In the landscape of modern literature and film, few stories have ignited a global movement of self-discovery quite like Elizabeth Gilbert’s memoir, Eat, Pray, Love. It became more than a book; it transformed into a mantra, a permission slip for countless souls feeling lost, disconnected, or simply hungry for something more than the life they were living. The story of one woman’s year-long quest to heal and rediscover herself across Italy, India, and Indonesia resonated with a primal, universal urge for meaning. It wasn’t just about travel; it was about transformation. The journey from the ruins of a broken heart to the ruins of Rome, from the cacophony of a racing mind to the disciplined silence of an Indian ashram, and from a fear of connection to the gentle balance of love in Bali, became a modern-day pilgrimage map. To follow in the footsteps of Liz Gilbert is to embark on a deeply personal exploration, using her path as a guide to navigate one’s own inner world. The destinations themselves—vibrant, ancient, and spiritually potent—are not merely backdrops but active participants in this process of rediscovery. They are places that demand you to be present, to taste, to feel, to listen, and ultimately, to change. This guide is for the modern pilgrim, the traveler seeking not just to see the sights from a beloved story, but to experience the essence of the journey itself.
If you’re drawn to the idea of a literary pilgrimage, you might also find inspiration in a journey through the landscapes of J.M. Coetzee.
The Art of Pleasure: Eating in Italy
The Italian chapter of Gilbert’s journey is a symphony of sensory awakening—a conscious dive into the philosophy of dolce far niente—the sweetness of doing nothing. For her, Italy, and particularly Rome, stood as the perfect remedy to a life of relentless striving and self-denial. It was a place where pleasure could be reclaimed without apology. The city itself, a living museum of history, art, and lively chaos, serves as the ideal setting for this lesson. Following her path here means more than touring filming sites; it’s about embracing a mindset. It’s about allowing yourself a second scoop of gelato, learning a few melodious Italian phrases not out of obligation but desire, and discovering profound beauty in a simple plate of pasta savored slowly and joyfully. The air in Rome buzzes with a unique energy—an interplay of the sacred and profane, the ancient and the utterly modern. Vespas zip through narrow cobblestone streets, the scent of espresso and fresh pastries drifts from tucked-away cafes, and the golden afternoon light bathes majestic ruins and bustling piazzas alike. Here, healing begins not through solemn introspection, but through a joyful, wholehearted embrace of life’s simplest yet most profound pleasures.
A Taste of Roman Life
To truly embody the spirit of Eat, one must indulge the palate. Liz Gilbert’s culinary adventures form the heart of her Roman experience, and many of the places that inspired her remain visitable today. Though the film condenses moments into picturesque scenes, the essence of her journey is scattered throughout the city’s trattorias, gelaterias, and markets. A pivotal moment for any literary pilgrim is the search for the perfect pizza. In the book, Gilbert travels to Naples, pizza’s birthplace, to experience a sublime meal at L’Antica Pizzeria da Michele. This legendary spot, with its minimalist decor and unwavering dedication to just two pizzas—the Marinara and the Margherita—remains a sacred destination. The experience is about purity and tradition, a taste so simple yet so sublime it borders on spiritual. For those following the film’s path, the pizza scene was filmed in Rome, in a small pizzeria downtown. While the precise location is debated, the spirit can be found in any authentic Roman pizzeria al taglio or traditional trattoria in neighborhoods like Trastevere, where wood-fired pizzas boast a perfectly charred, chewy crust.
Beyond pizza, gelato is an indispensable Roman ritual. Gilbert often praised her daily visits to Gelateria San Crispino near the Trevi Fountain. While Rome offers countless artisanal gelaterias, San Crispino remains a classic, known for pure, intense flavors made without artificial additives. Standing before its counter, choosing between honey, pistachio, or pink grapefruit, is a small yet meaningful act of self-care and pleasure—central themes of this part of her journey. The true heart of her Roman life, however, was found in its public spaces. Piazza Navona, with Bernini’s magnificent Fontana dei Quattro Fiumi, is a recurring character in her story. Here, gelato in hand, she practices the art of doing nothing, watching life flow around her. Built on an ancient Roman stadium site, the piazza is a Baroque masterpiece—a grand open-air salon where tourists and locals mingle. Spending an hour on one of its benches is to grasp the Roman rhythm of life, where beauty and history live beyond museums and permeate everyday existence.
