Top 5 Yoga Retreats in Rishikesh

Adventure seekers fighting the odds in the wild, white waves of the famous waterfall to which it lends its name. But waterfalls aside, Rishikesh is specifically known for peace, tranquility, and yoga.

Known as the yoga capital of the world, men and women, young and old, visit this mountainous terrain to expand their mind and set sail on a journey to unleash their hidden energy. The young visit the ancient city for adventure sport activities such as rock climbing, cliff jumping, camping, rafting, bungee jumping, and more.

Here are five places in Rishikesh that you can find both peace and tranquility.

1. Sivananda Ashram Yoga Retreat

Yoga requires constant attention to breathing and trainings unique to different schools. Typically, yoga is practiced by controlled relaxation of the body, proper diet, optimistic thinking, and proper breathing techniques.

Sivananda Ashram was founded by Acharya Vishnudevananda in the ’60s. Besides India, the Ashram has centers in Europe, South America, North America, Israel, and East Asia.

2. Parmarth Niketan

Parmarth Niketan is a yoga campus with more than 1,000 well equipped rooms for visitors. It offers yoga programs such as surya namaskara, Vedic chantings, prana asanas, karma yoga, and more.

Founded by Pujya Swami Shukdevanand Ji, and with more than 1,000 rooms, it’s said to be the largest yoga campus in the city. The clear waters of the Ganges, inspiring mountains, and beautiful terrain bring positive energy into your life.

Camps are conducted in lush green gardens endowed by nature. Visitors from all over the world participate in stress relief, acupressure, and numerous other ancient Indian sciences.

3. Patanjali International Yoga Foundation

A city established by ancient Hindu rulers, Pantanjali International Yoga Foundation connects the four great places of prominence in Hindu mythology (Badrinath, Kedarnath, Gangotri, and Yamunotri).

Patanjali is a famous yoga center founded by Baba Ramdev, a legendary yoga practitioner and social entrepreneur.

Baba Ramdev’s inspiration to stay away from the traditional route of yoga practitioners, was born out of the assumption that Ayurveda has lost track of time. Its pure essence was being diluted along the modern practices of yoga.

Baba Ramdev’s school follows the ancient texts of yoga such as Yoga Sutra, Hatha Yoga Pradipika, Gheranda Samhita, Shiva Samhita, and Srimad Bhagavad-Gita.

4. Phool Chatti Ashram

From the banks of the Yamuna river, Phool Chatti boasts of tradition that dates back more than 120 years. Chatti signifies the land of flowers and is located on mountainous terrain about three miles from Rishikesh’s transport hub.

Set in the tranquil hills away from the hustle and bustle of the city life, amidst chirping birds, and the fresh aromas of flowing water, the Phool Chatti Ashram is a place for those who wish to meditate in peace.

5. Anand Prakash Yoga Ashram

Founded by Yogachari Vishvketu and Chetana Panwar, the Anand Prakash Ashram offers a wide range of traditions in yoga such as Kirtan, meditation, pranayama, and more. 

Located in a Tapovan near Rishikesh, the ashram is nestled in the blessings of mother nature. An ancient technique better known as akhanda yoga is the primary learning course for seekers.

Rishikesh is a place that offers an a variety of activities to choose from, but the yoga retreats are what make it one of the most beautiful places on earth.