Rishikesh is mostly known as the center for yoga and meditation across the globe and this reputation is well deserved by the city. The beautiful landscape has been utilized perfectly by the practitioners for yoga and meditation and even during the day, finding a yoga centre or an ashram is a very easy task as there are numerous of them scattered all over the town.  

These ashrams are renowned for the facilities and lifestyles that they offer to the visitors. However, some of them even offer a luxurious stay. The growing awareness of yoga and meditation across the world has started to attract a good number of tourists and locals who want a natural retreat to Rishikesh. 

Some of the institutions are:

1. Yoga Niketan:

This yoga centre attracts a lot of visitors from all over the world and was established in the year 1964 by Swami Yogeshwaran and Paramhansa. The teachings at this institute are connected to the 8 aspects of yoga which the students are expected to stick to strictly. This place offers brilliant teaching facilities and accommodations that make it one of the best places for practising yoga in Rishikesh.   

2. Parmarth Niketan:

Parmarth Niketan is the leading yoga centre in Rishikesh that provides the ideal environment for those individuals to seek to align their mind, soul and body.  Founded in 1942, it’s situated near the Ganga river and it draws a huge number of visitors every year, especially during International Yoga Day in March. 

3. Patanjali International Yoga Foundation:

This is an NPO that aims to spread the wisdom of yoga and Veda, and its principles, all around the world. It is tucked in the Himalayan region and it offers a variety of yoga teachers courses and Ayurveda retreats too. 

4. Rishikesh YogPeeth – Yoga Training School in Rishikesh India:

Rishikesh YogPeeth was established in the year 2005 and it offers a unique opportunity to dive into the world of yoga away from the city life, near Patna village. This school offers numerous yoga teachers, yoga retreats and training courses. 

5. Sivananda Ashram:

This Ashram stands as one of the topmost yoga centres in Rishikesh, founded by Swami Sivananda in the year 1936, and this Ashram aims at the core aspects of yoga like the asanas, breathing control, mind relaxation techniques etc. This school is officially certified and is highly regarded for its quality and discipline. Since they are mostly all occupied, the enthusiasts are requested to book their reservations in advance.  

It’s been a while since the Western world started to acknowledge the need and importance of yoga and meditation in daily life, but it’s pivotal to understand that this Hindu discipline transcends just physical postures. But, with its unique collaboration with spiritual enlightenment, techniques and natural surroundings, Rishikesh is the best place where you can accomplish your physical and mental health and take up a transformative path towards self-awareness and wellness. 

The connection of yoga to spirituality goes back to the days of legends scriptures and ancient writings. There is a lot of Ramayana mythology linked with this region and the reference can be seen in the Vedas and the Upanishads further solidifying its role as a spiritual hub for the visitors. 

Currently, Rishikesh is the host for a lot of retreats and Ashrams that attracts a lot of visitors. Be it the traditional Hatha Yoga and Ashtanga or the Vinyasa and Kundalini, all the levels of practitioners are welcomed here with open arms.   

The meditation options in Rishikesh are plenty and provide ample opportunities to connect with one’s self and start a new spiritual journey from within.