Living La Dolce Vita
Embracing the Roman chapter of this pilgrimage calls for more than ticking off sights; it demands a change of pace. Rome is not a city to rush. The best way to channel the journey’s spirit is to wander—to get lost in Trastevere’s twisting streets, lined with ivy-draped buildings and artisan shops. Discover a hidden courtyard or a family-run trattoria where the owner warmly greets you with a booming “Buongiorno!” The genuine Roman experience lies in these unscripted moments.
For a richer immersion, consider taking a brief Italian language course, much like Liz did. Attempting to speak the language, even imperfectly, unlocks more authentic interactions and a deeper cultural appreciation. It transforms you from observer to participant. Similarly, a cooking class focused on Roman staples like cacio e pepe or carbonara can be transformative, connecting you to the essence of Italian culture: its food.
Practical tips help you enjoy Rome fully. The city is best explored on foot, so comfortable shoes are a must. Visit landmarks like the Colosseum and Roman Forum early or late in the day to avoid crowds and the midday heat, particularly in summer. Spring and autumn offer the most pleasant weather. Learn local coffee customs: espresso is typically drunk standing at the bar, while cappuccino is generally reserved for mornings by purists. The Roman aperitivo—a pre-dinner drink with complimentary snacks—is a delightful tradition to adopt, providing opportunity to relax and socialize before dinner. Rome’s ultimate lesson is to give yourself permission to enjoy, to savor, and to find the divine in a perfectly ripe tomato or the architectural grandeur of the Pantheon. It’s about nourishing the soul by first nourishing the body, and in doing so, recalling the profound and simple joy of being alive.
The Path to Devotion: Praying in India
Transitioning from the sensual indulgence of Italy to the ascetic discipline of India marks the journey’s crucial turn inward. This is the “Pray” section—a purposeful confrontation with the self in a land where spirituality permeates the very air. India, with its vibrant explosion of color, sound, and scent, embodies a paradox: within this external chaos, Liz Gilbert seeks inner silence. Her destination is an ashram, a place of spiritual retreat and rigorous practice, aimed at quieting the “monkey mind” and connecting with a deeper, divine consciousness. For travelers on this path, the experience is less about sightseeing and more about introspection. It requires patience, openness, and a willingness to endure discomfort—to sit with one’s own thoughts and emotions without the usual distractions. The atmosphere is charged with profound intention. Life is organized around meditation, chanting, service (seva), and study. This world stands far removed from the carefree wandering of Rome, representing a purposeful journey into the architecture of the soul.
It is important for the modern pilgrim to recognize the difference between the book’s inspiration and the film’s portrayal. In her memoir, Gilbert spends four months at the Gurudev Siddha Peeth ashram in Ganeshpuri, near Mumbai—a genuine and respected spiritual center. However, the film adaptation features a fictional “Ashram Hari Mandir,” with filming conducted at the real Ashram Hari Mandir in Pataudi, a town in Haryana state about an hour’s drive from Delhi. This location has since become a popular pilgrimage site for fans of the movie. Visiting here offers a tangible connection to the film’s serene, contemplative aesthetic, set amidst rural Indian life.
Finding Stillness in the Chaos
The ashram experience, whether in Pataudi or elsewhere, is defined by routine. Days begin before dawn with morning prayers and meditation. Chanting Sanskrit mantras, as shown in the story, is a powerful practice for focusing the mind and fostering a sense of vibrational energy and connection. The silence observed during designated periods of the day can be difficult for a Western mind accustomed to constant noise, but it is within this silence that clarity often arises. Liz’s struggle with meditation is one of the most relatable aspects of her journey. Her difficulty quieting her thoughts, her frustration, and eventual breakthrough offer a realistic portrayal of the spiritual path—it is not a path of instant enlightenment, but of persistent, dedicated effort.
