Visit Haridwar – The Place of Yog and Meditation

The relationship between Haridwar – one of the oldest living cities, and yoga – one of the most ancient ways of aligning the mind and body, is inseparable. People flock to Haridwar from all over the world for various reasons. However, the most common and prominent reason is the belief that Haridwar holds the key to achieving spiritual enlightenment. From having the world’s largest gathering – the Kumbh Mela, to being the Yoga and Ayurveda centre of India, Haridwar is undoubtedly a gateway to a higher spiritual connection. Various family hotels in Haridwar have turned themselves into spiritual retreats for people who seek inner peace and enlightenment.

Ashrams are places that practice and teach yoga and meditation to help people lead healthy and spiritually fulfilling life. Haridwar has numerous ashrams where one can attain true mental peace and strength. Tourism in Haridwar usually goes hand in hand with religion. Morning yoga classes followed by a top sightseeing tour in Haridwar, a few hours spent on the bank of Ganges for the magnificent Ganga Aarti and returning for a peaceful night’s sleep is the perfect way to spend your time in Haridwar.

Popular Ashrams for Yoga and Meditation

1. Patanjali Yogpeeth Haridwar

India’s largest yoga institute- Patanjali Yogpeeth, was established by Baba Ramdev in 2006. It is divided into two parts: Patanjali Yogpeeth-I focuses on researching and promoting yoga and Ayurveda worldwide through yoga classes, yoga science camps, ayurvedic consultancy and medicinal plant agriculture. Patanjali Yogpeeth-II provides accommodation for all Yog Science Camps participants.

Yog Gram is also a part of Yogpeeth, a naturopathy that practices various therapies such as magnet therapy, physiotherapy, Reiki therapy and more. In addition, a residential area is established for participants to rejuvenate their soul, mind and body.

2. Shantikunj Ashram Haridwar

Situated on the banks of the river Ganga, Shantikunj Ashram Haridwar attracts tourists from all over the world. A spiritual tour of Haridwar is incomplete without spending some time here. Home to many unique temples, Ayurvedic medicine and meditation practice, visitors can get an idea of the yogic way of life. The ashram was established to revive and practice the old Rishi traditions. Yajnas are performed every morning, and the ashram has a rare collection of medicinal herbs and plants that visitors are gifted as a blessing. Visitors are allowed a stay of 2 days only. Tourists can opt for staying at some of the best family hotels in Haridwar, like Capital O 88793 Hotel Ganges Pride, once their stay at these ashrams gets over.

3. Saptarishi Ashram Haridwar

Established in 1943, this ashram is a peaceful abode for yoga and meditation. It is believed this is where the seven sages – Bharadwaja, Kashyapa, Atri, Gautam, Jamadagni, Vishvamitra and Vashisht, meditated. According to mythology, when the seven meditated, the gushing sound of the river would disturb them; hence they trapped Ganga, and later, the river split into seven streams to cause less noise. That place is now called Sapt Sarovar. OYO 10592 Hotel Ganga Palace is located near the banks of the Ganga, where you can relax for the night.

Saptrishi Ashram is a retreat for many saints and sages from all over the world. A place where people seek solace, it is a retreat for yogis and those interested in yoga as a way of life. Its peaceful, tranquil ambience is the perfect backdrop for those seeking inner peace and quiet life.

Other places to explore in Haridwar

Also known as ‘Gateway to God’, Haridwar is considered the holiest city in India. Therefore, devotees flock to Haridwar to visit the temples and ashrams dotting the city. Moreover, a dip in the sacred river Ganga is believed to rid one of all his sins.

Ganga Aarti at Har Ki Pauri

The city’s biggest attraction, the daily Ganga aarti that takes place on the banks of the river, is witnessed by thousands of people every day, a number that could swell up to lakhs during festivals or the Kumbh Mela. So do head down to Har Ki Pauri in the evening to witness the spectacular scenario of diyas floating down the Ganga and the aarti taking place. OYO 27717 Shree Mangalam is located a few minutes from Har Ki Pauri for your convenience.

Rajaji National Park

The amalgamation of 3 sanctuaries – Motichur sanctuary, Rajaji National park and the Chilla sanctuary gave rise to Rajaji National Park, which was renamed Rajaji Tiger Reserve. Highly endangered species of flora and fauna are protected in this national park. You might catch a glimpse of tigers, elephants, deer, and hyenas among the other 50+ mammals that live in the sanctuary.

Conclusion

From visiting the national park to meditating in a yogic retreat, Haridwar has plenty to offer and more. To calm down your city nerves and seek spiritual guidance, Haridwar is the place to go. OYO ensures you have a hassle-free stay in Haridwar in one of its many hotels dotting the banks of the river Ganga.