In the foothills of the Himalayas, 260 kms north of Delhi, the river Ganges slowly breaks into the great Indian plain at Rishikesh, carrying with it the essence of the land, it is here that Ananda in the Himalayas can be found. Grounded in Ayurveda, Yoga and Vedanta combined with contemporary international therapies which enhance and augment the original, Ananda is the ultimate escape from the mundane to the spiritual, where every corner spells harmony and every colour soothes the senses.
Dining at Ananda can be a life changing experience with the food concept based on the belief that everyone is an individual and diet should reflect this. It incorporates the key principles from Ayurveda with the three body types of Vata, Pitta and Kapha, so menus are carefully planned to work with each of these. Meals are made with the freshest natural ingredients and are planned to leave guests feeling both healthy and satisfied. The juices are fresh; the emphasis is on balancing and reviving, but also includes the finest wines and champagne. There is no strict regime, only gentle suggestion. Meals are savoured in the elegant Restaurant or out on the Tree Top Deck where the dining experience is enhanced by the fresh natural surroundings.
Ananda is the ideal place for exploring the innerscapes of the mind, body and soul to revitalise, reshape and renew through the ancient sciences of Ayurveda and Yoga, augmented with a delicate blend of International Spa Therapies. From diet and exercise to beauty, health and cuisine, each aspect including the intellect is taken into consideration while working out your personalised Spa programme, which is designed to meet individual needs and health goals through complete guidance in all areas. Special workshops in different areas of wellbeing are held with visiting Masters who come from around the world to share their talents.
For those who wish to exercise the body as well as the mind Ananda has its own challenging 6 hole golf course set in scenic surroundings, while the billiard room housed in the vice regal palace is an enthusiast’s dream. Housing a 100 year old pool table, this room is the perfect hideaway for a rainy afternoon, or a quiet evening. The more active can do river rafting on the rapids of the River Ganga or trek in the Himalayan terrain. One experience that should not be missed is the sunset Hindu ceremony of Ganga Aarti, in Rishekesh on the banks of the Ganges, the holiest river in India. Sit amongst the trainee priests in their saffron robes and let the chants of the guru and his devotees wash over you. Light the candles and float them on the holy river in thanks for it being the source of prosperity and life.
73 elegantly appointed deluxe rooms and suites are built on a mountain ridge and offer guests breath-taking views over the valley towards the town of Rishikesh, or over the landscaped gardens towards the Maharajah’s Palace. Within this Palace are located The Viceregal and The Ananda Suites, two iconic historic suites reminiscent of the days of the Maharajah. Those who want more of an escape will be more than satisfied by the three villas, each having its own swimming pool with spectacular views over the valley below.
