At Ananda, Health Resort in India, Ayurveda forms an intrinsic part of the wellness regime for the guests. From massages and specialized diet programme to fulfill personal goals to the more rigorous transformations in lifestyle, the Ayurveda experience has been designed keeping in mind the individual’s desire to heal, cleanse, relax and revitalize. With qualified Ayurveda doctors and therapists to administer treatments ranging from therapeutic massages to more rigorous modes of toxic elimination, the Ayurvedic therapies at Ananda are strongly rooted in ancient traditions, while keeping in mind contemporary preferences and comforts, making it the best Ayurvedic retreat in India.
Rishikesh, this beautiful place in Uttarakhand is the land of yoga, meditation and a variety of adventure sports. While for some tourist, it is a place where they can find their spiritual self and peace of mind, for several others this is the place where they can do adventure activities like water rafting, trekking, biking, climbing, bungee jumping etc.
Shirodhara ( 55 minutes )
Luke warm herbal oil is poured in an even stream on to the forehead to pacify and revitalize the mind and the body. As well as its intense rejuvenating and anti-aging effects, Shirodhara improves memory, addresses other neurological disorders, normalizes sleep patterns and blood pressure.
Takradhara ( 55 minutes )
A calming experience where cool medicated buttermilk is poured onto the forehead to bring relief to those who suffer from insomnia, depression, hair loss, psychological and stress related conditions.
Udwarthana ( 45 minutes )
A deep, dry massage using herbal powders which stimulate the hair follicles assisting to break down the body’s excess subcutaneous fat. This massage mobilizes toxins and is beneficial for firming and toning.
Janu Vasti ( 30 minutes )
The Janu Vasti Ayurvedic treatment involves the use of warm herbal oils over the affected area using black gram flour, followed by a gentle massage. The medicated oil used in the treatment is retained over the affected knee joint in a reservoir of flour. This localised therapy for the knees helps reduce pain and inflammation, slows down the degenerative process, lubricates the knee joints as well as promotes blood circulation in the knee area.
Urovasthi ( 30 minutes )
An experience that balances the heart chakra and helps reduce stress to prevent problems of the thoracic region. Warmed, medicated oil is gently poured into a reservoir made of gram flour, placed strategiclly over the chest area. This soothes muscular tissue, alleviates discomfort and balances the mind-body connection.
Kati Vasti ( 30 minutes )
Practiced to ease pain in the spinal area. A reservoir made of black gram or wheat flour is placed strategically on the spinal area. Warmed oil is then poured into this depression. The treatment soothes muscular tissue, alleviates pain and lubricates the discs and nerves.
Pristha Vasti ( 30 minutes )
Pristha Vasti is a specialized Ayurvedic treatment specially performed to relieve pain and inflammation in the back region and for diseases related to the whole spine. Warm to hot medicated oil padding is performed on the affected region after a soothing, gentle massage.
Talapodhichil ( 45 minutes )
A herbal headpack is applied to relax the mind, which in turn brings peace to the body and soul. It is a cooling application that helps relieve insomnia, stress, migraines and brings overall balance to the being.
Tan Lepa ( 55 minutes )
This stimulates the natural cleansing and healing abilities of the body. Following a medicated herbal oil massage, an herbal mask is applied to the entire body, which aids in drawing out toxins and replenishing the body with essential minerals.
Mukh Lepa ( 55 minutes )
For centuries Mukhlepa has been used as a beauty ritual for Indian women. Traditional herbs are used to cleanse, exfoliate, tone and finally hydrate. A specialised dosha specific herbal lepa or mask is applied to the face to bring out the glow from within.
Pada Abhyanga: Ayurveda Foot Massage ( 45 minutes )
Pada Abhyanga is regarded as a highly specialised therapy in Ayurveda. It is a holistic therapy that works towards effective psychosomatic healing by using medicated oil and focusing on nerve points on the entire foot. This treatment helps in relaxation, improves blood circulation, promotes better sleep, reduces anxiety and helps improves the texture of the skin.
