Top 8 places for yoga in rishikesh

Rishikesh in Uttarakhand is the yoga capital of the world. The Beatles popularized it in 1968, and it became the most sought-after destination for learning and practicing yoga. Yoga has been taught here for decades. Rich with Vedic spiritual history and yogic ashrama culture, Rishikesh is home to Hatha Yoga, Shivananda Yoga and Vinyasa Yoga. The place also has a rich community of reputed yoga gurus and spiritual idols.  Along with it, you can give meditation, spiritual energy, healing tradition, chanting mantras and bhakti a try.

Located on the banks of River Ganga, and fringed by the majestic Himalayas, Rishikesh imbues great spiritual energy. Amidst the lush green beauty and fresh air blowing, you can discover the tranquility and inner self through yoga. You can explore various traditions and meet different people from diverse backgrounds. Again, you can take part in the daily kirtan and bhajan sessions organized in the temples. In this pristine dream-like destination, you can create everlasting memories of your yoga experience.

Yoga tourism includes yoga for study, wellness, sport and spiritualism. You can take a yoga tour comprising a visit to the main places, nature walks, workshops and guidance trips. Again, you can undertake a 200-, 300- or 500-hour teacher training course. You can attend the grand Satsang session to learn about Yogic art and its different forms.

Being replete with yoga and meditation centers and retreats close by, Rishikesh offers you first-hand experience of spirituality. You can encounter internationally famous ashrams that harp on frugal facilities and lifestyle. Yoga in Rishikesh, indeed, takes you on a soul-searching journey, just like The Beatles.

