Vacations are here, and it is bringing in many new changes on a personal and global level. Many of us are waking up more and more to spirituality and finding a deeper connection to God and life.  Many of us are becoming more interested in the ancient practices of yoga and meditation, looking for yoga schools and yoga retreat centers that offer yoga retreats to relax, heal, and rejuvenate. Some are in search of beautiful destinations to celebrate the holidays with their loved ones or even just with themselves at one of the yoga retreats in India. 

Here are some fantastic places to celebrate Vacations in India:

GOA  Goa is a beautiful state on the coastal line with many beautiful beaches and a fascinating history of being a Portuguese colony. A lot of the architecture in Goa has Portuguese influence.  Apart from beautiful architectural homes and buildings, Goa has old churches, forests, and beaches, which leave you feeling peaceful and connected. You can welcome the holidays on a beach with your loved ones; and probably have dinner at a beach restaurant. The seafood in Goa is something you do not want to miss if you are a seafood lover.  You can also join a yoga retreat in one of the retreat centers in Goa that offer fantastic retreats to rejuvenate the body, mind, and soul.   

PONDICHERRY  Pondicherry is a beautiful town, a union territory bound by the state of Tamil Nadu in South-eastern India. Pondicherry has gracefully preserved the remnants of the French heritage through architecture. One of the best places to enjoy vacations in India, eat some sustainably grown organic food and practice yoga and meditation at the Shri Aurobindo Ashram in Pondicherry. Shri Aurobindo was one of the greatest spiritual leaders of India, and the ashram in Pondicherry is dedicated to him and his valuable teachings. Yoga and meditation sessions are offered at the Shri Aurobindo Ashram.  

GULMARG Gulmarg is a precious and breathtaking hill station in the Union territory of Jammu and Kashmir. It is a must-visit place, at least once for your next holiday. Here you can enjoy the snow and eat some fantastic Kashmiri food. Gulmarg is a happening place on New Year's Eve with some good parties and get-togethers for you to enjoy and bring in the new year with your loved ones.   

MCLEODGANJ Mcleodganj is a beautiful suburb of Dharamshala and is also known as the ‘Little Lhasa’ because of the Tibetans who reside there in large numbers. Dharamshala became home to thousands of Tibetans after they fled from Tibet. Not only does Mcleodganj have a profoundly peaceful and spiritual vibration, but it also has beautiful forests, waterfalls, and so much more.  There are cafés in Mcleodganj that offer multiple cuisines and delicious food. Many retreats are held at this beautiful place, and you must visit here at least once during your travels.   

MANALI  Manali is one of a kind where you slowly lose yourself to the alluring beauty of nature. Located in the beautiful state of Himachal Pradesh, Manali has everything. Here you can enjoy hot water springs in the winters, waterfalls in the summers, treks, and hikes into the luscious and magical forests, and even adventure sports. On New Year's Eve, Manali has many parties and get-togethers for you to enjoy. Many high-quality yoga retreats are held in Manali for you to dive into yoga and meditation.   

GANGTOK  Gangtok is the capital of one of the most beautiful states in India called Sikkim. Gangtok has huge luscious mountains and forests but also lively city life. Here you can enjoy the best of both worlds.  Here you can enjoy the Cable Ride, go for mountain biking, and river rafting, experience the yak safari, buy artifacts at the Lal Bazaar, visit the fantastic monasteries, waterfalls, and so much more.   

SHILLONG One of the most beautiful hill stations of north-eastern India and also the capital of Meghalaya, Shillong is certainly one of the go-to destinations.  Here you can enjoy the Umiam Lake, Ward’s Lake, the Elephant Waterfalls, and so much more. Shillong also has an amazing café where you can have a delicious and hearty filling dinner.  

KOCHI Kochi is a coastal city located in the southwestern state of Kerala in India. Kochi is a colorful city, and here you can enjoy many Indian festivals.  If you are an animal lover, you can visit the Elephant Sanctuary and Training Centre and spend time with some beautiful elephants. You can watch the traditional south Indian dance art forms and visit beautiful churches here. Don’t forget to try the local mouth-watering South Indian dishes. You can also go for scuba diving in Kochi.  

GOKARNA  Located two hours away from Goa, Gokarna is a small but beautiful town with pristine beaches, waterfalls, forests, amazing seafood, warm local people, and so much more. Quality Yoga retreats and yoga teacher training are also held in Gokarna and is a must-visit place at least once in 2023.   

RISHIKESH Known as the land of saints and sages, Rishikesh is a must-visit city if you are a yoga and adventure sports lover.  It is located in the magical state of Uttarakhand. It has beautiful waterfalls, luscious forests, cafes, ancient temples, excellent yoga schools that offer quality yoga retreats in India, and so much more.  Rishikesh is one of the best places to celebrate any holiday in India in 2023-24.   

ANDAMAN & NICOBAR ISLANDS Located in the Bay of Bengal, these are approximately 300 islands loved for their mangroves, white sand beaches, tropical forests, and sublime beauty.  If you are a beach lover, Andaman and Nicobar Islands are the perfect place for vacations. You can go snorkeling at the North Bay and Elephant Beach, go scuba diving, take the glass bottom boat ride, go parasailing, swim with elephants, and do so much more here.