Best Meditation Retreat near Delhi: List of Meditation Center

Delhi, the bustling capital of India, offers an array of serene ashrams where you can find spiritual refuge and reflection. Traditionally, ashrams were secluded retreats where Gurus (spiritual teachers) resided, but today, you can find these Meditation Retreat near Delhi right within the city. Having personally visited each of these Meditation Retreat near Delhi, I can attest to their ability to help you look within and find Meditation Retreat near Delhi.

The Best Meditation Retreat near Delhi: Quick List

If you’re in a hurry, here’s a quick list of the top meditation retreat near Delhi:

( Meditation Retreat near Delhi )

• Sri Aurobindo Ashram Delhi – follows teachings of the Mother, offers workshops and yoga classes on a drop in basis
• Zorba the Buddha – popular ‘soft’ or ‘tourist’ ashram experience with residence and day programs
• Isha Yoga Centre, New Delhi – follows teachings of Sadhguru, large and serene campus

Spirituality is woven into the fabric of daily life for most Indians, and while Meditation Ashrams in Delhi are special places for meditation and reflection. Delhi also boasts many unique temples that provide tranquil spaces for contemplation and prayer. Whether you’re seeking a structured mediation practice or simply a quiet moment of introspection, Delhi’s meditation ashrams in Delhi offer a perfect escape from the city’s hustle and bustle.

The best ashrams in Delhi for meditation & Yoga

( Meditation Retreat near Delhi )

Delhi, with its rich cultural heritage and spiritual depth, is home to several ashrams that provide serene retreats for visitors. These ashrams are communities following the teachings of various gurus, attracting many disciples and followers. While an ashram stay can present certain challenges, the experiences and skills gained through meditation and yoga can be truly transformative.

Suggested Read: Meditation Centres and Ashrams in Rishikesh: “Reconnect with Yourself”

1. Sri Aurobindo Ashram Delhi

( Meditation Retreat near Delhi )

The grounds at Sri Aurobindo Ashram Delhi – most ashrams have gardens and lots of greenery

Sri Aurobindo Ashram Delhi, established in 1956 in memory of the revered Indian poet, yogi, and nationalist Sri Aurobindo, is one of the most renowned ashrams in the city. The ashram adheres to the teachings of Sri Aurobindo and the Mother, offering an intensely spiritual environment perfect for devotees and those seeking inner truth.

The ashram provides limited accommodation for those committed to participating in daily activities. Additionally, it offers a variety of workshops open to the public, including yoga classes and yoga teacher training. Visitors can also benefit from the ayurvedic health center, dining hall, library, and shop available on the premises.

• Visiting Hours: 9:00 am to 5:00 pm, daily
• Address: Gate No.6, Sri Aurobindo Lane, Sri Aurobindo Marg, Delhi
• Website: Sri Aurobindo Ashram

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2. Zorba the Buddha

( Meditation Retreat near Delhi )

All of the buildings at Zorba the Buddha have thick thatch roofs

Located on the outskirts of Delhi, Zorba the Buddha is a unique, open-faith cultural center set on a beautiful, expansive property. Unlike traditional ashrams, Zorba the Buddha offers a variety of programs such as daily meditation sessions, yoga, and pottery classes.

In addition to day programs and drop-in classes, the center provides options for longer stays, including rest and rejuvenation staycations and an artist-in-residence program. The ashram’s flexible schedule allows visitors to participate in events at their own pace.

During my visit, I found the accommodations to be very comfortable, with several rooms even equipped with air conditioning. The grounds are peaceful and well-maintained, with decent wifi and designated smoking areas. For newcomers to the ashram experience or meditation, Zorba the Buddha is an excellent choice.

