8 Popular Meditation Centers in India

 India, the land of spirituality, has produced spiritual giants like Daaji, Vivekananda, Chariji, Buddha, Aurobindo, Babuji, Jiddu Krishnamurti, Ramakrishna Paramahamsa and Lalaji. Many people from all parts of the world, including great achievers like Steve Jobs, have visited India and meditated.

Here are famous meditation centers in India.

Kanha Shanti Vanam

Located around 50 kilometers from Hyderabad, about 11 kilometers from the Hyderabad-Bangalore national highway, this serene meditation center houses the largest meditation hall in the world. It can accommodate more than 100,000 people at a time.

Magnificent in its conception and design, tranquil in its atmosphere, Kanha blends the beauty of nature with sprawling facilities being built to cater to the future of the Heartfulness movement.

Kanha Shanti Vanam offers various techniques that facilitate evolution of your consciousness.

These techniques are endorsed by President Ram Nath Kovind, ace shuttler PV Sindhu and more than four million practitioners in 160 countries.

All seekers of spirituality from around the world are welcome to come and meditate here, in the purity and sanctity of the atmosphere at Kanha Shanti Vanam.

Kanha Shanti Vanam Images

Kanha Shanti Vanam Registration

• https://kanhareg.sahajmarg.org/reg/#
  

This is a heavenly and peaceful place with all the modern facilities, yet surrounded by lush green environment. The atmosphere is so sublime and subtle; it is perfect for meditating and going inwards to discover your real self and the bliss within. Heaven on Earth.

— Jogeswari V S Pillai

Babuji Memorial Ashram, Chennai

Inspiring architecture and beauty of nature complement each other at Babuji Memorial Ashram, which is the world headquarters of Shri Ram Chandra Mission.

A special spiritual atmosphere permeates the ashram making it ideal to learn meditation.

The dormitories are situated below the meditation hall. Mattresses, mosquito nets, sheets, and pillows are available for rent at the bedding counter, located near the dormitories. Lockers are available for a small fee.

Heartfulness meditation teachers are available for one-on-one sessions. There is no fee to learn meditation here. Daaji is the Global Heartfulness Guide.

Babuji Memorial Ashram, Chennai

Meditation is a process to create a meditative state

within us that manifests our heart’s intrinsic goodness. This expression of goodness makes peace dynamic and life-affirming, and in its wake, brings unity and harmony to this world.

— Daaji

BMA Ashram Visit Registration Form

• Sahaj Marg Raja Yoga Meditation - Babuji Memorial Ashram - Travel Request
  

Shri Ram Chandra Mission, Kolkata

This organization is dedicated to help human beings integrate spirituality into material life, using various techniques, including meditation.

Best place for meditation.

— Rakesh Singh

Matrimandir, Pondicherry

Located at the centre of Auroville, Matrimandir (Temple of the Mother) is an edifice of spiritual significance for those who practice Integral yoga. It is a place for acquiring peace and meditation where people from all around the world come to lead a life without any caste, religion, colour, socio-economic status to realise human unity.

Matrimandir Architecture

Matrimandir is a combination of modern western and traditional Indian architecture. The spacious Inner Chamber in the upper hemisphere of the Matrimandir is completely white, with white marble walls and deep, white carpeting.

Matrimandir

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Yogashram

Located in R K Puram, New Delhi, this wonderful ashram offers you various techniques to expand your consciousness and evolve.

Good people, Very nice place to learn meditation. Practice is well designed to be adoptable in today's lifestyle. Very profound results. And all is free of cost. Must visit place.

— Rohit Srivastav

Sri Ramana Ashram, Tiruvannamalai

Also known as Sri Ramanasramam, this ashram which was home to sage and philosopher Ramana Maharshi from 1922 to 1950, when he left his mortal body. Here you can learn Self-Inquiry Meditation Technique.

What is essential in any sadhana [spiritual practice] is to try to bring back the running mind and fix it on one thing only. Why then should it not be brought back and fixed in Self-attention (To this feeling of ‘I’)? That alone is Self-enquiry (atma-vichara). That is all that is to be done!

— Ramana Maharshi

Vipassana Meditation Center, Igatpuri

Located around 135 kilometers from Mumbai, this meditation center was set up by Burmese-Indian meditation teacher S.N. Goenka. Its pagoda has over 400 cells for individual meditation. The center offers various meditation courses.

