Through the acceleration of globalisation, one of the most efficacious cultural exports that India had to offer to the world was Yoga. It has seeped into the world’s dynamics and established a firm place as an activity with incredible health benefits. The most fascinating aspect of yoga is that it has been popularized immensely through the years through globalisation and cultural revivalism. And while the past few months have been nerve-wracking and stress-inducing, as citizens of this country, we have the privilege of reaping the benefits of our cultural heritage. This article has listed some of the best yoga retreats you can visit to de-stress and recollect your thoughts.
Keeping in mind the measures of social distancing, one can attempt for a safe travel in the country and enjoy the tranquillity brought by yoga. Its perseverance signifies the prominence of culture in India and the astounding benefits and novelty associated with it. Hard evidence of Yoga’s origins date back to the Indus-Saraswati Valley civilization where fossils and seals from the period were found to have Yogic motifs and figures performing the Yoga Sadhana.
BEST YOGA DESTINATIONS IN INDIA
The term Yoga is derived from the Sanskrit root ‘Yuj’ which means ‘to join’ or ‘to unite’. The main purpose of Yoga is rooted in the subtle science of creating unity between the mind and the body. The traditions and attempts to preserve yoga has blossomed into the establishment of several yoga retreats in India. Serving as a haven for both Indians and foreigners, they offer an intensely spiritual experience.
Rajakkad Estate, Dindigul
Rajakkad Estate located near Dindigul in Tamil Nadu is a historic place-turned-boutique hotel. The general ambience of the place exudes the kind of tranquillity and peace that only a drop of a pin can break. Located within the thick coffee-plantations of the Western Ghats, the Estate is enveloped in a refreshing environment and a lush green landscape.
Moreover, one of the estate’s guiding philosophies is to cultivate an environment for good health and help people relish in the simplistic pleasures of life such as good food and clean air. In an attempt to uphold this philosophy, the estate has a yoga platform where people can practice yoga or even sit and meditate quietly. A yoga retreat to the estate would be incredibly beneficial for physical and mental health.
Shreyas, Bengaluru
Marked as one of the greatest yoga retreats in the world, Shreyas in Bengaluru spans over 25-acres of Yoga-centric bliss. The place provides a stay in one of their 12 understated and sublime cottages accompanied with great hospitality and skilful yoga sessions. Shreyas cultivates an aesthetic that brings you closer to nature.
Furthermore, the place is usually dappled in the shade of its environs and is lit up by the subtle flickers of the candle lamps post dusk. This serene resort provides great classes of yoga and encourages the act of mindfulness. Along with it, they even offer the facilities of an outdoor pool and a spa. The peace and reclusive atmosphere harboured by this place is what makes it so attractive to many yoga enthusiasts.
Anand Prakash Yoga Ashram, Rishikesh
Anand Prakash Yoga Ashram is an embodiment of the cultural exchange between the East and the West through Yoga. While located in Rishikesh, the Ashram is an uplifting yoga retreat for those who seek to practice Yoga in peace. Yogrishi Vishvketu co-founded this ashram in 2007 as a hub for Akhanda Yoga and a premise for Yoga Teacher Training (YTT) programs.
Moreover, this international village creates a community-centric living with YTT participants sharing rooms, libraries and sitting rooms. Further, the Ashram houses two expansive Yoga halls, a rooftop studio and a beautiful marble terrace. The vibrance of yoga, the delicious food and the impeccable teachers are what makes this Ashram stand out.
- Also Read: Best Places to Visit in Rishikesh
Amanbagh, Alwar
Amanbagh of Alwar, Rajasthan, is an exquisite sanctuary modelled after the rose-tinted Mughal architecture presiding in Jaipur. The sanctuary pays homage to the Golden Age of India and the historical landscapes across Rajasthan. The place almost feels anachronistic through its Medieval structures and thick and lush greenery sprawling across the land.
Being utterly serene in its environment, the place offers people a wide range of facilities to help soothe their mind and body. These include a wide range of therapies by wellness specialists and an in-house Further on, Ayurvedic physician that curates a Wellness Immersions program rooted in the knowledge of ancient healing philosophy. The yoga sessions and abhyanga massages at this yoga destination will surely cleanse your body and mind.