• Visiting Hours: 10:00 am to 7:30 pm, daily
• Entry Fee: INR 200 per person
• Address: 7 Tropical Drive, Mehrauli-Gurgaon Road, Ghitorni, Delhi
• Website: Zorba the Buddha

3.Isha Yoga Centre, New Delhi

( Meditation Retreat near Delhi )

Nestled in lush greenery, the Isha Yoga Centre in New Delhi offers a tranquil escape that feels worlds away from the bustling city. This serene campus is home to peacocks and provides a peaceful environment perfect for meditation and reflection.

Founded by the charismatic Sadhguru in 1992, the Isha Foundation has established yoga centers worldwide, with one of its main centers located in Delhi. The New Delhi center offers a variety of courses, including meditation, yoga, and the multi-day Inner Engineering program designed to foster personal growth through the science of yoga.

Despite being in the heart of Delhi, the center’s serene atmosphere makes it hard to believe you’re still in the city. Sadhguru’s teachings have garnered a massive global following of about 11 million people. Many devotees visit the center to meditate and pray at the temple, even if only for a few hours.

• Visiting Hours: Daily from 7:00 am to 11:00 am and 5:00 pm to 8:00 pm
• Address: 4 Osho Drive, Mandi Gaon Road, Gadaipur, Mehrauli, Delhi
• Visit the Isha Yoga Centre website

4.Ramakrishna Mission Delhi

( Meditation Retreat near Delhi )

The Ramakrishna Mission Delhi is part of the global Ramakrishna Mission, an organization dedicated to spiritual and philanthropic work, founded by Swami Vivekananda in 1897. The Delhi ashram features a magnificent temple, accessible via a long walkway, and serves primarily serious devotees rather than casual visitors or tourists.

While the ashram doesn’t offer yoga courses or cater to foreign guests, it is a training ground for monks of the Ramakrishna order. Throughout the year, the ashram hosts educational courses and lectures, including weekly talks on Sri Ramakrishna’s teachings (in English) and weekend spiritual retreats. Additionally, the ashram boasts an excellent bookstore with a wide range of publications in English.

Visiting Hours:

• April to September: 5:00 am to 12:00 pm & 4:00 pm to 9:00 pm
• October to March: 5:00 am to 12:00 pm & 3:30 pm to 8:30 pm

Address: Ramakrishna Ashram Marg, Delhi
Visit the Ramakrishna Mission Delhi website

5. Yogoda Satsanga Sakha Ashram, Noida

( Meditation Retreat near Delhi )

• Surrounded by beautifully manicured gardens, the Yogoda Satsanga Sakha Ashram in Noida offers a serene and spiritual retreat just outside Delhi.
• This ashram is part of the Yogoda Satsanga Society of India, founded by the renowned Paramahansa Yogananda, whose book “Autobiography of a Yogi” remains a spiritual classic.
• The ashram provides a variety of workshops, meditation sessions, yoga lessons, and classes on Yogananda’s teachings. Each morning and evening, group meditation sessions are held.
• Additionally, the ashram hosts 3-5 day retreats several times a year, offering segregated accommodation and a dining hall for guests. Silence is encouraged to promote a contemplative atmosphere. To stay in the guest accommodations, visitors must be members of the Yogoda Satsanga Society.

Visiting Hours: Daily from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm
Address: Paramahansa Yogananda Marg, B-4, Sector–62, Noida
Visit the Yogoda Satsanga Sakha Ashram website

6.Neem Karoli Baba Ashram

( Meditation Retreat near Delhi )

Dedicated to Neem Karoli Baba, also known as Maharajji, a devotee of Lord Hanuman, the Neem Karoli Baba Ashram in Delhi exudes a deeply spiritual ambiance. The ashram conducts morning and evening aartis and a daily Satsang, where devotees gather to chant and meditate together.

Foreigners can stay at the ashram but must apply well in advance and provide a letter of introduction. The ashram welcomes anyone sincerely seeking to deepen their spiritual practice. Neem Karoli Baba’s philosophy of Seva (service) is embodied in the ashram’s various environmental initiatives and social projects aimed at helping the underprivileged.

