For 25 years, Ananda in the Himalayas has remained an unrivaled sanctuary for holistic wellness, seamlessly blending ancient Indian traditions with cutting-edge global therapies. Set in the serene Himalayan foothills, overlooking the sacred town of Rishikesh and the Ganges River, this world-renowned retreat is not just a destination—it is a transformative experience.
As Ananda marks this milestone in 2025, it continues to redefine the wellness landscape, expanding its integrative healing practices, pioneering women’s health programs, and leveraging technology for personalized well-being journeys.
From its inception, Ananda’s mission has been clear—to create an environment that nurtures mind, body, and soul. Reflecting on this journey, Founder Ashok Khanna shared:
“I envisioned creating a sanctuary for holistic well-being. Ananda’s integrated approach addresses every aspect of a person—spiritual, mental, emotional, and physical—resonating deeply with our core ethos. A vital element of Ananda’s success has been its people. Every member of our staff is chosen for their understanding of and commitment to the Ananda philosophy of wellness in addition to their skills. As the next chapter begins, carrying with us the lessons of the past, a deep respect for our roots, and an enduring dedication to transformation, we look forward to fostering well-being for years to come.”Ashok Khanna, Founder of Ananda
What began as an innovative wellness retreat within a former Maharaja’s palace estate has evolved into a global standard-bearer for luxury wellness tourism, attracting guests from around the world seeking deep, immersive healing experiences.
Ananda has spent the last 25 years refining its wellness philosophy, integrating ancient Indian wisdom with modern health sciences. Among its groundbreaking initiatives, the retreat has introduced:
A comprehensive wellness ecosystem, incorporating Traditional Chinese Medicine, Physiotherapy, and Emotional Healing, ensuring a multifaceted approach to holistic health.
Ananda has launched programs dedicated to fertility, menopause, and menstrual health, addressing long-overlooked aspects of women’s well-being with Ayurvedic and contemporary medical insights.
Responding to the global rise in lifestyle diseases, Ananda now offers targeted wellness programs for diabetes, cardiovascular conditions, chronic respiratory issues, sleep disorders, and skin health.
With an enhanced focus on spiritual awareness, guests can now engage in mantra chanting, sound healing therapies, and immersive workshops led by renowned spiritual practitioners.
Ananda has developed a 360° wellness management system, leveraging data analytics to provide evidence-based recommendations, ensuring guests experience long-term, measurable health improvements.
“What has really changed in a big way is the depth and focus of what we offer now. Today, our programs are comprehensive and deeply immersive, with stays lasting between 2 weeks to sometimes 2 months. Diagnostics have become a core part of our approach to ensure that our offerings are evidence-based and outcome-driven. What I am most proud of is how we have extended our role in our clients’ wellness journeys. With year-round consultations and follow-ups, we have moved beyond being just a retreat to becoming an integral part of their well-being process.”Aashica Khanna, Executive Director of Ananda in the Himalayas
As Ananda in the Himalayas enters its next chapter, Chief Operating Officer Mahesh Natarajan outlined three key pillars that will shape its evolution:
Investing in research and application of traditional Indian sciences, including Ayurvedic Vajikarana therapy for fertility enhancement.
Establishing a dedicated research team to validate wellness methodologies, while partnering with leading institutions to monitor and enhance health outcomes.
Expanding the Ananda Wellbeing App, offering year-round wellness coaching, guided treatments, and remote diagnostics, ensuring that wellness is not just a retreat, but a lifelong journey.
“By harmoniously blending timeless traditions with enabling tools and technologies, we aim to redefine the future of wellness, ensuring that every guest experiences a transformative journey tailored to their unique needs.”Mahesh Natarajan,C hief Operating Officer of Ananda
Nestled in 100 acres of lush forested grounds, Ananda remains a beacon of wellness excellence—a place where luxury meets enlightenment. With 25 years of expertise and a vision for the future, this legendary retreat continues to be the gold standard in holistic well-being, offering an experience that transcends relaxation and cultivates true transformation.