Rishikesh - Top Ashrams for Yoga and Meditation, Healthy Living

Rishikesh - Top Ashrams for Moksha & Yoga and Meditation

India has a rich spiritual history and the spiritual connections have lasted over centuries make India a world-famous tourist destination for peace seekers. There is lots of luxurious meditation and spa centre with variety of services are available across the country to suit to your requirements but if you are looking for a serene place where you can meditate in a calm and disciplined environment Rishikesh is the best of ever.

The spiritual atmosphere in this religious destination is invigorating and brings you close to attainment of salvation (Moksha). Rishikesh, located in the Himalayan foothills, is the one of the most frequently visited Hindu pilgrimage. Numerous ashrams and retreat centers are sprawling all over the city. It is an apt destination for meditation learning and practice. The lonely banks of holy River Ganges and the nearby serene forests in the surrounding of Rishikesh in Himalayas, is enriched as the natural seat for good meditation, yoga and Moksha eventually.

Why you must Stay Rishikesh - Ashrams?

Rishikesh, is one of the most popular destinations for yoga in India and well known as “yoga capital of India”. There are numerous ashrams, and numerous styles of yoga and meditation are taught here by ancient times. A few yoga and meditation ashrams in India that offers yoga and meditation in amicable and harmonious surroundings but the “yoga capital of India” Rishikesh is offer a chance to go deeper into spiritual practice away from the distractions of outside world. Most of the yoga ashrams provides with proper accommodation with food facilities here.

Daily practice of Vinayasa Yoga, Hatha Yoga and Yoga Nidra remains the integral part of the course. Activities like morning universal prayers, Meditation classes, daily lectures and discussions, world-renowned Ganga aarti at sunset are attended by hundreds of devotees’ every day. Nature cure and Ayurveda treatment and training are also part of daily activities. Many courses are offered at the center from time to time courses offered Stress free living, self development leadership, Time and task management, Building interpersonal relationship, Rajyoga meditation, Overcoming anger and ego.

What is unique in “Rishikesh - Ashrams ?

Rishikesh is one of the most popular destinations for yoga in India is a hub of numerous ashrams and yoga & meditation centers that provide yoga classes in and around the beautiful and tranquil surroundings of Rishikesh too many students. Yoga enthusiasts from different parts of the world visit this sacred place to learn the major yoga styles and perform the same, on the banks of the holy Ganges River in the foothills of the Himalayan Mountains. Truly known as the International capital of Yoga and Meditation, it offers tempting places like the Vashishtha Cave, where Sage Vashishth is believed to have meditated. Transcendental meditation can also be thought of by the most sacred Ganga Ghats, where the famous Aarti (prayer songs) is performed every morning and evening.

Top 10 Ashrams of Rishikesh - Must Visit

 We have done the below rating based on True user experiences. Author have visited all Ashrams in Rishikesh specially in Muni Ki Reti Area, The rating elements where Silence, Peace, Low Cost, Meditation Opportunities, Greenery, Ganga View. Hence the below ratings are provided.

Vanprastha Ashram -Rishikesh - No -1 

Famous For: - Trust being run on No Profit bases, Large Area of Garden, 2 BHK Flats with Kitchen at very cheap costs Provides Complete Isolation in contrast to Hustle Bustle of Next Door Parmarth Niketan, Most Rooms have Ganga View

Location: - Next to Famous Parmarth Niketan, Opposite - Muni ki Reti

Accommodation - Parmarth niketan ashram in Ram Jhula is good, but could be expensive. Next to Parmath Niketan is Vanprastha Ashram, where One or Two Bed Room furnished Accommodation with fully furnished Kitchen is available only at Rs 500/- per night (15 $), The Vanprashtha Ashram has very big Garden and very peaceful as well as quite. Some of the Features of the Vanprastha Ashram

• Less Crowd & Very Peaceful

• Better Maintained

• You are not forced to attend the Rituals/Aarti

• Very gentle staff

• Main Doors Closes at 10:00 PM

Geeta Bhawan Ashram - Rishikesh - No 2

Famous For :- Affiliated to Geeta Press, Managed By Basant Birla, Geeta Store, Extremly Divine, Great Holy Satvik Food,

Location: - Situated On the bank of ganga river, Next to Vanprastha, Parmarth and swarg ashrams.

