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Highly Recommended

Ananda in the Himalayas, Nr Rishikesh

India's first and only destination spa, Ananda is a superb hotel, clinging to a ridge in the Himalayan foothills. Undoubtedly one of the best hotels in India and ranked in the Top 10 spa hotels of the world, this wonderful resort offers unbeatable spa facilities, peaceful solitude and a chance to get back to nature, whilst surrounded by luxury. It is, however, not only for those who want to spend time doing little but being pampered - it is also the perfect base from which to go walking, birdwatching, star-gazing, rafting, fishing or gameviewing. The 'treehouse' restaurant has sublime views of the valley below, whilst the swimming pool is the perfect place to top up your tan in a climate that is ideal almost year round.

Location The Himalayan foothills, 260kms north of Delhi, in the state of Uttaranchal. Lying in 100 acres of land, close to the holy town of Rishikesh.

Accessibility A short 1 hour flight from Delhi to Dehradun’s Jolly Grant airport followed by a one-hour drive. Flights are daily and leave in the mornings in both directions.Ananda has a private helipad. Delhi and Agra about 1 hr 20 mins.

The Shatabadi Express, one of India’s finest trains, operates between Delhi and Haridwar.This excellent 4 ½ -hour train journey is then followed by a one-hour drive into the hills.

Transfers/Driving time between Delhi and Narendra Nagar is approximately six and half-hours.

Accommodation
1 Viceregal Suite, located in the Palace (220 sqm.)
1 Ananda Suite; (110 sqm.)
3 Deluxe Suites (85 sqm.)
70 Deluxe Rooms (45 sqm.) – either Valley or Garden view

Each room has a private balcony, offering magnificent views overlooking the Ganges River and the valley of Rishikesh or the gardens and the Maharaja,s Palace.

The suites have their own private garden and the Viceregal Suite in the Viceregal Palace has a surrounding terrace with an outdoor Jacuzzi.

Dining
Restaurant - Multi-cuisine restaurant with emphasis on light healthy cuisine, with options of Ayurvedic Indian diet to suit individual ‘dosha’ types. Special spa menus are also available.

Tree Tops – An outer deck of The Restaurant, set within the natural environs of the Himalayas offering stunning views of the Valley.)

The Pavilion – A casual setting for drinks and light snacks, located adjacent to The Restaurant and pool.

Palace Tea Lounge – Located in the Viceregal Palace this alternative to The Pavilion, serves High Tea and cocktails. Formerly the Maharaja’s guesthouse, it was built at the turn of the century and has stunning art deco and colonial furnishings. In the winter, fires give a warm glow and it is light and airy in the hotter months.There are bridge tables, an adjacent library and a billiards Room.

The Poolside – The swimming pool is heated throughout the year and is set on the edge of a ridge of the Himalayan foothills. Glorious forest and valley views, together with a backdrop of soaring hills, make this a perfect place to relax whist enjoying healthy snacks and fresh juices.

Hill Theatre– In fine weather, dinner shows are occasionally performed in the sunken, terraced Hill Theatre which has views of the foothills and lit Palace.

Winter Garden – With Anandamayi Ma’s spiritual abode set beside an ancient mango tree, this vegetarian breakfast or light dinner venue is open depending on seasonal weather conditions. It is located in the Viceregal Palace, overlooking the estate’s forest valley.

Estate Picnics – Choose any location on the estate for a private dining experience with a full butler service. Either the Palace Lawn, the Secret Garden, the Music Pavilion or the Star Terrace are ideal spots to dine. Alternatively take a specially prepared hamper out into the surrounding countryside or villages.

Children - Ananda does not allow children below 14 years of age. Spa treatments are not available for children below 18 years of age.

Mobile telephones- A signal is available in most areas but it can be unpredictable.

When to go and climate -There are distinct seasonal weather changes in the Himalayan foothills.
From November to March the days are cool and clear with plenty of sunshine but possibly the occasional, short winter shower. Jackets/warm clothing should be brought for the early mornings and evenings. Lighter clothing will suffice during the day.
From April, May and early June days are warming up and only light clothing is necessary, although the evenings do cool down somewhat.
From June to September it tends to rain in these monsoon months.The monsoon brings humidity, showers and a cool respite from the summer heat. It does not rain constantly but in sporadic bursts. The skies may be cloudy but they are interspersed with strong bursts of sunshine.
From September and October the temperatures cool. The skies can be slightly hazy and humidity may linger but the days are sunny and warm.
Generally speaking, Ananda is a destination for all seasons.

Ananda Adventure Activities provides a world-class, high-energy balance to the tranquillity of the spa experience.
Trekking
White Water Rafting
Nature walks
Aerobic classes
Squash
Billiards
Excursions to Rishikesh and the River Ganges
Visit to Rajaji National Park – Wild Elephants
Elephant photo safaris at nearby Chilla National Park

Ananda Spa Ananda Spa offers a unique blend of therapeutic treatments based on traditional Indian practices of Ayurvedic, Yoga and meditation along with the latest European and Thai treatments to purify the body and soothe the senses. The Spa is based on the principle of creating harmony, from wellness, fitness and relaxation therapies. An incredibly peaceful place to sit and enjoy the calm whilst listening to gentle music, spend time in the ‘wet’ areas, work out in the gym whilst gazing across the hills and valleys.

Facilities:
21,000 Sq. feet with 20 treatment rooms
4 Relaxation rooms
4 Consultation rooms
Separate beauty treatment salon
Kama Suite for a couple with Jacuzzi, sauna and massage.
Separate, men and women’s complete Hydrotherapy Area: steam, sauna, Jacuzzi Kneipe foot bath, cold plunge, showers, locker and changing rooms.
Heated outdoor lap pool(28ft long) and Jacuzzi
Gym: 16 station life-fitness gym with cardio, strength training and aerobics facilities.
Yoga & Meditation: 5 venues
Squash

Services:
Strength and toning instruction
Ayurveda
Yoga and Meditation
Beauty
Hydrotherapy
Aromatherapy
Thai and Swedish
Body wraps & scrubs
Facial treatments
Skin and hair care therapies
Lifestyle, medical, fitness and dietary consultation facilities

Yoga & Meditation
Yoga PavilionA majestic open-air marbled floored shelter with gold leaf ceiling frescoes, it is surrounded by a still and peaceful water pool. Situated at the south end of the expansive Palace Lawn, the intimate setting receives the best sunset views and is ideal for individual instruction or private meditation. The sound of the resident flautist draws the evening stroller to this magical setting.

Viceregal Hall Nestles atop a Sal Tree valley, this area is ideal for the more active forms of Yoga. A tranquil hillside garden is tucked just outside, along the valley’s ridge – a perfect refuge for Himalayan tea after an invigorating Yoga session, or for peaceful meditation.

Winter GardenAdjacent to the Ma Anandamayi Abode, this outdoor area overlooks a dense grove of Sal Trees. The peaceful air of the spiritual leader’s former presence here enhances any Yoga session.

The LibraryThe Maharaja’s superb collection of literary tomes and historical books on the Imperial era is currently being augmented with contemporary books, including volumes on Ayurveda, wellness, lifestyle, natural history, Yoga & meditation.

6-hole Golf Course are available to all clients.

Boutique - Showcasing a fine collection of silk, art objects, Pashmina shawls, various herbal teas and other organic foods, the ‘Ananda’ skincare and cosmetic line, products from the ESPA brand.