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My Experience at Aavya – A Wellness Retreat in Rishikesh

December 28, 2024

Rishikesh – a land of tranquility, wellness and peace is referred to as the “Yoga Capital of the World”. People from all over the world come here for serenity, natural beauty and spiritual awakening . It was here that I came across Aavya – a wellness retreat that offers curated programs based on the needs of each guest.

Location

Located in Rishikesh’s popular location called Tapovan, Aavya welcomes the discerning traveler into a homely residence of contemporary design and impeccable service.

The wellness retreat blends simple decor with modern-day creative touches. With only five rooms, Aavya represents an intimate and peaceful retreat away from the hustle and the bustle of the town. The Retreat Center is owned and managed by Ashish, who came to Rishikesh and never looked back.

His vision of creating Aavya was to organize personalized wellness retreats based on the needs of the guests.

Aavya boasts of its surreal location making it an ideal base for independent exploring of Rishikesh.The open-plan kitchen is always open to guests, creating a homey atmosphere where guests can enjoy the flavors and comfort of a home far away from home.

The house fridge is stocked with baked sweets, savory snacks, fruits, and refreshing drinks. For comfort food after a long day of activities in Rishikesh, the menu offers pasta, soups, salads, and more.The charm of Aavya extends to the first floor with a cozy dining spot under some trees, where a rooftop terrace looks out over a breathtaking scenery.

The rooftop terrace’s inviting ambience serves as the perfect setting for social gatherings or unwinding solo with a house-made beverage and snacks. As such, it is a great place to meet other guests as well as Aavya’s dedicated team, which is always on hand to ensure each stay is as comfortable as possible. Aavya also offers personalized recommendations to uncover Rishikesh’s hidden gems known only to locals.

Aavya preserves its original five-bedroom layout, with each room carefully revitalised to maintain its original character. Guests can choose from three room types – each offering a unique and comfortable stay in the charming setting. The minimalist room is large enough to fit a small size bed, desk, and chair, while the Queen room features a high-arching doorway that leads onto a luminous private kitchen.

Arrival: A Sense of Peace

The moment I arrived in Aavya, I was immediately struck by the tranquility that hung in the air. Surrounded by mountains and the flowing river, the environment seemed to radiate calmness. I was welcomed by warm smiles by the staff and a sense of hospitality that made me feel at home, despite being far from it.As I settled into my accommodation—a cozy yet simple room—I could feel my stress begin to melt away.

The retreat center itself was an oasis of calm, with a dedicated yoga hall, meditation spaces, organic gardens, pottery studio, a podcast room and a spa with gorgeous vistas.There was a sense of simplicity here that encouraged mindfulness and living in the present moment.

Yoga and Meditation : Connecting Body and Mind

The retreat’s primary focus was on holistic wellness, and the daily schedule was packed with activities designed to nurture the body, mind, and soul. Each morning began with a 90-minute yoga session or breathwork movements by a trained instructor who makes you fall in love with wellness. These classes are designed for all levels, from beginners to advanced practitioners.

I quickly discovered how much the breathwork movements class had to offer beyond physical postures. The breathwork sessions were particularly powerful, allowing me to connect with my inner self and cultivate a sense of peace and balance. The environment of the retreat, away from the distractions of modern life, made it easy to immerse myself fully in the practice.

Meditation is a key part of the retreat. Guided meditation sessions at Aavya helped me explore mindfulness, focus, and awareness. Whether it was a short session in the morning or a longer guided practice in the retreat center, these moments of stillness became sacred to me.

Pottery Workshops

have dabbled in Pottery workshops earlier, but Aavya made me fall in love with the subtle art of creating pots made with mud. The staff at Aavya is so patient and empathetic that they make you feel connected with the subtle art of pottery making.

I began with nervousness, but gained confidence and mastered the art in my two days stay.Soulful songs and cacao workshops are also conducted on request basis. They are worth experiencing and brings about a lifelong learning experience.

Ayurvedic massages

A unique aspect of the retreat is the incorporation of Ayurveda – the ancient Indian system of natural healing. Over the course of the retreat, I experienced Ayurvedic therapy – a combination of Abhyangam and Swedish massage, where warm oil was poured over my body in a rhythmic motion.

