About Ananda in the Himalayas
Perched high in the serene Himalayan foothills overlooking the holy city of Rishikesh and the tranquil Ganges River valley, Ananda in the Himalayas is widely celebrated as one of the world's finest luxury wellness destinations. Spanning a 100-acre estate surrounded by lush Sal forests, this sanctuary combines traditional Indian healing arts with modern international spa therapies.
Guests come to Ananda to embark on transformative wellness journeys tailored to individual goals, ranging from detox and weight management to stress management and chronic pain relief. The retreat offers customized wellness cuisine, daily yoga and meditation sessions, comprehensive Ayurvedic consultations, and holistic wellness treatments administered by master practitioners.
History
The core of the Ananda retreat centers around the historic Viceregal Palace of the Maharaja of Tehri Garhwal. Built in the early 20th century, the palace served as a royal residence and hosted many distinguished guests during the British Raj era, including political dignitaries and Indian royalty.
In the late 1990s, the estate was sensitively restored and expanded to create India's first dedicated destination spa, opening its doors in 2000. Great care was taken to preserve the architectural heritage, ornate woodwork, and grand halls, blending classic Himalayan elegance with contemporary luxury amenities.