Geeta bhawan Ashrams

Visiting Gita Ashram is a must, It is central Hub of City, In and around Near Gita Ashram visitors can explore various other places of interest including restaurants, shops and other establishments.

Gita Bhawan is situated on the banks of the holy river Ganges, amidst the Himalayan Mountains at Swargashram, Rishikesh.

Accommodation: Geeta Bhawan consists of a very large complex comprising discourse halls and over 1000 rooms available free of charge for the stay of devotees. Regular discourses are organized. A large number of devotees visit and stay here for holy Ganges dip, listening to discourses and sadhana & meditation.

During the summer months (end -April to early-July), day-long special Satsang programs are arranged and devotees flock in thousands to attend it.

Geeta Press Store

For the convenience of the devotees, simple vegetarian food, kitchen & grocery items and Indian sweets are available at very moderate price. Other conveniences include Laxmi-Narayan Tample, free ferry boat service, Gita Press book shop, cloth shop, Ayurvedic department, etc. Saints are provided free food and cloth.

In the Ayurvedic department, medicines are prepared according to scriptures from Himalayan herbs using Ganges water. They are distributed by the free dispensary and are available for sale also.

Ancient Banyan Tree in Geeta Bhawan

The ancient Banyan tree within the complex deserves mention. It has been a site for penance of various saints like Swami Ramtirth. Presently, the tree and the surrounding woods on the banks of the Ganges, offer many quiet and peaceful spots for sadhana and meditation. Two well-built bathing-ghats in front of Gita Bhawan 1 and 3 provide young and old, the opportunity for a holy dip in the Ganges.

Vedniketan Ashram - Rishikesh - No 3

Famous For: - Peaceful environs, Very Low Cost & Excellent Location, Free Yoga Classes

Location: - Next to Vanprastha Ashram - Opp Muni ki Ret Area

VedNiketan_Ashram rishikesh

Just 15-20 meters from Parmarth Niketan, there is VedNiketan Ashram, Ashram boasts of very big Garden, Space with a big yoga hall.

Accommodation: Charges are very nominal for Rs 100 to 150 per day (4-5$) depending on attached or shared bath with a single bed and fan. Morning and evening yoga classes are free for those who stay at the ashram and also there is a 2 hour lecture on weekdays by a very knowledgeable swami on spirituality, yoga, kundalini and a lot of other subjects. A donation when you are leaving the ashram is expected for the lecture, but not compulsory.

Parmarth Niketen Ashram - Rishikesh - No 4

Famous for: - Yoga Classes, Evening Ganga Aarti & Spiritual Rituals like Sanskaras, Mundan, Sacred Thread, Marriage, Ash

Immersion etc

Location: - 100 meters from Ram Jhula - Muni Ki Reti

Accommodation: Parmarth Niketen is run under the able guidance of H.H. Swami Chidanand Saraswatiji. It is one of the top yoga centers & one of the biggest ashram in India and the . Parmarth Niketan is a  spiritual haven, lying on the holy banks of Mother Ganga in the lap of the lush Himalayas. It is the largest ashram in Rishikesh, providing its thousands of pilgrims who come from all corners of the Earth with a clean, pure and sacred atmosphere as well as abundant, beautiful gardens. With over 1,000 rooms, the facilities are a perfect blend of modern amenities and traditional, spiritual simplicity.

Parmarth  Niketan   -  Ganga Arti

It has more than 1,000 rooms which you cab avail on a "donation" basis from 300 rupees per person, per day, depending on the standard of accommodations and Ganga view. Two yoga classes and three meals daily are included in the price. The ashram runs an extensive program of beginner yoga, Vedic heritage and spirituality, and teacher training courses. Outsider

Visitors are welcome to attend daily classes by giving a donation.

About Beginner Foundation Yoga Course in Parmarth Niketen Ashram

This 10 day / 2 week Beginner Foundation Yoga program for individuals with no yoga experience includes prayers, pranayama, Surya Namaskar, traditional hatha yoga basic asana, Vedic Chanting, Karma Yoga and question / answer session.  Each day concludes with Ganga Havan and Aarti at sunset.