Another fundamental aspect of ashram life is seva, or selfless service. This may involve tasks ranging from chopping vegetables to scrubbing floors. The aim of seva is to cultivate humility and dissolve the ego by performing duties without expecting reward or recognition. Through this practice, Liz begins to heal, shifting her focus from personal suffering to serving the surrounding community. Richard, a fellow ashram resident from Texas whom she befriends, provides a grounding presence—a friend who encourages her to be gentle with herself through this challenging process. The community aspect of the ashram is vital; it brings together people from across the world with a shared purpose, creating a supportive environment for profound personal transformation.
A Pilgrim’s Practical Guide to India
For those inspired to embark on their own ashram retreat, careful research and preparation are essential. India hosts thousands of ashrams, each with distinct lineages, rules, and emphases ranging from silent Vipassana meditation to dynamic yoga practices. It’s important to select one aligned with your personal intentions. Most reputable ashrams require advance reservations and have minimum stay requirements. Prepare for simple, shared accommodations and a strictly vegetarian diet. The dress code is modest—clothing should cover shoulders, midriff, and knees for both men and women. Loose, comfortable garments made of natural fibers are ideal for the climate and for meditation.
Delhi, as the nearest major city to the Pataudi filming location, serves as a natural gateway. It embodies the same contrasts seen throughout India—ancient tombs and monuments coexist alongside bustling markets and modern skyscrapers. Before or after an ashram retreat, one can find moments of peace and contemplation in places like the serene Lodi Gardens or the magnificent Humayun’s Tomb, a precursor to the Taj Mahal. Engaging with Delhi’s vibrant culture and history can enrich the spiritual journey undertaken at the ashram.
Visiting India requires an open heart and a flexible mind. It is a country that challenges perceptions and pushes travelers beyond their comfort zones. The lessons of the “Pray” chapter lie precisely in this challenge: to find your center amid the whirlwind, to practice forgiveness—for others and yourself—and to embrace the profound art of devotion, not only to a deity but to the ongoing journey of your soul’s evolution.
The Quest for Balance: Loving in Indonesia
The final stage of the pilgrimage takes place on the Indonesian island of Bali, specifically in the town of Ubud. This represents the “Love” chapter, but it extends beyond romantic love. It is about achieving balance—between worldly pleasure and spiritual devotion, independence and intimacy, past and present. After the indulgence of Italy and the austerity of India, Bali symbolizes a harmonious blend of the two. The island’s distinctive Hinduism is a living faith that infuses every part of daily life, evident in the intricate daily offerings (canang sari) left at every doorstep and the elegant architecture of its thousands of temples. Ubud’s atmosphere is deeply healing, where the vibrant green rice paddies seem to pulse with life, and the culture promotes a gentle, balanced way of living. For Liz Gilbert, this is the place where she learns to open her heart again—not by force, but by first discovering her own equilibrium.
The Ubud Experience: Healers and Harmony
Ubud had been a magnet for spiritual seekers long before Eat, Pray, Love put it on the global map, but the story highlighted its unique allure. Two pivotal figures guide Liz here: Ketut Liyer, the ninth-generation medicine man, and Wayan, the traditional healer. For pilgrims, Ketut Liyer’s home became a must-see destination. Although Ketut passed away in 2016, his family still welcomes visitors to his compound, keeping alive the memory of the charismatic and wise man who told Liz she would return to Bali one day. Visiting this place offers a direct connection to the heart of her story—a chance to sit where she received her life-changing prophecies.
