Yoga is not a work-out, it is a work-in. And this is the point of spiritual practice; to make us teachable; to open up our hearts and focus our awareness so that we can know what we already know and be who we already are. A practice that had its first roots planted 1700 years ago, Yoga finds some of its most earnest practices in India. Whether it is a rustic, soulful ashram experience or a tranquil luxurious oasis, here, we introduce you to the 13 best Yoga retreats in India.
Vana, Dehradun
The Retreat’s neutral coloured walls are seen amidst its trees and orchards, with pebbled paths and stone walls cutting through, and bamboo groves gently swaying. Vana’s spaces are sometimes vast but always humble, seeking to evoke a sense of wellbeing. Held together by its skilful team, the experiences at Vana reflect its sincere intentions and generosity. At Vana, the private living spaces bring together various elements of our design philosophy: contemporary aesthetics, bespoke and natural materials, exceptional comfort, thoughtful lighting, design and simplicity. The 66 rooms and 16 suites on the estate look into the Sal forest or our gardens and fruit orchards, all with balconies or terraces.
The cool glass-walled yoga pavilion in the shade of its surrounding sal forest, to the staggeringly decadent meals served in its Scandinavian-inspired dining area, is an experience to experience!
Where: Mussoorie Road, Dehradun
Call: 01353541111, 80060 00945
The Haveli Hari Ganga, Haridwar
The Haveli Hari Ganga Hotel seeps in the rich history and traditions of Haridwar, Uttrakhand. Considered one of the holiest places in India, The Haveli Hari Ganga Hotel is a royal residence with exquisite courtyards, Set bang on the banks of the holy River Ganges. Built in 1913 for the personal guests of the royal family, this Haridwar hotel was the personal residence of Maharaja of Pilibhit which now serves as the perfect hideaway for devotees visiting Haridwar.
Sink into The Haveli Hari Ganga’s private bathing area instead. Morning yoga is instructed in a serene studio adjacent to the holy currents, with a havan, or fire blessing, to follow.
Where:21 Pilibhit House, Ramghat, Haridwar
Call: 7500263336, 01334226443
Ananda In The Himalayas
Ananda in the Himalayas is India’s first destination spa hotel in the Himalayan foothills, close to the mythological cities of Haridwar and Rishikesh, surrounded by tranquil Sal forest near to the mighty Ganges. Consistently ranked in the Top 10 spa hotels of the world, this wonderful resort offers peaceful solitude whilst surrounded by luxury. Whilst the focus of Ananda is as a wellness retreat the hotel caters to all and they welcome guests who just wish to come and enjoy the beautiful surroundings, local temples, golf, excellent food and wines.
The yoga pavilion has inspiring views across the valley below and the heated swimming pool is also a perfect place to relax at in a climate that is ideal almost year-round. Ananda offers special workshops throughout the year with a program of visiting masters in different disciplines of wellness. From yogis to therapists, Chinese medical practitioners, life coaches, craniosacral therapists to many types of healers from around the globe.
Where: The Palace Estate, Narendra Nagar, Uttarakhand
Call: 01161210000
Amanbagh, Alwar
With its ancient forts and tiger-inhabited wilds, Rajasthan is renowned for its beauty, nowhere more concentrated than in the Aravalli Hills in the garden oasis that is Amanbagh. Once the staging area for royal tiger hunts, today the rose-hued cupolas and vaulted entrances of the resort’s Mughal-inspired structures soar from the greenery – utterly peaceful and consummately private.
Amanbagh’s bespoke program of movement and meditation is designed to offer those new to yoga a comprehensive introduction and to enhance the practice and understanding of more experienced yogis. Created for those familiar with the practice, the Advanced Yoga Retreat aims to deepen each participant’s technique. All the aspects of yoga – physical, mental, emotional and spiritual – will be explored in this comprehensive study of ancient philosophy.
Where: Amanbagh Resort, Ajabgarh, Rajasthan
Call: 01465223333, 9828166737
Raas Devigarh, Delwara
RAAS Devigarh is a quiet oasis, a 45-minute drive from Udaipur, which allows you to rest in peace and enjoy the swimming pool, hot tub, gardens, fitness centre, spa and delightful views. The 18th-century palace is an outstanding heritage property that is responsibly updated, eco-minded, and environmentally conscious. Devigarh showcases an array of decorative styles and tranquil landscaped gardens.
Raas Devigarh serves up transformative experiences through personalized care, guidance and a multi-dimensional wellness approach. Their expertise draws from Ayurveda, Yoga, Sowa Rigpa, and meditation practices.
Where: NH8, Near Eklingji Temple, Delwara, Udaipur
Call: 02912636455, 8094715421, 9587022952
Ashyana Lakhanpal, Goa
Tucked away behind the busy village of Candolim, Aashyana Lakhanpal is one of Goa’s best-kept secrets owned by Indian entrepreneur Ajai Lakhanpal, brings a slice of contemporary western chic to the coast of India.
Nestled in a sprawling one-acre garden, the Yoga Pavilion at Aashyana Lakhanpal is ideal for yoga, meditation or dance workshops. Aashyana Lakhanpal’s cluster of 10 villas in a coconut grove on Candolim Beach is geared towards relaxation.
Where: Aashyana Lakhanpal, Escrivao Vaddo, Candolim, Bardez, Goa
Call: 8322489276, 9822488672
Little Cove Yoga Retreat, Goa
Little Cove Yoga Holiday Retreat Goa is a breathtaking beach-front yoga resort set under the coconut palm trees on Cola Beach in South Goa. This exclusive resort offers stunning single or double eco-friendly cottages, to ensure an optimally tranquil yoga experience.