Morning    

6:30-7:00am    Prayers, Pranayama

7:00-8:00am    Loosening Practices, Surya Namaskaras, Yoga Asana

8:30-9:00am    Breakfast in Silence

10:00-10:45am    Vedic Chanting

10:45-11:45am    Question/Answer Session

11:45am-12:30pm    Shrama Daana

1:00-1:30pm    Lunch in silence

Afternoon    

4:00-5:00pm    Yoga Asana

Evening    

6:30-7:30pm    Aarti (musical offerings to Mother Ganga) (Mandatory)

Sivananda Ashram - No 5

Famous For: - Free Yoga Classes, Free Food and Accommodation. Ideal place for Sadhana (spiritual practice) and swadhyaya (study). Ashram has its spiritual air. Casual visitors with no spiritual motive are not encouraged to stay in the Ashram.

Location   : - Muni-Ki-Reti, Rishikesh is 225 km by road north-north-east of Delhi on the Delhi-Badrinath National Highway. Sivananda Ashram is 3 km from Rishikesh, on the way to Badrinath. This region is known as 'Devabhoomi,' region of gods, and the area around the Ashram as Muni-Ki-Reti. Rishikesh is 24 km from the well-known pilgrim centre, Haridwar, and 45 km from Dehra-Dun, the capital of the state of Uttarakhand.

Top Yoga centre in Sivananda Ashram

Another of India's top yoga centers, Sivananda Ashram was founded by Swami Sivananda and is run by the Divine Life Society. Teachings are based around the five points of yoga -- postures, breathing, relaxation, meditation, and diet. Free yoga and meditation classes are offered daily. However, accommodations (which are also provided free of charge, along with food) are only available to serious spiritual seekers who need to apply at least a month in advance. The ashram is located 3 kilometers from Rishikesh, on the way to Badrinath.

sivananda-ashram-Rishikesh- India

The Ashram being a Charitable Organization and Monastery, the guests, visitors and devotees are not charged for accommodation and food. However any Voluntary Donation / Love Offering to carry on with the Society's charitable activities are gratefully accepted.

The setting of Ashram is so alluring and capturing that all physical and mental ailments are forgotten for a moment, Added to this the Ashram is a most Holy Pilgrimage Spot for Spiritual Seekers, Devotees of Gurudev Swami Sivanandaji Maharaj and lovers of God from all over the world. In Ashram live a band of dedicated Sanyasins, Monks and Seekers after Truth trained by the Great Master Sri Swami Sivanandaji, for service to the Humanity. The Sivananda ashram is known for Saints and Sages of yore and tangible Spiritual Vibration.

Swarg Ashram - Rishikesh - No 6

Swargashram is the oldest ashram in Rishikesh, the precedent of such popular ashrams as Shivananda ashram, Yog Niketan, Parmarth and others. Swargashram is the yoga ashram from where the whole Hrishikesh started. And, we are sitting in the very center of this holy place.

Swarg Ashram takes up the whole area between Ram Jhula and Laxman Jhula. Swarg Ashram offers us two buildings – Akash Ganga and Dani Kothi.

Akash Ganga is a guesthouse with a canteen and a yoga hall. Dani Kothi is an administrative building with a dining hall that can also be used as a lecture hall.

Why Name Swarg Ashram

As the name connotes, it is a beautiful place situated in picturesqe surroundings at the foothills of Himalayas. On the left bank of the Ganges between Rishikesh and Laxmanjhula, Swarg Ashram is the spiritual "ground zero” of Rishikesh, filled with a concentration of ashrams and temples. The areas is known for its healthly and satvic living environment. It is this spot from ages of yore the famous Yogis and Rishis have been performing Tapasya. Numerous mentions of this spot occurs in the holy scripture Puranas.

Establishment of Swarag Ashram Rishikesh

Swami Atma Prakash, was the first yogi to come to the area. He established the Swarg Ashram Trust whose aim is to provide all the facilities for spiritual benefit of all religious-minded peoples for the purpose of following a path of renunciation and devotion.

Most of the lodging and business on the left bank, and Tattvaa Yoga Shala are leasers and participate in the below activities of the Swarg Ashram Trust

There are a hundred of living spaces built where Sadhus and Mahatmas are lodged free of charge - At the free Kitchen; food is given to Saints, Mahatmas and the poor in the morning and evening every day.

In the library, a good collection of moral religious and cultural books are maintained with a reading room.

