidvilasananda, a disciple of Swami Muktananda.