Top 8 Places for Yoga in Rishikesh

1. Parmarth Niketan: It is one of the largest ashrams in Rishikesh. Swami Shukdevanand Saraswati founded it in 1942. Like thousands of tourists, you can come here annually for spiritual rejuvenation. On its sprawling 8 acres of campus, it has 1,000 rooms. You can do courses on yoga, pranayam, stress management, acupressure, reiki, and Ayurvedic treatments. Again, you can learn more about other ancient Indian sciences. Besides, you can witness the daily morning and evening Ganga aarti. You can even perceive the acclaimed hawan on Parmarth Ghat. Every year during the 1^st week of March, the ashram holds International Yoga Festival where both global and Indian tourists come.
2. Anand Prakash Yoga Ashram: Surrounded by mountains, it is located on a headland in the Tapovan area on the banks of the holy Ganges. It was founded by Yogarishi Vishvketu and his Canadian wife in 2007. The duo offers a unique Akhanda yoga that incorporates non-sectarian teachings from multiple sources and lineages. It also offers Ayurvedic cooking classes and yoga teachers’ training courses. You can attend discussions and readings on the yogic philosophy and lifestyle. Moreover, you can learn balanced sequences of asanas, pranayama, relaxation, mantras, and meditation. You can stay in one of the well-appointed 21 single, double and triple rooms for yoga practitioners.
3. Swami Dayananda Ashram: Established during the 1960s by Swami Dayananda Saraswati, it is an ideal center for learning about yoga, Vedanta and Sanskrit. The ashram is dedicated to the profound study of Hindu literature. You can find over 5,000 well-preserved literature pieces on various subjects like Sanskrit grammar, and Western and Vedic philosophies. During residential courses, you can study Bhagavad Gita and Upanishads. Moreover, you can attend classes conducted in English. You can learn Iyengar and Hatha yoga in the Yoga studio. Perform morning and evening pooja in the small but beautiful temple on the premises. Again, you can find accommodation in one of the 150 rooms on pre-booking.
4. Sadhana Mandir: Swami Rama founded this ashram in 1966 as an international yoga retreat. Nestled on the Himalayan foothills on the banks of the Ganga River, it provides a profound setting to unwind, learn yoga and practice meditation. You can discover peace amidst delightful flower gardens, mango trees and a lotus lake. The teachings primarily focus on the 5,000-year-old Himalayan tradition of meditation. You can avail of a weekend or a longer 10-day retreat. Stay in comfortable self-contained cottages with an exquisite background. Participate in various kinds of activities like breathing, Hatha yoga and meditation.
5. Osho Ganga Dham Ashram: You can visit this spiritual sanctuary at Brahmapuri. It is more of a meditation center than a yoga ashram. Against the scenic landscape, you can focus on divergent Osho Active Meditation practices to nourish and tune your mind, body and soul. Some of them are Kundalini Meditation, Gourishankar Meditation, mystic rose, Dynamic Meditation and Nadabramha Meditation. You can attend workshops and extensive programs for stress relieving and relaxation techniques.  Meditation camps are offered throughout the year. Again, you can simply listen to discourses. You can find budget-friendly accommodations like dormitories and deluxe private rooms.
6. Rishikesh Yogpeeth: Formed by youthful locals in 2005, it is an elite yoga training school. Nestled in the Himalayas, you can take a short but hard trek from Neelkanth Mahadev Road to reach the spot. It promotes the interminable message of yoga in a contemporary manner, open to all. Its main campus is called Abhayaranya, which means fearless self-expression. The yoga teachers adopt a unique and genuine style. It is a wonderful and reasonable blend of conventional information and present-day approaches. You can choose 200-, 300- or 500- hours teacher training courses. Again, you can pick seven days yoga retreat. You can stay in one of the 18 well-appointed cottages.
7. Phool Chatti: Meaning, Valley of Flowers, it is located in a serene natural setting upriver from Laxman Jhula. It has been welcoming spiritual seekers since the late 1800s. Shree Devi Dayal Ji Maharaj founded this popular yoga training institute. You can avail of a seven-day yoga and meditation program. Here, you can learn about the yogic path and the ashram life. You can practice yoga postures, meditation, breathing, chanting mantra, pooja, Mauna or silence, and performing kirtan. Moreover, you can take meditative walks amidst picturesque nature. You can stay in safe and clean rooms, and savor fresh and healthy meals.
8. Omkarananda Ganga Sadan: Although it is a laidback and vibrant guesthouse, it offers yoga training and practice. The Patanjala Yoga Kendra is the ideal destination for yoga enthusiasts. It also offers intensive courses and group bookings. From its comfortable rooms, you can acquire astounding views of the Ganga River flowing by. It not only teaches Iyengar Yoga but also runs a kindergarten and a school. You can even learn classical Indian music and dance. Through spiritual discourses on Bhagavad Gita, you can attain solace and tranquility. You can gain access to the Omkarananda Public Ghat for prayers and Ganga aarti. Take a ferry ride to the nearby attractions.

People also ask about Rishikesh

1. What are the other places for learning yoga in Rishikesh?

Yoga Niketan: One of the oldest ashrams in Rishikesh, it offers training and guidance in practicing the eight-fold paths of Patanjali Yoga Shastra. You have to stay for a minimum of 15 days in one of the 100 comfortable rooms. Again, you have to follow a strict schedule of yoga, meditation and lectures.

Himalayan Yog Ashram: It is a center for Himalayan Yoga Training and healing through Ayurveda. Located in an eye-pleasing landscape, it was established in 2012. You can avail of 6, 13, 20 or 27 nights stay in the ashram. Again, you can detoxify through healing programs and wholesome organic Ayurvedic food.

Maa Yoga Ashram: Covered by the Himalayan Mountains, it is a branch of the Arogyadham Ashram in UP. Headed by Yogi Dr Amrit Raj, it boasts a century-old lineage in healthcare. It offers intensive Ayurveda courses, retreats, treatments, panchakarma therapy and yoga. You can choose from 1-, 3- and 7-days retreat and achieve long-term happiness.

Sivananda Ashram: Maintained by the Divine Life Society, it is the abode of Swami Shivanand. You can attend the well-organized satsang, feast and yoga classes. Indulge in the simple ashram life and participate in special programs. Along with Iyengar Yoga, you can do meditation and pranayama. You can take a 2-month yoga course.

