Religious Tour Packages

India is a land of holy places and offers plethora of opportunities for spiritual tourism to people coming from all kinds of religious beliefs. Whether it is the many different Hindu temples, Buddhist monasteries, gurudwaras, churches, or mosques, there is no dearth of places that can offer immersive spiritual travel experiences.

From Mata Vaishno Devi to Amarnath Cave to Shirdi to Hazratbal, and from Bada Chardham to Chhota Chardham to Tirupati Balaji to Golden Temple, there are endless options to plan spiritual retreat holidays. 

And that is why, Kiomoi has prepared a series of carefully designed pilgrimage tour packages that fits the requirements of people from all faiths. You can also connect with our advisors to customize your religious group travel.

But, before you embark on this spiritual journey, here is all you should be aware of and be prepared with. 

Best Pilgrimage Holiday Tours

Varanasi

No religious tour packages in India are complete without the inclusion of Varanasi. Located in the state of Uttar Pradesh, Varanasi (also known as Banaras or Kashi) holds a special place in the spiritual and cultural realm of the country. Visit the at Dashashwamedh Ghat on the banks of the holy Ganga River and witness the spiritual show during the captivating evening Aarti. Immerse into the spirituality of the famous Shiva temple, Kashi Vishwanath, and stroll through the winding pathways that are alive with mysticism and devotion.

Haridwar-Rishikesh

Think of spiritual tourism and you can’t keep Haridwar-Rishikesh out of your mind. While Haridwar, also known as the “Gateway to God”, is religiously significant, the neighbouring town of Rishikesh is popular for being the hub for adventure activities, such as river rafting, bungee jumping, cliff jumping, and more. Together, the two cities form an integral part of every pilgrimage travel experience. The two towns have centuries old cultural significance, and that is why you’d find several culture tour packages also include a visit to these two places. 

Amritsar

While planning pilgrimage tour packages, if you hear the name Amritsar as an option, the first thing that would come to mind is the iconic Golden Temple. Arguably the biggest and most important religious place in Sikhism, Golden Temple is a popular destination for religious tours. The sheer aura of the place would make you lose yourself to the divinity all around. Allow yourself to take-in the spiritual vibe of the place, contribute to the place by doing some kind of ‘Seva’, and relish the simple yet delicious langar. 

Jammu and Kashmir

This northern state in India is largely popular for being the ideal destination for summer vacations with family, or one of the best places for honeymoon holidays. However, there’s another very significant aspect of Jammu and Kashmir which makes it a popular choice among travelers from all over. The region is home to two of the highly revered religious places in India; Amarnath and Vaishno Devi temples. Several religious group travel plans are executed every year to visit these two prominent places of worship. 

Rajasthan

Yes! You may have heard of the Rajasthan as the desert state popular for its royalty, in the form of forts and palaces, and colorful heritage. However, Rajasthan also is a crucial place for spiritual tourism. And, the biggest contributor for that is the famous Dargah of Khwaja Moinuddin Chishti. Located in the small city of Ajmer, near the capital Jaipur, the Dargah holds a special place in Islam but sees pilgrims fromall religions coming in seeking grace. Attend the qawwalis and absorb the spiritual energy when you visit here. 

Tips for Responsible Spiritual Tourism

When you book your pilgrimage tour packages with Kiomoi, you can expect a range of options at your disposal to customize your religious tours. However, when the core of a travel expedition involves spiritual tourism, it becomes very important to follow certain travel ethics. Here are some tips to make sure you are planning a memorable family vacation.

Strictly Follow the Rules and Respect the Place

It is always highly advised to do a thorough research on the cultural and religious practices of the destinations you’d be covering under your religious tour packages. Respect local customs, dress modestly, and adhere to specific guidelines when visiting temples, mosques, or other sacred sites.

Pack Appropriately

One of the common highlights you’d come across during your research would be about your attire while visiting these places of worship and religious significance. So, make sure you carry clothing suitable for such religious sites. Some places may require modest attire, head coverings, or removal of shoes. Be prepared to follow any specific dress codes.

Always Check Entry Requirements

Since most of these religious destinations you’d be visiting as a part of your spiritual tourism are of high reverence, they are highly guarded and have restrictions in terms of visiting hours and other specifics. So, it is important that you stay informed to ensure a seamless travel experience. 

Time Your Travel Wisely

There are two ways to approach every kind of pilgrimage tour. Either you can choose to travel during the peak season which is mostly the time of local festivals which will allow you to witness and participate in unique cultural and religious celebrations, or you can book your cultural pilgrimage tours during the off-season time to avoid rush-hours at the religious sites and avail the benefits of lower accommodation and travel costs.

Look to Connect with Locals

Engage with local communities respectfully. Seek guidance from locals to better understand the significance of religious practices, rituals, and historical anecdotes.Consider volunteering at religious institutions or participating in community service projects. It not only contributes positively but also provides a deeper understanding of the local culture.

Pilgrimage Tour Packages FAQs

1. What is spiritual tourism?

Spiritual tourism involves traveling with the primary purpose of seeking spiritual growth, enlightenment, or a connection with one's faith. It often includes visits to religious sites, participation in sacred ceremonies, and engaging in activities that builds personal introspection and well-being.

2. What is included in religious tour packages?

Religious tour packages typically include accommodation, transportation, guided tours of religious sites, and sometimes meals. Packages may also incorporate visits to significant cultural and historical landmarks, as well as participation in religious ceremonies or festivals. Connect with one of our travel advisors today to understand more about what all things are included in a typical religious group tour. 

3. Is it possible to customize pilgrimage tour packages?

Absolutely! Kiomoi offers a wider range of customized pilgrimage tour packages for families and other group tours.