INDIALINE
Complete India Travel Guide

Ananda In The Himalayas

Ananda In The Himalayas, Rishikesh, Uttaranchal

A retreat high in Himalayas, promising nothing but the best, that is Ananda Spa for you. There was once a time when there were no spas and to rejuvenate, people headed to ashrams. Today the concept has transformed completely. It would not be wrong to say that spas are the modern day ashrams, but yet not ashrams entirely. The luxuries have been multiplied, but the spiritual connection is missing. Ananda spa in the laps of nature, located in the land of gods, Uttaranchal, is your answer to that perfect blending of a health rejuvenation with spiritual touch. What makes Ananda spa special is perhaps its location in the holy land of Rishikesh. Also lingering in the back drop of this world class spa is the royalty as this was once the palace of the Maharaja of Tehri Garhwal.

Spread over 21,000 sq.ft, nestled in Himalayas at 1000 metres above the sea level, Ananda spa is the numero uno choice in south East Asia, and it has every reason to be. An envious location to begin with. The name might make one think of Ananda as just a spa but this is not true. Ananda spa offers a comple health revitalising range, be it the spa treatments, yoga or meditation. No matter which treatment you choose, be rest assured to get a world class service.

The importance Ananda Spa lays on the well being of its guests can be realised by this quote" Energise your body, stimulate your mind, calm your soul." This world renowned spa attracts guests from round the globe and has made quite a name for itself in international circle.

The list of awards and honours the spa has received is even longer then one can think of. The latest being 'Best Overseas Spa Retreat' by Conde Nast Traveller, 2005 reader's spa awards. It was also named in the top 25 spas in the world by the same. It was awarded as the 'Best Pampering Spa' by Harper's Abroad in 2002. There are many more, and the spa regularly receives accolades from leading journals like Sunday Times, London, Travel and Leisure, Gourmet, Conde Nast traveller etc. The spa is also a member of reputed organisations like British International Spa association and International Spa Association.

Ayurveda At Ananda

Ayurveda, the ancient Indian science which has impressed the west as well, is an intrisic part of the wellness programme here. It is so well imbibed and practiced here to suit every individual's need that you can't remain unimpressed by its healing and rejuvenating powers.

The qualified doctors and therapists here decide and give the treatment which suits you best. The use of ayurveda in its purest form is evident here as you experience your therapies lying on wooden bed and oils while the powders and traditional rituals of ayurveda fill the air around you. Right from you ayurvedic meal to the treatments to balance Doshas (Vata, Pitta, Kapha) the holistic experience is sure to take you to another level of self being.

The more popular treatments here at Ananda are Panchakarma, Abhyanga, Udwarthana, Choornaswedan, Njavarakizhi, Pizhichil, Sirodhara Takradahara, Tarpana, Gandusa, Kaval, Vamana, Virechana, Sneha Vasti, Kashaya Vasti and Nasya.

There are specific Ayurveda packages for you to choose from starting from 2 days three nights to going upoto 14 days or at times even mored depending upon individual's need.

Yoga At Ananda

An ancient Indian science, yoga encompasses the postures, breathing and meditation to help you attain a blissful health. Complimenting the fitness regime of Yoga are stretches of Himalayan terrain, Sal trees in the backdrop and River Ganga flowing nearby. All this enhances the effect of mental peacefulness while performing yogic activities. The expert gurus, instructors guide each guest with individual attention.

A primary individual session will first introduce you to the science, its therapeutic, physiological, psychological and philosophical aspect and guide you to how it will ensure a life full of perfect health. There are many yoga sessions to choose from depending upon your need. Beginners Yoga session, Intermediate, Advance, Personalised, you can choose either of these sessions. Besides Rishikesh is also famous for its riverside ashrams where yoga is practiced regularly. A trip to these is also organised.

Also, there are a range of interesting activities, they are as varied but the aim is same. The idea is to take you to a healthy life. The 'Nature Walks', 'Fitness Eneregiser' and 'Cross Training'' are some of them.

Spa At Ananda

The spa experience at Ananda is one of its kind, the treatment at spa is such that each guest feels like he is getting individual treatment. The spa people ensure that each of their guests get treatment that will benefit them the most.

Be it the body wrap or detoxifying treatment, at each step you are guided and effort is to achieve personal goals of the clients.

Another interesting thing about spa experience at Ananda is that it comes with a special spa cuisine. Food that is delectable yet so healthy. No heavy gravy yet very fulfilling. The freshest of vegetables cooked with utmost care to retain maximum nutrition, such is the cuisine.

Staying At Ananda

The spa has 75 deluxe rooms and suites with private terrace gardens. The best thing about the rooms is that they stand overlooking the majestic Himalayas and Ganga flowing close by. Some rooms stand facing the palace while the vicegral suite has a wrap around terrace and a juccuzzi. The rooms are all well furnished with luxuries like sunken bath tubs, private bars etc.

Food At Ananda

Ananda spa apart from offering its every own spa cuisine also has 6 restaurants each of them serving uniquely. 'The Restaurant' serves finest Ayurvedic, Asian and Western cuisine. 'Tree Tops' is a restaurant set in natural surroundings of Himalayas. 'The Pavilion' is the pool side restaurant serving drinks and light snacks. 'Palace Tea Lounge', is located in the Vicegral Palace and serves tea and soft beverages. 'The Poolside' set on a Himalayan ridge is a perfect place to relax with some fresh juices and healthy snacks. 'Hill Theatre' hasn't got a theatre but it offers view of Himalayas and the Palace. When the weather is pleasant, dinner shows are organised here. 'Winter Garden', is a beautiful restaurant set in the Vicregal palace overlooking the valley. Service here is based on the seasonal conditions.

Lastly, Activities At Ananda

Though Ananda is essentially a spa yet it comes with all the facilities of five star hotel. From swimming pool to golf, squash and outdoor trips - it is all there for you to enjoy. Then there are also trips organised to Rishikesh, outdoor watersports like white water rafting, kaykaying etc.

One can even conduct business meeting and conferences here as the spa has board rooms also.

Tha spa has so much to offer that it will be difficult for you to enjoy all that it offers in one visit. But it is the treatment that will keep attracting you here again and again.

Related Article(s)

Rishikesh - Heaven For River Rafting - By Jyoti Sharma Be it a new comer or seasoned person, there is something for every one. It would not be........