Rishikesh, famously known as the "Yoga Capital of the World," is home to numerous ashrams that offer immersive and authentic yoga and meditation experiences. These ashrams in Rishikesh exude a deeply spiritual atmosphere, where students not only learn the practices of yoga but undergo profound transformations that enhance their mental and physical well-being. With highly skilled and experienced faculty, the focus is always on nurturing the holistic health of each individual.
Many of these ashrams are located along the tranquil banks of the sacred Ganges River, providing a serene, nature-infused environment that further deepens the meditative experience. In addition to yoga, students often gain exposure to ancient philosophies and healing practices, making the ashrams of Rishikesh a sanctuary for personal growth and spiritual evolution.
Best Yoga Schools in Rishikesh
Best Rishikesh Ashrams for Yoga
Here are some of the best ashrams in Rishikesh for yoga and meditation :
1. Parmarth Niketan
Parmarth Niketan stands out as one of the best ashrams in Rishikesh for practicing yoga and meditation. Here, students receive a comprehensive education that encompasses the principles, practices, and philosophy of yoga. The ashram fosters an environment for self-discovery and personal transformation, helping you evolve into a better version of yourself.
During your stay, you'll have the unique opportunity to immerse yourself in ancient traditions, such as learning mantra chanting, participating in the sacred homa fire ritual, and taking part in the captivating Ganga Aarti. This daily evening ceremony celebrates unity and togetherness, offering a deeply spiritual and communal experience.
- Facilities: Accommodations, Attached washroom, Hot & cold running water, Linen, Yoga props materials and study materials, vegetarian Sattvic Meals, filtered water.
- Highlights: One of the largest ashrams in Rishikesh, Parmarth Niketan offers traditional yoga and meditation classes, Daily Satsang, as well as a Ganga Aarti every evening. It hosts the annual International Yoga Festival.
- Programs: Yoga, Pranayama (breathing techniques), Vedic heritage, and spiritual discourses, 200 Hour Yoga Teacher Training, Workshops & Retreats.
- Location: Near, Main Market Road, Ram Jhula, Swarg Ashram, Rishikesh, Uttarakhand 249304
2. Sivananda Ashram (Divine Life Society)
Sri Swami Sivanandaji Maharaj, the esteemed founder of The Divine Life Society, established the ashram in 1936 with the noble goal of spreading peace and joy through spiritual teachings and charitable activities. The Divine Life Society offers its courses entirely free of charge, allowing students to learn without the burden of any expenses. Even lodging and meals are provided at no cost, ensuring that everyone can benefit from this transformative experience.
Daily yoga classes are conducted at Sivananda Ashram, open to both men and women, with men attending morning sessions and women joining evening lessons. Classes are available every day except Sundays, providing an enriching opportunity for all to engage in yoga and spiritual growth.
- Facilities: Modest rooms, Vegetarian meals, classrooms, E- Books, E- Magazines, Spiritual Life, Live Broadcast
- Highlights: Founded by Swami Sivananda, this ashram focuses on the classical teachings of yoga, meditation, and Vedanta. It follows a strict daily schedule including asana, meditation, and chanting.
- Programs: Yoga Vedanta Course, Daily yoga and meditation classes, Pranayama, Meditation, spiritual lectures, and study of sacred texts.
- Location: Badrinath Rd, near Ram Jhula, P.O, Shivanandanagar, Rishikesh, Uttarakhand 249192
3. Yoga Niketan Ashram
Yoga Niketan Ashram, one of the oldest ashrams in Rishikesh, was founded in 1964 by the revered Himalayan Yogi, Paramhamsa Swami Yogeshwarananda Saraswati. The ashram's highly experienced yoga instructors and spiritual mentors are dedicated to creating a nurturing and supportive environment for practitioners from around the globe.
Operating year-round, the ashram follows a consistent schedule 365 days a year, except on Sundays when regular activities are paused. On Sundays, however, the ashram offers a special opportunity for Karma Yoga, where participants engage in the selfless service of cleaning the Yoga and Meditation Hall before breakfast, fostering both inner and outer discipline.
- Facilities: Comfortable rooms with Attached Washrooms, Wifi, Laundry, Parking, Vegetarian Meals, Travel Desk, Backup Generator, Library
- Highlights: Focuses on the eight limbs of Ashtanga yoga, with a disciplined schedule. Yoga Niketan has a serene environment perfect for personal practice and reflection.
- Programs: 200 Hour, Yoga Retreats, Hatha Yoga, Meditation
- Location: Swami Omkarananda Saraswati Rd, Ganga Vatika, Rishikesh, Uttarakhand 249137
4. Osho GangaDham Ashram
Osho Ganga Dham, founded by the spiritual teacher Osho, serves as a sanctuary for mental peace and tranquility. Nestled amidst the Shivalik hills of the Himalayas, the ashram provides a serene, nature-infused setting that deepens the yoga and meditation experience.
