India’s Top 9 Yoga and Meditation Ashram Retreats

1. Amma’s Ashram, Amritapuri

You don’t have to be a dedicated yogi to have heard of Amma, popularly known as the ‘hugging saint’. Her ashram in Amritapuri is a place of profound peace and love, where you can receive her darshan – a loving hug that is said to change the recipient’s life.

2. Art of Living Ashram, Bangalore

Founded by humanitarian and spiritual leader Sri Sri Ravi Shankar in 1986, this tranquil ashram amidst nature provides a serene atmosphere for yogic practices such as meditation, asana, and other activities. With its picturesque campus and calming environment, it urges you to embark on an inner journey.

Video Credit: Art of Living Ashram

3. AyurYoga Eco-Ashram

Surrounded by an 18-acre organic farm, AyurYoga Eco-Ashram offers a traditional ashram environment where you can learn yoga and Ayurveda. Although rooted in ancient traditions, the teachings are adapted to suit the modern world, providing a unique experience.

4. Bihar School of Yoga, Munger

Offering an authentic yoga ashram experience, the Bihar School of Yoga is situated in a remote area of Bihar. This ashram provides a unique opportunity for self-realization, as it strictly follows traditional ashram rules and practices, making it a challenging yet rewarding experience for most Westerners.

5. ICYER, Pondicherry

The International Centre for Yoga Education and Research (ICYER) in Pondicherry is not for short-term stays. It requires a full year of preparation just to be allowed entry, and once accepted, the doors close for six months. With only a handful of students accepted each year, ICYER offers the closest experience to the traditional tradition of ashram learning in India.

6. Isha Foundation, Coimbatore

Founded by the popular Yoga guru Sadhguru (Jaggi Vasudev), the Isha Foundation near Coimbatore is an entire Yoga city of incredible beauty. Here, you can participate in various courses, including Inner Engineering, Isha Kriya, and Yoga Teacher Training.

7. Kaivalyadhama Ashram, Lonavala

Established in 1924 by Swami Kuvalayananda, Kaivalyadhama Ashram is renowned for its scientific approach to yoga. The ashram offers various courses in yoga and Ayurveda, including short-term programs, PG diplomas, and teacher training courses. Swami Kuvalayananda is known as the “Yoga Scientist” for his efforts in demystifying yoga through scientific research.

8. Parmarth Niketan, Rishikesh

More like a city than an ashram, Parmarth Niketan in Rishikesh is one of the biggest ashrams in India, with over 1,000 rooms. The ashram has an open-door policy, allowing you to come and go as you please, without the need to follow a strict routine or stay for an extended period.

Video Credit: Parmarth Niketan

9. Phool Chatti Ashram, Rishikesh

The Phool Chatti Ashram in Rishikesh is perfect for a short yet profound dive into ashram life. You can stay at the ashram for just eight days, during which you’ll experience all aspects of a traditional Indian Yoga ashram. Highly recommended for beginners and long-time yoga practitioners alike, this affordable ashram offers an authentic taste of ashram living.

The Profound Benefits of Yoga and Meditation

Embarking on a yoga and meditation retreat in India is not just about physical exercise or mental relaxation; it’s a holistic experience that promises to rejuvenate your mind, body, and soul. Here are just a few of the many benefits you can expect:

• Stress Relief and Inner Peace: The ancient practices of yoga and meditation have been scientifically proven to reduce stress, anxiety, and depression, promoting a sense of calm and inner peace.
• Improved Physical and Mental Well-being: Regular practice of yoga asanas (postures) and pranayama (breathing exercises) can enhance flexibility, strength, and overall physical fitness, while meditation techniques help cultivate a clear and focused mind.
• Spiritual Growth and Self-Discovery: Immersing yourself in the spiritual teachings and philosophies of India can deepen your understanding of life’s greater mysteries and help you uncover your true purpose and potential.
• Detoxification and Rejuvenation: Many ashrams and retreats offer Ayurvedic treatments, vegetarian or sattvic diets, and natural therapies that promote detoxification and overall rejuvenation of the body and mind.

Conclusion

The ashrams of India offer a profound opportunity to reconnect with your innermost self, embrace ancient wisdom, and embark on a journey of self-discovery and transformation. Whether you seek a luxurious retreat or an authentic, immersive experience, India’s ashrams cater to every seeker’s unique needs and aspirations.

At Dreamlike India Holidays, we believe that a journey to an ashram is not just a vacation; it’s a transformative experience that has the power to reshape your perspective on life. Our team of dedicated travel experts will work closely with you to understand your unique needs and aspirations, crafting a tailored itinerary that aligns with your personal goals and preferences.

So, embrace the ancient wisdom, immerse yourself in the timeless teachings, and let the transformative power of yoga and meditation guide you toward a life of profound fulfillment and inner harmony.

Contact Dreamlike India Holidays today and embark on a journey that will awaken your senses, nourish your soul, and leave you feeling rejuvenated and transformed.

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