Spiritual Travel in India
Since 1997, Soul of India has been connecting clients with India: a world of wonder and beauty. Although we offer pilgrimages and religious tours, our spiritual journeys offer something different: immersive, inspiring experiences that touch the soul (whether you follow a faith or not) and leave a lasting impression.
WHAT MAKES OUR SPIRITUAL JOURNEYS DIFFERENT
Soul of India tours are led by experienced, expert guides. Although they have different backgrounds, all our guides bring deep cultural knowledge to your journey.
Soul of India has been operating since 1997, which means we’re highly experienced. Your safety and peace of mind are paramount, and we provide an ATOL certificate, secure e-visa guidance, GDPR-compliant data protection. We also provide a 24/7 emergency contact to your guide and our team, and detailed briefing notes.
Soul of India is committed to consumer protection and follows The Package Travel Regulations. We’re also registered with the key regulatory bodies for consumer protection.
Our structured tours take you to the heart of India. Led by your guide, your itinerary will open doors to new worlds of spirituality, through discovery, interaction and adventure. Whatever your destination, your guide will provide care and focus on the details.
DESTINATIONS WITHIN SPIRITUAL TRAVEL
Our tours can take you to a host of amazing places, for example:
Amritsar: The spiritual heart of Sikhism, Amritsar is home to the Golden Temple or Harmandir Sahib. Every year, millions of visitors come to seek blessings and peace. The site is included on a number of structured journeys including an Ecumenical Pilgrimage to Punjab.
Taj Mahal: A visit to the iconic Taj Mahal is a must for many visitors. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, it’s a monument to love and devotion, drawing people from around the world. You’ll find it on several tours including our Great Faiths of India tour.
Varanasi: Discover the spiritual intensity of Varanasi, India’s holiest city for Hindus. Experience the vibrancy, colour, and devotion of Hinduism at this holy shrine, where pilgrims come to be blessed. You can visit Varanasi on the Encountering Religions tour.
Rishikesh: On the banks of a fast-running river, you’ll find Rishikesh. Here, you can explore the streets amongst those who come to be blessed. Keen to visit ashrams while you’re there? Take the Source of Yoga tour.
MULTI-FAITH AND INTERFAITH JOURNEYS
Whether you want a faith-specific tour, a pilgrimage or a multi-faith journey, you’ll find one of our many tours in India is ideal for you. Rest assured that we approach every faith with respect and understanding.
With Soul of India, you can explore:
- Hindu spiritual journeys (temple culture, sacred rivers, devotional practice)
- Buddhist journeys (meditation sites, monastic history)
- Jain traditions (non-violence, sacred sites)
- Sikh spiritual heritage (community, seva, sacred architecture)
Our tours are open to people of all backgrounds including teachers, groups and those seeking yoga and meditation experiences.
Explore our website and you’ll find that our journeys through India are varied and structured for different purposes. While some are devotional or educational, others are reflective or experiential.
WHO OUR SPIRITUAL TOURS ARE DESIGNED FOR
We offer four tour categories:
Groups: Whichever group tour you select, you can expect expert insight into India. If you’re a first-time visitor seeking cultural depth this is a great introduction to a deeply spiritual country. Our group tours include yoga and meditation retreats. Meanwhile, multi-faith groups will also find captivating tours, with exposure to varied Indian traditions.
Pilgrimages: India is one of the world’s most important pilgrimage destinations. If you’re seeking personal reflection or meaning, this may be your ideal tour option. You can even plan your own journey with our support and lead your own group.
Tours for Teachers: Lasting between 12 and 16 days, our tours for teachers are tailored to bring you the sights, sounds, smells and tastes of India. There’s also the option to bring your pupils on a tour.
Take Your Own Tour: Got your own tour in mind? We’ll create your ideal itinerary. If you’re a repeat visitor seeking to go beyond standard sightseeing, this could be the opportunity you’re looking for. ‘Take your own tours’ are also perfect for those who are unsure if they want a pilgrimage or a broader spiritual voyage.
WHY INDIA IS IDEAL FOR SPIRITUAL TOURS
India is a long-standing global centre of spirituality. Many major religions have their roots there, including Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism and Sikhism. Across the country, you’ll find a variety of sacred sites from north to south, in both rural and urban areas. There are also ashrams, temples, monasteries and spiritual teachers nationwide. Here, pilgrimage is a way of life.
In India, age-old traditions sit alongside modern life. The country plays host to ancient seasonal festivals and major religious events, with visitors flocking to sites such as Varanasi and the river Ganges. Tours of India draw visitors who are practising believers, spiritual seekers and cultural explorers. Feeling the pull of India?
WHAT TO EXPECT WHEN YOU TRAVEL WITH US
Tours and Accommodation
Our tour groups are small, escorted and private. Accommodation depends on your budget.
Meals
- Never hold food with your left hand. If passing it to someone else, avoid touching it, and always use your right hand to pass a plate.
- Most bugs are transferred by touch, so wash before eating.
- Don’t eat cooked food that has been lying around. Don’t eat fruit unless you can peel it or wash it thoroughly. Avoid salads, ice cream and fruit salad.
- Never drink unbottled water (bottled water is always available) and always check the seal on the bottle. If it’s hot, drink lots, and take precautions against the sun.
- If you get an upset stomach avoid food for 24 hours. This is usually the most effective treatment.
Accessibility
- Most faith-based tours and pilgrimages involve stairs and some uphill tracks, so you need to be generally fit. However, if you have special requirements, we can adapt the tour to include accessible sites.
- Most hotels have rooms on the ground floor, which provide easy access.
- It’s important to share your requirements at the tour’s planning stage.
When to visit
- India has three seasons: winter, summer and monsoon. Winter lasts from October/November to mid-February. The hottest months are April and May. July and August are generally the wetter months, with rain continuing longer in the South. Mountain areas are inaccessible in winter.
- We’ll provide information about the weather specific to your itinerary.
Visas
You should apply for a visa via the link we send you, or through official government channels.
FAQs
1. Do I need to be religious to join one of these tours?
You don’t need to be religious. Just respectful towards those with faith
2. Can I take part in rituals or ceremonies during the tour?
While some sacred rituals can only be observed, there are opportunities to participate in others alongside pilgrims and local people.
3. Are we accompanied by spiritual teachers or local faith representatives?
Group tours are accompanied by a tour leader. For Independent travellers, we provide qualified licensed guides.
4. Do the tours coincide with major religious festivals or pilgrimages?
Yes, this can be arranged.
