As a luxury travel public relations expert, I have noticed a trend in modern travel that people are not only looking to sight-see while on vacation, but many seek insight and self-reflection as well. And with the millions that have read the book Eat, Pray, Love (about a woman’s spiritual enlightenment and self-insight during her travels in Italy, India and Bali) and the millions more that will see the movie (based on the book) starring Julia Roberts, spiritual quests have hit the mainstream.
photo credit: flickr.com
SIGHTS, SITES AND INSIGHT IN INDIA
Spiritual curiosity and passion for transformation are one the oldest motivators for travel for the human race. And a popular destination for American’s seeking exploration in meditation (and yoga) is India, making today’s hottest travel trend one of the oldest.
To inspire you in India, there are an estimated 1,500 golden shrines and the hundreds of miles of hallowed stairways (ghats) along the holy Ganges river (sacred to Hindus) which offers spiritual purification to those who bathe on its banks
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Hindus, Sikhs and Buddhists all consider the city of Varanasi, on the Ganges, a sacred centre and destination (Buddha came to Varanasi from Gaya after achieving enlightenment and is believed to have preached in the Deer Park there). Varanasi is also believed to one of the oldest continually inhabited cities in the world, and numerous Americans have been transformed by witnessing the spectacle of thousands bathing in the river, the burning of funeral pyres, and the scattering of ashes with flowers into the revered river.
photo credit: flickr.com
YOGA TRIPS IN INDIA
You can also make a spiritual pilgrimage to one of the many ashrams and yoga centers in India. One of the most famous training centers is Pranava Yogadhama in the city of Mysore, a big hub for yoga devotees and one of India’s loveliest cities. Another popular destination for yoga-lovers in Mysore is the yoga school Yoga India where the Ashtanga technique is taught. Many Americans who want to become certified teachers train at Yoga India and throughout Mysore.
Photo credit: TheLeela.com
LUXURY RESORTS OFFER TRANSCENDENT TRAVEL IN INDIA
Today, it is also possible to marry spiritual quests with a luxury hotel experience and spa visit, since many resorts (especially in India) now offer a wide range of experiences for guests beyond standard amenities.
As the head of a luxury travel PR agency that specializes in hotel PR, I once had the chance to work with a very special client: the Leela Kovalam Beach Hotel in Kerala, India. On a trip to acquaint myself with the resort and its services, I was blessed to have a private guided meditation with their resident yoga teacher, who studied with gurus in the Himalayas.
photo credit: Lorraine Abelow PR
Within Leela’s divine Divya Spa, I sat with my meditation guide in an open pavilion perched on a hilltop listening to the waves of the Arabian Ocean crash on the cliffs below, and I was transported. I can’t remember his exact words, but I just know my guide took me on a journey within to an indescribable place –I was transported to a place of peace, and bliss. When he took me back after about a half hour, and instructed me to open my eyes I couldn’t stop smiling. I was in another dimension from the one I normally operate in.
I hope I have inspired you to look into all the opportunities for spiritual journeys (see also my recent post on religious tourism), and make sure to check out Spirit Quest Tours for guided tours to spiritual and religious destinations throughout the world.
And look out for my next blog, which will address where to explore the spiritual path within the United States.
Much luxe,
Lorraine Abelow
President and Founder, Abelow Public Relations
www.abelowpr.com
