India. Home of Ayurveda, Yoga, Buddhism, Hinduism, Sikhism and Jainism. It would be clear to say that India is the land of spirituality, religion and wellness. There is no other place on the world where a culture embraces these aspects of wellness more so than In India.
So when I think of where in the world you would find the most amazing wellness retreats, hands down it is India. And it seems, that many, travel to places like Bali for yoga and Ayurveda retreats.
Why not, visit the home of Yoga and Ayurveda?
Here are our top 5 wellness retreats and hotspots to visit in India
5. Swaswara
“The inner voice of the Self. That echoes on a fabled beach, shaped like the very first sound of creation, Om.”
Swaswara is located in the southern state of Karnataka, nestled in the beach side town of Gokarna along Om Beach. The beach gets it name, as it is shaped like the Om Sign.
All guests have their own garden villa equipped with a luxurious open garden and bathroom, yet secluded from the rest of the world. There is also a deck for a private yoga class.
A Minimum 2 week programme includes Yogic kriyas, asanas, Yoga nidra, Meditations & Pranayama, and special focus yoga sessions using art and music. The programme includes consultations with the Ayurveda & naturopathy doctors and Ayurvedic abhyanga massages for relaxing and rejuvenating the body. Meals are organic and locally sourced and/or grown on the property.
Alternatively, take a 22 day life changing Essential elements journey around India, and finish off at Swaswara for the ultimate experience
4. Ananda in the Himalayas
Ananda has been rated #1 Destination spa in the world, and it’s easy to see why. Ananda in the Himalayas is located in the Himalayan foothills, close to the holy cities of Haridwar and Rishikesh.
Ananda is the perfect location for a secluded retreat experience. With views of the Holy Ganga in the distance, this luxurious retreat combines the ancient philosophies of Ayurveda, Yoga and Vedanta with contemporary international therapies which enhance the experience and treatment.
Combine an evening in Haridwar and ganges experience for an unforgettable Himalaya experience.
3. Somatheerum – Kerala
Somatheerum is an award winning Ayurvedic property, in fact it’s the world’s 1st Ayurvedic resort. It may not be as luxurious as Ananda and Swaswara, however treatment is of a world class standard with reputable treatment and practioners’s.
Packages include Rejuvenation and body purification, Slimming programmes, stress management and Ayurveda anti-aging programmes.
2. Varanasi and Bodhgaya
I firmly believe that spending your time JUST in a retreat or an ashram for 2 weeks, you will miss a huge part of the Spiritual India experience. There is something deeper than the practices of Yoga, Meditation and Ayurveda that will be life changing. That is the experience of India and it’s people. I have sent many clients on retreats and tours of India. Those that have spent time in ashrams and retreats, and then have had an experience of Varanasi ad Bodhgaya + a B&B experience, have said the kindness of their hosts and the energy of these 2 places had impacted them on deeper level.
Varanasi is an ancient city and the holiest place for Hindus where Mother Ganga reigns supreme. Bodhgaya is a 6 hour drive or a short flight from Varanasi and is the place where Buddha attained enlightenment. This sacred place for Buddhists is steeped in history and you can get lost sitting under a descendant of the original Bodhi tree where Buddha attained nirvana.
1. A Wilderness Retreat experience: Himalaya Elements
There is a special mountain energy in the Himalayas that can’t be explained. It is said spiritual masters live in this region and move between dimensions. Although this tour is not a retreat in one place, it’s an experience of the elements.
Highlights include an overnight stay in Haridwar where you can take a dip in the Holy Ganges to cleanse your past karmas in your own private bathing area along the Ganges, enjoy the jungles of Corbett Tiger Reserve. If you are lucky, come eye to eye with a Royal Bengal Tiger while on safari – a moment not to forget. Then spend 2 nights at the secluded Vanghat Lodge, your own private
wilderness retreat where deer alarm calls can be heard while a tiger hunts for its next meal and enjoy morning walks along the river bed. Finish off the rest of your experience at Binsar Sanctuary, staying at a privately owned heritage Bed and Breakfast. Complete with your own cook and 180 degree views of the Western Himalayas –breathtaking! Take a pit stop in Nainital, a Himalayan lake town – the jewel of the Himalayas before heading back to Delhi. All of the properties are hand-picked for this unique experience.
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