Top 10 Ashrams in India

_Top 10 Ashrams in India

Ashrams have a history of hundreds of years. The traditions which were set up by the old sages are still followed in ashrams. Staying in an ashram for a few days will help you achieve spiritual balance, remove negative feelings, and help you understand the purpose of your life. Thousands of people from all around the world are interested in visiting ashrams to learn from spiritual gurus. We’ve compiled a list of some of the top ashrams in India where you can volunteer and improve your mental well-being in the future.

Top Ashrams in India.

These are some of the best ashrams in India where you can take a break from your daily life and harmoniously spend some time.

1) Isha Foundation

Isha Foundation is one of the most beautiful and popular ashrams in India. Sadhguru has started this foundation to promote spirituality through yoga, meditation, and other enlightenment programs. Every year the ashram hosts events, festivals, and other rituals. There is a 112 feet Adiyogi statue in the ashram where meditation and yoga sessions take place every day. There are many volunteering options in Isha Foundation like Sadhanapada, Program based, Ashramvolunteering, and Dhyanalinga. All these volunteering options come with free accommodation at the ashram along with other facilities.

Location: Vellangiri Foothills, Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu.

2) The Art of Living

The Art of Living Foundation is one of the popular yoga ashrams in India founded by Sri Sri Ravi Shankar in the year 1981. The ashram offers various spiritual programs varying from two to 12 months to improve your spirituality. There are several volunteering services like dining services in the canteen, organic farming, and culinary assistance. If you are not interested in these services you can take up knowledge discussions, movie nights, and adventure hiking programs as well.

Location: Udaypura, Bangalore, Karnataka.

3) Mata Amritanandamayi Ashram

Mata Amitranandayamayi Ashram is one of the dedicated ashrams in India. They have branches in major cities in India. The ashram’s main work is serving humanity. There are some wonderful charitable activities and programs in the ashram. The volunteering services are in the field of healthcare, nature care, educating kids, food distribution, and scholarship programs. The volunteers can stay in the house provided by the ashram for any number of days they wish to work.

Location: Amritapuri, Kollam, Kerala.

4) Geetha Bhavan

Located on the banks of the river Ganga, Geeta Bhavan is one of the largest and most ancient ashrams in India that provides free stay to thousand of devotees. The energy of this place is pure and magical. People visit this place to practice meditation, yoga, study philosophy, and Ayurveda. Every year Satsang programs are organized and visitors come here from every corner of India. There are many stalls in and around the ashram to buy products, books, and clothes.

Location: Swargashram Road, Rishikesh, Uttarakhand.

5) Sri Ramanasramam.

The founder of the ashram Sri Ramana Maharshi was one of the greatest sages in India. The ashram provides free accommodation and meals daily for fellow devotees. There is a Samadhi hall and Matrubhuteshwara temple in the ashram where hundreds of visitors practice meditation and yoga. For the ones who are staying in the ashram, it is requested to follow the ashram’s daily schedule which begins at 6:45 AM. It is difficult to find a place in the ashram during festival times or full moon nights.

Location: Chengam Road, Tiruvannamalai, Tamil Nadu.

6) Osho Meditation Resort

Osho Meditation Resort is a beautiful place where you can meditate, relax and meet with other people. The classes are designed in a simpler way to relieve stress and develop your best qualities in spiritual life. The ashram has every modern facility like a huge swimming pool, modern gyms, and grounds for playing sports. All the visitors can participate in classes about yoga, dancing, and meditation every day.

Location: Koregaon Park, Pune, Maharashtra.

7) Sabarmati Gandhi Ashram

The home of Mahatama Gandhi and his wife Kasturba Gandhi is a popular tourist attraction in Gujarat. The place is the starting point of the salt march. Sabarmati Ashram is a beautiful place where there are exhibits of letters, texts, and memories in the museum which are related to the life of Mahatma Gandhi. The ashram has wonderful accommodation facilities in the guest house. The visitors can stay peacefully in the ashram for a few days and also visit the institute here which is engaged in research on solar energy and biogas.

Location: Gandhi Smarak Sangrahalaya, Ahmedabad, Gujarat.

