Yoga and Wellness

REJUVENATE YOUR SOUL

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A land of cultural plurality and rich ancient wisdom, India is known for its traditional systems of medicine that view health and well-being in a unique way. Since time immemorial, the Indian systems of preventive and proactive approach to healthcare have been appreciated worldwide. Over several centuries, innumerable systems of natural medication have survived and flourished in India which aim at synthesis between life and nature, without taking help of artificial or chemical elements. With the world turning to healthier lifestyles, this is becoming an important tourism sector. Among these traditional medicine and lifestyle systems, Yoga is the science of achieving absolute union with the divine. India has become the centre for Ayurveda, Yoga, Siddha, Naturopathy etc. and ashrams across the country are welcoming tourists who want to escape frenetic lives and combine their vacations with holistic wellness. India has continued to enrich this invaluable treasure of knowledge and practices by strengthening the research organisations and implementation of schemes to promote, cultivate and regenerate plants and herbs used in these systems. Local health practices are being revitalised under various programs and accreditation of Naturopathy is getting implemented meticulously. Central Councils established for the Indian Systems of medicines have undertaken numerous research projects to establish the most scientific practices through clinical trials. India prepares itself with renewed dedication and welcomes the world into the sublime realm of health and wellness.

YOGA & WELLNESS DESTINATIONS IN INDIA

Rishikesh

Rishikesh, the 'place of the sages' is a celebrated spiritual town located on the banks of the Ganga. Surrounded by Shivaik range of Himalayas on three sides, it holds a deep cultural and spiritual significance for its visitors. It is believed that when Raibhya Rishi undertook rigorous penance, God appeared in the form of “Hrishikesh“ and henceforth this area came to be known as Rishikesh. It is the starting point for the Hindu Char Dham pilgrimage, including Yamunotri, Gangotri, Kedarnath and Badrinath, to seek spiritual salvation. Rishikesh is an ideal destination not only for pilgrims but also for those who want to delve deeper into spirituality, yoga and other aspects of ancient practices. Sacred rivers and mountains make a perfect stage for yoga and reflective hikes. Rishikesh is also called the ‘Yoga capital of the world’. For the adventurous, Rishikesh is the place for starting their trekking expeditions and excursions towards the Himalayan peaks.

Haridwar

Haridwar, the gateway to the Gods, is situated on the right bank of the holy Ganga and is regarded among the seven sacred cities of India. Haridwar is also, the gateway to the four major pilgrimages- the Char Dham - Kedarnath, Badrinath, Gangotri and Yamunotri. According to Hindu mythology, Haridwar is one of the four places where the drops of Amrita, the elixir of immortality, accidentally spilled over from the pitcher or Kumbha, in which it was being carried away by Garuda, the celestial bird and the vehicle of Lord Vishnu. It is, therefore, one of the four venues where the Kumbh Mela ' said to the largest congregation of humanity anywhere in the world ' is held once every 12 years. Haridwar is also the place where the river Ganga enters the Indo-Gangetic plains for the first time. Haridwar is also home to several ashrams which specialize in teaching meditation and yoga.

Delhi

Delhi, the capital of India and one of the oldest cities of the world, is unlike any other city on the planet. It’s a place that not only touches your pulse but even fastens it to a frenetic speed.With a history that goes back many centuries & empires, Delhi showcases an ancient culture and a rapidly modernising country. From the labyrinth of narrow lanes, old havelis and colourful bazaars of Old Delhi to the best features of a modern city such as a metro system, gleaming malls, bustling markets and fabulous eating places; the past and the present mix seamlessly together in Delhi. Centuries-old monuments are a part of the city’s daily life. An array of historical sites including the World Heritage Sites of Red Fort, Humayun’s Tomb and Qutub Minar rest amongst several historical treasures in Delhi’s possession. Add to this the presence of diverse cultures, sprawling greenery, rich architecture and a famed cuisine, and Delhi becomes one of the undisputed highlights of the country.

Pune

Home to some prestigious universities educational and research institutes, Pune, aptly dubbed 'The Oxford of the East', has more than a rarefied academic and cultural air to it. Once the bastion of the Maratha power, today, the city is one of the fastest growing metros in India and is a major hub for the automotive, information technology and engineering industries, besides being a seat for quality education. The city also boasts of beautiful architecture, museums and a wide array of restaurants, cafes and entertainment. Pune has also earned the sobriquet of the 'Queen of Deccan' for its scenic beauty due to the idyllic setting of the city on the Sahyadri Mountain Range. This second largest city in Maharashtra is also a travel destination for its religious places.