• What to pack for yoga in Rishikesh?

You can carry a yoga mat, yoga pants, breathable tops and a towel in your bag. During the summer months, you can use sunscreen lotion. You can take an insect repellant. Always carry a water bottle, especially for yoga sessions. Don’t forget your everyday medicines. You can even keep snacks like protein bars and dry fruits.

• What are the seven forms or the schools of yoga taught in the yoga centers of Rishikesh?
• Ashtanga Yoga
• Jnana Yoga
• Raja Yoga
• Karma Yoga
• Bhakti Yoga
• Kundalini Yoga
• Hatha Yoga

• What are the types of yoga courses offered by Rishikesh yoga centers?
• 100-hour beginner level yoga course
• 200-hour intermediate yoga course
• 300-hour pre-advanced yoga course
• 500-hour advanced yoga course

• How to reach Rishikesh?

Rishikesh is well-accessible from the prominent cities of India. Jolly Grant Airport, Dehradun is the nearest airport. You can hire a cab to reach Rishikesh from there.  Again, you can take a train to Rishikesh Railway Station. You can take a satisfying road trip on smooth roads connecting Rishikesh to all the major cities of North and Central India. 

• What are the best places to visit in Rishikesh?

Laxman Jhula and Ram Jhula: The twin iron suspension bridges are major landmarks of the city. From the 450-ft-long bridges, you can obtain stunning views of the Ganges and the nearby temples. 

Triveni Ghat: It is the biggest and the most famous ghat in Rishikesh. You can watch the traditional Ganga aarti performed to the chants of Vedic hymns.

Neer Garh Waterfall: Fringed by the lush Himalayan vegetation, it falls off a 25-ft high cliff. You can take a 15-min trek through the dense woods to reach the spot.

Kaudiyala: In this serene and small village, you can perform thrilling activities like white river rafting, boating and camping. At 380-m eight, it is also a popular rock-climbing destination.

Rishikund: Meaning the ‘Pond of the Sages’, it is a natural hot water spring. You can capture the reflection of the Raghunath Temple in the pond.

• What are the shopping opportunities in Rishikesh?

You can buy woolen wear and products. Purchase the famous small, black and round-shaped stone Shaligrams. You can procure precious and semi-precious stones and rudraksha mala. Again, you can get small brass utensils, lamps, small pots, incense stick holders and small plates with intricate carvings. You can even collect idols of various deities. Try the wide-ranging collection of Khadi clothes and items.

• What are the eating options in Rishikesh?

Being a sacred place, Rishikesh only offers vegetarian food. No cafés and hotels serve non-veg items. However, you can choose from a wide variety of traditional and delicious vegetarian dishes. You can try the lip-smacking street food like aloo poori, chole bhature, dosa, and pani puri. Again, you can sip masala chai and exotic coffee combinations. You can even relish lassi, a ticker version of buttermilk.

• What are the types of accommodations in Rishikesh?

From budget hotels to plush resorts, you can be splurged by the choices. Whether you are visiting Rishikesh with your family, friends, or partner, you can  find a suitable stay. You can try zostels, hostels, backpackers’ stay and standard hotels at reasonable prices. Besides, you can avail of top eco-friendly spa & wellness resorts located in a scenic and serene ambience. You can enjoy an ideal blend of luxury and comfort in these meticulously designed luxurious accommodations.

Conclusion

Thus, Rishikesh provides the ideal environment to detach yourself from the hustle and bustle of the city. By indulging in yoga practices, you can unlock your inner potential. You can also achieve peace and enhance your productivity. Moreover, yoga is suited for everyone. Hence, you can comfortably bring your family with you.

Since yoga schools are highly in demand, you have to book your reservations in a yoga center in advance. Accordingly, you can take a Rishikesh tour package from a reputed and trusted brand.