8) Ramakrishna Mission

Ramakrishna Mission is a popular organization started by Swami Vivekananda. There are various branches across the world following the footsteps of Vivekananda and Rama Krishna Paramahamsa to inspire the youth, accurately guide them, and serve people. This spiritual organization is engaged in various social activities to serve people in the best way possible. Many people volunteer here in everyday activities like technical assistance, teaching languages to the students, and assistance in healthcare units. The visitors can stay in the ashram as long as they want to serve. Ramakrishna Math follows strict rules in terms of discipline and work. So it is advised that you follow the rules carefully and serve the people.

Location: All Over India.

9) Anand Ashram

Anand Ashram was built in 1931 in Kasargod, Kerala. The ashram has various branches across India which conduct various programs like senior citizens’ spiritual service, distribution of clothes, helping the needy, and happiness programs. You can choose to volunteer for these programs and strengthen their support. You can stay in the ashram for two days if you are seeking spiritual guidance.

Location: Kasargod, Kerala.

10) Sathya Sai Baba Ashram

The ashram of Sathya Sai Baba is known all over the world and it is visited by celebrities, and politicians frequently. The volunteers are welcomed here and they have to follow the daily routine which includes prayers, meditations, and lectures on spirituality. The ashram is an entire town with schools, a stadium, library, hotel, shopping centres, and a canteen.

Location: Puttaparthi, Andhra Pradesh

Conclusion: These are some of the top ashrams in India where you can visit for spiritual retreats or volunteer for a program. There are some other ashrams like the Dalailama ashram in Dharmshala, the Aurobindo ashram, and Ganapati Sachidananda Ashram in Mysore. Staying in these places is not just a regular thing but it is a wonderful journey to attain our higher selves and inner peace.

Leave a comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Top 10 Destination Wedding Locations for 2026

Explore the top wedding destinations in India and abroad, from the royal palaces of Udaipur and Jaipur to the beaches of Goa and the serene backwaters of Kerala. International favourites including Thailand, Bali, Dubai, Turkey and Sri Lanka offer spectacular settings for multi-day celebrations, luxury experiences and memorable ceremonies. This guide highlights the unique vibe, appeal and estimated budget ranges for each destination, helping couples and families compare options based on style, guest experience and overall wedding vision. Top Indian Destinations – Box Destination Vibe & Appeal Estimated Budget Range Udaipur Palaces, lakes, and royal heritage; Wedding Capital of India ₹50 lakh to ₹70 lakh (palace venues range from ₹70 lakh to ₹2.5 crore) Goa Beachfront luxury, sunset backdrops, and coastal resorts ₹40 lakh to ₹1 crore Jaipur Pink City fortresses, historic courtyards, and grand heritage properties ₹30 lakh to ₹70 lakh Jaisalmer Golden dunes and majestic desert fortress properties like Suryagarh Palace ₹50 lakh to ₹1.2 crore Kerala Peaceful backwater houseboats and palm-fringed lakeside resorts ₹35 lakh to ₹80 lakh Top 5 International Destinations: Destination Vibe & Operational Appeal Estimated Budget Range (100–150 Guests) Thailand (Phuket / Hua Hin) Tropical Beach Luxury: Easiest logistics, massive inventory of seasoned Indian caterers, and a highly optimised system for multi-day South Asian rituals. ₹50 lakh to ₹1.2 crore (Highly flexible packages) Bali, Indonesia (Uluwatu / Nusa Dua) Exotic Clifftops & Jungles: Breathtaking ocean backdrops and Hindu cultural synergy, though specialised Indian buffet menus often require bringing in outside culinary teams. ₹75 lakh to ₹1.8 crore (Luxury resorts command premium rates) Dubai / UAE (Ras Al Khaimah) Glamour & Ultra-Luxury: Unmatched skyline or desert resort backdrops. Phenomenal flight connectivity from all major Indian transit hubs makes guest transit completely seamless. ₹80 lakh to ₹2.5 crore+ (Can scale exponentially for ultra-luxe properties) Turkey (Bodrum