Meditation practices are a core focus at the ashram, and throughout the year, various meditation camps are offered to support personal growth and inner calm. The natural beauty and peaceful surroundings create an ideal environment for those seeking to reconnect with themselves and the essence of life through mindful practices.
- Facilities:: Single & Double Rooms, Dormettories, Vegetarian Meals
- Highlights:: Offers Osho’s unique approach to dynamic meditation, focusing on liberating the mind and body through a mix of movement and stillness. The ashram's atmosphere is peaceful and contemporary.
- Programs:: Meditation, Evening Satsang, Dynamic Meditation, Dance Meditation, Kundalini Meditation, Events
- Location:: Jaanaki Cottage, Lease No-52, Badrinath Road, Brahmpuri, Rishikesh, Uttarakhand 249201
Top Yoga Teacher Training Schools in Rishikesh
5. Phool Chatti Ashram
Phool Chatti Ashram is beautifully situated along a pristine stretch of the sacred Ganga River, offering an ideal setting for spiritual practice and reflection. Known for its 7-day Yoga & Meditation Retreat, the ashram provides a genuine experience of ashram life. Surrounded by breathtaking gardens and majestic mountains, the name "Phool Chatti" translates to "land of flowers," reflecting the ashram's serene and vibrant environment.
With a rich history spanning over 140 years, Phool Chatti Ashram has been a welcoming haven for spiritual seekers from around the world, offering a peaceful space for meditation, renewal, and deep spiritual growth.
- Facilities: Comfortable & Peaceful Rooms, Vegetarian Food, Yoga Hall, Garden
- Highlights: Known for its week-long yoga and meditation programs that combine a holistic approach to ashram life with teachings on yoga, meditation, and spiritual awareness.
- Programs: Asana practice, Meditation, Chanting, Ayurvedic Massages, Yoga Retreat, Karma Yoga (selfless service), and Ganga baths.
- Location: Phool Chatti Ashram, P.O. Box Laxman Jhula, Rishikesh, District Pauri Garhwal, Uttarakhand, India
6. Anand Prakash Yoga Ashram
Akhanda Yoga Institute, founded by Himalayan Master Yogrishi Vishvketu, was established to help individuals unlock their unique potential, fostering a sense of wholeness that encompasses emotional, physical, mental, and spiritual well-being. The ashram boasts a passionate and dedicated teaching faculty, supported by a highly committed team, ensuring a nurturing learning environment.
This serene retreat is an ideal destination for self-healing and for seekers looking to cultivate inner peace. Whether you're looking for a weekend wellness getaway, a two-week yoga retreat, Yoga Teacher Training, or a personalized extended stay, Akhanda Yoga Institute offers a range of programs designed to meet your individual needs.
- Facilities: Comfortable rooms with Wi-Fi and other basic amenities, Vegetarian Meals, Library
- Highlights: This ashram is known for its Akhanda Yoga, a holistic style of yoga developed by founder Yogrishi Vishvketu. The atmosphere is vibrant yet serene, attracting both beginners and seasoned practitioners.
- Programs: Yoga Festival, Yoga Retreats, Yoga Teacher Training Courses, Online Yoga Classes, Meditation, Pranayama
- Location: Badrinath Rd, near SBI bank, Tapovan, Rishikesh, Uttarakhand 249192
7. Himalayan Yog Ashram
In 2012, Yogi Ram laid the foundation stone of the Himalayan Yog Ashram, marking a pivotal moment in his journey as a yoga teacher that began in 2000. His vision was to create a dedicated space in Rishikesh where the authentic wisdom of yoga could be imparted. He aimed to establish an Ashram that not only offered the right tools and conducive atmosphere for learning but also immersed students in an experiential yogic lifestyle.
The Ashram’s highly qualified and experienced instructors specialize in both yoga and Ayurveda, offering a harmonious blend of physical, philosophical, spiritual, and healing practices. Rooted in the tradition of classical Indian Yoga, the programs are designed to foster deep personal transformation and holistic well-being.
- Facilities: Cozy rooms with vegetarian Ayurvedic meals.
- Highlights: A smaller, more intimate ashram, focusing on spiritual growth through yoga and Ayurveda. It offers an immersive experience with personalized attention.
- Programs: Yoga Teacher Training Programs, Yoga and Ayurvedic Detoxification Retreat, Yoga and Anti Stress Retreat, Meditation, Yoga, Hatha yoga, pranayama, meditation, Nature Walk.
- Location: Himalayan Yog Ashram, 256 Tapovan, Badrinath Road, Block-Narendra Nagar, City-Rishikesh, District-Tehri Garhwal, Pin-249192, Uttarakhand.
Each of these ashrams provides a unique experience depending on your goals, whether you're looking for spiritual growth, a deepened yoga practice, or just a peaceful retreat from daily life.