Vipassana, roughly translated as ''Insight'' meditation, is known to be the oldest of Buddhist meditation practice.

Isha Yoga Center, Coimbatore

This meditation center was founded under the aegis of Isha Foundation, which is dedicated to create an inclusive culture that promotes global harmony and progress. The center, which houses a 64,000 sq. ft. meditation hall, offers guided meditation and various yoga programs for inner transformation.

There are direct buses between Coimbatore and the Isha Yoga Center. Taxis can be booked from the airport as well as the railway station.

Trivia

Steve Jobs is said to have got the vision for creating Apple after he visited the Kainchi Dham ashram.

10 Famous Tourist Attractions in Kolkata

 Kolkata is the capital of West Bengal, a state in East India. It is known as the "London of India". It has tropical wet-and-dry climate. Average temperature is 26.8 °C.

Kolkata has so much more than just Durga Pooja to offer.

How to Reach Kolkata?

Kolkata is well-connected by air, rail and road. The city has an international airport, the Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport.

Hotels in Kolkata

5-Star Hotels	4-Star Hotels	3-Star Hotels	2-Star Hotels	1-Star Hotels
Hotel Hindusthan International	The Peerless Inn	The Lindsay	The Mark Hotel	Hotel Diplomat
Swissôtel	Sapphire Suites	Lytton Hotel	Hotel VIP Intercontinental	Hotel Pushpak International
The Oberoi Grand	Hotel Kempton	Hotel Best Inn	Hotel Victerrace	Central Guest House

Places to Visit in Kolkata

Here are the popular tourist attractions in Kolkata.

Dakshineswar Kali Temple

Located on the eastern bank of River Hooghly, this famous Hindu temple was founded by philanthropist Rani Rashmoni following a dream she had when she was about to begin her pilgrimage to Benaras.

A scholarly, elderly sage was chosen as the head priest and the temple was consecrated in 1855. Within a year the priest died and his responsibilities passed to his younger brother, Ramakrishna, who over the next three decades would bring great fame to the Dakshineswar temple. Sri Ramakrishna Paramhansa's room, with two cots and other memorabilia, are preserved in the temple complex.

This architectural beauty is in conventional Nava-ratna style. The nine-spired Kali temple is at the center of the main courtyard. The basalt figure of goddess Kali, covered in gold brocade, stands on a white marble statue of a prostrate Shiva. This temple is a place of pilgrimage for millions of Hindus worldwide.

How to Reach?

The temple is in North Kolkata, around 20 kilometers from the center of the city. Buses and trains are available. Parking is free.

Timings:

The temple is open on all days of the week from 5.00 am to 8.00 pm. You can avoid crowds by visiting early in the morning.

Entrance Fee:

There is no entrance fee.

Dakshineswar Kali Temple History

• History of Dakshineswar Kali Temple
  

Eden Gardens Stadium

Eden Gardens, an iconic cricket stadium in Kolkata, can seat 68,000 people. It was established in 1864. It is the cricket's answer to the Coliseum. It is the second-largest cricket stadium in the world.

Wikimedia Commons | Source

Trivia

After around two decades of suspension, South Africa regained their test status in 1991/1992. Their first match after suspension was revoked was played at Eden Gardens.

Eden Gardens Pitch

The pitch at Eden Gardens has traditionally been on the slower side and good for batting, assisting spin bowlers very early.

The Missionaries of Charity Kolkata

Established in 1950 by Mother Teresa (Saint Teresa of Calcutta), this Roman Catholic religious congregation has more than 4,500 members who are giving wholehearted free service to the poorest of the poor.

Many Christian pilgrims visit the Motherhouse here, to pay homage at Saint Teresa’s tomb. Sandals, enamel dinner bowl, sari, rosary and other things used by the Saint are displayed in a museum named "Mother Teresa’s Life, Spirit and Message". You can also see the room where Saint Teresa worked and slept from 1953 to 1997.

How to Join Missionaries of Charity?

• Volunteering with Missionaries of Charity
  

Victoria Memorial Hall

This large marble building, which is dedicated to Queen Victoria (1819-1901), was built by the then Viceroy of India Lord Curzon, between 1906 and 1921. The building is in Indo-Saracenic revivalist style. It houses paintings that date back to the British period and some other displays.

