Top 10 Yoga Ashrams In Rishikesh In 2023

Rishikesh, alongside Mysore in Karnataka, stands out as a major yoga destination in India, offering a plethora of ashrams with diverse yoga and meditation practices. Choosing the right ashram requires careful consideration of one's needs. Here's an overview of some of the prominent Rishikesh ashrams, each offering more than just Yoga Teacher Training.

1. Parmarth Niketan:

Situated on the Ganges River, Parmarth Niketan is India's largest ashram, boasting 1,000 rooms across eight acres. Accommodation rates vary, and stays up to 15 days are allowed. The package includes two daily yoga sessions and three meals. The ashram also conducts Vedic heritage, spirituality, and teacher training courses. Visitors can join daily classes through donations, and the famous Ganga aarti is a highlight.

2. Sivananda Ashram:

Founded by Swami Sivananda, this ashram emphasizes the five points of yoga: postures, breathing, relaxation, meditation, and diet. Every day, you can participate in complimentary yoga and meditation sessions. However, accommodations are reserved for dedicated spiritual seekers who apply at least a month in advance. The ashram's location near Ram Jhula provides a serene environment.

3. Omkarananda Ganga Sadan:

Omkarananda Ganga Sadan, affiliated with Omkarananda Ashram Himalayas, houses the Patanjala Yoga Kendra center, offering Iyengar yoga classes. The ashram resides in the Muni-ki-Reti area, featuring its own ghat and daily aarti. Regular yoga classes are open to all, but advanced courses require early reservations. Lectures on the Bhagavad Gita are also available, and accommodations are reasonably priced.

4. Yoga Niketan:

Established by Swami Yogeshwaranand Paramahansa, Yoga Niketan is focused on the Eight Fold Path according to Patanjali Yoga Shastra. Students follow a rigorous schedule of yoga, meditation, and lectures. The ashram provides 100 comfortable rooms with private bathrooms and hot water.

5. Sadhana Mandir and Swami Rama Sadhaka Grama Ashram:

Sadhana Mandir, founded by Swami Rama, emphasizes meditation in the Himalayan Tradition. The ashram offers various retreats, including weekend and 10-day options. Swami Rama Sadhaka Grama, established by Swami Veda Bharati, is known for meditation instruction and scientific research into yogic meditation. Accommodations are comfortable and include meditation, breathing, and Hatha yoga sessions.

6. Swami Dayananda Ashram:

Founded by Swami Dayananda Saraswati, this ashram provides residential courses focused on the Bhagavad Gita and the Upanishads. Vedic chanting and visiting Iyengar and Hatha yoga retreats are also available. Over 150 rooms with attached bathrooms cater to students.

7. Phool Chatti:

Dating back to the late 1800s, Phool Chatti offers a comprehensive seven-day yoga and meditation program. The teachings encompass various aspects of the yogic path, including meditation, pranayama, chanting, and more. Meditative walks in nature are also part of the experience.

8. Anand Prakash Ashram:

Founded by Chetana Panwar and Yogirishi Vishvketu, Anand Prakash Ashram teaches Akhanda Yoga, a non-sectarian approach that combines asanas, pranayama, mantra, meditation, and yoga philosophy. Accommodations, drop-in classes, and Yoga Teacher Training programs are offered.

9. Himalayan Yog Ashram:

Located near Anand Prakash, this compact ashram focuses on a personalized yogic lifestyle experience. The curriculum comprises of various poses, meditation practices, spiritual insights, and meals based on organic Ayurvedic principles.Ayurvedic healing programs are also available, with limited guest rooms for longer stays.

10. Shree Mahesh Heritage Meditation School:

For those inclined towards meditation, this school offers a 300-hour meditation teacher training course and meditation retreats. The curriculum integrates Vedic texts, yoga, Ayurveda, life healing, and spiritual development. A Health Supportive Lifestyle Program emphasizes healthy choices in daily life.