Want to get away from it all and be treated to a healthy, rejuvenating holiday? These are our picks of the top 5 yoga retreats in India, for all budgets.

 

Ananda in the Himalayas, Narendranagar, Uttarakhand

Opened in 2001, this luxury Ayurveda and yoga retreat is nestled in the foothills of the Lower Himalayas.Ananda Spa is located in the resplendent palace of the Maharaja of Tehri Garhwal. The spa offers classes in the Hatha Yoga style as well as meditation classes. You can also learnshuddhi kriyas, which are yoga practices designed to purify your body and mind. The resort also offers specific packages for stress management and weight loss. Ananda has been voted as the best destination spa several times over.

Nearest Airport: Dehradun is the nearest airport and railhead but if you’re a high-roller, Ananda also has a private helipad.

 

Parmarth Niketan, Rishikesh, Uttarakhand

Located on the banks of the River Ganga,Parmarth Niketan reflects the spirituality of Rishikesh. It is the largest ashram in the holy city, spread over 8 acres and equipped with more than 1,000 rooms. It provides an uplifting experience with morning prayers, daily yoga and meditation classes,satsangsand lectures. The highlight of the place is the Ganga Aarti at sunset. There are frequent camps where you can participate in intensive courses for yoga, pranayama, stress management, Reiki etc. Every March, the ashram hosts a weeklong International Yoga Festival.

Nearest Airport: Dehradun is the nearest airport.

 

Ayurveda Yoga Meditation Resort, Coonoor, Tamil Nadu

Thislovely retreat is located amidst the verdant Nilgiri Mountains in southern India. It offers several yoga, meditation and Ayurveda packages in the form of their Kaya Kalpa programme. All programmes can be customised to your requirements. Typically you would begin your day with yoga and ayurvedic treatments followed by an herbal bath. You can participate in lectures or in organic gardening, or even learn to cook healthful meals. At the end of the day, you participate in meditation exercises. All meals are included, which are vegetarian and as per the principles of Ayurveda.

Nearest Airport: Coimbatore is the nearest airport and railhead.

 

Spa Niraamaya Kovalam, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala

Earlier known as Surya Samudra,Spa Niraamaya is a plush resort by the Arabian Sea. There are 31 heritage cottages that are designed like Keralite homes, complete with all modern amenities and fixtures. The resorts therapists are trained in yoga, meditation and reflexology. Health and fitness therapies are accompanied by a specific dietary regimen, which will be tailor-made for you by the resort’s chefs. The resort also offers body purification and detoxification programmes. There are specific treatments for bone and joints ailments as well.

Nearest Airport: Thiruvananthapuram is the nearest airport and railhead.

 

Tushita Meditation Centre, Dharamsala, Himachal Pradesh

If you’re looking for something apart from the usual yoga and meditation routine, check outTushita Meditation Centre, located in the idyllic town on Dharamsala, the seat of His Holiness the Dalai Lama. Tushita is a centre for the study and practice of Buddhism and while the centre offers several levels of courses in the Buddha’s philosophy, it also conducts yoga retreats. This 17-day Guru Yoga retreat is open for anyone who has received the Kalachakra initiation. Apart from this, the centre has guided meditation programmes every day, except Sunday. Experience a spiritually enlightening experience in the quiet environs of this unique retreat.

Nearest Airport / Train Station: Gaggal Airport in the Kangra valley is the closest airport and Pathankot the nearest railhead.

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