Besides the plenty of things given to the world by India, Yoga and meditation are certainly valued and treasured the most. These ancient forms rejuvenate the body, mind and soul and also relieves the mind from the fatigue and stress.
While, Yoga remains an Indian practice, it is being widely accepted and practiced in the western countries as well. Tourists from abroad travel to India for wellness and yoga apart from exploring the popular destinations.
This new year, why not start on a spiritual note? Here is a list of the popular health and wellness retreats in India to visit and discover yourselves.
ALSO READ: Plan now! January 2019’s top Indian events that can’t be missed
Parmarth Niketan, Rishikesh
This is one of the most popular places for Yoga in India where people believe yoga is not only meditation but also a healthy profession for those inclined towards it. Sprawling across a vast area, it accommodates 1000 rooms on single, twin, and triple sharing basis. The ashram provides extensive Yoga programs for beginners as well as regular practitioners. Spend the evenings by the river Ganga right outside the ashram, chanting the mantras and performing the aarti with the priests.
Address: Parmarth Niketan Ashram, Near Main Market Road, Ram Jhula, Swarg Ashram, Rishikesh, Uttarakhand
Distance from Delhi: 280kms (6 hours)
Getting here: Drive down from New Delhi on NH334 and take the route via Haridwar and Roorkee
Osho Meditation Resort, Pune
The prolific lawns of the Osho Meditation Resort are there to naturally calm your mind. It is a brilliant blend of a traditional ashram and a luxury spa and offers the most comfortable services that will not let you step out till you are there. For those willing to stay on the campus, a guesthouse is available that has extremely comfortable rooms. The facilities at the resort include spa, swimming pool, jacuzzi, sauna, and meditation services.
Address: Osho Internation Meditation Resort, 17, 1st Lane, Koregaon Park, Pune, Maharashtra
Distance from Delhi: 1450kms
Getting here: Train or flight to Pune are the best ways to reach the resort. Take Rajdhani Express from Delhi and arrive Pune Railway Station and take a taxi or auto-rickshaw from there and reach the resort in ten minutes.
ALSO READ: Best countries to travel alone in 2019
Shreyas Retreat, Bengaluru
Situated in Bengaluru, Shreyas is another retreat in India that offers Ashtang Yoga, Hatha Yoga, and Ayurvedic massages such as Shirodhara Ayurveda and Choorna Pinda Sweda. You can opt for the various packages provided at the centre. Silent retreats can also be taken here owing to the serenity and calmness around.
Address: Shreyas Yoga Retreat, Santoshima Farm, Gollahalli Gate, Nelamangala, Bengaluru, Karnataka
Distance from Delhi: 2183kms
Getting here: Take a flight from Delhi to Bengaluru followed by a taxi to reach the resort which is 35 kms from the airport.
Isha Foundation
This centre has been visited by tourists from across the globe and has been in service since twenty years. Register for their 3 to 7 day introductory course that focuses completely on Yoga. The other option is their rejuvenation retreat where the emphasis is on the health and wellness. Isha Kriya Meditation and sacred walks are popular here as well.
Address: Isha Yoga Center, Isha Life, No 117, Luz Church Road, Near Nageshwara Rao Park, Mylapore, Chennai, Tamil Nadu
Distance from Delhi: 2567kms (42 hours)
Getting here: Flight or train should be considered from Delhi to Coimbatore followed by taxi drop at centre
NIMBA Nature Cure Village, Ahmedabad
This village is the largest centre for naturopathy, ayurveda, yoga, meditation, and physiotherapy in India, located in Ahmedabad. You can avail the residential programs for Panchkarna and wellness through holistic body treatments. If you want to detox, this is the place for you.
Address: Ahmedabad, Baliyasan, Gujarat
Distance from Delhi: 965kms (17 hours)
Getting here: Take a flight to Ahmedabad and a taxi from there to the village.