In the hospital, free treatment is given to all Saints and Mahatmas and pilgrims. The medicines are prepared with purest Himalayan herbs by the doctors

Tree-planting- As it is good Punya-Karma to have mango trees planted in this sacred Himalayan region, every year several thousand mango trees are planted and maintained according to the wishes the dons in the Ashram.

Sanskrit Vidyalaya - School where free Vedic Education and food is provided to poor students.

Modern School - Primary and Secondary Schools providing education in English & Hindi to the local children

Goshala - Ashram maintains a Goshala for the benefit to Sadhus.

Tattvaa Yogashala is proud to be a consistent, contributor to the Swarg Ashram Trust. A part of all proceeds go towards the Swarg Ashram goals.

Omkarananda Ganga Sadan - No 7

Famous For :- Iyengar yoga classes, Patanjali Yoga Kendra yoga center, Owns Ghat, Daily Ganga Aarti, Reasonable Room rates

Location: - Muni Ki Reti

Omkarananda Ganga Sadan is a beautiful Guest House of Omkarananda Ashram Himalayas at Rishikesh (Muni-ki-Reti), right at the bank of the holy river Ganga.

With the blessings of Gurudev Paramahamsa Omkarananda Saraswati, a beautiful Yoga Centre, the prestigious Patanjala Yoga Kendra, has been established in Omkarananda Ganga Sadan, where Yoga is taught according to the methods of the world-famous Yogacharya B.K.S. Iyengar by the Resident Instructor Usha Devi.

Ashram was established in 1993 on the banks of the Holy River Ganges in Rishikesh, the world capital of Yoga. The method of Yoga that is taught is Iyengar Yoga, as developed and taught by Shri Guruji, B.K.S. Iyengar, the world-famous Yoga Teacher. Guruji's method is firmly based in the ancient Indian tradition of Yoga as defined in the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali. Usha Devi is the resident Yoga Instructor.

About Iyengar Yoga

Iyengar Yoga teaches strength and stamina, flexibility and balance, concentration and meditation. Iyengar Yoga begins with physical awareness, but goes beyond to embrace emotional and spiritual growth. As students learn to extend consciousness to each part of their bodies, they experience a concentrated focus on the moment. In time, this concentrated focus (Pratyahara) becomes an integral part not just of a yoga practice, but of daily life.

Omkarananda Public Ghat

The Omkarananda Public Ghat covers a large area in front of and adjacent to Omkarananda Ganga Sadan. It is built out of glittering, shining white marble.

This beautiful Ghat is always kept neat and clean and is a delight to the eye. It provides an easy approach to the holy Ganga. Daily offerings of prayers (with Arati and flowers) to the holy Ganga enhance the pious and peaceful atmosphere of the Ghat.

Sadhana Mandir and Swami Rama Sadhaka Grama Ashram - No 8

Famous for: - Meditation, Self- Transformation, Science of Joyful Living, silence retreats, the art of living, Spiritual guidance, sankirtan.

Location: - The ashram is located on Virbhadra Road, just below Hotel Ganga Kinare

Accommodation: The ashram offers single, double, and dormitory accommodation. Rooms have two beds and an attached bath. Dormitories have four beds per room with an attached bath (men and women separate). Please specify if you cannot climb stairs. Single occupancy is limited and may be unavailable for some programs.  Three delicious vegetarian meals are served daily.

Founded in 1966 on the banks of the Ganges in Rishikesh, India, Sadhana Mandir Trust was established by Swami Rama as an international retreat center for sincere aspirants to practice meditation in a spiritually elevating environment. Away from the hustle and bustle of Rishikesh, nestled in the foothills of the Himalayas, Sadhana Mandir is located on the banks of the holy river Ganges. Surrounded by beautiful flowering gardens, mango trees and a lotus pond, a quiet and serene atmosphere permeates the ashram making it ideal for sadhana.

Sanskriti Yogpeeth

Sanskriti Yogpeeth is relatively new and modern -- it was founded in 2010 -- and is located in the happening Swarg Ashram area. Rather than being a typical ashram, it markets itself as a "yoga hotel". There are 21 rooms with attached bathrooms, hot water, and even room service! Expect to pay $400 per person for one week, single occupancy, with all meals provided. On offer are daily Hatha yoga classes (morning and evening), seven or 15 day yoga retreats, Indian dance and classical music, philosophy of Yoga, and Ayurvedic massage.

