About

Set amidst the serene Himalayan foothills of North India, Ananda in the Himalayas is a tranquil wellness retreat surrounded by lush Sal forests and overlooking the Ganga. Located near the spiritual cities of Haridwar and Rishikesh, the retreat occupies the former Palace Estate of the Maharaja of Tehri-Garhwal, extending across 100 acres of gardens, forests, and peaceful natural landscapes. The setting offers a rare opportunity to step away from everyday life and reconnect with the quiet rhythms of nature.

Ananda draws deeply from the spiritual and healing traditions of India, bringing together Ayurveda, Yoga, and Vedanta with contemporary international wellness practices. At its heart is the belief that lasting wellbeing comes through harmony between body, mind, and spirit. The retreat offers a holistic approach that extends beyond treatments, encouraging guests to reconsider their lifestyles, restore balance, and develop practices that can support wellbeing long after their stay.

Ayurveda is central to the Ananda experience, complemented by yoga, meditation, Vedanta, emotional healing, spiritual awareness, and a wide range of therapeutic practices. Personalized wellness programmes are designed around individual needs and may focus on areas such as nutrition, fitness, stress management, detox, weight management, and healthy ageing. An on-site Ayurvedic doctor and experienced therapists guide guests throughout their journey, while daily yoga, meditation, fitness sessions, and wellness activities provide opportunities for movement, reflection, and renewal.

The expansive spa is an integral part of the experience, with 24 treatment rooms, hydrotherapy facilities, and dedicated spaces for a broad range of traditional and contemporary therapies. Alongside Ayurvedic treatments, guests can explore experiences including massages, Reiki, body wraps, scrubs, and beauty rituals inspired by Indian traditions. Thoughtful rituals accompany many therapies, incorporating elements such as butter lamps, crystals, and Himalayan water cymbals to create a sense of calm and connection before each treatment.

Nutrition is another essential part of the Ananda philosophy. The wellness cuisine draws on Ayurvedic principles, taking individual body types or doshas into consideration alongside taste, nourishment, and balance. Menus feature fresh, seasonal, and locally sourced ingredients, with an emphasis on whole grains, fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and wholesome foods, while avoiding unnecessary artificial colours, flavours, preservatives, and excess salt.

From personalized Ayurvedic menus and detox programmes to weight-management and fitness-focused diets, Ananda’s culinary experience is designed to complement each guest’s wellness journey. Together with its natural setting, traditional healing wisdom, and contemporary wellness expertise, Ananda creates an immersive retreat where nourishment, movement, rest, and inner awareness come together in the peaceful landscape of the Himalayas.

Activities

• Yoga
• Yoga pavilion
• Meditation
• Vedanta classes
• Guided walks and Trekking
• Bird-watching
• Cooking classes
• Six-hole golf course
• Fitness centre
• Outdoor swimming pool
• Outdoor heated lap pool and jacuzzi
• Spa
• Sauna
• Kneipp foot bath
• Cold plunge pool
• Beauty salon
• White-water rafting
• Excursions to Rishikesh

Accommodation

Ananda offers 75 rooms, each featuring a private balcony overlooking either the historic palace grounds or the lush valley towards Rishikesh. The valley-view rooms are particularly appealing for their peaceful vistas and connection to the surrounding Himalayan landscape.

Accommodation ranges from comfortable guest rooms and spacious suites to private villas, with the villas offering the added luxury of a private pool and sauna. Extra beds are not available, so an additional room is required when accommodating extra guests

Location

Ananda is situated in the Himalayan foothills near Rishikesh, a city renowned as a centre of yoga and spirituality. The retreat can be reached by air, rail, or road, although travelling by car from Delhi takes approximately 5-7 hours depending on the traffic.

The most convenient option is to fly from Delhi to Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun, followed by an approximately 60-minute scenic drive through the Himalayan foothills to Ananda.