Visiting Hours: Daily, except between 12:00 pm and 4:00 pm when the temples are closed
Address: Mandi Road, Jaunapur Village, Mehrauli, Delhi
Visit the Neem Karoli Baba Ashram website

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7.Dhamma Sota – Vipassana Meditation Ashram

( Meditation Retreat near Delhi )

Located just outside of Delhi, Dhamma Sota offers 10-day residential courses in Vipassana meditation, a technique practiced by Buddha over 2,500 years ago. Vipassana involves observing thoughts and emotions without judgment, fostering a profound inner transformation.

A Vipassana retreat at Dhamma Sota is intense, with 10 days of silence and extensive meditation each day. Though challenging—both physically and mentally—many find the experience transformative. The center hosts two retreats each month, providing vegetarian meals and single occupancy rooms with attached bathrooms. While there is no charge for the retreat, donations from past students are encouraged. The center is about an hour’s drive from South Delhi.

Vipassana Meditation Ashram Delhi Address : Ballabhgarh Sohna Road, Village Rahaka, Sohna, Haryana
Visit the Dhamma Sota website

Frequently Asked Questions About the Best Ashrams in Delhi

Is an ashram a meditation retreat?

While yoga is a significant part of the ashram experience, the primary focus is on studying and practicing meditation, as well as deepening one’s spiritual awareness. An ashram is not simply a yoga retreat. In India, yoga is viewed as a holistic way of living, emphasizing detachment from material possessions. In contrast, in the West, yoga is often perceived primarily as a form of physical exercise.

Is an ashram a type of hotel?

No, ashrams are not hotels. They are intended for individuals who are genuinely seeking deeper spiritual meaning and connection under the guidance of a teacher. An ashram offers a simpler way of life within a supportive community. If an ashram stay doesn’t suit you, Delhi has numerous excellent hotels to accommodate various budgets, including mid-priced and pet-friendly options.

What Meditation ashrams  are famous in Delhi?

• Some of the best-known ashrams near Delhi include the Sri Aurobindo Ashram, Zorba the Buddha, and the Isha Yoga Centre.

What is the cost ?

• The cost of staying at an ashram can vary widely. Some ashrams do not charge a fee, while others may charge over $50 per day. It is best to contact the ashram directly to confirm current costs, as website information can be outdated. Some ashrams might charge higher fees for foreign visitors.

Vipassana Meditation Ashram in Delhi Fees

• It is free  & donation based 10 days long course ( Meditation Retreat near Delhi )

What is the dress code of an ashram in Delhi?

• Most ashrams have specific dress codes, typically requiring modest, loose, and casual clothing that covers shoulders, cleavage, belly, and knees. Tight yoga pants, shorts, tank tops, and belly shirts are usually inappropriate. Some ashrams may request clothing of certain colors, so it is advisable to check with the ashram beforehand.

What is the daily routine in Ashram of  Delhi?

Daily routines at centers can vary, ( Meditation Retreat near Delhi ) but generally include:

• Rising at dawn and going to bed around 9:00 pm
• Morning yoga and meditation sessions
• Seva (community service)
• Silent hours
• Satsangs (spiritual talks by the teacher/guru)
• Vegetarian meals
• Evening yoga and meditation sessions

Choosing Meditation Ashram in Delhi?

Choosing an ashram involves careful consideration of what each ashram offers and expects from its guests. Read their information thoroughly and contact them with any questions. Visit the ashram first if possible before committing to a longer stay. Inquire about the daily routine, accommodation, and food.

What should I consider ?

• Internet access may not be available
• Food is vegetarian
• Accommodation is usually shared and segregated (couples may not be allowed to stay in the same room)
• Facilities can be basic
• Alcohol, drugs, and sometimes smoking are prohibited
• You will need to participate in Seva (helping out at the ashram)

Conclusion

Meditation Retreat near Delhi may not be for everyone, but for spiritual seekers, it can be a highly rewarding experience. Many people return annually to the ashrams they are connected with, finding it a way to slow down and recharge their spiritual and emotional batteries.