Yoga Niketen

Yoga Niketan was foundecd by Swami Yogeshwaranand Paramahans. The teachings of this ashram, which is located in the Muni-Ki-Reti area of Rishikesh, are based solely on eight fold path as per the Patanjali yoga shastra. The ashram requires a minimum stay of 15 days for any of its courses. However, it also has a commercially run guesthouse that's available for shorter stays, and guests can attend daily classes at the ashram. Room rates start from 500 rupees a day, per person, for Indians and 900 rupees a day for foreigners.

Swami Dayananda Ashram - No 9

This ashram was established during the 1960s by Swami Dayananda Saraswati, an internationally recognized teacher of Vedanta and scholar of Sanskrit. It's located in picturesque surroundings; around 10 minutes walk from the Ram Jhula area. Regular residential courses are conduced there, with focus on Bhagavad Gita and the ten principal Upanishads. Vedic chanting is also taught during the courses. In addition, visiting teachers conduct Iyengar yoga retreats (suitable for beginners and intermediate students) at the ashram. The ashram has more than 150 rooms with attached bathrooms. However, accommodations are provided for course students only. The ashram doesn't run a guesthouse.

Phool Chatti

Meaning "Land of Flowers", Phool Chatti ashram was founded in the late 1800s (yes, it's more than 120 years old) and is located a peaceful 5 kilometers upriver from Laxman Jhula. The ashram is renowned for its frequent seven day yoga and meditation program. The teachings are different from many others as they focus on the full spectrum of the yogic path and ashram life, not just asanas (postures). Students will get to experience meditation, breathing (pranayama), cleansing, chanting, mauna (silence), pooja (worship), kirtan (sacred singing), and other important aspects of the yogic path. There are opportunities for meditative walks amongst nature as well

Anand Prakash Ashram - No 10

Anand Prakash Ashram was founded in 2007 by husband and wife team Chetana Panwar (a Canadian woman) and Yogirishi Vishvketu (who's studied Hatha and Raja yoga and the Vedic healing arts, in northern India since childhood). They offer their own style of yoga called Akhanda Yoga, which has holistic, non-sectarian teachings. Emphasis is on balanced sequencing of asana, pranayama, relaxation, mantra and meditation, as well as discussions and readings on the yogic lifestyle and yoga philosophy. Stays at the ashram including yoga, accommodations, and meals are from 700 rupees ($15) per person, per night.

There are 18 rooms, and a minimum three night’s stay is required. Yoga classes for non-residents are 150 rupees for afternoon classes and 200 rupees for morning classes. The ashram also runs 200 hour and 500 hour Yoga Teacher Training programs. It's located in the Tapovan area.

Osho GangaDham Ashram - No 11

The Osho GangaDham ashram is situated on the Ganges River at Brahampuri, around 10 minutes drive from the Laxman Jhula area on Badrinath Road. Various types of Osho Active Meditation practices are taught at the ashram, and meditation camps are offered throughout the year. Alternatively, you can simply listen to discourses, or do nothing but relax there.

The history of Yoga/ Meditation

Very few of you know that Yoga was first described in Katha Upanishad (Hindu Scripture 400 BCE) as a “steady control on senses.” In ancient India, it was considered a means to attain everlasting peace of mind. It is believed that Yoga postures were used even during the Indus Valley Civilization and the same is also mentioned in the Indian text like Upanishads, Bhagvad Gita, and Mokshdharma around 500-200 BCE. Mentions about yoga can also be found in the Mahabharata in the form of words like “Bhakti Yoga,” “Karma Yoga,” and “Gyan Yoga.”

Best Season for Visit Rishikesh

Best season for the vacations in the rishikesh is (December - May) winter and summer season. This is the best time for rafting in the white water of the Ganga River and enjoys the winter sports in Rishieksh.

Festivals in Rishikesh

The International Yoga Festival, Basant Panchami, Science Festival are some of the festivals which celebrates in Rishikesh. The International yoga festival is the main festival of Rishikesh because as a Rishikesh is a Yoga Center of the Indian state. Where, Basant Panchami is celebrates in the Mussoorie in respect to Goddess Saraswati Devi and for welcoming the summer season