The lush, terraced landscapes of Bali are as integral to this chapter as any character. The famous scenes of Julia Roberts as Liz cycling through impossibly green rice paddies were shot near Ubud, especially at the Tegalalang Rice Terraces. Renting a bicycle or scooter to explore these ancient agricultural marvels is to immerse yourself in the island’s soul. The intricate subak irrigation system, a UNESCO World Heritage site, exemplifies the Balinese philosophy of Tri Hita Karana—the three causes of well-being: harmony with God, harmony among people, and harmony with nature. This philosophy is crucial to understanding Bali and the balance Liz finds there.
The romantic culmination of Liz’s journey with Felipe (played by Javier Bardem) is set against the breathtaking backdrop of Padang Padang Beach. Travelers should note that this stunning beach, with its dramatic rock formations, is on the Bukit Peninsula in southern Bali, a significant drive from the inland cultural hub of Ubud. A visit to Padang Padang makes a perfect day trip, offering a glimpse of Bali’s famed surf culture and coastal beauty—a lovely contrast to Ubud’s serene spiritual energy.
Embracing the Balinese Way
To fully embrace the “Love” chapter, one must slow down and tune into the island’s rhythm. Ubud is a global hub for yoga and holistic wellness, and joining a class or multi-day retreat is one of the best ways to absorb its healing energy. The Yoga Barn, a well-known studio, offers a wide range of classes, workshops, and therapies for all levels.
Beyond yoga, simply being in Ubud is restorative. Wander through the lively Ubud Art Market, where beautiful handcrafted items await and you can practice the friendly art of bargaining. Visit sacred places like the Tirta Empul temple, where locals and tourists participate in spiritual cleansing rituals in holy spring waters, or Goa Gajah (Elephant Cave) temple, a mysterious archaeological site. Taking a Balinese cooking class reveals insights into the island’s flavorful cuisine and the medicinal qualities of local herbs and spices.
When planning a visit to Bali, keep the climate in mind. The dry season, from April to October, is generally the best time to come. Getting around Ubud’s center is easy on foot, but to explore the surrounding countryside, renting a scooter (if experienced) or hiring a private driver is common and convenient. When visiting temples, dressing respectfully is important; a sarong and sash are typically required and often available to rent on-site. The most essential advice for embracing the Balinese way is to approach your visit with reverence and openness. The balance Liz discovers in Bali is not a treasure found in a particular place but a state of being cultivated through connection—to nature, local culture, others, and, most importantly, oneself.
The Journey Within: More Than Just Destinations
To follow the path of Eat, Pray, Love is to embark on one of the most iconic journeys of our era. It is a pilgrimage that crosses three unique cultures, landscapes, and phases of profound personal growth. However, focusing only on the physical places, or trying to replicate the exact meals or meditations, misses the deeper essence of the story. Italy, India, and Indonesia acted as catalysts, the settings for Elizabeth Gilbert’s transformation, but the real journey was entirely inward. The true pilgrimage isn’t about finding the perfect pizza in Naples or meeting a specific healer in Bali; it’s about discovering your own versions of these experiences.
Your “Italy” might be found in Paris, New Orleans, or even your own kitchen—any place where you allow yourself to experience pure, unfiltered joy and pleasure. It’s the act of reclaiming your zest for life. Your “India” might be a silent retreat in the mountains, a daily meditation at home, or any disciplined practice that challenges you to confront your inner noise. It’s the dedication to doing the difficult, internal work of healing. And your “Bali” could be a new love, a creative passion, or a state of peaceful balance in your everyday life. It’s about finding harmony by integrating all parts of yourself.
Ultimately, the lasting power of Eat, Pray, Love lies in its universal truth: it’s never too late to start over, to dismantle a life that no longer serves you, and to courageously build a new one. The journey reminds us that the answers we seek are not waiting in foreign lands but lie within ourselves. The external voyage is merely a tool to unlock the internal one. So, by all means, go to Rome and savor the pasta. Visit an ashram and try to meditate. Ride a bicycle through the rice paddies in Bali. But as you do, remember you’re not just following a map from a book; you’re creating a new one for yourself—one that leads to the most important destination of all: your own true north.