This deeply relaxing treatment helped calm my nervous system and ease mental fatigue. The use of herbal oils, massages, and detox therapies added an extra layer of relaxation and rejuvenation to my experience.

Healthy Eating: Nourishment for the Body

One of the highlights of the retreat was the food. The meals at Aavya are vegetarian, organic, and designed to promote health and vitality. Each dish at Aavya is prepared with care, using local, seasonal ingredients that are both nutritious and delicious. From wholesome vegetable curries to exotic soups and salads, the food here is nourishing and wholesome.I learned about mindful eating, which helped me develop a deeper appreciation for the food I consumed. Eating slowly, savoring every bite, and paying attention to my body’s needs were practices I began to incorporate into my daily routine. It was a reminder that food is not just fuel but a source of nourishment for both the body and soul.

Exploring spirituality in Rishikesh

Rishikesh is a spiritual hub, and during my retreat, I had the opportunity to explore Tapovan. The iconic Lakshman Jhula bridge, the ghats of the Ganges River, and the evening Ganga Aarti ceremony are some of the highlights that one can explore while staying in Rishikesh.The evening Aarti, a devotional ritual by the river by the ghats is an unforgettable experience. The retreat also encouraged spiritual practices, whether through daily mantras, chanting, or reflection. I had the space to reflect on my journey and reconnect with my spiritual self.

The Impact: Transformation and Renewal

During my two days at Aavya, I began to notice changes within myself. I felt lighter, more centered, and in tune with my surroundings. The retreat provided me with the tools to manage stress, enhance my physical well-being, and foster inner peace.

The combination of yoga, meditation, breathwork, Ayurvedic therapies and healthy wholesome meals made me feel rejuvenated and balanced.Most importantly, I left the wellness retreat with a renewed sense of purpose and clarity. The experience had been more than just a physical detox—it had been a mental and emotional reset. It reminded me of the importance of taking care of my body, mind, and spirit, and gave me the tools to continue on this path once I returned to my regular life.

Conclusion: A Holistic Journey at Aavya is Worth Taking

The tranquil surroundings, expert guidance, and holistic approach to wellness created an atmosphere of healing and self-discovery. It was a reminder that true well-being is a balance of body, mind, and spirit—and that sometimes, all it takes is a little time away from the noise of daily life to reconnect with our true selves.If you ever get the chance to visit Rishikesh I highly recommend visiting Aavya. This is an experience that will stay with you long after you leave, bringing a sense of peace and balance to every aspect of your life.

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Discovering Serenity: 5 Best Places to Stay in Rishikesh

April 10, 2024

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If you are looking for serenity, you should cosnider Rishikesh. Renowned as the Yoga Capital of the World, this enchanting town along the banks of the Ganges River attracts travelers from all corners of the globe. Whether you’re a soul-searcher, an adventure enthusiast, or a nature lover, Rishikesh offers a diverse array of accommodations to suit every preference and budget. Here are 5 Best Places to Stay in Rishikesh:

Parmarth Niketan Ashram: For those seeking a truly authentic spiritual experience, Parmarth Niketan Ashram is an ideal retreat. Set amidst lush greenery overlooking the sacred Ganges, this ashram offers simple yet comfortable accommodation, daily yoga and meditation sessions, and spiritual discourses. The serene atmosphere and the opportunity to immerse oneself in traditional Vedic practices make Parmarth Niketan a haven for spiritual seekers.
Ananda in the Himalayas: Perched atop the hills overlooking Rishikesh, Ananda is a luxury wellness retreat that offers a blend of traditional Ayurveda, yoga, and spa therapies. Surrounded by pristine nature, this opulent resort provides elegantly appointed rooms, gourmet dining, and a range of holistic wellness programs. Whether you’re looking to rejuvenate your body, mind, or spirit, Ananda offers a sanctuary of serenity and indulgence.
The Glasshouse on the Ganges: Situated on the banks of the Ganges River, The Glasshouse is a boutique resort that seamlessly integrates luxury with nature. Surrounded by lush gardens and the soothing sounds of the river, the resort offers spacious and elegantly designed cottages, each with its own private sit-out area overlooking the river. Guests can indulge in yoga sessions, Ayurvedic treatments, or simply unwind amidst the tranquility of nature.
Dewa Retreat: Tucked away in the serene outskirts of Rishikesh, Dewa Retreat is a charming eco-friendly resort that offers a perfect blend of comfort and sustainability. The resort features tastefully decorated rooms and cottages, an outdoor swimming pool, and a multi-cuisine restaurant serving organic, locally sourced ingredients. With its focus on eco-conscious practices and holistic well-being, Dewa Retreat provides a peaceful haven for mindful travelers.
Zostel Rishikesh: Catering to the budget-conscious traveler, Zostel Rishikesh is a vibrant backpacker hostel located in the heart of the town. Offering both dormitory-style accommodation and private rooms, the hostel provides a social atmosphere where guests can connect with fellow travelers and participate in various activities such as yoga classes, river rafting, and trekking. With its laid-back vibe and affordable rates, Zostel is the perfect base for exploring the adventures of Rishikesh.

