The Rebirth of Ananda in the Himalayas
March 22, 2023 by Perrie Hartz
Located in the tranquil Himalayan foothills in India, Ananda in the Himalayas is a luxurious destination spa and wellness property that sprawls over 100 acres of the Maharaja of Tehri-Garhwal’s Palace Estate. Surrounded by graceful Sal forests, Ananda overlooks the peaceful Ganges River as it flows through the town of Rishikesh- the birthplace of yoga and holistic healing over 5,000 years ago.
Ananda in the Himalayas offers a retreat in the most enchanted of surroundings, one that assists in redefining lifestyles to include the well-known traditional Indian wellness regimes of Ayurveda, Yoga and Vedanta combined with the very best of international wellness trends. The spa also offers weight loss and meditation, while other amenities include a splendid restaurant, fitness center, billiards room, a sauna and a hammam. Outside, guests will find peaceful bloom-packed gardens, a golf course, and a stunning heated pool.
Its other-wordly setting is just one element of this spa hotel’s charm. Ananda recently completed an extensive three-year renovation, and the newly-refurbished rooms boast private balconies, while expansive suites have private gardens, and the luxurious villas offer temperature controlled pools, large living rooms and dedicated personal butlers. Couples looking for extra privacy might opt for the Viceregal Suite, an indulgent and romantic escape on the top floor with an enormous terrace, a private rooftop dining room, and 360-degree views over the beautiful valley. From a gorgeous fireplace in the large bathroom to the antique four-poster bed, the interiors are unique and extravagant. All the accommodations at Ananda are understated yet luxurious, and in keeping with the property’s quiet opulence, the rooms all have soft double beds, classic furniture, and spacious walk-in closets.
Ananda’s redesigned signature restaurant showcases individually-curated menus of Indian and European cuisine in a setting that perfectly integrates into the calm and healing atmosphere of the Himalayas, while elements of traditional Gond and Yantrik art and colorful tapestries enliven and enhance the environment. All ingredients are locally sourced from nearby organic farms, and the restaurant’s tree-top deck is not to be missed, offering awe-inducing panoramic views over the entire property.
Ananda’s wellness pillars of Ayurveda & Holistic Healing, Yoga & Meditation, Emotional Wellbeing, Spiritual Awareness, and Healthy cuisine tie into each other to create a truly transformational experience that aims at healing the mind, body and soul. The core of the Ananda philosophy is holistic wellness, and all activities such as hatha yoga classes, guided meditation sessions, informative talks on Ayurveda and other traditional therapies work towards that goal. Post-renovation, the Ananda Spa, a 2,500 square foot haven of tranquility, offers state of the art physiotherapy facilities as well as 24 treatment rooms, a gym, and hydrotherapy, all assisted by a team of multifaceted wellness experts, healers, and physicians.
Ananda’s new focus on Emotional Healing & Therapy is spearheaded by holistic experts that draw from the fields of clinical psychology, energy therapy, hypnosis and neurolinguistic programming, while the Pain Management program is highly customized to the individual, designed by Ayurvedic experts and physiotherapists. The newly-launched Sleep Enhancement Program is a fully-customized holistic approach of lifestyle modifications, dietary corrections, Ayurveda therapies and Traditional Chinese Medicine that improves sleep quality. The healing therapies and guidance from physicians, yogis and healers help calm the nerves, restore the metabolic and emotional balance, and enhance focus for a renewed state of self.
Outside the property, outdoor adventures abound, and guests can enjoy activities like wildlife safaris, white water rafting, and trekking in the foothills. Ananda offers treks from the beginning of October until the end of May, lasting either a few hours or a full day. Guests can choose to curate their own route and decide on anything from a short solo wander to a fully guided tour, setting off with a pre-packed picnic lunch from the property. A wildlife safari in Rajaji National Park is also highly recommended, where 820 square km of birdwatchers’ paradise is also home to more than 500 elephants. White water rafting on the Ganges River is a fun and adrenaline-pumping excursion suitable for first timers as well as rafting veterans and is a thrilling way to explore the natural landscape.
With completely rejuvenated offerings drawing from its ancient and traditional core, Ananda remains a haven of luxury where guests from across the world make an annual pilgrimage to cleanse, cure, or experience a spiritual path and get back to nature in peace and solitude. Ananda offers delectable cuisine, staggering views of the Himalayas, and a year-round ideal climate that inspires wellbeing at every moment.
Contact:
Ananda In the Himalayas
Palace Estate, Tehri Garwal
Narendra Nagar, UT 249175
India
Email: sales@anandaspa.com
Website: https://www.anandaspa.com/