Here is our guide to the best spiritual retreats in India centered around Yoga, Ayurveda and meditation. It’s no secret that India is a place where people travel to in search of ancient wisdom and to experience personal transformation. From the Himalayas to the coastal shores of Kerala and Goa, this land carries a vibration that invites stillness, awareness, and deep renewal. It’s here that Ayurveda, yoga, and meditation first emerged, forming the origins of holistic health.
At Ayurveda Yoga Life, we’ve studied, lived, and experienced India’s healing traditions first-hand. Ellen Kinsey, our co-founder and Editor is an Ayurveda Coach trained in Ayurvedic nutrition and lifestyle, so every retreat we recommend have been selected as it is rooted in authenticity and reverence for tradition.
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What is beautiful about a spiritual retreat in India is that it is more than just a holiday. It’s an immersion into practices that help you reset your nervous system, reconnect with your purpose, and awaken your inner vitality. Whether you’re seeking Ayurvedic rejuvenation, yogic self-inquiry, or simply time to pause and breathe, India offers something for every stage of your journey.
Here are our top picks for 2025 — chosen for their grounding environments, genuine teachers, and nourishing integration of Ayurveda and yoga philosophy.
The Best Spiritual Retreats in India at a Glance
- Best for Ayurveda and Yoga Retreat: 8 Day Blissful Ayurvedic Detox and Yoga Retreat in Rishikesh – Ayurveda, yoga, and meditation.
- Best Flexible Schedule Retreat: 8 Day (Flexible) Yoga & Meditation Retreat in Goa – Flexible retreat ideal for travelers wanting to balance practice with beach time.
Best One Week Retreat: 6 Day Healing Yoga and Meditation Retreat, Varkala, Kerala – Retreat overlooking Kerala’s cliffs and sea, with yoga, meditation, and fire rituals - Best Month Transformational Yoga Retreat: 30 Day Re-Discover Yourself: Yoga & Meditation, Dharamshala – Yoga philosophy, and mindfulness at the foothills of the Himalayas
- Best Two Week Retreat for Ayurvedic Healing: 14 Day Ayurvedic Gut Regeneration Retreat in Kerala – A two-week program focusing on gut health through Panchakarma therapy, herbal medicine, and nutrition.
9 Best Spiritual Retreats in India
1. Best for Ayurveda and Yoga Retreat: 8 Day Blissful Ayurvedic Detox and Yoga Retreat in Rishikesh
Price: $
Location: Rishikesh, India
Focus: Ayurveda & Gentle Detox
View: 8 Day Blissful Ayurvedic Detox and Yoga Retreat in Rishikesh
At the foothills of the Himalayas, this retreat combines Ayurvedic therapies, yoga, and meditation to restore equilibrium. Daily routines align with the Ayurvedic clock, allowing participants to attune to the natural rhythms of day and night.
The experience includes gentle yoga, guided breathwork, and dosha-balancing treatments. Meals are sattvic, simple, and deeply nourishing. By the end, participants often describe feeling “reset” — both physically and mentally — ready to bring Ayurvedic living into daily life.
2. Best Flexible Schedule Retreat: 8 Day (Flexible) Yoga & Meditation Retreat in Goa, India
Price: $$
Location: Goa, India
Focus: Relaxation & Stress Management
View: 8 Day (Flexible) Yoga & Meditation Retreat in Goa, India
For those wanting structure without rigidity, this retreat offers the freedom to design your experience. You’ll join daily Hatha yoga and meditation sessions, with the option to add Ayurvedic treatments or beach relaxation.
The aim is to restore balance through movement and mindfulness. Meals are light, grounding, and designed to support healthy digestion. There is also full use of resort amenities including two swimming pools, relaxation areas, gardens and private beach access with sun loungers.
3. Best One Week Retreat: 6 Day Healing Yoga and Meditation Retreat, Varkala, Kerala, India
Price: $
Location: Varkala, Kerala
Focus: Yoga & Mind–Body Connection
Book Retreat: 6 Day Healing Yoga and Meditation Retreat, Varkala, Kerala, India
On Kerala’s serene coastline, this retreat offers six days of yogic healing designed to restore balance through movement, breath, and stillness. The program blends yoga and traditional Hatha with Ayurvedic massage, elephant farm visit, temples, and boat trips, all surrounded by a highly energized purified atmosphere. This retreat is all about calming the nervous system and rejuvenating the senses.
Daily rituals include guided asana, pranayama, fire ceremonies, and philosophical talks exploring the union between body and mind. Outside class, guests can wander through coastal temples and explore the backwaters. Vegetarian meals are sattvic and prepared with locally sourced ingredients.
4. Best Month Transformational Yoga Retreat: 30 Day Re-Discover Yourself: Yoga & Meditation, Dharamshala, India
Price: $$$
Location: Dharamshala, India
Focus: Deep Personal Transformation
View: 30 Day Re-Discover Yourself: Yoga & Meditation, Dharamshala, India
Dharamshala is known as a global center for spiritual learning and home to the Dalai Lama. Set against the Himalayan foothills, Dharamshala radiates a quiet, contemplative energy — home to monasteries, yoga schools, and Tibetan culture. This month-long immersion combines yoga, meditation, and energy work rooted in Buddhist and Tantric traditions.
Participants journey through structured days of awareness practices, breathwork, and mindful movement designed to deepen inner connection. The retreat emphasises transformation through self-inquiry and presence, supported by balanced, Ayurvedic-inspired meals. It’s ideal for those ready to step beyond the familiar and reconnect with their authentic self.
