Ananda in the Himalayas

If you’re looking for an introduction to yoga that goes beyond what you’ll find in a class at the local health club, there’s quite possibly no better place to start than Rishikesh, the yoga capital of the world, destination of countless pilgrimages, a town high in the Himalayas in the northern Indian state of Uttaranchal.

These days a pilgrimage of this sort need not involve a total renunciation of earthly pleasures; not only is Ananda Rishikesh ideally located for a spiritual and physical recharge, but it’s an almost frightfully luxurious experience as well. Once a maharaja’s private palace, today it’s a top-flight luxury hotel, its traditionally-styled guest rooms poised to survey the Ganges Valley or the town of Rishikesh from private balconies. Marble bathrooms feature oversized freestanding tubs beneath vast picture windows, and the palatial Viceregal Suite comes with a wraparound terrace, an ornate four-poster bed and a private steam room.

Yoga and meditation form the centerpiece of the Ananda experience, with instruction available individually or in groups, in a number of spectacular settings, whether in an outdoor pavilion, a grove of trees, or one of Ananda’s stunning interior halls. A well-equipped fitness center and a 21,000-square-foot spa complex round out the leisure facilities, and outdoor activities from swimming and hiking to squash and golf are available as well. At this rate one couldn’t possibly help but come away rejuvenated, both mentally and physically.

Travel advisory: Passport and visa requirements differ from country to country. Please check with your local authority before booking.

Note: Ananda in the Himalayas welcomes children 15 years of age and older.

How to get there: Located approximately 165 miles north of New Delhi, Ananda in the Himalayas is accessible by road, rail and air. The flight from New Delhi to Jolly Grant Airport is approximately 45 minutes followed by a 22 mile drive to the resort. If you prefer to travel by train, it is a 4 hour train journey from Delhi to Haridwar station and then a 25 mile drive to the resort. Please contact customerservice@tablethotels.com to arrange transfers from Jolly Grant Airport or Haridwar station.

• 75 Rooms
• Style: Traditional Elegance
• Atmosphere: Secluded

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