Categories: Travel Tips

Temples and Monasteries in Unlikely Places

India can be described as a place where Godliness coincides with exploration From busy urban temples to secret monasteries situated in remote mountains, the country is full of holy places that cause awe to the tourists. Among the most magical destinations include temples and monasteries that take the most unimaginable locations- like being situated on the cliffs, in caves, floating in lakes, or sitting amid the barren place.

These are places that can give one a memorable experience of spiritual exploration and travel. With easy flight booking systems and cheap flight tickets available online, getting to these out of the way spiritual destinations is easier than ever.

1. Key Monastery, The Spiti Valley, Himachal Pradesh

Consider a 1,000-year old monastery atop a cliff and it is situated at 13,668 feet above sea level. Key Monastery in Spiti valley is a strange sight that resembles the fortress that guards the mountains. A place of residence of Buddhist monks, old scriptures, and paintings, it is a go-to destination of everyone whose need is to find peace in the bosom of Himalayan mountains.

Why It Surprised Me: It is amazing to think that there is such a world just lying somewhere in the high-altitude desert of Spiti, seemingly a long way second to most inhabited areas.

How to get there: fly to Chandigarh or even Kullu and drive in through the dramatic mountain passes. Advanced booking can also offer you a cheap flight, because when you book in advance there is a high likelihood you will get a cheap flight before the busy tourist season.

2. Ladakh, Hemis Monastery, Ladakh

Hemis Monastery is hidden into the cold desert of Ladakh but it is one of the greatest and renowned Buddhist monasteries in India. The monastery is in a place surrounded by dry mountains and becomes colorful when the Hemis Festival takes place with mask dances and other cultural activities.

The reason it takes your breath away: This monastery is perched on the barren, nearly lunar territory of Ladakh and feels like something at the brims of the world.

How to Go: Fly via Leh Airport–and yes, it is again better to book flights in advance because during the peak summer phase there is always a good chance to avail a good deal.

3. Manipur and its Floating Temples of Loktak Lake

Located in the northeast, Loktak lake is known to cover phumdis which are vegetation and soil floating islands. Small temples and shrines can be found on these rafts of nature that easily appear floating on top of calm waters. It is an otherworldly scene that is not even replicated someplace else.

The Reason It Surprises: The presence of floating temples on the bank of a freshwater lake is uncommon, and thus, this is a very offbeat form of spirituality.

Getting there: The closest international airport is Imphal and getting a low fare is very convenient with early booking, especially during the tourist season.

4. Amarnath Cave Temple, Jammu and Kashmir

The Ice cave temple of Amarnath is in the heights of the Himalayas and is considered a holy place that naturally comprises of the ice Shiva Lingam. The pilgrims hike up snow covered mountains to reach this shrine that remains accessible only during the short part of the year during the Amarnath Yatra.

Why Its Unexpected: A temple set in the cave of a glacier fed lake at almost 13000 in a remote and adventurous setting will be a real surprise.

Majority of the trekking routes of Indian Himalaya begin at Srinagar after booking a flight to Srinagar, the trekker should get to Pahalgam or Baltal after which s/he begins the trekking. Booking in advance will also enable you to get cheap flight deals to travel.

5. Dhyong Monastery, Arunachal Pradesh

Tawang Monastery is the largest monastery in India and the second largest monastery in the world perched at a height of 10,000 feet at the Arunachal Pradesh. The monastery is surrounded by beautiful valleys and snow capped mountains, it is a spiritual and scenic beauty.

Why Itâs One of a Kind: It is an unbelievably scenic village in the remote northeast of India which seems to have forgotten time.

How to Reach: Tezpur airport is the closest airport in Assam. The ideal airport option is to fly to Guwahati or Tezpur, so it is best to find a low cost fare to do so.

6. Bateshwar Temples, Chambal, Madhya Pradesh

There are over 200 temples dedicated to Shiva and Vishnu in a complex called the Bateshwar Temples hidden in the ravines of Chambal. These temples were in an area that was known to house bandits several years back but they are now a temping ground to the lovers of history and spiritual journeys.

Why It Takes People By Surprise: The rocky uninhabitable desert land of Chambal is not where most people are likely to think of spiritual beauty.

How to Reach: Fly to Gwalior or Agra and travel to the site. The best time to get the cheap flights to this offbeat destination is booking your flight ticket in advance.

7. Dhankar Monastery, Himachal Pradesh

Dhankar Monastery is another gem in Spiti Valley, brilliantly situated on a cliff at the foot of the set of rivers, the Spiti and Pin rivers. The monastery appears to sprout off the mountains and there are breathtaking views of the rugged terrain of Himalayas.

Why It is a Surprise: Set in a very precarious location, high above it seems like a monastery in the heavens only suitable to those hardy souls who leave the beaten track behind.

How to Reach: It is scenic and long the way around. Book to Kullu or Chandigarh and get a cheap flight, when you book in time.

Tips to Visit offbeat temples and monasteries

1. Pre-Engine it, so that you can travel smoothly

These distant destinations may involve several forms of transport and to get affordable flight tickets, you might consider making air tickets coming as soon as possible to beat the last minute rush and stress.

2. Local Way

A number of monasteries and temples have a dress code and prohibitions on photography. Ascertaining the steps of the famous people makes you have a better experience and respect to the culture.

3. Travel Light,Bullet-Brained

jungles can refer to rugged areas Warm clothing, comfortable footwear, snacks, and water will also make your trip more comfortable.

4. Be in touch, but out of touch.

Although the urge to take photographs is strong, one should take time and absorb the calm and tranquility that these divine sites will give out.

The Reason Behind all These Surprise Spiritual Destinations Being Worth the Trip

It is not just a spiritual journey but an adventure into the wild, Indian terrain to visit such remote temples and monasteries. All the destinations present a history of strength, belief, and unity with nature.

Floating temples in Manipur, cave shrines in Kashmir or mountain monasteries in Ladakh, despite the mutability of places associated with spirituality, spirituality can be found everywhere in the most unexpected places of the country.

With HappyEasyGo it is ridiculously easy to locate a cheap airline ticket, book your flight ticket and complete your flight booking letting you to concentrate on your spiritual journey.

Then grab your bags, chalk out your plans and be in a position to be guided to memories that will last you a lifetime because of the unexpected sacred wonders that India will unfold to you.

Rachna Negi

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