In 2015, a German couple travelled to India without a return ticket to Europe. They came in search of a deeper spiritual connection and today they are settled here with two kids. They moved to Mayapur, a small pilgrimage town in West Bengal, and today call it their home. The couple is raising two kids, exploring the region’s spiritual and cultural traditions and also running a small business. They document their everyday experiences through their social media platform, ‘I Love Mayapur’.Meet the Germans living in IndiaThe family, which originally comes from Germany, has been living in Mayapur since 2015, according to their Instagram account. What makes their story particularly unique for travellers is that their journey offers a glimpse into an unexplored side of India that is often experienced by outsiders. The spiritual communities, everyday rituals and local festivals.How a spiritual journey brought them to West BengalAs per their account, the couple’s connection with India began with an interest in the Hare Krishna movement and the teachings of ISKCON (International Society for Krishna Consciousness).On their official About Us page, it says,“When we first came to Mayapur, we immediately felt at home. The peaceful atmosphere, the warm-hearted community, and the presence of our beloved Sri Sri Radha Madhava Mandir inspired us deeply. Over the years, Mayapur has become more than just our home — it’s our heart”.Their quest for spirituality led them to Mayapur.“We wanted to move in a little bigger community,” one of them explained in their Instagram video. Mayapur stole their hearts and the family had found a place where spirituality was not restricted to occasional temple visits but it was right there, when they would open the door.Their everyday life in Mayapur
Germans in India (@i_love_mayapur)
For the family, living in Mayapur means following a routine that revolves around Krishna, spirituality, and dance and community participation.In the videos shared on their social media, they describe that their day generally begins early with chanting and devotional practices. The family cleans and prepares for the day together before the children leave for school. Now, they have friends in Mayapur.Ended last link with GermanyIn one of the Instagram videos, the man said he ended the last link with Germany recently where he had a catering business.Now the family lives in Mayapur and documents their life on social media. The family also shares videos on YouTube.Their work has gradually expanded beyond documenting their lives. According to their website, they started an online shop in 2022, selling products inspired by Mayapur, Indian traditions and devotional practices.Mayapur: The spiritual town that became their home
ISKCON in Mayapur (@i_love_mayapur)
Mayapur is a beautiful spiritual town located in West Bengal’s Nadia district, near Nabadwip. The town is one of the most important pilgrimage destinations for followers of Gaudiya Vaishnavism and is regarded as the birthplace of Chaitanya Mahaprabhu, the 16th-century saint associated with the spread of Krishna bhakti.The town is also home to the international headquarters of ISKCON and attracts devotees from different parts of India and abroad. The West Bengal Tourism Department states that more than a million pilgrims visit the destination annually.Places to visit in Mayapur
- Sri Mayapur Chandrodaya Mandir
- ISKCON temple
- Srila Prabhupada’s Samadhi
When here, visitors can also enjoy a boat ride along the Ganga and experience the river landscape.How to reach MayapurThe nearest airport is Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport in Kolkata.Mayapur is nearly 129 km from Kolkata by road, with the journey taking around four hours, depending on traffic.The town does not have its own railway station. Those travelling by train can take a train towards Nabadwip Dham and continue by road to Mayapur.A life beyond the usual tourism
Radha Madhava Mandir
For some, Mayapur is a destination for a few days of temple visits, boat rides and spiritual exploration. For this German family, it became a place to build relationships, raise children, pursue a livelihood and establish roots.Their official website also reveals that they are working on a new home project near the Jalangi River. The family additionally offers guided tours through Sudevi, who shares lesser-known places, local stories and cultural experiences with visitors.Perhaps that is what makes their journey particularly interesting: they did not simply discover a destination in India; they decided to make a life around everything that made them fall in love with it.