From spiritual retreats to luxury resorts and budget-friendly hostels, Rishikesh offers a diverse range of accommodations to suit every traveler’s needs. Whether you’re seeking inner peace, outdoor adventure, or simply a rejuvenating escape amidst nature, Rishikesh promises an unforgettable experience that will leave you feeling refreshed, inspired, and deeply connected to the essence of the Himalayas.

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Tags: delhi getaways, getaways, hotels, luxury resorts, rishikesh, travel blogger

Ganga Kinare – A Riverside boutique resort in Rishikesh

April 10, 2023

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Serene Locations and magnificent view of the Ganges in Rishikesh have always lured me. So when I got an opportunity to visit the yoga capital of the world, I was elated. We boarded the morning shatabdi and reached Haridwar by 11.30 AM where we were greeted by the driver from the hotel. The overcrowded Haridwar station did not deter our enthusiasm in reaching the holy city. We whizzed past the dense jungle of Rajaji National park and reached our destination in an hour.

Ganga Kinare, an apt name for a hotel in existence since 3 decades sits pretty amidst the holy city giving a panoramic view of the flowing Ganga river. Located on the banks of the awe inspiring, tranquil River Ganges, Ganga Kinare offers exquisite Yoga packages to experience spiritual rejuvenation with yoga and meditation.

Although the property is boutique, they have ensured to give amenities to guests like a small temple, a garden, Jacuzzi, a private ghat and a spa.

We were welcomed by the staff with a thaali and diya, a garland and wet towels. After devouring the welcome drink we were ushered to our room on the second floor. The hotel has The 38 river facing rooms that are a sheer bliss for those looking for peace, tranquility and splendor.

They are categorized into deluxe, premium, family and lotus suite. We were booked at the deluxe room, which was rather small in size.There is a queen size bed, sofa overlooking the Ganges and amenities like wardrobe, kettle and tea coffee sachets. After freshening up, we head for lunch at Jal & Jalebi.

Jal & Jalebi –

The multi cuisine restaurant is located on the ground floor. What I loved about this restaurant was the open space, roomy seating, plush and comfortable chairs and a panoramic view of the Ganges.

A few minutes later, a thaali was served with Garhwali cuisine – all dishes prepared in clarified butter. The buttermilk tasted amazing and so did the starters. We relished the dishes and devoured the meal. The restaurant also has buffet options; we enjoyed hearty breakfast buffet the next day that had cereals, English breakfast including cutlets, hash browns, pancake, porridge, hummus, pita bread along with seasonal fruit juices, tea and coffee. The breakfast outdoors is something we really enjoyed.

Dinner at Varr – Temple food of India

This experience was by far the best experience while staying with Ganga Kinare. Few meters from Ganga Kinare lies their Indian specialty restaurant that is based on the concept of temple foods of India. While the décor wins hands down with the temple setting and décor, the rituals and hospitality at the restaurant gives this specialty restaurant 10 stars.

They begin with a small prayer just similar to offering prayers to the deity. With flowers in hands and holy water, the manager of the restaurant who is also a practicing pandit, initiates the divine process of chanting Vedic mantras while sprinkling holy water on us. The servers pour some warm buttermilk to aid digestion and place holy basil in the center of the thaali before serving dishes.