5. Best Short Retreat for Beginners: 3 Day Traditional Yoga & Meditation Retreat in Rishikesh, India
Price: $
Location: Rishikesh, India
Focus: Foundational Yoga & Meditation
View: 3 Day Traditional Yoga & Meditation Retreat in Rishikesh, India
Known as the birthplace of yoga, Rishikesh is the perfect setting for a short yet immersive spiritual experience. Over three days, participants learn the foundations of asana, meditation, and pranayama, guided by experienced teachers along the sacred Ganges River.
The program offers a gentle introduction to yogic living — from sunrise meditations to evening philosophy sessions. Simple, nourishing vegetarian meals and riverside walks make space for integration and reflection. This retreat is ideal for beginners or anyone wanting to reconnect with their practice in an authentic, peaceful environment.
6. Best Retreat for Nature: 4 Day Refreshing Waterfall, Hiking & Yoga Retreat in Rishikesh
Price: $
Location: Rishikesh, India
Focus: Yoga, Meditation & Nature Connection
View: 4 Day Refreshing Waterfall, Hiking & Yoga Retreat in Rishikesh
For those drawn to nature as a teacher, this retreat at Adi Yoga Ashram combines yogic living with the wild beauty of Rishikesh’s forests and waterfalls. Each day features asana, yoga nidra, and guided meditation, balanced with hikes.
Meals are sattvic, made from organic local ingredients, supporting lightness and clarity. Whether you’re new to yoga or deepening your practice, this retreat restores your sense of connection — to the earth and to your body
7. Best Spiritual Retreat for Couples: 5 Day Osho Meditation & Mindfulness Couple’s Training, Goa, India
Price: $$
Location: Goa, India
Focus: Osho Meditations & Mindfulness
View: 5 Day Osho Meditation & Mindfulness Couple’s Training, Goa, India
This retreat invites couples to experience meditation as a shared journey of growth and connection. Through Osho active meditations, mindfulness sessions, and partner exercises, you’ll rediscover intimacy and presence.
The days are designed to bring awareness to communication and emotional patterns while deepening relaxation. Evenings end with gentle yoga, music, or kirtan under the Goan sky. Nourishing vegetarian meals and ocean breezes complete this rejuvenating experience for couples.
8. Best Wellness Retreat by the Beach: 7 Day Relaxing Wellness and Yoga Retreat in Goa, India
Price: $$
Location: Goa, India
Focus: Wellness, Detox & Traditional Yoga
View: 7 Day Relaxing Wellness and Yoga Retreat in Goa, India
This coastal retreat is a sanctuary for those seeking a reset. Rooted in Ayurveda and classical Hatha yoga, it offers a mix of daily movement, relaxation therapies, and mindful nutrition.
Participants can choose between rejuvenation or detox programs, both including Ayurvedic massages, herbal steam, and cleansing rituals. The experience balances the body’s energy, supports digestion, and rekindles vitality. Days flow easily — yoga at sunrise, treatments through the afternoon, and sunset walks by the sea.
9. Best Two Week Retreat for Ayurvedic Healing: 14 Day Ayurvedic Gut Regeneration Retreat in Kerala, India
Price: $$$
Location: Kerala, India
Focus: Ayurveda, Gut Health & Healing
View: 14 Day Ayurvedic Gut Regeneration Retreat in Kerala, India
This retreat focuses on one of Ayurveda’s core principles: Agni, or digestive fire. Over two weeks, you’ll experience a personalised Panchakarma-inspired program designed to cleanse, nourish, and rebuild the gut.
Guided by Ayurvedic doctors, treatments include Abhyanga, Swedana, and herbal therapies tailored to your dosha. Meals are medicinal yet delicious, featuring probiotic buttermilk, spiced lentil soups, and fermented kanji. The retreat’s calm natural setting enhances the body’s healing response, leaving you lighter, clearer, and more aligned.
How to Choose the Right Spiritual Retreat in India
If you’re new to yoga or Ayurveda, begin with a short retreat in Rishikesh or Kerala to ground yourself in the basics. For deeper work, Dharamshala’s month-long program provides structure for self-inquiry. Those seeking physical rejuvenation may prefer Kerala’s Ayurvedic focus, while Goa offers a more fluid, coastal rhythm.
What to Expect on a Spiritual Retreat in India
Most retreats combine yoga, meditation, and Ayurveda in varying degrees. Expect simple accommodation, nourishing food, and daily practices designed to reset body and mind. Some are immersive and structured, while others are open and flexible. Either way, you’ll leave with tools for lasting balance.
Planning Your Trip
If it’s your first visit to India, arrive a few days early to acclimate and settle your energy. Many retreats include transfers, or you can travel easily by train or taxi. Bring breathable clothing, a refillable water bottle, and an open heart — India has a way of teaching through experience as much as practice.
FAQs: Best Spiritual Retreats in India
Do I need experience to attend?
Not at all. Most retreats welcome beginners and tailor sessions to suit all levels.
Are meals included?
Yes, nearly all retreats include sattvic vegetarian meals prepared according to Ayurvedic principles.
When is the best time to visit?
From October to March, when the climate is cool and clear — ideal for both northern mountain retreats and southern coastal stays.
What should I pack?
Light clothing, yoga wear, a journal, and a shawl for meditation.
How do I choose the right retreat?
Reflect on your intention — whether healing, learning, or rest. Let your intuition guide you toward the space that feels right.