Raas Devigarh, Delwara
Raas Devigarh is a regal 18th-century palace near Udaipur that offers a wonderful Wellness program for its visitors. Known as the Relaxation Retreat, the program offers a holistic journey inwards with highly relaxing practices and activities. Their program emulates the Ayurveda Shastra that attempts to keep a person healthy and sound in mind and body through the massages they provide.
Furthermore, the detoxification and alleviation of stress through these programs is extremely blissful. Along with this, the yoga retreat offers Yoga practices such as Pranayama and Asanas for strengthening the foundation of the person’s well-being. A stay at Raas Devigarh is not just inclusive in terms of health benefits but it offers great food, decent hospitality and a day trip to Udaipur given its location.
Siddharth Yoga Seva Ashram, Varanasi
Varanasi is a popular destination for pilgrims given its holy significance. The high temperatures of the town and the vistas that make up of the burning ghats captures the true essence of the place. Further on, as arresting as the place may be in its beauty, one of the significant experiences Varanasi offers is through the Siddharth Yog Seva Ashram. Yoga is immensely helpful in beating the heat of the place and creating a sound connection between the mind and body.
Yogi Siddharth’s classes on Yoga upon the Ganges-facing terrace is a beautiful experience indeed. The fruit of excellent teaching in Yoga is to finally know the wonders your body is capable of. Amidst the beautiful landscape of Varanasi, one can’t help but feel aligned with nature during yoga sessions in this yoga destination.
- Also Read: Yoga and Meditation in Varanasi
Hilton Shillim Estate Retreat & Spa, Pune
Hilton Shillim Estate Retreat & Spa of Pune believes in the cultivation of the spirit that celebrates life to its fullest. The place offers a wide range of wellness activities beyond its chic villas, lovely bars and restaurants, and an outdoor pool. Moreover, aiming to harbour the truest essence of a yoga retreat, this place is a great place to stay in – if you wish to engage peacefully and have fun socially with friends or a partner.
For its wellness programs, the place has a beautiful yoga pavilion, a meditation cave, a salon, a relaxation centre and 17 treatment rooms with an exquisite blend of ancient spiritual and philosophical wisdom with international techniques that provide a much-needed respite from the hustle of the city.
Ramamani Iyengar Memorial Yoga Institute, Pune
The Ramamani Iyengar Memorial Yoga Institute of Pune serves as the heart and soul of late Guru BKS Iyengar. The legacy of his teachings which is a form of Iyengar Yoga has been taken up by his daughter Geeta and his son Prashant in their daily drop-in classes. The yoga destination has been lauded by Indian yogic pilgrims for the assiduous nature of yoga that is taught here. Guru BKS Iyengar founded the institute in 1975 and developed a version of yoga out of ancient techniques that have now become his legacy.
Furthermore, the institute is very inclusive in its class structures as it offers courses to beginners, intermediates, advanced yoga practitioners and even special classes for women, children and those ailing from medical problems. It doesn’t solely believe in devolving knowledge through practice and houses a library that touches upon subjects like philosophy, human anatomy, physiology, modern medicine, Ayurveda and yoga.
Aashyana Lakhanpal, Goa
Aashyana Lakhanpal is located within the bustling environment of Candolim but it stands separated in time and space. It is one of Goa’s hidden gems owned by the Indian entrepreneur Ajai Lakhanpal. The villa comes attached with a sprawling yoga pavilion, extensive spa facilities, and delicious platters of food. Moreover, its Yoga Pavilion rests upon a one-acre garden. The garden serves as an ideal spot to engage in yoga activities, dance workshops and meditation.
A visit to Goa is riddled with rave parties, beach hopping and exploration of cuisines. But you can flip the coin, to experience the tranquillity that Goa has to offer at this yoga destination. Enjoy the experience of the villa and find recluse in the yoga practices of the day.
Little Cove Yoga Retreat, Goa
The Little Cove Yoga Retreat in Canacona, Goa, is a delicate blend of ancient India and modern India. The yoga retreat comes with a beautiful location that opens up to the beach. It also provides a wonderful stay at their cosy beachfront cottages. The cottages offer free Wifi and activities of Yoga and the experience of Ayurvedic massages.
Furthermore, set under the coconut palm trees, the place will take your breath away. The tranquil vibe of the place and the immersive activities make it an ideal place for some solo time. Along with the optimal yoga programs, the place arranges activities of fishing and dolphin-watching as well. Despite its solitary ambience, the place remains in touch with the spirit of Goa as well.