There is a plethora of dishes served us from different temples, each tasting divine and light to the palette. The dishes are flavorsome and pleasing to the palette. Each dish is served as prasadam at the temples, so there is no garlic or onion present in them; yet the taste and aroma re excellent.

The meal ends with a paan that is also served at the temple. There are plenty of reasons to visit this restaurant, but the most important is an auspicious aura that surrounds it. The place resembles a temple like atmosphere and you would feel so close to God while dining here.

The Ayur Ganga spa

After resting for an hour, we moved towards the spa to indulge in their therapeutic massages. While I opted for the abhyanga or the full body massage, my mother chose the shirodhara – great to detox the mind and relax the senses. The spa rooms have a decent size, well equipped with a wooden bed, slippers, gown; safe to keep valuables and steam room to de-stress and relax after the massage.

The massage was perfect, pressure points at the right place. After a relaxing massage, I dozed off. A few minutes later, I was gently woken up by the therapist who escorted me to the steam room.

The Ganga arti

Beyond the yoga packages and a multiple yoga sessions, the hotel offers guests to indulge in the daily morning and evening Ganga Aartis and also to take a dip in the holy waters any time of the day, with special arrangements made.

The in-house Mandir/temple in the plush garden of the hotel also caters to any special requests for performing pujas and religious ceremonies, beyond the daily rituals.

Details :

Call for reservations : +91 11 41035656 | +91 135 2435243 |+91 8447404441

Visit: http://www.gangakinare.com/

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Best Bungee Jumping in Rishikesh – Jumpin Heights

June 24, 2022

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As a child you have always wanted to do things your parents would never allow – and that thing was probably jumping off something really high. Well, now your childhood dream can finally come true – only very safely so.

But for that you’ll have to travel to Rishikesh. Located at the ‘heavenly abode of Rishikesh is Jumpin Heights, that promises you the biggest thrill of your life, with the tag line – “GOT GUTS?”

After White Water Rafting and mountaineering, Rishikesh has now become the hot spot of the new take on adventure – Bungee Jumping.

It is located on the scenic Neelkanth Road, at Mohanchatti, 13 kms from Laxman Jhula in Rishikesh, that is 25 km from the Jolly Grant Airport (Dehradun) and 230 km by road from New Delhi. The office of Jumpin Heights has a youthful appearance quite opposite from the peaceful city of Ganga. It has brilliantly colored walls that give you an open view to a breath-taking scenic view of mountains and waterfalls. A beautiful café with summer chillers and fresh sandwiches await you while you are getting all jittery before that giant jump.

Far from the maddening crowd, Jumpin’ Heights is run by Rahul Nigam, an ex-army officer after tremendous research in adventure activities with well-trained jumpers who are there all the time. He introduced the fantastic sport to challenge the fear factor and get that adrenaline rush. “Jumpin Heights started in October 2010 and became the first company in India to offer Bungee Jumping and The Giant Swing from an 83 meters cantilever platform.

Safety First

Jumpin Heights has almost 20 years of experience with special emphasis on safety and security. The masters from New Zealand themselves train the trainers and remain in constant touch with them so that no mishap occurs.

The activities of Giant swing and bungee are done by a cantilever platform built over a rocky cliff. It is very surprising to see men backing out compared to women from the platform; the ratio being 7:3.

The safety equipments included are harnesses that can bear a weight of around 2,000 kilos at one go. Safety standards offered by Jumpin Heights in India are incomparable to safety standards and practices followed in Australia and New Zealand.

Their trained staff looks at safety first with guidance from experienced Jump masters from these countries. The best part is the harness can bear a heavy weight person with ease.

Flying Fox

Adventure lovers are made to experience the Flying Fox as a warm up before trying the activities. As the roller coaster ride starts at a spine-chilling speed, the gush of air on the face makes the experience worthwhile.

Giant Swing – Swinging to another level

The next stage of the experience is Giant Swing where a person is tied up with a strong harness that can bear weight of upto 2,000 kg and jumps from the platform at a thrilling speed. Falling at such a high speed, from a height of 83 meters is definitely challenging and gives you a feeling of accomplishment. The person is made to swing to and fro and get a panoramic view of the lush greenery down below.