Wikimedia Commons | Source

Victoria Memorial Information

• Victoria Memorial Information
  

Howrah Bridge

Also known as Rabindra Setu, the Howrah Bridge is a suspension type balanced cantilever bridge. It is the sixth-longest bridge (705 meters) of its type in the world. It was commissioned in 1943. More than 112,000 vehicles use this bridge in a week.

Park Street

Also known as the “Street that never sleeps” this famous thoroughfare in Kolkata offers you a range of attractions from beautiful colonial buildings to bustling shopping outlets.

You will find many hotels, shopping stalls, restaurants and night clubs here. Popular landmarks like St. Xavier’s College, Asiatic Society and South Park Street Cemetery are located in and around Park Street.

Park Street Shopping

• https://www.ixigo.com/shopping-around-nearby-park-street-metro-station-kolkata-lp-1338378#main
  

New Town Eco Park

New Town Eco Park, which was inaugurated in 2012, is in Rajarhat. Spread over 480 acres, it is the largest park in India. Mask Garden, musical fountain, rose garden and Sabuj Sathi are among many popular attractions in the garden.

Sabuj Sathi is an island in the centre of the huge lake of Eco Park. Its area is 7 acres. It can be accessed only by boat. This is an uninhabited island. On this Island a glass house has been built. All four sides of this 2,800 square feet building is made of glass.

Eco Park Map

A

New Town Eco Park: 

Eco Park, Major Arterial Road(South-East), Action Area II, Newtown, Kolkata, West Bengal 700156, Ind

get directions

SRCM Heartfulness Meditation Centre

Located in Chowbaga Road, this wonderful Ashram gives you a feel of the spiritual side of Kolkata. Here you can learn relaxation technique, meditation and other ways to improve the quality of your life. Trainers have a warm, welcoming and respectful attitude towards seekers.

Wonderful place. Please visit, not only because it is a meditation ashram but because this place is really peaceful and friendly for everyone.

— Anirudhya Manna

Heartfulness Meditation Center

Indian Museum

Founded in 1814, Indian Museum is the earliest and the largest multipurpose Museum not only in the Indian subcontinent but also in the Asia-Pacific region of the world.

It has rare collections of antiques, armour and ornaments, fossils, skeletons, mummies and Mughal paintings.

Marble Palace

Marble Palace is well-known for its artistic statues, elegant glassware, and paintings of illustrious artists of the British Raj.

The use of marble on the walls and floors gave it the name 'Marble Place'. Traditional Bengali style architecture is reflected from the open courtyards that has an attached thakurdalan.

Stay Safe

Kolkata is usually safe, barring its inherent squalor and pollution. Waterlogging is severe during rainy season.

Your Trip to Ahmedabad Is Not Complete If You Miss These Places

A Street in Old Ahmedabad

Wikimedia Commons

Ahmedabad, the largest city and commercial capital of Gujrat, is well-known for its unique festivals, historical monuments, rich culture and friendly people. River Sabarmati flows through Ahmedabad.

Also known as Amdavad or Karnavati (historically), Ahmedabad blends old and new, from centuries-old mosques and mausoleums to cutting-edge contemporary design.

Founded in 1411 by Sultan Ahmed Shah, Ahmedabad served as the capital of Gujarat between 1960 and 1970. Over a period of time, the city established itself as the home of textile industry and earned the nickname of the "Manchester of the East."

The city offers you outstanding museums, fine restaurants, serene Ashrams and more. Every nook and corner of Ahmedabad has a story to tell. You just need to be attentive and enjoy.

People of Ahmedabad, who prefer to call themselves Amdavadis, are lively and optimistic. They are proud of their culture and love food and festivals. They are simple and homely yet energetic.

A typical Gujarati meal consists of roti, dal, rice and Shaak (cooked vegetables, sometimes with curry), with accompaniments of pickles and roasted papads. Amdavadis keep munching on dhokla, khakra, and thepla all through the day.

Here are the popular tourist attractions in Ahmedabad.

Sabarmati Ashram

Located on the banks of the River Sabarmati, this serene Ashram was built in 1917. Mahatma Gandhi had driven all the major activities of independence as well as upliftment of the society from this Ashram. He spent 12 years of his life here.

