Chennai isn’t just a vibrant coastal city—it’s also a deeply spiritual destination with centuries-old temples, serene ashrams, and meditation spaces that offer peace amid urban life. Whether you're seeking silence, self-discovery, or traditional rituals, these spiritual retreats in Chennai provide meaningful escapes from the everyday. Here are the top spots to explore your spiritual side.
1. Sri Ramakrishna Math, Mylapore
Why visit: A peaceful haven in the heart of the city, this math offers guided meditation, spiritual literature, and discourses inspired by Sri Ramakrishna and Swami Vivekananda.
Highlights: – Serene temple grounds – Meditation hall – Bookshop and heritage center
Timing: 5:00 AM to 11:45 AM, 3:00 PM to 9:00 PM
Entry: Free
2. Theosophical Society, Adyar
Why visit: Spread across 260 acres along the Adyar River, this spiritual retreat promotes universal brotherhood and quiet contemplation amid ancient trees.
Highlights: – Banyan tree over 400 years old – Library and shrines – Riverfront paths
Timing: 8:30 AM to 10:00 AM, 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM (Monday to Saturday)
Entry: Free
3. Krishnamacharya Yoga Mandiram
Why visit: Founded by the son of the father of modern yoga, this center focuses on individual well-being through therapeutic yoga and spiritual education.
Highlights: – Personalized yoga sessions – Meditation therapy – Mindful breathing workshops
Timing: By appointment
Entry: Course-based pricing
4. Sadhu Vaswani Mission
Why visit: A small yet spiritually powerful space offering devotional gatherings, guided meditations, and teachings of Sadhu Vaswani on compassion and non-violence.
Highlights: – Daily satsangs – Chanting sessions – Vegetarian awareness programs
Timing: 9:00 AM to 7:00 PM
Entry: Free
5. Universal Temple of Sri Ramana Maharshi (Sri Ramana Kendra)
Why visit: A tranquil retreat where you can meditate and reflect on the teachings of the sage Ramana Maharshi, focusing on self-inquiry and silence.
Highlights: – Self-enquiry practice – Temple architecture – Peaceful ambiance
Timing: 6:00 AM to 12:00 PM, 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM
Entry: Free
6. Art of Living Center, Anna Nagar
Why visit: Offering stress-relief courses and Sudarshan Kriya sessions, this center focuses on inner peace through guided breathing and meditation techniques.
Highlights: – Breathing workshops – Youth programs – Weekend retreats
Timing: 7:00 AM to 8:00 PM
Entry: Program-based pricing
7. Chinmaya Heritage Centre, Chetpet
Why visit: A spiritual learning center promoting Vedanta philosophy through discourses, spiritual camps, and cultural events.
Highlights: – Vedanta lectures – Bala Vihar classes – Peaceful prayer halls
Timing: 6:30 AM to 9:00 PM
Entry: Free
8. Iskcon Temple, Injambakkam
Why visit: Set near the sea on ECR, this temple dedicated to Lord Krishna blends grandeur with devotion and offers spiritual classes and prasadam dining.
Highlights: – Vibrant bhajans – Gita classes – Vegetarian restaurant on campus
Timing: 7:00 AM to 1:00 PM, 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM
Entry: Free
9. Sivananda Yoga Vedanta Center, Raja Annamalai Puram
Why visit: An authentic yoga retreat where you can immerse yourself in traditional yogic practices and spiritual discipline.
Highlights: – Daily yoga and meditation – Karma yoga – Silent retreats
Timing: 6:00 AM to 8:00 PM
Entry: Classes and stays from ₹500
10. Vivekananda House (Ice House)
Why visit: Once visited by Swami Vivekananda himself, this historic site now serves as a museum and meditation space promoting his teachings.
Highlights: – Swamiji’s life exhibits – Meditation hall – Beachside location
Timing: 10:00 AM to 12:15 PM, 3:00 PM to 7:15 PM (Closed on Mondays)
Entry: ₹20 for adults, ₹10 for children
Feature Image:- Photo by janardhana balaji on Unsplash
