Tours

Wellness is synonymous with India. The country focuses on holistic well-being of body, mind and soul. The search for wellness in India is centuries old and has evolved to suit the needs of the modern day. People from all walks of life choose vacations in India as the ultimate secret of rejuvenating the body, mind and soul. In the current scenario, post-COVID vacations means getting away from cities and breathe in the pure bliss of nature. And this is where, wellness vacations come into play. Wellness retreats are calling with ancient healing techniques amid nature’s bliss. India abounds in wellness retreats, whether it’s a simple ashram experience or luxury getaway, here are our handpicked options.

ANANDA IN THE HIMALAYAS, RISHIKESH

The palace turned wellness oasis, Ananda in the Himalayas is among one of the best wellness retreats in India. The resort offers daily yoga programme, special diets, and other therapies that heal the body, mind and soul. Besides the healing daily schedule, the luxurious suites overlook tranquil vistas of the lush green hills and valleys. A short drive from the holy towns of Haridwar and Rishikesh, the resort offers respite from chaotic lifestyle. The perfect post-COVID vacation awaits in the pictorial retreat.

WILDFLOWER HALL, SHIMLA

Nestled in the Himalayas, the Wildflower Hall offers a holiday of many unforgetable experiences. Enjoying yawning views across the soaring peaks of India’s dramatic Himalayas, the resort offers a truly relaxation time. The former residence of Lord Kitchener, erstwhile commander in chief of the British army, Wildflower Hall is now among the 5-star hotel in not just Shimla but also India. Exuding the ambience of a grand stately home, the  hotel is ideal to recuperate in the bliss of the mountains. Welcoming lounge, lavish rooms, delectable meals, and a lot of facilities tempt with a vacation to remember.

THE OBEROI SUKHVILAS RESORT & SPA, CHANDIGARH

With legendary Ayurvedic guru Dr Robert Svoboda facilitating occasional three-day wellness programmes alongside The Oberoi Sukhvilas’ already well-stocked spa and yoga menu, this is a holistic retreat that certainly knows how to tailor an exclusive experience.

THE HAVELI HARI GANGA, HARIDWAR
Dodge the crowds thronging around Haridwar’s holy Har Ki Pauri ghat and sink into The Haveli Hari Ganga’s private bathing area instead. It’s said that a dip in the Ganges rinses away negative karma. Morning yoga is instructed in a serene studio adjacent to the holy currents, with a havan, or fire blessing, to follow.

DEWA RETREAT, RISHIKESH
A swimming pool in Rishikesh is worth its weight in crystal malas, and Dewa Retreat’s is flanked by the exceedingly popular Pure Soul café, offering precious raw cacao-based and maca-laced delicacies. Perched above the Ganges, views from the rooms’ private balconies are spectacular, and if the in-house yoga classes aren’t up to scratch, there are plenty more to choose from in the surrounding ashrams.

RAAS JODHPUR
Early risers can stretch out in Raas Jodhpur’s rooftop Baradari restaurant for a sunrise sequence overlooking Rajasthan’s iconic 15th-century Mehrangarh Fort. Follow with an invigorating Prana Vitality massage treatment in the hotel’s supremely indulgent Ila Spa.

THE LEELA PALACE, UDAIPUR
The Leela Palace’s five-day Sojourn into Self programme offers a heady tasting menu of holistic treatments served up at its in-house ESPA—the largest in India. Add in a Vedic astrology reading, daily yoga and blessings at the local Shiva temple, and this is ascetism of a highly decadent order.

THE OBEROI UDAIVILAS, UDAIPUR
Sun salutations facing the sparkling Lake Pichola as dawn lights the horizon is a spiritual experience worth photographing. Chase a morning class with a dip in the infinity pool gazing out the distant throb and pulse of Udaipur.

RAAS DEVIGARH, DELWARA
An elegant 18th-century palace near Udaipur, Raas Devigarh serves up an imaginative menu of guided yoga and meditation practices compellingly seasoned with incense, essential oils, sound healing and cranial holds.

HILTON SHILLIM ESTATE RETREAT & SPA, PUNE
With soaring views across Maharashtra’s rugged mountains, Hilton Shillim Estate Retreat & Spa’s 70 forested acres are worlds away from the hustle of Pune. The yoga pavilion and meditation cave make good use of the hotel’s scenic location, with bicycles and hiking trails inviting a full immersion in the surrounding nature.

TAJ EXOTICA RESORT & SPA, GOA

Sink into Goa time on Benaulim Beach in the quieter south, where the on-demand yoga menu stretches to whatever appeals, from a gentle session tailored to beginners to a challenging set for more experienced practitioners.

SWASWARA CGH EARTH, GOKARNA

Draw away from the opulence of SwaSwara for a moment to meditate in its private hilltop meditation perch. With sprawling views across the aptly named Om Beach, this is where an open-eyed meditation practice comes into its own.

CARNOUSTIE AYURVEDA & WELLNESS RESORT, KERALA
Panchakarma—an intense revitalising Ayurvedic cleanse—is especially popular at the luxury beachside Carnoustie Ayurveda & Wellness Resort. With rigorous daily massage treatments, delicious dosha (body type)-specific Indian fare and morning yoga and pranayama (breathwork) by the sea, it’s easy to see why.

