Effortless gain is something we all desire. This is the reason the word ‘free’ works almost like a siren, alerting all our senses, despite knowing that nothing in this world is truly free. In reality, ‘free’ is often a beautifully wrapped illusion, hiding strings that pull in all directions.
For travel enthusiasts, a free stay in India is like a dream come true. Don’t you find yourself saving all those extra credits or loyalty points earned through every purchase just to offset it with your accommodation charges? Surprisingly, free stay in India is indeed a possibility. Organisations who run humanitarian causes are the ones, typically, offering a free stay in India. Whether the free stay for you is born out of necessity or by choice, here are some places to look forward to.
Buddhist Monasteries
Monasteries like Nyingmapa Monastery (Himachal Pradesh) and the Tibetan Buddhist Monastery (Uttar Pradesh), though often believed to offer free stays in India, are not totally free of cost. They charge a small amount per night.
Gurudwara
Gurudwaras such as Govind Ghat Gurudwara (Uttarakhand) and Manikaran Sahib Gurudwara (Himachal Pradesh) offer free stay in India in open halls. However, not all Gurudwaras offer a free stay; they may charge a nominal fee. Some Gurudwaras also offer A/C rooms for a fee.
Ashrams
Historically, ashrams or religious organisations have long offered travellers a free stay in India. Today, even these come with an expectation, a cost unseen.
- Religious organisations like Isha Foundation and Mata Amritanandamayi Ashram offer you a free stay in India only if you volunteer with them.
- Anandashrams offer you a free stay only if you are on a spiritual pursuit. They are also believed to provide free accommodation to orphans and destitutes.
- Geeta Bhawan, located at the banks of Ganga in Rishikesh, offers free stay in India. It has a capacity of 1000 rooms, where those visiting for a dip in the Ganga can avail a free stay to devotees for non A/C rooms. The A/C rooms are chargeable.
Satlok Ashram
Saving the best for the last. Surpassing all definitions of hospitality, Satlok Ashrams reign supreme in all aspects. Spearheaded by Jagatguru Tatvdarshi Sant Rampal Ji Maharaj, Satlok Ashrams come with the most unique offering and transparency to all.
■ Also Read: Free Stay in India: A State-wise Guide to Satlok Ashrams
The free stay in Satlok Ashrams is not just a roof over the head. Visitors are welcomed in spacious, magnanimous pandals in front of the Darbar Sahib, where bedding and blankets are provided at no cost. Gigantic fans have been installed to provide relief from higher temperatures.
They not only provide free stay in India, but also free unlimited food and tea. With well-maintained toilets and bathing units supplied with free toiletries, cleanliness and comfort are top priorities in Satlok Ashrams. Using words like ‘homely atmosphere’ is too inferior to describe an environment as peaceful, grounding, kind and compassionate as in Satlok Ashrams.
What truly sets Sant Rampal Ji’s Satlok Ashrams apart is that they offer equal treatment to all. Every visitor receives the same respect and access to all facilities, without any discrimination.
The superlative hospitality of Satlok Ashrams can also be experienced during six annual events they host, spread across the year. There are 11 Satlok Ashrams in India and Nepal, as follows:
- Satlok Ashram Dhanana Dham, Sonipat, Haryana
- Satlok Ashram Mundka, Delhi
- Satlok Ashram Dhuri, Punjab
- Satlok Ashram Khamano, Punjab
- Satlok Ashram Sojat, Rajasthan
- Satlok Ashram Shamli, Uttar Pradesh
- Satlok Ashram Kurukshetra, Haryana
- Satlok Ashram Bhiwani, Haryana
- Satlok Ashram Betul, Madhya Pradesh
- Satlok Ashram Indore, Madhya Pradesh
- Satlok Ashram Dhanusha, Nepal
A unique offering at Satlok Ashrams is an open access to all spiritual literature and material, across religions. Sant Rampal Ji Maharaj is at the helm of the 13th Kabir Panth in India, and embodies a vision of unity. Here, individuals from all backgrounds find a place where humanity and equality intersect.
Equally worth a mention is the superlative spiritual discourses of Sant Rampal Ji Maharaj that are projected to visitors systematically through the day. One cannot put a value to the level of authenticity of Sant Rampal Ji’s spiritual teachings, aligning perfectly with our ancient scriptures.
The word ‘free’ holds a unique allure for humans, symbolising liberation and abundance. Sant Rampal Ji’s Satlok Ashrams live up to this promise in all aspects.
