India is famous worldwide for the practice of yoga and attracts a large number of yoga traveling tourists. Rishikesh is the only place in India that hoists its flag for yoga and meditation worldwide. There are many ashrams and institutions that practice ancient arts and styles of yoga and meditation. Rishikesh is also popular as the ‘World Capital of Yoga.’
Lakhs of people undertake yoga tours in Rishikesh to get education and initiation of yoga and meditation in the ashrams here. In addition, India, and especially Rishikesh, celebrates an annual International Yoga Festival. Visited by yoga enthusiasts across the globe, this is an opportunity to connect with your spiritual side.
Since the ashrams in Rishikesh enjoy the bliss of the holy river Ganges and the beauty of the Majestic Mountain, it is one of the best places for yoga and meditation in India.
1. Parmarth Niketan
Parmarth Niketan Ashram is the largest ashram in Rishikesh, established in 1942 by Swami Sukdevananda. Later, Swami Chinmayanand Saraswati was elected the president of this ashram. This ashram has been built for the poor and orphan children. Along with giving Vedic and traditional education to the children, the study of Vedas is also done here.
This ashram is located on Sapta Sarovar Road in Rishikesh. This road is the most famous in Rishikesh, where you will find many temples. Parmarth Niketan Ashram has a huge idol of Lord Shiva, built in the middle of Ganga Ji. Earlier, the second idol of Lord Shiva was installed at this place. Still, in June 2013, in a natural calamity, the label of Ganga Ji increased so much that the idol of Lord Shiva also got washed away in that stream. After that, another huge icon in the Hindu temple is built in a modern manner and sturdiness, and this idol can be seen in this ashram in the present day.
Location: Ram Jhula, Swarg Ashram, Rishikesh.
Timings: 09:00 AM to 08:00 PM
2. Yoga Niketan
Yoga Niketan, one of the oldest ashrams in Rishikesh, is situated on the banks of the holy river Ganges in the city’s Muni-Ki-Reti area. Swami Yogeshwarananda Paramhansa founded it in 1964 to spread awareness about spiritual awakening. According to Patanjali Yog Shastra, the teaching of the ashram is centered on the Eightfold Path, which requires students to follow a strict schedule of daily yoga, meditation, and lectures. The ashram has 100 rooms with a fee starting from ₹500 for Indians and ₹900 for foreigners.
Location: Muni-ki-Reti, Ram Jhula, Shivanand Nagar, Near Ganga Vaigyanik, Rishikesh.
Time: NA
3. Anand Prakash Ashram
Anand Prakash Ashram is one of the popular ashrams in Rishikesh. Founded in 2007, this ashram focuses its teaching on Akhand Yoga, which is non-sectarian teachings from multiple sources. It provides knowledge on balanced sequencing among various aspects, such as asanas, pranayama, relaxation, mantra, meditation, and discussion and learning on yogic lifestyle and philosophy. Located in the Tapovan area, this ashram is known for its 200-hour and 500-hour yoga teacher training programs and Ayurvedic cooking classes. Anand Prakash Ashram is a perfect blend of modern amenities and comfort, providing a luxurious environment for spiritual seekers.
Location: Tapovan, Shivanand Nagar, Badrinath Road, Rishikesh.
Timings: 07:30 am to 07:00 pm
4. Osho Ganga Dham Ashram
Last on our best list for meditation is the Osho Gangadham Ashram in Rishikesh. It is situated on the banks of the river Ganges, a few kilometers from Lakshman Jhula. This ashram offers dynamic dance, or Kundalini meditation, and evening satsangs. Guests can choose from room options such as dormitories, single rooms, or shared rooms and enjoy pure vegetarian cuisine. The ashram has a meditation room that can accommodate up to 100 people and organizes regular camps and retreats for yoga enthusiasts.
Osho Gangadham is known for teaching the most acceptable forms of yoga and meditation and is an ideal destination for anyone striving for peace and spiritual balance.
Location: Janki Cottage, Badrinath Road, Brahmapuri, Rishikesh.
Timings: 06:30 am to 09:00 pm
5. Swami Dayanand Ashram
Swami Dayanand Ashram is Another best ashram in Rishikesh. Founded in the 1960s by Swami Dayanand Saraswati, this ashram is known for imparting knowledge of Vedanta and Sanskrit. It regularly manages long-term and short-term courses and retreats for all yoga lovers, Vendetta, or anyone seeking knowledge of Sanskrit. The ashram also has a library including over 5000 titles on Vedanta, Sanskrit grammar, Indian and Western philosophy, faith, meditation, and yoga. With around 150 rooms, the ashram offers housing facilities only for the students who have enrolled in the study.