MARARI BEACH, KERALA
There are plenty of places to flop in the verdant 12 acres of Marari Beach’s sumptuous resort: in a hammock beneath the palm trees; on a sun-lounger gazing out at the Arabian Sea; and, of course, on a yoga mat, the waves harmonising with your ujjayi breath.

NIRAAMAYA RETREATS SURYA SAMUDRA, KERALA
Perched atop a dramatic cliff above Kovalam Beach, days at Niraamaya Retreats Surya Samudra slide by with hypnotic serenity. Punctuate them with yoga: an invigorating session at sunrise gazing out at the Arabian Sea, and a soothing restorative class as the sun sinks beneath the horizon.

SOMATHEERAM AYURVEDIC HEALTH RESORT, KERALA

Somatheeram is a Heritage Ayurvedic resort in Kerala, just 15 km from Trivandrum Airport, and 8 km from Kovalam. It is a perfect getaway amid captivating and comfortable surroundings, homely and attentive service. Perched on the top of a hill, overlooking the cerulean spread of the Arabian Sea, the Somatheeram Ayurvedic Beach Resort sprawls over 15 acres of lush greenery. Offering a unique blend of tropical beauty combined with contemporary facilities, the resort is a rejuvenating heaven far from the mad city bustle. Pamper yourself with superb Ayurvedic facilities, yoga classes and meditation programmes.
 

India is a land that has a rich ancient history and deep cultural roots. It is a land of spiritual blessings. A visit to India is unlike any other place one can visit in the world. Indian customs and rituals have been admired by most of the travelers who have visited the country and the vast range of geographical locations in India has made it one of the top tourist destinations.

1. Incredible diversity: India is famous for its unimaginable amount of diversity and yet in the midst of this there is unity. One can travel through India and experience a distinct cultural difference in every region. Even though historical standpoint India's assimilation strength always stays at a greater height. India truly offers countless shades in terms of culture, tradition, cuisines, languages and even landscapes. 

2. History: India has a mixed record of successes and failures. It is the world's most ancient surviving civilization and has thousands of years of history to be explored. Home to the ancient Indus Valley Civilization and a region of historic trade routes, the Indian subcontinent was identified with its commercial and cultural wealth for much of its long history. 

3. Folk Art: India has a profusion of folk art that is kept alive mostly in rural communities. Every region in India has its own style and pattern of art. The folk art of India is cultural and simple, yet very colorful and lively enough to speak volumes about the country's rich cultural heritage.

4. The Taj Mahal: It is a bit cliché, but travelers visiting India should at least save a day in their schedule to visit this enchanting beauty, the Taj Mahal. Taj Mahal is an enthralling piece of architectural art that portrays the love that Emperor Shah Jahan had for his beloved wife Mumtaz Mahal.

5. Religious festivals: The best way to understand the cultural map of India is by visiting India during an important local festival like Holi in Jaipur, Pushkar festival in Pushkar and Janmashtami in Vrindavan etc. Throughout the year different occasions bring together people from different walks of life to forget all their differences and get involved in pure fun. By taking part in these colorful festivities, one can see the liveliness of India today as it holds the traditions of its intriguing past.

6. Indian Hospitality: Indians consider it an immense honor to have visitors in their abodes, and go out of their way to gratify them. There's a famous saying in India, Athithi Devo Bhava, which means that the "Guest is God". There's nothing like Indian hospitality. And, as a result of the growing status of homestays in India, there are plenty of occasions to experience it.

7. Thrilling Wildlife: The wildlife sanctuaries of India are home to many of the World's endangered species of mammals and birds. Some of the destinations that offer an enthralling experience of the wild abode include Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve, Ranthambore National Park, Kanha Tiger Reserve, Sunderban Wildlife Sanctuary and Kaziranga National Park, etc. 

8. Delicious Food: In India, there is a well-known saying that "Appetizing food paves the way to someone's heart". Indian food is famous throughout the world, for being rich and flavorful. The cuisines in India vary from region to region, and street food is extremely popular too. 

9. Spiritual Experience: India is the origin of various religions and religious thinking. Many people visit India, not for the tourist attractions, but to experience a calm and serene environment and get in touch with their spiritual selves. Spiritual arts like yoga and meditation have fascinated a huge number of tourists from all around the globe. A visit to various temples, a look at the religious texts and the stories of how different legends initiated can provide a deeper vision into Indian culture and will definitely refresh your wits like no place in the world.

10. Music: India is well-known for its various folk arts and especially classical Indian music. Music is a vital part of the Indian society and many distinguished world musicians have originated from India since ancient times. The Carnatic influence from the 15th and 16th centuries AD plays a major role in shaping traditional Indian music. However, there are various forms of folk music which plays a distinctive sound and feel which is specific to their region of origination.

India is a sensory feast, and these are just a few reasons for you to visit this beautiful land.

Author Bio:

Priyanka is a travel writer at Trans India Holidays, she is passionate about visiting different destinations and sharing her experience through articles and blogs.