Ananda in the Himalayas

Situated on a 100-acre Maharaja's Palace Estate in the Himalayan foothills of Northern India, overlooking the sacred Ganges River and the spiritual town of Rishikesh, the retreat’s surrounding landscapes are as deeply healing as its holistic approach to wellness.

The core of Ananda’s philosophy is the seamless integration of traditional Indian wellness practices with contemporary therapies. Personalised programmes begin with a consultation with qualified Ayurvedic doctors to determine the guest’s dosha (body constitution). Treatments rooted in Ayurveda range from rejuvenating Abhyanga and Shirodhara to intensive, long-term Panchakarma detoxification. As the retreat is located near the birthplace of yoga, guests can attend daily Hatha yoga, Pranayama (breathing techniques) and meditation in serene, open-air pavilions, as well as Vedanta classes, which are spiritual discourses designed to foster mental clarity. 

Wellness Cuisine is central, with menus following Ayurvedic dietary principles and tailored to each guest's dosha. Meals are prepared with fresh, organic produce—some sourced from the on-site garden—and are entirely free of added salts, artificial colors, and preservatives.

Book the complimentary transfer for an evening visit to Rishikesh to witness the mesmerising Ganga Aarti ceremony on the banks of the sacred river. You can also travel light, as Ananda provides all guests with signature white cotton Kurta pyjamas to wear throughout their stay, encouraging a uniform sense of comfort and focus on inner well-being.

Dedicate time to the expansive 25,000 sq ft spa’s hydrotherapy circuit, which includes the Kneipp foot bath, sauna, steam rooms, and the cold plunge pool—excellent for boosting circulation and detox. Finally, be sure to explore the historic Viceregal Palace section of the estate. While only the Viceregal Suite is within the actual palace, the main building features historical rooms, such as the original Maharaja's billiards room, adding a touch of regal heritage to your stay.