Staying in scenic destinations doesn’t always have to be expensive. In India, you can find places to rest amidst the mountains, deep within lush forests, or along the coast—either for free or at a very low cost. The country is home to beautiful ashrams, yoga retreats, and similar establishments in breathtaking locations that offer free accommodation. At many of these places, your stay is often tied to a meaningful purpose. Here’s a list of 8 such destinations.
Manikaran Sahib Gurudwara, Himachal Pradesh
Manikaran Sahib Gurudwara, located in the mountains of Himachal Pradesh, offers free accommodation to guests, along with complimentary parking and meals. Situated beside the flowing Parvati River, the Gurudwara also has special heated rooms available upon request. Guests are welcome to stay for as long as they wish.
Geeta Bhawan, Rishikesh
Geeta Bhawan, situated on the banks of the sacred Ganga, provides free food and accommodation to visitors. The ashram has around 1,000 rooms available for guests from across the globe. It also hosts meditation sessions to help you achieve inner peace and tranquility.
Isha Foundation
The Isha Foundation, located about 40 kilometers from Coimbatore at the foothills of the Velliangiri mountains, is the spiritual hub of Sadhguru. It is home to the majestic statue of Adiyogi Shiva. If you’re interested in volunteering at the center, you can stay in its dormitory at no cost.
Anandashram, Kerala
Referred to as the Abode of Bliss, this ashram is nestled in the serene greenery of Kerala. You can stay here for free, with meals prepared by the ashram served three times a day, featuring mild spices. In just a few days, Anandashram offers deep rejuvenation for both your body and soul.
Govind Ghat Gurudwara, Uttarakhand
Situated on the banks of the Alaknanda River in Uttarakhand’s Chamoli district, this gurudwara provides free accommodation to trekkers, pilgrims, and other visitors. It also offers stunning views of the river and surrounding mountains.
Mata Amritanandamayi Ashram, Chennai
By volunteering in the humanitarian programs at the Mata Amritanandamayi Ashram in Chennai, you can stay at the ashram for as long as you like. The ashram also has branches in other parts of India.
Tibetan Buddhist Monastery, Sarnath
This ancient monastery in Uttar Pradesh offers overnight stays for as little as ₹50. It features a magnificent statue of Sakyamuni, a form of Lord Buddha. The monastery is managed by the Lhadhan Chotrul Monlam Chenmo Trust.
Nyingmapa Monastery, Himachal Pradesh
This monastery is located in the Himachali town of Rewalsar, near the tranquil Rewalsar Lake. You can stay at this beautiful monastery, nestled among towering mountains, for just ₹200-₹300 per night. The nearby local market is also a great spot to collect antique pieces.