Mark Twain wrote that you will not come to India just like that, and if you find yourself in this amazing country, consider it a sign from above. And as you know, it is worth listening to the clues of fate. India is an ideal place to throw away everything that is outdated (prejudice, resentment, stress) and open up to the new, freedom, lightness, harmony. Here the culture of the past is intertwined with the technologies of the future, and the oldest traditions become relevant today. India is incredibly diverse, and depending on the destination you choose, you will find white beaches, wild jungles, urban slums, river valleys or majestic mountains. Our choice fell on the latter.
Journey to Maharaja Palace
In the north of India, in the foothills of the Himalayas, there is a completely unique resort that even those who have never been interested in this direction have probably heard of – Ananda in the Himalayas.
The luxury hotel is located in the historical palace of the Maharaja, at an altitude of more than a thousand meters above sea level. However, it may not be right to call it a hotel, because it is nothing like the five-star hotels we are used to.
There is no pretentiousness, deliberate luxury or ostentatious wealth here; the interiors are made in the national style, but with a dose of elegant asceticism: simplicity of lines – simplicity of thoughts. The main decoration here is a riot of emerald greenery and flowering gardens with peacocks walking. And, of course, a breathtaking panoramic view of the Ganges River valley and the mountains, located on the banks of the holy city of Rishikesh.
It’s no surprise that Ananda in the Himalayas, an award-winning resort, has become a destination for celebrities ranging from King Charles III and Oprah Winfrey to Nicole Kidman and the Gates couple. What drew them in, besides the picturesque surroundings, is what we’ll tell you now.
How to get there:
– direct flight Moscow – Delhi. Then a 5-hour drive north (the hotel provides a shuttle service as an optional extra) to the resort.
– Flight Moscow – Delhi – Dehradun. Then 40 minutes drive to the resort.
What is life science or Ayurveda and how does it work?
The Ananda Resort in the Himalayas follows the Ayurvedic system. This word has long become international; Ayurvedic centers are successfully opening in many cities of Russia. But not everyone knows the significance and history of this fashionable trend. The term “Ayurveda” in the ancient Hindu language Sanskrit consists of two words: “ayur” – “knowledge” and “Veda” – “life”. The knowledge of life is the basis of this alternative medicine system. Ayurveda is, in essence, the science of how to maintain physical and mental health throughout life, how to find balance in yourself and in everything around you. The Ayurvedic system is built on a symbiosis of daily proper nutrition, physical exercise and psychological practices.
The basic concept is based on the three dosha system: Vata (ether and air), Pitta (fire and water), Kapha (water and earth). It is believed that every person contains elements of all three doshas, but one of them is more pronounced.
The aim of Ayurveda is to balance all the elements, and the doctors, specialists and masters of Ananda in the Himalayas resort have set themselves the same goal.
Each guest, even before arrival, undergoes mandatory testing on the hotel’s website, as a result of which his dosha is determined and a consultation with the doctor is scheduled, after which a program of accommodation is drawn up, from nutrition to physical activity and spa treatments. Detox, anti-stress, good sleep, increased tone and vitality, rehabilitation – more than a dozen areas aimed at a wide variety of needs.
Of course, it is impossible to imagine Ayurveda without yoga and meditation. Ananda focuses on the traditional practices of haiha yoga and raja yoga: asanas, pranayama (breathing techniques), mudras (special movements for directing energy through the body), bandhas (internal locks for holding energy in a certain part of the body), shatkarmas (cleansing practices). But the main thing is that hotel specialists set themselves the goal of creating their own comfortable meditation and practice plan for each guest, which they can incorporate into their normal lives.
Shirodhara, reiki, acupuncture – what is the basis of the best spa in the world
The distinguishing feature of the resort and the place where guests spend most of their time is the spa center, repeatedly nominated for international awards and named one of the best in the world. The unique complex has dozens of rooms and areas, from traditional Indian to progressive European. We have selected the procedures that are mandatory to attend.
Shirodhara
A famous traditional Indian procedure in which warm oil is poured onto the patient’s forehead. Its name comes from two words: “shiro” – “head” and “dhara” – “continuous flow”. Initial rather unusual sensations are quickly replaced by an almost meditative sense of peace. The only negative: after the procedure, you will have to go to the shower more than once to wash the oil off your head.
Reiki
Reiki is a Japanese alternative medicine technique in which the patient is treated with the passage of hands and light touches on the body, and through this the specialist transmits vital energy “ki”. The procedure is completely painless. During the session, warmth spreads from the master’s palms, causing a sense of peace. And after the procedure, the master can give you information about your aura.
Acupuncture
Acupuncture is one of the oldest methods of traditional Chinese medicine. At the beginning of the session, the master will clarify whether the request you bring is to relieve stress or lack of energy, and will choose the places where acupuncture will be performed according to the patient’s purpose. In Ananda in the Himalayas, acupuncture is often combined with vacuum cupping. The effect is greatly improved.
Aromatherapy
An incredibly relaxing full body massage with the use of essential oils. Each scent is selected according to the individual needs of the patient. As a result, tension and stress are reduced, the mood improves, the skin becomes soft and moisturized.
Reflexology
Another method of oriental therapy, popular in India. Reflexology in Ananda in the Himalayas is an hour-long foot massage (manual manipulation), during which a specialist works on the most active reflexogenic points. They are also responsible for the proper functioning of many internal organs, harmonization of sleep and other important biological processes of the body.
All procedures in the resort’s spa complex are prescribed by doctors, depending on the guest’s wishes and physical condition. There are also very special areas, for example, the famous Panchakarma (Ayurvedic method of comprehensive cleansing and rejuvenation of the body) or a program aimed at increasing fertility, which helps to improve reproductive health. By the way, the latter is visited not only by women, but also by couples planning a pregnancy. As part of the program, Ananda specialists turn to vajikarana – an ancient branch of Ayurveda that deals with sexual health. A number of procedures help to improve the quality of shukra (generative seed).
Other things to do in the area
Go to the market in Rishikesh
Rishikesh is about 40 minutes drive from Ananda in the Himalayas. The city is considered sacred; The Beatles’ famous White Album was written here. Shopping malls are located quite compactly in the city center, so getting lost is not scary. We recommend buying fabrics, spices and Ayurvedic products.
Attend the Ganga Aarti ceremony
The ceremony of gratitude to the goddess of the Ganges River is held every evening at sunset in the same city of Rishikesh. During the sacred action, local ashram mentors play national instruments, sing prayers and perform special rituals. The spectacle is unforgettable.
Climb the Kunjapuri Temple
The temple of Goddess Sati Kunjapuri is located on the top of the mountain and is an incredibly revered Hindu temple. There are two ways to get there from the hotel: on foot (about 6 km climb) or by car. In good weather, the temple’s observation deck offers incredible views of the snow-capped peaks of the Himalayas.
Source: People Talk
Errol Villanueva is an author and lifestyle journalist who writes for The Fashion Vibes. With a passion for exploring the latest trends in fashion, food, travel, and wellness, Errol’s articles are a must-read for anyone interested in living a stylish and fulfilling life.
