Today, if we were to offer you a magical escape from your hectic routine, bringing you a sense of ease and harmony, chances are you’d jump on board immediately. Be it a search for inner peace or a break from the chaos of daily life, a wellness retreat might be just what you need next.
But what exactly is a wellness retreat? Think of it as a travel itinerary designed to enhance calmness in your lifestyle, through activities like meditation, yoga, and sound healing.
And to make things easier for you, here are some of the most popular and affordable wellness retreat resorts located across India’s most scenic destinations. Check them out!
Plan a Weekend Retreat on the Banks of Ganga at Tarang Yoga Ashram, Rishikesh
Situated near forests that are home to rare bird species, the Tarang Yoga Ashram in Rishikesh offers a 2-day Yoga and Meditation retreat for true peace of mind. During the retreat, you will participate in various pranayama sessions and relaxation techniques, including a riverside yoga session. Other activities include a bonfire and sightseeing at nearby tourist spots.
For a budget of around Rs 5,000, your itinerary includes a one-night, two-day stay in a private single bedroom, along with three vegetarian meals. Tea, coffee, and snacks are also included. To reach the ashram, you can take a flight to Dehradun Airport and book a private cab for the onward journey, and can also travel via train to the Rishikesh railway station.
Experience Different Yoga Styles at Ananda Yoga and Wellness Center, Rishikesh
Yoga teachers at the Ananda Yoga and Wellness Center guide you through various types of yoga as part of their retreat, along with daily sessions on relaxation techniques. These include Ashtanga Yoga, Hatha Yoga, Vinyasa Yoga, and Yin Yoga for beginner as well as advanced participants.
A 2-day program costs around Rs 7,000, which includes accommodation, three meals, group excursions activities, and nature hikes with a trusted guide. Nearest railway station to reach location is Yog Nagari Rishikesh railway station and the Haridwar railway station.
Book A 3-Day Retreat at Buddha Yogpeeth, Rishikesh
With experienced teachers, the Buddha Yogpeeth offers multiple styles of yoga, including Hatha Yoga, Vipassana Yoga, and Restorative Yoga. It ensures that every participant receives personalized attention, while providing a rich cultural and spiritual experience.
A three-day, two-night itinerary that costs around Rs 8,000 includes accommodation along with three vegetarian meals and snacks. The nearest railway station is Haridwar, but tourists can also reach the center via bus to the Rishikesh bus stop or flights to Dehradun Airport.
Take Advantage of Sound Healing At Ananda Yoga Center, Rishikesh
Alongside yoga and meditation, the Ananda Yoga and Wellness Center also offers a 4-day sound healing program. According to the organizers, this program helps participants achieve deep relaxation and emotional release through sacred sound frequencies. Combined with yoga, it guides participants toward inner peace and rejuvenation. A four-day, three-night plan costs around Rs 11,000 and includes accommodation, meals, and other group activities in the city of Rishikesh.
Opt for a Customised Wellness Retreat at Aranya Yoga Center, Dharamshala
Moving on to another Himalayan town, the Aranya Yoga Center in Dharamshala offers healing meditation sessions, daily yoga classes, and singing bowl sound healing. As part of the program, participants can also enjoy short scenic hikes around Dharamshala.
The retreat costs Rs 14,000 for a 3-day, 2-night plan, which includes accommodation, meals, and program benefits. The center also provides customizable meal options for vegans. Participants can opt for additional Reiki and Ayurvedic sessions for an extra fee. To reach the center, you can take a flight to Dharamshala airport, an overnight bus to Dharamshala, or an overnight train to Pathankot railway station.
Spiritual Retreat at Dyanasth Yoga Resort, Uttarakhand
You can also join a relaxing yoga retreat at Dyanasth Yoga Resort in Uttarakhand to learn different yoga poses. Open to all skill levels, the retreat also includes breathing exercises and meditation, creating a peaceful space to relax.
Depending on the room category you choose, your budget for this retreat will range from Rs 10,000 to Rs 24,000. This includes accommodation and meals. To reach the center, you can fly to Dehradun airport or opt for a taxi or private car.
Indulge In Healing Retreat at SidhaDham Center of Wellness, Nashik
At the SidhaDham Center of Wellness, participants experience yoga, meditation, and sound healing techniques while learning yoga nidra and pranayama. The seven-day program is suitable for beginners, with batches limited to 20 participants. The retreat costs up to Rs 34,000, depending on the room type, and includes six nights of accommodation with three vegetarian, organic meals daily.
Optional activities like trekking, local sightseeing, and visits to organic farms are also available. To reach the center, you can book a flight to Nashik airport, with pick-up and drop-off services provided for an additional fee, or opt for private transport or cab services.
Experience Relaxation At Vairagya Yogashala, Goa
Beyond its parties and beach shacks, Goa is also home to many wellness retreats. Planning a weekend trip? Consider the two-day sound healing program at Vairagya Yogashala in Arambol. Where participants experience transformative energy through Tibetan Singing Bowls, including, Gong, Full Moon, and New Moon Bowls.
The program also includes different yoga styles like Ashtanga, Ayurveda, and Dynamic Yoga, all within a two-day, one-night retreat. The cost is approximately Rs 9,000, covering accommodation and two daily meals with options for all dietary preferences. To reach the center, you can take a cab from Goa Airport, the railway station, or the bus stop, or use private transport.
Enjoy a Wellness Retreat in a culturally rich location of Karnataka
The “Breathe Through Life” program at Bowline Nature Stay in Chikkamagaluru, Karnataka, offers a three-day retreat to help you find calm and balance. Participants can explore various styles of yoga, meditation, and pranayama through daily sessions, along with optional group activities.
Priced at around Rs 10,000, the program includes two-night accommodation, three vegetarian meals per day, and internal transport within the retreat. Located in Mudigere, the retreat is about a five-hour drive from Bengaluru, Mangaluru, or Mysuru.
Embrace Healing in Three Day Retreat At Munkudil Wellness Center, Kerela
Located in the peaceful setting of God’s own country, the Munkudil Wellness Center offers traditional Ayurveda along with yoga classes. The retreat focuses on the Hatha Yoga technique and is open to practitioners of all levels. Additionally, the teachings aim to improve circulation, skin texture, metabolism, and mental well-being.
For approximately 22,000 rupees, the wellness retreat includes accommodation for four days and three nights. It also provides three nutritious meals daily, customized to your dietary requirements. The best way to reach the center is by private transport, as it is about 75 km from Munnar or Kochi City. Alternatively, you can book a flight to Cochin Airport or a train to Aluva Railway Station, from where private cabs are available.
Our Takeaway
From yoga and meditation to calming techniques like sound healing with bowls, these wellness retreats across popular destinations in the country are sure to bring a smile and inner peace to your weekend getaway. Set in peaceful places, like green forests, quiet beaches, or beautiful mountains, these retreats let you take a break from stress and reconnect with yourself.
Disclaimer: Above images are sourced from official websites of Tarang Yoga Ashram, Ananda Yoga and Wellness Center, Buddha Yogpeeth, Aranya Yoga Center, Dyanasth Yoga Resort, SidhaDham Center of Wellness, Vairagya Yogashala, Bowline Nature Stay, and Munkudil Wellness Center.