Mumbai

Mumbai is in all ways a mega-city driven by power, wealth, glamour and fame. It is also a city with strong historical links, wonderful British architecture, museums, beaches, places of worship, and above all, a true galaxy of stars where Bollywood reigns supreme. The seven islands that came to constitute Mumbai were earlier home to communities of fishing colonies. For centuries, the islands were under the control of successive indigenous empires before being ceded to the Portuguese and subsequently to the British East India Company. During the mid-18th century, Bombay was reshaped with the construction of major roads and railways, the reclamation project transformed Bombay into a major seaport on the Arabian Sea. Upon India’s independence in 1947 the city was incorporated into Bombay State. In 1960, following the Sanyukta Maharashtra movement, a new state of Maharashtra was created with Bombay as the capital. The city was renamed Mumbai in 1996. And in this short period of development, the city has transformed into the commercial and entertainment capital of India.

Bengaluru

The capital of Karnataka State, Bengaluru, also known as the 'City of Gardens', is one of the most attractive cities in India with its beautiful parks, avenues and impressive buildings. Historically known as Vengaluru, Bendakaluru (village of boiled beans) and as the anglicized Bangalore, Bengaluru has moved to be city that is cosmopolitan in nature and a nerve center of the Arts and Culture as well. The once-sedate cantonment settlement of the British has now spread way beyond the mud fort and the four towers constructed by Kempe Gowda in 1537. With its booming economy and racy lifestyle, the capital of Karnataka has metamorphosed from a sleepy Garden City into one of India's fastest growing, accommodating and cosmopolitan cities. Bengaluru is a city of contrasts, going by several other aliases: India's Silicon Valley, Pub City, Shopper's Paradise, Garden City, Air-conditioned City, Gourmet's Delight, Pub Hopper's Paradise, Pensioners Paradise, IT and BT City and Shopper's Hot Spot. Surrounded by weekend getaways, Bengaluru makes an ideal hub for visitors who want to travel to the many hill stations and coastal towns of South India.

Puducherry

A French colony till 1954, Puducherry (earlier Pondicherry) is a small Union territory in India that retains a distinctly French ambience and culture. It has a spiritual ambience, unspoilt stretch of beaches, and backwaters along with a surprising mix of cuisines. Every year, it attracts thousands of tourists who come here to visit the Aurobindo Ashram, meditate and learn yoga. Food, ocean view, coconut trees, clean air, and peaceful shores, this place has a color for everyone and is definitely a great weekend getaway from Chennai or Bangalore.

Jaipur

Founded in AD 1727 by Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II, Jaipur, the capital of Rajasthan is popularly known as the Pink City. With broad avenues and spacious gardens, the city is steeped in history and culture. Here the past comes alive in magnificent forts and palaces, blushed pink, where once lived the maharajas. The bustling bazaars of Jaipur, famous for Rajasthan jewellery, fabric and shoes, possess a timeless quality and are a treasure-trove for the shoppers. Planned by Vidyadhar Bhattacharya, Jaipur holds the distinction of being the first planned city of India. Renowned globally for its coloured gems, the capital city of Rajasthan combines the allure of its ancient history with all the advantages of a metropolis. Jaipur rises up majestically against the backdrop of the forts Nahargarh, Jaigarh and Garh Ganesh Temple. The bustling modern city is one of the three corners of the golden triangle that includes Delhi, Agra and Jaipur.The story goes that in 1876, the Prince of Wales visited India on a tour. Since the colour pink was symbolic of hospitality, Maharaja Ram Singh of Jaipur painted the entire city pink. The pink that colours the city makes for a marvellous spectacle to behold.

Munger

Munger district has a unique historical background. The areas falling under this district are considered a part of the first Aryan settlers' midland. It has been identified with Modagiri, a place mentioned in the epic Mahabharat. It was the capital of a kingdom in eastern India near Bhanga and Tamralipta . The first authentic historical account of the district finds a mention in the memoirs of Xuanzang who visited a part of this district towards the close of the first half of the seventh century AD.A copper plate known as the 'Munger Plate' was discovered in Munger way back in 1780. Mir Kasim conquered Munger and made it his capital till the army of East India Company captured Munger. MirKasim had to flee through a tunnel made along the bank of river Ganga near Kastharni Ghat.

Kolkata

Kolkata, or Calcutta as it was formerly called, is the present capital of the eastern state of West Bengal and one of the most densely populated cities in India. Kolkata became a British trading post in the last part of the 17th Century. The city that once served as the showpiece capital of the British power in India is noted for its colonial buildings including the grand Victoria Memorial. Other important sights include the Howrah Bridge, an engineering marvel that links the city and Howrah Station, and the Indian Museum. Gateway to eastern India and home to prominent intellectuals, the city is known for its easy pace and intellectual prowess.