The Ashram houses Gandhi Sangrahalaya, a museum which has five units and a library, two photo-galleries and an auditorium. It is also home to over 200 families.

Tens of thousands of people visit this Ashram every year. They come to see the simple way in which Gandhi lived.

The Mahatma seems to compel so much respect that even noisy tourists tend to unconsciously maintain a semblance of discipline in the Ashram premises.

Statue of Mahatma Gandhi at Sabarmati Ashram

Wikimedia Commons

 Did you know that Mahatma Gandhi lived in Sabarmati Ashram for 12 years?

Sabarmati Ashram Timings

Opening	Closing
8.30 am	6.30 pm

Kankaria Lake

Kankaria Lake is located in Maninagar. This artificial lake has been a popular landmark since 1451. Today it is a major entertainment hub. There is an artificial island in the center of the lake.

Water and light show, zoo, ultra-modern high-speed rides, natural history museum, tree walk, tethered balloon safari, Bal Vatika, open air theater and toy train are popular tourist attractions in and around the lake.

The place is open between 9.00 am and 6.00 pm. Kankaria Carnival, which celebrates cultural and historical heritage of this wonderful city, is held in December.

Kankaria Lake History

• Kankaria Lake
  

Kankaria Lake Contact Number

+91-79-32453344

Auto World Vintage Car Museum

This popular open-air museum showcases high-end vintage automobiles, carriages, motorcycles and other vehicles. It is located in Kathwada.

The museum showcases more than 100 fine cars, including Rolls-Rocyces, Bentleys, Daimlers, Langondas, Mercedeces, Maybach, Packards, Cadillacs, Buicks, Auburns, Cord, Lancias, Lincolns, Chryslers and many other distinguished brands from all over the world.

The museum is open between 8.00 am and 9.00 pm. In the souvenir shop, you can buy something for your loved ones back home. You can even drive a vintage car.

A Bentley at the Auto World Vintage Car Museum

Wikimedia Commons | Source

Auto World Vintage Car Museum Ticket Price

The entry fees of auto world vintage car museum is Rs.50 per person for adults.

ISKCON Radha Krishna Temple

Also known as Sri Sri Radha Govind Dham, this temple is located near the Gujarat Samachar Press, in the Sarkhej Gandhinagar Highway. It is well-known for beautiful architecture, delicious food, and calm and peaceful atmosphere.

The temple building is a blend of Gujarat Sompura and Rajasthani Khamira architectural styles. Covering an area of around four acres, it is decorated with marbles floors, ornate pillars and decorated ceilings. The 12,000-sq-ft hall can accommodate 4,000 people. The temple is open between 4.30 am and 9.00 pm.

Manek Chowk

Located in Old Ahmedabad, in Khadia, this popular city square is surrounded by many buildings with historical significance, including Ahmedabad Stock Exchange.

Manek Chowk is a vegetable market in the morning and a jewellery market (the second biggest in India) in the afternoon. Many street food vendors sell delicious foods after 9.30 pm. This street food market is famous for bhajipau, dosa and Amdavadi sandwiches.

Manek Chowk Timing

Opening	Closing
11.00 am	11.00 pm

Akshardham Temple

Akshardham means abode of God. Built in 1992, Swaminarayan Akshardham is a large Hindu temple complex inspired by Pramukh Swami, the former spiritual head of BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha.

This temple covers an area of around 23 acres. Around 6,000 tons of pink sandstone were used to build this temple, which is dedicated to devotion, education and unification.

The temple is around 21 kilometers from Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport and 32 kilometers from Ahmedabad Junction. It is open between 9.30 am and 7.30 pm. It is closed on Mondays.

Calico Museum of Textiles

Calico Museum of Textiles, which is under the
aegis of the Sarabhai Foundation, is India's
premier textile museum.

It was founded in 1949 by Gautam Sarabhai and his sister Gira Sarabhai at the times when Gujarat was known for its textiles.

Safety

Ahmedabad is a very safe place to live. You can measure the safety from the fact that during festival of Navratri many girls and women roam around the city at around 3-4 am and still face no problem or threat. Even crime rate here is very low compared to other metro and mega cities.

Adventure Opportunities in Western Ghats

View from Ramachi Point

Wikimedia Commons

Western Ghats, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is a mountain range in India. It is older than the Himalayas.

This 1,600-kilometer-long treasure house of biodiversity covers an area of around 180,000 square kilometers.

