Rishikesh, renowned as the 'Yoga Capital of the World,' offers a spiritual sanctuary where yoga and meditation thrive. Revered as one of the holiest cities for Hindus, Rishikesh hosts a variety of ashrams that cater to those seeking a healthier and more mindful lifestyle. The city has long been a refuge for saints and spiritual seekers, drawing people from around the world to experience its serenity and ancient practices.
Here is a list of prominent ashrams in Rishikesh for yoga and meditation:
1. Sivananda Ashram
Location: Near Ram Jhula, Ganga Vatika, Rishikesh
Timings: Monday - Saturday: 9:00 AM–12:00 PM, 2:00 PM–5:00 PM; Sundays: 6:00 AM–10:00 PM
Sivananda Ashram is one of the most renowned yoga centers in India, founded by Swami Sivananda. Offering free yoga and meditation classes, it is run by the Divine Life Society. Accommodations and meals are also provided free of charge. The ashram offers three annual courses, each spanning two months.
2. Parmarth Niketan Ashram
Location: Near Main Market Road, Ram Jhula, Swarg Ashram, Rishikesh
Timings: 9:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Situated along the holy Ganges River, Parmarth Niketan is a sprawling ashram offering 1,000 rooms. With a focus on yoga, meditation, and spirituality, it provides daily classes and hosts the famous Ganga Aarti at sunset.
3. Swami Dayananda Ashram
Location: Dayananda Nagar, Chandreshwar Nagar, Rishikesh
Timings: 7:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Founded in 1960 by Swami Dayananda Saraswati, this ashram is known for its comprehensive studies of Vedanta and Sanskrit. The ashram hosts residential courses focusing on the Bhagavad Gita, Upanishads, and Vedic chanting.
4. Swami Rama Sadhaka Grama Ashram
Location: Ram Nagar, Rishikesh
Timings: Open 24 hours
Founded by Swami Rama, this ashram specializes in the Himalayan tradition of meditation and self-transformation. It offers silent retreats and programs for deepening spiritual practice.
5. Omkarananda Ganga Sadan Ashram
Location: Swami Omkarananda Saraswati Rd, Muni Ki Reti, Rishikesh
This ashram is home to the Patanjala Yoga Kendra, where Iyengar Yoga is taught. Located near the Ganges, the center offers a blend of traditional yoga practices and spiritual teachings.
6. Yoga Niketan Ashram
Location: Muni-Ki-Reti, Ramjhula, P.O. Shivanand Nagar, Near-Ganga Vatika Flats, Rishikesh
Timings: 7:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Founded by Swami Yogeshwaranand Paramahansa, Yoga Niketan Ashram offers teachings based on the eightfold path of Patanjali Yoga. It welcomes all individuals, with a minimum stay requirement of 15 days for courses.
7. Shree Mahesh Heritage Meditation School
Location: 153/4, Gayatri Resorts, Lane, Tapovan, Rishikesh
Timings: 8:00 AM - 8:00 PM, Closed on Sundays
This school emphasizes meditation and provides extensive training in Vedic texts, yoga, Ayurveda, and spiritual development.
8. Phool Chatti Ashram
Location: Neelkanth Temple Road Paliyal Gaon, Rishikesh
Timings: 9:00 AM - 9:00 PM
Founded in the late 1800s, Phool Chatti Ashram offers a seven-day yoga and meditation program focused on the yogic path, including chanting, pranayama, and kirtan.
9. Anand Prakash Ashram
Location: Tapovan, Shivananda Nagar, Badrinath Rd, Rishikesh
Timings: 5:30 AM - 7:00 PM
An ideal retreat in a serene setting, Anand Prakash Ashram offers yoga sessions, including Akhanda Yoga, with 3 daily meals and a peaceful environment for spiritual growth.
10. Himalayan Yog Ashram
Location: 256, Tapovan, Rishikesh
Timings: Monday - Saturday: 8:00 AM - 6:00 PM, Sunday: 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM
Himalayan Yog Ashram focuses on Hatha Yoga and meditation, offering a disciplined practice with an emphasis on silence and self-discipline.
11. Osho Gangadham Ashram
Location: Jaanaki Cottage, Lease No-52, Badrinath Road, Brahmpuri, Rishikesh
Timings: 6:30 AM - 9:00 PM
Located by the Ganges, this ashram offers a range of Osho’s meditation techniques, including dynamic and kundalini meditations. The center also offers retreats and workshops.
12. Rishikesh Yogpeeth Ashram
Location: Abhayaranya Yoga Ashram Neelkanth Temple Road Patna, Rishikesh
Timings: Open 24 hours
A non-profit institution, Rishikesh Yogpeeth focuses on holistic living through yoga practices. It offers daily classes and meditation sessions with experienced instructors.
13. Alakh Yoga School
Location: Gali Number 3, Aam Bag, IDPL Colony, Rishikesh
Timings: 6:00 AM - 8:00 PM
This school offers advanced yoga teacher training courses and focuses on improving physical, emotional, and spiritual health through yoga.
14. Avatar Yoga School
Location: Hotel Yoga Village House, Swarg Ashram, Rishikesh
Timings: Monday - Saturday: 6:00 AM - 7:00 PM, Sundays closed
Avatar Yoga School offers intensive yoga teacher training courses, following traditional teaching methods that cater to all levels of yoga students.
15. Divine Yoga School
Location: Swarg Ashram, Rishikesh
Timings: Monday - Saturday: 7:00 AM - 9:00 PM, Sunday: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Divine Yoga School provides personalized yoga teacher training courses, focusing on healing the body, mind, and soul in a tranquil environment.
16. Yoga Prakash School
Location: Hotel Hari Om, Near Luxman Chowk, Laxman Jhula, Rishikesh
Timings: 6:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Yoga Prakash School offers certified courses in Hatha and Ashtanga Yoga, aimed at those who wish to spread awareness of yoga to others.
Rishikesh’s ashrams provide the perfect environment for spiritual rejuvenation, helping individuals unlock inner peace and strength, making it an invaluable experience for those seeking personal transformation and healing.