Dehradun

Nestled in the foothills of the high and poised Himalayas, the valley of Doon is better referred to as the Gateway to Mussoorie and Garhwal. Dera, meaning a camp, and doon, a colloquial term for a river valley, gives the city its name. Dehradun is popular for its historic civilization as well as the huge number of adventurous options it provides. Said to be one of the oldest cities in India, it is believed that Lord Rama and his brother did penance here for killing Ravana, the demon king. During the 17th and 18th centuries Dehradun changed hands several times: Guru Ram Rai retreated here from Punjab, the Mughal Governor Najib-ud-Daula occupied it from 1757-1770 and the Gorkhas overran it on their westward expansion before ceding it to the British in 1815. Under the British, Dehradun became an elite town with many a fine institutions such as the Forest Research Institute, Doon School and Welham Schools for girls and boys. Many more, like the ONGC and Wadia Institute of Himalayan Studies, were added in time.

Goa

Goa, situated on the west coast of India, is one of the most delightful states of India. Formerly a Portuguese colony, it is endowed with a variety of attractions including palm fringed beaches, miles of golden sands, lush green country-side, an incredible mosaic of cultural heritage, magnificent churches, temples, forts and monuments and a unique cultural synthesis of the east and west. With its tropical climate, Goa is a tourist destination for all seasons. Goa is a treasure trove of culture, music, dances and art forms that can be enjoyed during local festivals and celebrations. Animal lovers can visit the State’s wildlife sanctuaries It is often said that ‘Goa never stops partying’. The city is known for its vibrancy that attains its pinnacle in the annual Goa Carnival festival.

Palakkad

Palakkad is a magnificent stretch of gentle plains, rolling hills, untouched waters and deep forests. The Palakkad Gap spans across several kilometers to give access to a different place; it is also the northern gateway to Kerala sits at the foot of the Western Ghats. It attracts outdoor enthusiasts from all over for its uninhibited natural-scapes.Palakkad plays a major role in the trade contacts between East and West coasts of peninsular India. It is a mixture of the Tamil and Malayali cultures.

Gokarna

Literally meaning cow's ear, the quaint town of Gokarna in Karnataka is formed by the ear-shaped confluence of two rivers and the favorite destination for Hindu pilgrims, Sanskrit scholars, and beach buffs. Om Beach, one of Gokarna's five famed beaches, takes the shape of the 'Om', a Hindu spiritual symbol. The other beaches, wedged between gigantic cliffs that protrude like delicate fingers into the sea, are Gokarna, Kudle, Half Moon, and Paradise. The path that leads to Gokarna is a scenic delight with rocky mountains and the Western Ghats on one side, and the Arabian Sea on the other. Adventurous tourists must be prepared for a bit of cliff-scrambling in this coastal town.

Mysuru

Mysuru(Mysore) was the political capital of the Wodeyar Dynasty which ruled Karnataka for some 150 years till the independence of the country from the British. It was the Wodeyars who instituted the tradition of the grand celebration of Dasara festival, the 10-day festivities that celebrated its 400th anniversary in 2010. The kings, great patrons of art and culture, developed Mysuru as an important centre of religion, education and culture. Today, Mysuru is a city of palaces, gardens, shady avenues and sacred temples and retains some of the charm of the old world while stepping into modernity with enthusiasm.

Coimbatore

Coimbatore, an ancient city, was the capital of a small tribal village, Kongunad, before the 2nd century AD until it was brought under Chola control in the 2nd-3rd centuries AD by Karikalan, the first of the early Cholas. Among its other great rulers were the Rashtrakutas, Chalukyas, Pandyas, Hoysalas and the Vijayanagara kings. When Kongunad fell to the British along with the rest of the state, its name was changed to Coimbatore. Today, Coimbatore (Kovai in Tamil) is a commercial city of considerable importance; it is home to over 60 spinning and weaving mills and textiles is its main industry. It is also well known for motor sports with regular events being held at the Kari Motor Speedway.

Nashik

The richness of spirituality in Indian traditions finds its fullest expression in Nashik. Located in the northern state of Maharashtra, Nashik is known for its inherent cultural value and historical significance. It is said that Lord Rama, spent a major part of his exile in the city of Nashik. Every 12 years, it hosts the mega Kumbh Mela that attracts millions of pilgrims as well as travellers. Nashik is the starting point to the pilgrim towns of Trimbakeshwar and Shirdi, famous for their association with the renowned Saint Shri Sai Baba.

ACCREDITED WELLNESS CENTERS

AYUSH Hospitals

http://www.nabh.co/frmViewAccreditedAyushHosp.aspx

Wellness Centre

http://www.nabh.co/frmViewAccreditedWellnessCentre.aspx

Accredited Panchakarma Clinics

http://www.nabh.co/frmViewAccreditedPanchkarma.aspx

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