Apart from various things that India has given to the world, Yoga is certainly its most treasured gift. It is an ancient form of Indian meditation which not only relaxes your mind but also liberates your body and spirit from the fatigue due to routine life.
In recent years, there has been an immense popularity of Yoga in the West countries as well. A lot of people now travel to India not in search of beaches and food but for Yoga retreats in India. Whether a by-donation program or a luxury spa we bring you a list of top centers for Yoga in India for all the yoga-curious people out there!
Art Of Living Ashram, Bangalore
The Art of Living International Center, a 65-acre campus located on top of the Panchagiri Hills outside Bangalore, is a popular destination for peace-seekers from abroad heading to India for the ashram experience. With mountainside trails, gardens, a lake and organic farms surrounding the facility, it’s the perfect place to get some peace and quiet. Guests (who come from all cultures and religious backgrounds) are invited to participate in voluntary service, helping with cooking, cleaning and general upkeep of the ashram.
Osho Meditation Resort, Pune
If you’re looking for a quiet corner of the world to relax and reflect, plan a trip to the famous gardens at Osho Meditation Resort. The 28-acre campus is located a short flight from Mumbai in Koregaon Park, Pune. The resort offers a mix of a traditional ashram experience and a luxury getaway, with meditation classes, lush gardens, swimming pool, marble pathways and tropical foliage. Elle Magazine called the center “a very comfortable paradise where you can stay a long time.”
Ananda in the Himalayas, Narendranagar
This is one luxury spa residing in the Himalayan abode. One of the highest ranked spas in the world, Ananada in the Himalayas is well famed because of their ancient Yoga techniques and skills. Inspired from the Bihar school of Yoga, this luxury spa provides its visitors with different types of meditation and well-tried ‘Shuddi Kriyas’ or ancient yogic practices intended with the motive or purifying one’s complete body and mind. It is a favorite destination among people from all over the world.
Shreyas Yoga Retreat, Bangalore
Shreyas is a sprawling 25 acre yoga retreat, tranquil and secluded. The retreat is justifiably qualified as one of the finest in the world. No more than 20 guests are housed here at a time. Shady trees and the delicate fragrance of frangipani envelop you in a healing embrace, making it the perfect place to practice ashtanga and hatha yoga and to meditate. Everything about the retreat is programmed to help you reap the benefits of a stay in this yoga paradise.
Isha Yoga Center, Tamil Nadu
Founded by Sadhguru Jaggi Vasudev, the non-religious non-profit Isha Foundation’s ashram and yoga center has been attracting visitors from around the world for the past two decades. Try a three- to seven-day introduction to the Isha Yoga program for a yoga-intensive retreat or a rejuvenation retreat for a more general program focused on health and wellness. The center is located at the base of the Velliangiri Mountains in Tamil Nadu, 18 miles from the city of Coimbatore in southern India.
Parmarth Niketan, Rishikesh
There is one place for Yoga in India that believes in considering Yoga not only as a meditation but as a thorough prospering profession. With around 1000 rooms in its eight acre campus, Parmarth Niketan in Rishikesh provides an extensive Yoga program for beginners as well as regular followers. Another most remarkable feature about this ashram is the week long international Yoga festival held at ashram every year. With devotees from all around the world one can easily meditate and learn more about this treasure from skilled – professional Acharya’s and Guru’s.
Ashiyana Yoga and Spa village, Mandrem Beach, Goa
Goa, the most popular beach destination in the country also has some wonderful yoga retreats tucked away in secluded little corners of this lotus eating land. Ashiyana Retreat Centre is in the northernmost part of Goa, on Mandrem beach. Accommodation consists of anything from beach huts to suites. Yoga sessions are personalized, but you could also opt for drop in sessions twice a day.
Kalari Kovailakom , Kerala
This place is indeed a palace for people searching for meditation. While here prepare to relax in a surrounding that is far-far away from all the hurries & worries of otherwise city life. One can detox himself with the benefits of pure vegetarian food prepared in an Ayurvedic fashioned kitchen with organic food. Yoga Nidra’ is one meditation exercise that had been enticing people from all over the world to this serene land. An ancient meditation technique, this exercise provides deep relaxation and helps in de-stressing individuals.
Vana Malsi Estate, Dehradun, Uttarakhand
Dehradun is a hill station in the foothills of the Himalayas. Beautiful and picturesque, this used to be the summer getaway for the British during their occupation of India. Vana Malsi is located in this district, 21 acres of it sprawled over hilly terrain. What it has to offer is its unique architecture, mango and lychee orchards, surrounding forests and most of all a serene wellness getaway from worldly madness. Is this ideal for a yoga vacation? Absolutely!
Swaswara Retreat, Gokarna, Karnataka
Gokarna is a picturesque little beach on the beautiful Konkan coast of Karnataka. Imagine starting your day with yoga on the beach as the sun rises. The program here is a combination of asanas (postures), pranayama (breathing), mantra (sounds) and dharana (concentration). When practiced together you reach a very relaxed state of dhyana (meditation). The retreat is at one with nature with accommodation made of indigenous material. Fresh produce from the organic farm comes to your table in the form of healthy and delicious meals.
Want to get in touch with your spiritual side?
Head to one of the above wellness destinations and come back rejuvenated!