This is one of the most pleasing places for anyone seeking spiritual peace as this ashram focuses all its lessons on the Bhagavad Gita and the ten main Upanishads and Vedic chanting.
Location: Dayanand Nagar, Chandreshwar Nagar, Rishikesh.
Timings: 07:00 AM to 07:00 PM
6. Shree Mahesh Heritage Meditation School
Shri Mahesh Heritage School is Rishikesh’s first meditation school, where people will get to learn and experience the best meditation techniques rooted in the ancient Indian Vedic system of health, healing, wellness, and self-realization. Whether people come for a meditation teacher training course, a spiritual yoga meditation retreat, or a meditation for beginners program, they also learn personal spiritual development. Practicing here helps them learn the basics of their mind, body, and intellect and their obstacles and ways to overcome them and they use various Eastern and Western meditation techniques. People will find what they are looking for and naturally enjoy your learning and experience in a comfortable, caring, and joyful environment!
Location: 153/4, Gayatri Resorts, Lane, Tapovan, Rishikesh, Uttarakhand 249192
Time: 08:00 AM to 8:00 PM
7. Patanjali International Yog Foundation
One of the popular Ashrams to Stay in Rishikesh with the Family Patanjali International Yoga Foundation is famous for its international yoga lessons. This ashram offers a 2-week yoga and meditation training and Ganga Aarti in the morning and evening to ensure diving and spiritual stay for its guests. This ashram also offers a course in Yoga Medicine and Ayurveda and many other courses, workshops, and seminars.
It focuses on providing authentic yoga and meditation practices that are helpful for both physical and spiritual health.
Location: Badrinath Road, Tapovan, Laxman Jhula, Rishikesh.
Timing: 06:00 AM to 10:00 PM
8. Sivananda Ashram
Second, one of the best free ashrams in Rishikesh is on our list. Founded by Swami Sivananda and currently run by Divine Life Society, Sivananda Ashram is one of the top yoga centers in India and arguably one of the most famous ashrams in the city. The ashram offers free accommodation and food and free yoga and meditation classes for serious spiritual seekers. The ashrams offer classes three times a year with the main focus on the five aspects of yoga; Asanas, breathing, relaxation, meditation, and diet.
The duration of each course is two months. Situated near Ram Jhula, this ashram is an ideal destination for anyone seeking solace and rejuvenation.
Location: Near, Ram Jhula, Ganga Vatika, Rishikesh.
Timing: 09:30 am to 11:00 am
9. Phool Chatti
Meaning ‘Land of Flowers,’ Phool Chatti Ashram is another one on our list of best ashrams to stay in Rishikesh. Established in the late 1800s, Phool Chatti Ashram is a haven for those seeking solace and rejuvenation. This ashram focuses not only on asanas but on the yoga path and broader aspects of ashram life. It is famous for its seven-day yoga programs in which students get to experience all aspects of yoga life, such as meditation, breathing, cleaning, chanting, Mauna, kirtan, and worship.
The ashram provides all the basic facilities to its guests to ensure a comfortable stay on their journey in search of peace.
Location: Neelkanth Mandir Road Paliyal Village, Rishikesh.
Timings: 09:00 AM to 05:00 PM
10. Sadhana Mandir and Swami Rama Sadhaka Grama Ashram
Sadhna Mandir Ashram offers a variety of retreats for both beginners and experienced practitioners. These individual residential retreats inspire participants to experience the nature of their beings on physical, vital, mental, and spiritual levels. Participants engage in daily mild yoga classes, breathing and leisure exercises, guided meditation practices, and personal instruction in the science of yoga.
The Ashram was founded in 1966 on the banks of the Ganges in Rishikesh, India. Swami Ram founded the Sadhana Mandir Trust as an international retreat center for sincere aspirants to practice meditation in a spiritually enhanced environment. Cradled in the foothills of the mighty Himalayas, away from the hustle and bustle of Rishikesh, Sadhana Mandir is situated on the stakes of the holy river Ganges. The quiet and serene atmosphere makes the ashram ideal for spiritual practice, covered by beautiful flower gardens, mango trees, and a lotus pond.
Location: Sadhana Mandir Ashram, Virbhadra Road (Between Ganga Kinare Hotel and AIIMS)
Time: Open 24 Hours
