Narendra Nagar Rishikesh, India
Renovated
2022
Price
$$$$
Rated for
Wellness Heritage LocalOutside the door
Himalayan Ayurvedic citadel
White cotton kurtas, morning Vedanta discourses, and fragrant sal forest air frame life across this hundred-acre Himalayan palace estate.
“Ananda in the Himalayas integrates traditional Ayurvedic treatments with international health, fitness, and nutrition pursuits.”
What it’s good at
Exceptional
A 25,000-square-foot spa, outdoor blue-tiled yoga pavilion, and comprehensive Ayurvedic regimens with daily Vedanta philosophy.
Remarkable
Centered on the 19th-century Viceregal Palace of the Maharaja of Tehri-Garhwal, complete with historic billiards room.
Remarkable
Set in Himalayan foothills overlooking the sacred Ganges, with curated excursions to Rishikesh for evening Ganga Aarti ceremonies.
What they say
Also in Condé Nast Traveler and AFAR.
The rooms have modern amenities including an extensive pillow menu but the muted colors, art and old wood furniture lend a specific character.
Tucked away
A place apart: the property is the destination.
Perched high in the Garhwal foothills above Rishikesh, the retreat looks down over the sacred bends of the Ganges River.
The rooms
Tiered hillside rooms feature private balconies facing the valley, while secluded standalone villas include private temperature-controlled swimming pools.
The pool
Bring a swimsuit.
An outdoor temperature-controlled lap pool sits surrounded by sal trees, looking across the Himalayan foothills.
The spa
Therapists practice traditional Ayurvedic rituals across twenty-four treatment rooms, from warm-oil shirodhara to massages facing the valley.
Yoga and the gym
Daily yoga sessions take place in an open-air blue-domed pavilion, alongside outdoor stone platforms and a sunlit gym.
The Restaurant
Tables encircle a central copper fireplace under high ceilings, serving dishes tailored to individual Ayurvedic doshas.
At the table
Private candlelit tables can be set on outdoor stone terraces for dinners overlooking the illuminated estate grounds.
How it began
Founded in 2000 around the Maharaja of Tehri-Garhwal's 19th-century palace, the estate preserves the historic billiards room with its original hand-carved cues.
Stay here
Ananda In The Himalayas
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Rishikesh
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Our shorthand
How we rate hotels.
The medals
Gold
Extremely rare. Sets the global standard.
Silver
Brilliant execution. And we’re picky.
Bronze
They did this well. You’ll notice.
Listed
A defining trait. Makes the hotel what it is.
The eight vibes
Design
Built around a vision. Even the door handles have a designer.
Luxe
Cared for at every turn. The bath is drawn before you ask.
Local
It could only be here. You wake up knowing where you are.
Social
Where the city goes out. The bar is full and the night is young.
Heritage
A building with a story. Once a palace, a monastery, a station.
Wellness
You leave feeling new. Rest, sweat, soak and sleep like a stone.
Classic
The city grew up with it. Same rituals, same regulars, same bar.
Resort
A world of its own. Something to do from breakfast to nightcap.
The scene
Lively
Where things happen: restaurants, shops, people.
Central
Well-located: walkable to some things, a short ride to more.
Quiet
Away from the crowds. Getting around takes intention.
Secluded
A place apart: the property is the destination.