Indian monasteries are the religious abodes, where hermits perform prayers and many disciples follow the path to attain spiritual knowledge. Indian monasteries can be classified into Buddhist monasteries and Hindu monasteries.

Indian monasteries are believed to be some of the most pious pilgrimages all over the world. Religious pilgrims from all parts of the globe come to visit Sarnath, near the city of Varanasi, which is a sacred monastery of the Buddhists in India. The pilgrims often stay in these monasteries as they travel to other holy places. Many of the monasteries welcome foreign visitors as paying guests. The rules of Indian monasteries are basically the same in all over India. The authorities of Indian monasteries do not allow smoking, drinking or loud music.

The Nyingmapa Tibetan Buddhist Monastery is a prominent name amongst Indian monasteries. Professors from Sarnath’s Tibetan University teach courses in English in Tibetan philosophy and language in this monastery. There are peaceful gardens and a community kitchen in this monastery. The Indian monasteries are not only religious places, but also cater for extensive religious research for the scholars. The Old Tibetan Monastery, is a frequently visited place for the Tibetan and Ladakhi pilgrims. This monastery serves as a gathering place for celebrations of all sects. Folk culture inevitable reflects in such monasteries.

Indian monasteries of the Hindus are also known, as Dharmashala. Ashta Mathas of Udupi by Sri Madhvacharya and Sringeri Sharada Peetham in Sringeri are the two well-known Hindu monasteries in India. Advaita Ashrama, Belur Math, ISCON, Kanchi Matha and Kashi Mutt are also distinguished Indian monasteries serving the Hindu religion and its prophecies at its best.

The Indian monasteries are best places to attain peace of mind and spiritual realisation in a calm and tranquil environment. The patrons of religion dwell in these monasteries, thus promoting the tradition of self attained enlightenment in every form. The Indian monasteries have lately been discovered as beneficial tourist places too. Thousands of tourists visiting the Indian hill stations inevitably visit the Buddhists monasteries, while the passionate Hindus frequently visit the Hindu monasteries of India.