As the motherland of yoga, India is home to a huge number of yoga centers and retreats that it can leave any traveler confused and spoilt for choice. This blog includes details of some of the best yoga retreats in India for that perfect tour that will rejuvenate you in body, mind and soul.
While yoga in western countries focuses exclusively on physical postures and sequences of asanas, Yoga in India is a different matter altogether. Particularly in traditional ashrams, asanas or postures are only one aspect of a wider whole. Yoga in India has a greater emphasis on meditation, breathing and purification techniques, along with devotional practices like mantra chanting, philosophy tuitions and karma yoga or community service.
Mentioned below are six best Yoga retreats in India:
1. Ananda in the Himalayas, Uttarakhand
Ananda in the Himalayas is located in the peaceful Himalayan foothills in the state of Uttarakhand, close to the holy cities of Haridwar and Rishikesh surrounded by lush Sal forests, overlooking the River Ganga. Ananda Spa is the spiritual pathway to the ultimate wellness, discovered through the union of the mind, body and soul. Ananda is not just a retreat that will leave you breathless with its spectacular landscapes but also helps in redefining lifestyles to include well-known traditional Indian wellness treatments of Ayurveda, Yoga and Vedanta combined with some of the best International Wellness Experiences.
You can try out the various yoga courses and therapies that are tailor-made for individual health goals. Their wellness programs follow a holistic approach towards achieving the best results in a nurturing atmosphere guided by a team of expert doctors, therapists, nutritionists, yogis and spa cuisine chefs.
2. Kaivalyam Wellness Retreats, Munnar
Offering a variety of Ayurvedic Treatments, yoga therapies, meditation and nature-based wellness care packages, Kaivalyam Wellness retreat is a haven, set in midst of a quaint hill station of Munnar in Kerala. Kaivalyam Retreat is open to visitors from around the world who wish to indulge in learning the holistic lifestyle along with the traditional form of Yoga and more organic way of living and dining. This is an ideal place to visit if you are seeking to practice yoga to achieve a complete harmony of body, mind and soul.
Their onsite programs include Yoga sessions, campfire, spice plantation walks, bird watching and nature photography. The guests can participate in daily scheduled activities like Agnihotra, Karma yoga at Spice farm, Meditation or Kirtan session in the evenings.
3. Taj Rishikesh Resort & Spa, Uttarakhand
Taj Rishikesh Resort and Spa is a beautiful property near Rishikesh that sits by the banks of the Holy Ganga, right about 30 km away from the yoga capital of India. Experience utter bliss and calm as life takes a restful pause amid the natural beauty of Uttarakhand. While staying at this luxury hotel try out the popular yoga and wellness programs offered by the Jiva Spa.
Try their other signature experiences offered at the hotel, including luxury camping, bird watching trek, mountain trek, nature walk and much more. Ensure that you experience the soul-stirring ‘Ganga Aarti’ organized by the hotel for that out of the world experience.
4. Amatra by the Ganges, Uttarakhand
The word Amatra means boundless, true to its name this wellness resort offers its guests shelter from the chaos of everyday life. The guests can indulge their senses in the lap of nature at the beautiful town of Haridwar in Uttarakhand. Discover the joy of doing nothing at this luxury wellness retreat in the banks of the River Ganga.
Some of the programs offered here include yoga therapies, meditation, wellness spas and more. Other than that, Amatra offers a variety of experiences and activities including private dinner under the stars, private bonfire with barbeque, wildlife safaris, nature hikes, mountain biking and river rafting.
5. SwaSwara Yoga Resort, Gokarna
SwaSwara is one of the best yoga retreats in India located in Gokarna, Karnataka and is located in a setting that is in complete harmony with the land and its culture. The resort celebrates simplicity and purity, keeping in mind the ethos of health and well being. SwaSwara retreat goes beyond being just a spa in the traditional sense neither is it an ashram. It is a sanctuary for your inner self or the innermost nature of an individual, that special blend of qualities and features that are unique in itself.
Whether you are expecting a leisurely stay or you want to study the art of yoga and meditation while resting in the lap of nature. SwaSwara retreat is the one for you. Choose from a range of activities like art yoga, meditation therapy, yoga therapies, and other spa treatments.
6. Purple Valley, Goa
Purple Valley is a peaceful yoga retreat situated in Goa, the smallest state in India lined by white sandy beaches and the Arabian Sea. Purple Valley hosts some of the world’s leading Ashtanga yoga courses and offering the most comfortable yoga accommodation in Goa. Set in landscaped tropical gardens, there are public spaces for eating and relaxing and private spaces for reflection and meditation offering guests a quiet and safe haven for the ideal yoga holiday in India.
As mentioned above, Purple Valley specializes in Ashtanga yoga courses and is the best place to learn Ashtanga yoga in Goa. Purple Valley is home to some of the most comfortable yoga accommodation in Goa. Many of their guests come looking for yoga therapy in India. Choose from a variety of accommodations, courses and treatments for that perfect wellness holiday.
Food in yoga retreats in India
When trying to lead a healthy lifestyle, food is just as important as exercise. That is why the yoga retreat must serve proper food to support you on your wellness journey. Yoga retreats in India serve detoxifying and nutritious vegetarian meals offering its guests a truly unique experience.
These yoga retreats in India are some of the best in the country and offer a holistic retreat that understands how to tailor an exclusive experience. Stay at one of these or the many yoga retreats scattered across India and discover your inner zen!