From the moment you arrive, the team at Ananda takes care of you, including your airport transfer and getting you settled into the retreat. Once you are there, you can also choose from a range of Himalayan experiences and excursions organised by the Ananda team, giving you the opportunity to see more of India without having to organise everything yourself.
There are nature walks and treks, white water rafting on the Ganges, visits to the Ganga Aarati in Rishikesh and wildlife safaris in nearby Rajaji National Park. I did the Ganga Aarati during my own stay and would definitely recommend it. It is a wonderful way to experience a little of the culture and spirituality of Rishikesh beyond the retreat. I share more about my experience at Ananda in my full review here.
The important thing is that these experiences are an option rather than the focus of your stay. Most guests are at Ananda to follow their wellness program, with their days centred around consultations, treatments, movement, meditation and time to rest. The Himalayan experiences give you the opportunity to step outside the retreat and experience more of the destination when you feel like it.
This is one of the reasons I think Ananda works particularly well for anyone visiting India for the first time. You can experience the culture, landscape and experiences beyond the retreat, while returning to the calm and familiarity of Ananda at the end of the day.
