Lying amid the foothills of the Himalayas, Rishikesh is alongside the holy Ganges River. It is not just another tourist destination in India. It’s a spiritual sanctuary, where the ancient traditions of yoga and meditation have flourished for centuries. For those looking for self-discovery, inner peace and an intense connection with their mind, body, and soul. Rishikesh beckons as a transformative haven and is a place that is famous for yoga globally by the name of “Yoga Capital.” It is an ancient practice for yoga that allows students to be still in a world consumed with chaos. Peace and tranquility achieved through focused training appeal to everyone.
About Yoga –
Yoga’s deep breathing and meditation practices help foster an inner shift from to-do lists, kids' and spouse’s needs, financial concerns, and other struggles. Yoga makes your body flexible and helps in relieving stress and unclutter the mind. Every year people around the year, travellers flock here to indulge in the ancient practices of yoga and meditation for attaining inner peace.
International Yoga Festival begins from 1st March to 7th March and is well-celebrated in Rishikesh. People from different parts of the country, flock here to participate in this yoga festival. It is organized grandly by the Uttarakhand State Tourism Department, the International Yoga Festival has gained immense popularity and patronage over the years. Every year International Yoga Week takes place from 1st March and continues till the 7th March.
Popular Yoga Ashrams in Rishikesh:
Parmarth Niketan –
Nestled alongside the holy Ganges River, Parmarth Niketan is one of the renowned ashrams in India and not just Rishikesh. With more than 1,000 rooms, an 8 acre campus, and other accommodations, this ashram offers an ideal setting to practice yoga and meditation. Travellers can choose to stay for 15 days with permission while learning ancient science from experts.
Things to do – Partake in yoga and meditation sessions, attend lectures on spiritual topics by Gurus, be a part of the spectacular Ganga aarti, pamper yourself with Ayurvedic treatment and nature cure, etc.
Sivananda Ashram –
Famous among the best yoga training institutes in Rishikesh and also India, Sivananda Ashram is also known as Divine Life Society. Dedicated to Swami Sivananda, the founder, the ashram imparts knowledge of yoga, Hinduism, Vedanta and other spiritual topics. Yoga classes are offered daily, except Sunday for both men and women. While men get morning lessons, women have lessons in the evening. If you’re looking for the best wellness retreats in India
Things to do – Attend yoga lessons along with meditation, indulge in the simple life of the ashram, participate in various special programs, comprehensive study of Indian philosophy, etc.
Omkarananda Ganga Sadan –
One of the best ashrams in Rishikesh for yoga and meditation, next we have the famous Omkarananda Ganga Sadan. Located on the banks of the Ganga River, it enjoys matchless spiritual bliss. While the beauty of the setting soothes all senses, it is the knowledge from the yoga experts that makes your stay worthwhile. Yoga classes are open all daily, except Sundays, intensive yoga course needs prior reservations.
Things to do – Learn about the great mystic sage, embrace knowledge of spirituality, get training in Iyengar Yoga, and participate in daily yoga classes.
Yoga Niketan –
Next comes the Yoga Niketan. Amongst the top training centers in Rishikesh, here you can feel the union of body, mind and soul. This will ultimately lead to an experience of divine bliss. Set amid 7 acres of charming landscape, here you can escape the chaos of the world. While you enjoy the peaceful setting, get trained in the different practices of yoga.
Things to do – Exhilarate in daily yoga classes and spiritual lectures, attend Satsang in the evening, visit the bustling markets, enjoy delicious food, and learn about traditional hatha yoga.
Sadhana Mandir –
Among many famous ashrams in Rishikesh, next, we have Sadhana Mandir. It is one of the best places to learn about yoga and meditation in India. The ashram follows the 5000-year-old practice of yoga, along with other ancient Himalayan traditions. The peaceful ambiance and witness the scenic surroundings fo the flowing Ganges River.
Things to do – Enroll in a weekend retreat, enjoy the beauty of the ashram, self-transformation program, guided silence retreats, etc.
Swami Dayanand Ashram –
Swami Dayanand Ashram is the best place to learn about yoga and meditation in India. Set amid River Ganga, the ashram is an internationally recognized center for learning about yoga, Vedanta, Bhagavad Gita, etc. Puja and other traditional rituals add to spiritual bliss. The ashram offers courses that include yoga and meditation along with Vedic chanting.
Things to do – Attend daily workshops on yoga, meditation, and chanting, take a holy dip in the river Ganga, participate in Satsang, enjoy a stroll along the Ram Jhula.
Phool Chatti –
The famous ashram for yoga and meditation in India, Phool Chatti is one of the best places for spiritual bliss. Popularly known for its special seven-day yoga and meditation programs in India. While the name means “Land of Flowers”, it accordingly describes the ambiance. There are programs for meditation, cleansing, chanting, breathing, worship, kirtan, and multiple aspects of yogic paths.
Things to do – Yoga session, attend lectures on spiritual discussions, ritual bathing in the holy River Ganga, and be a part of the havan ceremony to get divine blessings
Wrapping up –
While there an endless options in Rishikesh for practicing yoga and meditation, but these are some of the best ones to consider. Discover the best of Rishikesh Tour Packages with us and get an exciting travel experience here.