Health in the Himalayas: A Yoga & Wellness Getaway in Northern India

Special occasions like birthdays and anniversaries are the perfect opportunity to plan that once-in-a-lifetime trip you’ve always dreamed about. For our recent traveler Carol, that special occasion was her 50th birthday.

She reached out to Project Kaif because she wanted to embark on an adventure that would not only expose her to new sights and cultures, but would help her discover a new purpose and passion for life.

Specifically, Carol expressed an interest in learning about Ayurveda - a system of medicine that originated in India thousands of years ago. Ayurveda outlines a holistic approach to health and wellness, encompassing diet, exercise, rest, spirituality, and connection with nature.

Based on this, Project Kaif designed for Carol a once-in-a-lifetime, wellness-oriented getaway to Northern India.

Step 1: Choosing the Perfect Destination

The northern Indian state of Uttarakhand has long been known as the “Land of the Gods” due to its sheer number of Hindu shrines, temples, and pilgrimage sites. Its terrain is rugged and wild, covered with untouched forests, winding rivers, and the dramatic peaks and ridges of the Himalayan mountain range.

Pilgrims seeking enlightenment and salvation have ventured to this region for thousands of years; specifically, to the ancient city of Rishikesh. Nicknamed the "Yoga Capital of the World," Rishikesh is home to an abundance of temples, ashrams, yoga centers, meditation classes, and healing retreats.

This region’s soul-stirring natural beauty and spiritual history made it the perfect destination for our traveler and wellness-seeker Carol.

Step 2: Where to Sleep, Eat, Drink, and Play

Stay: Ananda

Nestled in the foothills of the Himalayas is one of India’s most renowned Ayurvedic retreats: Ananda. This award-winning luxury hotel and spa is located on a 100-acre Maharaja’s Palace Estate, overlooking the ancient spiritual town of Rishikesh and surrounded by peaceful forests and valleys.

Ananda’s founding principle was holistic wellness for the mind, body, and soul. The retreat integrates traditional Ayurveda, Yoga and Vedanta with modern fitness, wellness, and health knowledge to help visitors restore balance and harmonize energy.

The 78 guest rooms, suites, and villas blend seamlessly with the lush natural surroundings and exude serene, classic elegance. We ensured that Carol’s room offered panoramic views of the Rishikesh valley from her private balcony.

Eat: Ayurvedic Gourmet Cuisine

During her stay at Ananda, Carol nourished and fueled her body at the onsite restaurant, which emphasizes fresh, natural ingredients and incorporates key principles from Ayurvedic cooking. It offers specially curated menus tailor-made for each of the three “doshas,” or body types: Vata, Kapha, and Pitta.

Each dosha has guidelines for ingredients and flavors to correct imbalances and encourage physical and mental wellbeing. Whole grains, fresh fruits and vegetables, and lean proteins are used to create flavorful gourmet dishes like Himalayan Beetroot & Goat Cheese Salad, or Coconut Flavored Vegetable Stew.

Do: Yoga, Meditation, Fitness

We arranged for Carol to partake in Ananda’s "Rebalance" program, which aims to help participants stop feeling burnt out and start living their fullest, most fulfilling lives again. She engaged in a variety of activities, including daily yoga, meditation, and pranayama (controlled breathing), as well as active fitness, interactive Vedanta talks, and weekly nature treks.

Carol also indulged in a number of soothing spa treatments, and enjoyed daily use of the hydrotherapy facilities. By the end of her stay she felt uplifted and harmonious, and had a new appreciation for and outlook on life.

Step 3: Booking the Right Travel Arrangements

We arranged for Carol to fly into Delhi, where she spent two days sightseeing in the city and adjusting to the difference in time zones. From there, it was a quick 45-minute flight and a scenic 40-minute drive (via private car transfer) to Ananda. From the moment her plane touched down in Delhi to the moment she returned home, no detail was overlooked.

Dreaming of a spiritual escape of your own? Contact Project Kaif today to start planning your perfect getaway.