For a spiritual retreat in 

Mayapur

, the ideal trip is centered around the 

ISKCON Mayapur

complex, which serves as the “spiritual capital” and headquarters for the Hare Krishna movement. To fully immerse yourself, aim for a stay of 3 to 7 days between October and March when the weather is cool and pleasant.

Core Spiritual Experiences
  • Temple Rituals: Attend the Mangala Arati at 4:30 AM at the 
    Shri Shri Radha Madhava Temple

     for a powerful start to the day. Don’t miss the evening Sandhya Arati followed by ecstatic kirtans.

  • Sacred Sites: Visit 
    Yogapith

    , the birthplace of Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu, and the 

    Srila Prabhupada Pushpa Samadhi Mandir

    , a serene memorial for the founder of ISKCON.

  • Ganga Connection: Take a sunset boat ride on the Ganges River. You can participate in the Ganga Arati at the ghats and even take a holy dip in the river.
  • Vedic Culture: Tour the ongoing construction of the 
    Temple of the Vedic Planetarium (TOVP)

    , set to be one of the largest Vedic temples globally. Spend time at the 

    Goshala

     (cow sanctuary) to interact with and feed the cows

Spiritual Accommodations
Staying within or near the ISKCON campus is highly recommended for easy access to early morning programs.

Sri Mayapur-dhama
Image of Gada Bhavan
Gada Bhavan
Guest house
A large, popular guesthouse within the campus, ideal for devotees and families.
Image of Ishodyan Bhavan
Ishodyan Bhavan
Guest house
Wi-Fi
Offers a tranquil retreat directly adjacent to the main temple with simple, comfortable rooms.
Image of SoultoSoul Guesthouse Mayapur . Yoga Retreat & Wedding Venue . Café
SoultoSoul Guesthouse Mayapur . Yoga Retreat & Wedding Venue .
Guest house
Located about 1km from the TOVP back gate, this eco-friendly spot offers yoga retreats and a serene nature-focused environment.
Image of JAHNAVI KUNJA - Eco Yoga Ashram
JAHNAVI KUNJA – Eco Yoga Ashram

Yoga Retreat Center

A peaceful ashram on the banks of the Ganges, perfect for deep meditation and yoga.
Practical Trip Details
  • Getting There: Mayapur is approximately 130 km north of Kolkata. You can take a 3.5-hour drive via NH 12 or use the ISKCON bus service that departs from Kolkata around 6:00 AM.
  • Dining: Eat Prasadam (sanctified vegetarian food) at the temple dining halls like 
    Srila Prabhupada’s Kitchen

     or visit 

    Govinda’s Restaurant

    for a wider variety of sattvic meals.

  • Etiquette: Follow a strict vegetarian diet (no meat, eggs, onion, or garlic) and avoid intoxicants like alcohol and tobacco within the sacred town. Dress modestly when visiting temples.