Hemani Chawda and Sagar Patel

Hemani Chawda and Sagar Patel are a travel-content-creator couple and digital nomads who chose a life of exploration over convention. Based between Jhabua, Madhya Pradesh, and Raipur, Chhattisgarh, the duo has built a journey around discovering new places, embracing different cultures, and sharing authentic travel stories. Hemani, a former Radio Jockey, left her career seven years ago to follow her passion for travel and storytelling. Sagar, a post-graduate engineer, later stepped away from the corporate world to join her in creating a life centred around experiences rather than routines. Through their content, they go beyond showcasing destinations to capture the emotions, challenges, connections, and everyday moments that shape life on the road. From ancient traditions to untouched landscapes, here are three countries that have left the deepest impression on their journey. 1. Japan — Where Tradition Meets Tomorrow “Japan holds a special place in our hearts for its incredible balance of ancient traditions, modern innovation, and breathtaking landscapes.” From the peaceful streets of Kyoto and its centuries-old temples to the vibrant energy of Tokyo, every experience feels like discovering a new story. What we love most about Japan is the way it preserves its cultural roots while embracing the future. Whether it is experiencing a quiet tea ceremony, exploring traditional neighbourhoods, or discovering local cuisine, Japan constantly inspires us with its attention to detail, warm hospitality, and endless storytelling possibilities. 2. Philippines — A Tropical Paradise Filled With Human Connections “The Philippines is a destination that feels magical at every turn, with turquoise waters, stunning islands, and some of the warmest people we have met during our travels.” From swimming alongside marine life and exploring hidden lagoons to discovering local communities and untouched beaches, the country offers the perfect blend of adventure and relaxation Beyond its natural beauty, what makes

Mehzabin Shaikh (Maahie) | Mumbai

Meet Maahie, a Mumbai-based travel content creator who transformed her passion for storytelling into a full-time career. After stepping away from engineering to follow her creative calling, she has spent the last 3.5 years building a journey around travel, exploration, and meaningful connections. For Maahie, travel goes beyond popular destinations; it is about discovering lesser-known places, meeting people, understanding their lifestyles, and experiencing cultures through local food, conversations, and everyday moments. Supported by her best friend and travel partner Rahul Yadav, Maahie continues to create stories that inspire people to step beyond their comfort zones and discover that every journey has a story worth sharing. 1. Bhadarwah, Jammu — A Hidden Paradise Beyond the Usual Kashmir Trail “When people think of snowfall and breathtaking Himalayan landscapes, Kashmir is often the first destination that comes to mind. But for me, Bhadarwah in Jammu is one of the most beautiful places I have ever experienced.” What makes Bhadarwah special is its untouched beauty. The snow-covered landscapes feel peaceful, personal, and far away from the crowds and commercialisation of popular hill stations. However, the real magic of Bhadarwah lies in its people. During my first visit, we stayed at a small homestay run by a family of three a husband, wife, and their young daughter. We instantly connected, and by the end of the trip, saying goodbye felt impossible. Over time, they became more than hosts; they became family. Today, visiting Bhadarwah has become an annual ritual. It is a place that reminds me that travel is not just about destinations; it is about the people and relationships you discover along the way. 2. Thailand — The Journey That Introduced Me to Freedom “Thailand will always hold a special place in my heart because it gave me a feeling I had never experienced

Kahanda Kanda: A Rain-Kissed Escape in Galle

Rain, mist and 17 villas that don’t look alike. Kahanda Kanda is a hidden gem above Koggala Lake in Galle, Sri Lanka. Spread across 14 acres of tea-fringed grounds, this intimate retreat is built around one simple idea: slowing down. Sinduri Vuppala spends a few unhurried days at the estate, discovering its distinctive design, fascinating history and the quiet luxury of doing very little. There’s a particular kind of luxury that has nothing to do with thread counts or infinity pools, and everything to do with being left alone in the best possible way. That’s the feeling that defines a stay at Kahanda Kanda, a boutique estate tucked into the hills above Koggala Lake in Galle, Sri Lanka. The journey there is part of the story. After a stint in the busier coastal town of Bentota, the drive inland feels like a decompression, roads turning greener and quieter, the pace of the island slowing with every mile. By the time the gates swing open onto a sweep of tea bushes, garlands, and a welcome glass of estate-grown lemongrass cordial, you’ve already left the “resort” mindset behind. We arrived off-season and were the only guests on the property. There’s something disorienting about having a place this beautiful entirely to yourself, mist over the tea plantation, no queue for breakfast, just birdsong somewhere in the canopy. When the rain came, it didn’t spoil anything; it turned the estate into something softer and more private. The Villas Kahanda Kanda comprises 17 stand-alone villas, and the property’s defining trick is that none of them looks alike. Rather than the interchangeable rooms you’d find at a larger resort, each villa here has its own layout, its own mix of antiques, and its own mood, a blend of European and Asian pieces alongside contemporary art, none

You May Also Like

Connect with us