Blog The Secrets of Yoga

Spiritual Tourism

Tourism in the capital of India, New Delhi, has become a great source of income for the city of nearly 300,000.  The outskirts of New Delhi houses millions – between 12 and 14 – and with so many people visiting this place, whether they be tourists or natives, attractions of this city truly captivate all.  Attractions include visiting the Ganges to touch holy waters, praying in the Golden temple, and a visit to Ajmer Sharief.  India’s two main religions are Hindu and Muslim, which add additional interest to potential visitors.  The country of India is known for its spiritualism, and new elements have been added to the tour: Vedic chants and Yoga.

Spiritual tourism is one great way to experience India and all of its diverse cultural resources.  During past years, this type of country guidance consisted of visits to temples and sacred sites, but now other events have been added to this cultural mixture.  Practicing yoga, listening to Vedic chants in a serene setting such as a quiet hotel room, and learning more about the culture associated with these practices will broaden the minds of visitors, and give the people of India a chance to share their spiritual way of life.

Western practices that involve spiritualism are generally associated with religion.  The hustle and bustle of city life, the stress of a career, and many other factors can contribute to a person’s level of happiness, and sometimes the decline of it.  Spirituality is presented in Indian tourism as it should be, in the most raw and original form.  Yoga and spiritual practices have grown in popularity around the world, and Westerners are especially interested in learning this new way of life. 

Yoga centers and Yoga facilities are built into hotels or visited by tourists during a stay in India.  Hotels encourage their guests to visit places in which they can practice Yoga and  Vedic Pranayama for their enjoyment, and these already existing practices and places of practice are inexpensive for Indian natives to provide to their visitors.  Although it is suggested by some that Yoga be practiced on a mat while wearing a certain type of clothing, material items are unnecessary to invest in.  Most tour guides and brochures do not ask their visitors to purchase any kind of equipment for Yoga. 

The government is now playing the greatest role in creating spiritual tourism.  In development are advertisements over the internet and in print, in efforts to create a spiritual destination for tourists.  The Tourism Ministry is also working on organizing guided tours through temples in southern India.  Yoga and Vedic chants will also play a great role in attracting world visitors.