From organic vegetarian Indian meals, catering to special diets, and complimentary cooking classes to Ayurvedic massages and treatments while dolphin-watching and fishing are some of the exotic experiences offered. Retreat into the world of Little Cove for a yoga holiday, yoga teacher training program, yoga retreat, or resort rental.
Where: Little Cola Beach, Canacona, South Goa
Call: 7875231613, 9405370336
Swaswara CGH Earth, Goa
Situated on Om beach, there is little, apart from the rhythm of the rolling waves and the meditative hum of birdsong, to disturb your inner explorations. Situated a little away from the village of Gokarna, nestling amidst rolling hills and lined by serene coconut palms are 24 villas that invite you to revel in the open and green spaces that have been created within the confines of your walls. These afford privacy, yet open up to the skies and exposes nature in its full bounty to the senses. A yoga deck on the second level offers spectacular views of the countryside and ocean while also serving as a perfect nook for Yoga practices.
Crafted in colours of the Earth, and in harmony with the land that nurtures her, SwaSwara is designed for holistic and transformational experiences; a space where the ancient wisdom of Ayurveda and Yoga embrace you to rejuvenate body and spirit.
Where: Om Beach, Gokarna, Goa
Call: 9513320363, 8386257851
Soukya, Bengaluru
Escape to our 30 acre Organic Farm to restore your body’s natural balance of mind body and spirit. This first-of-its-kind healing sanctuary practises an integrative treatment approach that integrates different traditional, time-tested and natural systems of medicine like Ayurveda, Homeopathy, Yoga & Naturopathy and other Complementary Therapies.
Yoga is instructed in a shimmering glass-mosaicked hall, with an inspired choice of soothing chanting. At SOUKYA, our focus is on health promotion, early intervention and treatment of illness. We offer a wide range of Wellness programs that help cleanse, de-stress, soothe and revitalize the mind, body and spirit.
Where: Soukya Road, Samethanahalli, Whitefield, Bangalore
Call: 08028017000, 9845374400, 9686204429
Taj Madikeri Resort & Spa, Coorg
Lose yourself in a 180-acre rainforest in its most pristine form. Amongst hills peppered with more than 200 species of plants including rudraksha trees, cardamom, coffee, wild jasmine and eucalyptus. And find yourself again in an environment so natural, you merge with the 180-acre rainforest in its most pristine form. Amongst hills peppered with more than 200 species of plants including rudraksha trees, cardamom, coffee, wild jasmine and eucalyptus. And find yourself again in an environment so natural,
Jiva Spa offers Trataka and a sublime 50-minutes of Yoga Nidra—sleeping yoga—alongside its selection of dynamic or gentle asana classes. A vision of rolling hills. Misty mornings. Easy sunsets and sunrises compel you to awake early and retire early, sum up the entire Taj Madikeri experience.
Where: 1st Monnangeri, Galibeedu Post , Madikeri, Coorg
Call: 08272265900
Rajakkad Estate, Dindigul
It is a world to be found in the lush forests, the coffee estates and the grandeur of the Palani Hills. Pallam Palace is the house that sits at the heart of the old Rajakkad plantation. A small garden hotel with 7 unique bedrooms within an 18th-century wooden structure that perfectly expresses its rich architectural heritage. Rakakkad Estate is where full rest and the quiet simplicity of fresh food and clean air are at the heart of your thinking.
A stone construction of polished black oxide perched upon a rocky escarpment in the garden, beautiful and enclosed by a rich planting of flowering trees, bamboos and palms, is the Yoga platform- a unique place to spend time on a yoga practice amidst tranquility at its best!
Where: Rajakkad Estate,C/o Palani Hills Gardens Hotel Pvt Ltd, Perumparai Post, Manjelparappu Branch Office, Dindigul, Tamil Nadu
Call: 9487444333, 8973444555
Niraamaya Retreats Suryavilas, Solan
Quietly nestled on the misty Himalayan slopes of Solan, Niraamaya Retreats Suryavilas is a sublime spot of breath-taking views and bespoke opulence. Experience nature at its untouched best. Spread across a sweeping stretch of 15 acres, this Niraamaya Retreat in Solan is home to 36 exquisite rooms and 18 luxury glamping cottages that provide a breath-taking view of the mountains.
Days at Niraamaya Retreats Suryavilas slide by with hypnotic serenity. Punctuate them with yoga: an invigorating session at sunrise, combining a variety of Ayurvedic therapies, yoga, and Pranayama.
Where: Gandhigram, Kumarhatti-Nahan Road District Solan, Himachal Pradesh
Call: 06364123461, 08045104510
Purity, Kerala
Purity is a magnificent lakefront villa hotel in an outstanding location, overlooking the peaceful waters of lake Vembanad at its widest point. Overlooking Lake Vembanad with its palm-fringed shores, the Purity offers many authentic experiences including yoga and Ayurveda. The bright and spacious rooms with their handcrafted contemporary yet vernacular design stage a dialogue between the past and the present, showcased by a curated collection of regional art and antiques.
Morning yoga sessions provide a gentle introduction to the day. Then you can go to the lake-side pool, indulge in an Ayurvedic massage treatment, discover the surroundings by boat, bicycle, or tuk-tuk, attend a cooking class and enjoy the sunset over a canoe ride on the lake. The Purity kitchen serves creative cuisine with authentic Keralan flavours.
Where: East of Muhamma Police Station, Muhamma P.O, Alleppey, 688525 Mararikulam
Call: 04842216666