It covers six states, namely Gujarat, Maharashtra, Goa, Karnataka, Kerala and Tamil Nadu. It is a paradise for adventure seekers.

Nagarhole National Park

Nagarhole National Park is a treasure trove of flora and fauna. This nature's masterpiece is home to animals like Indian elephant, Bengal tiger, panther, golden jackal, barking deer and wild boar.

Nagarhole National Park Safari

Jeep Safari is the best way to explore the flora & fauna of Nagarhole National Park, which also has many trekking trails.

We were lucky to see an elephant with huge tusks from about 50 feet.

— Vikas Sharma

Nagarhole National Park Resorts

• https://www.tripadvisor.in/Hotels-g1152766-Nagarhole_National_Park_Kodagu_Coorg_Karnataka-Hotels.htm
  

Mahabaleshwar

Located in Maharashtra, this hill station (1,353 meters) has many trekking trails. Rock climbing, cycling, trekking, archery, horse riding, air crossing and strings balance are some popular adventure activities in Mahabaleshwar.

Mumbai has a number of midnight bicycle rides doing the rounds. I, for one, have been passionate about the hills and have explored this part of the state on my cycle. Firstly, I enjoy the quiet all around and the fact that I am in the lap of nature, breathing fresh air. Secondly, riding the cycle helps me complete distances that I wouldn't have managed to on foot.

— Akshay Shetty, founder of Honey Bee Adventures

Best Time to Visit Mahabaleshwar

Visit between March and June. Temperature starts rising durning March, but it is still pleasant; temperature stays between 15°C and 35°C.

Mullayanagiri

Mullayanagiri is the highest peak (1,950 meters) in Karnataka. It attracts many adventure‐loving people. Mountain biking, trekking and road biking are popular adventure activities here.

Mullayanagiri Trek

The most popular trekking trail in the region begins from Sarpadaari. This 3-km-long moderate level trek is fairly steep; you will take around 1.5 hours to reach the peak.

Rajamalai

Rajamalai, which is located in the Idukki district in Kerala, is part of the Eravikulam National Park. It is around 2,000 meters above sea level. This region is famous for patches of Shola forests which are interspersed with rolling grasslands. It offers you many opportunities to enjoy trekking.

Rajamalai Trekking

Wikimedia Commons

Trek Essentials

Backpack
Camera bag
Dry sack
Trekking pants
Thermal underwear
Pajama
Socks
Hiking shoes
Flip flops
Headlamp
Quick-drying towel
Sleeping bag
Reusable water bottle
Sterilization drops
Sunscreen
Hat
Sunglasses
Moisturizing skin cream
Walking stick
Snacks
Hand sanitizer gel
Toilet paper
Medicines
Earplugs
Batteries
Memory cards

Agumbe

This high-altitude village is surrounded by majestic mountains, stunning valleys, tropical forests and breathtakingly beautiful waterfalls. Known as the Cherrapunji of the South, Agumbe is located in shimoga district in Karnataka. River Sita originates in Agumbe.

White water rafting and trekking are popular adventure activities in the region. Here you will find trekking trails of varying lengths and difficulty levels. The shortest trail is the one-hour-long hike up a gentle incline of green thickets to Onake Abbe Falls. As the foliage suddenly clears, you will find yourself at the top of the fall, looking down as the water pours into a clear pool.

Trekking to the Kudlu Theertha Falls or Nishani Gudda is a once in a lifetime experience.

— Madur

Lonavala

Located in Maharastra, this hill station is surrounded by beautiful green valleys. It is around 622 meters above sea level. Andharban trek is a popular trekking trail in this region. It begins from Pimpri, passses through jungles, valleys and waterfalls, and ends in Bhira. Balloon safari, ATV rides, rocket ejector, cross bow and bungee jumping are other popular adventure activities in Lonavala.

Lonavala Points

Amrutanjan Point
Rajmachi Point
Lion's Point
Shooting Point
Tiger's Point
Duke's Nose Point

Kalsubai

Kalsubai, which is also known as the Everest of Maharashtra, is the highest point (around 1,646 meters) in the state. Located in the Kalsubai Harishchandragad Wild-life Sanctuary, this hill station is well-known for the 2-day Kalsubai Monsoon Trek. Bari Gaon is the base village for this trek.