A mere 45 minutes (by air) from Delhi, lies a place so serene, you’re hard-pressed to remember it is on the most populated place in the world. As my flight climbs above the smoke-encrusted dome that covers the Indian capital towards the snowy Himalayan peaks, I find myself excited, almost like a child out on a vacation for the very first time.
I am going to visit the famed Ananda, a destination spa and resort in the Himalayas – a place that has gained some serious global cred for its enigmatic Ayurvedic therapies that allegedly recreate a much-needed balance between body, mind, and soul for many a weary city dweller (or those who live out of their suitcase as I do).
I land in the tiny hill station of Dehradun and am quickly whisked away by a private and comfortable car to the resort. For its remote setting, Ananda is still easily accessible and takes care of all transfers: guests can also avail of helicopter transfers from Delhi, drive down via car (4 hours). Train rides are also available, but more suitable for a traveler with the leisure of time. Some 40 minutes later, I am greeted by a tranquil maharaja’s palace that sits majestically in the mountains looking over India’s holiest river, the Ganges. As I enjoy the view of the still hills against the lapping waters, the sense of peace is almost overwhelming. I don’t have much time – my consultation with a doctor is due for my bespoke Ayurvedic regime.
Literally translated from Sanskrit to mean the; Knowledge of Life’, this natural system of medicine has been around for over 3,000 years and has been combined with Yoga and Vedanta by the experts at Ananda to practice a holistic means of living. While respecting the processes and philosophies of its Indian heritage, the treatments have evolved to integrate alongside contemporary international therapies to provide tailored programs for every individual after a thorough assessment.
After a detailed consultation that covers everything from nutritional intake to sleeping patterns, I am ready to rejuvenate, relax and rediscover myself. My routine involves a variety of massages, Ayurvedic treatments, sports, yoga and meditation sessions, and Vedanta talks. Much to the relief of someone who enjoys her food, I am not put on a rabbit’s diet. The food, while simplistic is delicious and available in both Indian and international cuisines. Menus are specially curated to address the dosha, vata, and pitta (three forces of energies related to fire, air, and water that define the type of individual ) of a person in order to balance inside healing with the outside. Fresh natural organic produce, whole grains, lean proteins, and low-fat dairy dominate the menu that entirely discards artificial colors, flavors, and preservatives. The head chef doesn’t miss a beat; he greets every guest and ensures that his team takes detailed notes from every resident to enhance the specially tailored farm-to-table cuisine every single day.
Every morning starts with meditation mantras at 7:00 am, followed by certain yoga asanas. I was surprised to actually understand just how many meditation and breathing techniques are actually practiced, aside from the well-known pranayama. The schedule is packed, but not dauntingly so – in just four days I came to realize the value of the Vedanta talks that address the best way to live your life in harmony with nature. Another fascinating treatment was the Shirodhara massage therapy to ward off stress and mental exhaustion. The term comes from two Sanskrit words: ‘Shiro’ and ‘Dhara’, which literally means to pour something. A mixture of warm, herbal oils is steadily poured over your forehead to focus on and awaken your third eye or ‘agnya chakra’ to remove blockages in the mind and deliver immense mental clarity.
Ananda’s curious mix of experiences is bemusing but brimming with delightful experiences: one such being a 3-hour trek into the mountains to visit the Kunjapuri temple in Rishikesh (a pilgrimage town touted as one of the holiest places for Hindus in the world and a recognized center for studying yoga and meditation), dedicated to the first wife of Lord Shiva, Parvati. Somewhere, amidst the intense smells of incense sticks and flowers, the chitter of the monkeys, the bustle of devotees, and the rolling serenity of the hills, I felt a distinct sense of bliss and being blessed by the universe.
It may just have been Ananda’s excellent hospitality and seamless therapies. It could be a temporary escape from a life on the go. It could even just be the harmonious chants of my Meditation guru or the smile of the head chef as he prescribed yet another organic delicacy. It could be the Ganga lapping at the hills or the temple bells ringing in the distance, prodded gently by the mountain breeze. But it cannot be denied that there is something incredibly magical and healing that pieces you back together slowly yet surely.
Text by Aashmita Nayar
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