Bungee Jumping

The Bungee Jump is the last stage of the adventure trio. Sometimes there are people who back out in the last moment. Standing at the platform is not as easy at it seems so there are people who just prefer to give it up even after paying the full amount.

The jumper is made to wear a nylon rope on the ankle, a safety helmet and hand guards who then jumps from an 83 meter height. Two trainers are always beside the jumper, coaxing and comforting the jumper who is made to look in the front at a red board on a tree. And then all you that can be heard is the heart beat and feel of nerves squealing in fear. While you are assisted by supporting trainers by your side all that is required is inner determination of just letting go!

After the deadly count of Five, four, three, two one…..the jumper jumps off who lets out a blood curling scream and then realize you are still alive and triumphant. The bungee rope gives the body a jerk; so while the jumper is just hanging there upside down; all that can be seen in front is a scenic beauty of two hills caressing a stream. After the Jump, the jumpers are lowered down to a drop zone right inside the river, which only has 2 ft of water, followed by a trek to the café in the Jumpin Heights office. The jumpers can celebrate their victory with a relaxing drink of a hot cappuchhino.

Adrenaline pumping details:

Activities that set your heart racing are Bunjee jumping, The Giant wheel and the Flying Fox.

Combo – 1 has Bungee and Swing @ Rs 4000/- per person – $ 90 per person· Combo – 2 has Bungee + Flying Fox @ Rs 3500/- per person – $ 80 per person· Combo – 3 has Swing + Flying Fox @ Rs 3500/- per person – $ 80 per person· Trilogy Combo – has Bungy+Swing + Flying Fox @ Rs 5000/- per person – $ 110 per person.

Details

Locations – Goa and Rishikeh

Timings – 9.30 am to 5.30 pm.

Season – The Jumping season starts from October to May and is shut down from June to September during monsoons.

Dining – It has a classy café, where one can watch the dare devil stunts experienced by people live on the plasma screens. One can gorge on scrumptious snacks and coffee too while gazing at the serene environment around.

Jumping Heights is not just about the experience at that moment but the unique sense of confidence and memories one takes back afterwards.

Souvenirs like T-Shirts, Caps, Mugs, Key Chains, Fridge Magnets and Coasters are given to the jumpers along with a certificate that congratulates them. Jumpers can also buy their jump video DVD’s and photos taken during their activity.

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Tags: blogger, influencer, lifestyle, rishikesh, travel

5 Best things to do in Rishikesh

October 8, 2021

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Tourists around the world are in the impression that places like Rishikesh is meant for meditation. While thinking about that place, a picture of a holy hermit crosses their minds. Well let me tell you Rishikesh is not just that. It’s a lot more.

Adventures galore –

Rishikesh is flooded with numerous fun filled activities. You can pick and choose from several activities like bungee jumping, white water rafting, rappelling, trekking, camping and much more.

White water rafting –

Rishikesh is the perfect hub for white water rafting. All you have to do is when you check in a hotel, you can ask for the concierge to book yourself for a rafting experience.

The raft usually takes about 7 to 8 people, so even if you are going solo, you can bond well with other people and make new friends. The best season to visit Rishikesh is between March to September. The cost to have a thrilling ride is between 1500 to 2000, but the experience is worth it.

Bungee jumping –

if you love heights, head towards Rishikesh to experience that adrenaline rush. Jumpin Heights has trained people from Australia with the finest equipments who encourage you to try the deadly stunt. The height from a cliff does seem difficult in the first place but once when you actually do it, it’s worth taking the risk.

Rappelling –

Ever wanted to try coming down from a mountain like a monkey? Try Rappelling in Rishikesh. The cool sport is so addictive it makes you fall in love with life again.

Trekking –

If you love nature, you must visit Rishikesh for the cascading greens. The bountiful nature has a calming effect on the mind as you walk past dense forests while listening to the murmuring sounds of nature’s living beings. Getting lost in the wilderness is the most fabulous way to discover oneself.

Camping –

you have always stayed in exotic hotels during vacation. Now try something different this time? There are many campsites that are located next to the river. These campsites offer basic necessities and are far from luxury. You can stay in one of the tents and gaze at the stars on a full moon light. The breathtaking beauty of the silent sky speaks in volumes as you gaze at the stars in silence. An affair with the natural beauty will remain etched in your mind forever.

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