Marma Abhyanga ( 85 minutes )
The Marmas (vital points) are a very important part of Ayurvedic anatomy and surgery. A marma point is an anatomical spot where flesh, veins, arteries, tendons, bones and joints meet up and prana (life force) is situated. There are 107 marma points throughout the body. Each point has its own intelligence and consciousness, which co-ordinates between the mind and body. This ancient form of treatment uses the fingers to stimulate the marma points, thereby promoting physical and mental recuperation. This therapy strengthens the organ systems and tissues, relieves physical and mental blockages of energy, improves lymph drainage, relaxes muscles and improves quality of sleep.
Prista Vamsha Therapy: Complete Spine care and Back therapy ( 55 minutes )
Prista Vamsha refers to the entire spinal column. It is a complete spine therapy, which involves three systemic procedures prista-vasti, prista-abhyanga and prista-swedana to strengthen the spine and supporting tissues. The prista vamsha therapy starts with the process of oil pooling, (prista vasti) in which the warm medicated oil is retained inside a herbal paste crevice on the entire spinal area of the body for some time; followed by a deep massage on the entire back (prista abhyanga) ending with rhythmic tapping and then a massage using warm poultices over the spine and back. This intensive treatment strengthens back muscles by releasing the stiffness, lubricates the joints to make them flexible and pain free. It also alleviates lower back conditions like lumbar spondylitis, inter vertebral disc prolapses, lumbago and sciatica.
Patrapinda Swedana ( 55 minutes )
This treatment is also known as elakizhi or leaf bundle massage. Here the leaves of medicinal plants are mixed with a herbal powder, tied in a muslin cloth and made into bundles. Light massage is followed by fomentation of the body, by frequently dipping the bundles in warm medicated oil and applying on the body with varying pressure. This helps in relieving pain due to arthritis, spondylosis, musculoskeletal issues, and neuro-muscular diseases.
Greeva Vasti ( 30 minutes )
This is a highly specialized therapy for the cervical or neck area. A reservoir made of black gram or wheat flour is placed strategically on the cervical region and warm medicated oil is poured. This helps in releasing tension and stiffness from the neck and shoulder region, thereby reducing pain.
Kashaya Dhara ( 45 minutes )
This is a process in which warm medicated decoction is poured over the whole body in a rhythmic way. This improves circulation and skin health, reduces inflammation, and is also beneficial as an antibacterial therapy.
Ksheera Dhara ( 45 minutes )
Ksheera Dhara is a process in which warm medicated milk is poured over the whole body in a rhythmic way. This has a cooling effect on the body, hence it’s best done during the summer months. It relaxes the central nervous system and helps to reduce stress.
Njvarakhizi
Njvara Khizi is a deep invigorating massage with bolus of cooked rice. Black or red Njvara, is a particular kind of rice known for its nutritional and therapeutic value. Njvara has antioxidants, anti-inflammatory and rejuvenating effects. It is cooked with milk and herbs, and the end application helps in removing stiffness, reducing stress, boosting immunity and circulation.
Traditional Ayurvedic Head Massage
A powerful, calming and relaxing massage over the head, neck, shoulder & upper back, conducted in a sitting posture using Ayurvedic medicated oil. Traditionally known as ‘shiroabhyanga’, this treatment is ideal for anyone who has stiff neck and shoulders. It helps to improve quality of sleep, nourishes the hair roots and is also helpful in managing recurrent headaches.
Ananda is an award winning luxury destination spa resort situated at the Himalayan foothills in Northern India. Located on a 100 acre Maharaja’s Palace Estate, Ananda is surrounded by graceful Sal forests and overlooks the spiritual town of Rishikesh and the Ganges river valley. Ananda, one of the best luxury wellness retreats in India and the world, integrates traditional Ayurveda, Yoga and Vedanta with international wellness experiences, fitness and healthy organic cuisine to restore balance and harmonize energy.
See HotelJourney to India.......once is not enough!!!!
BANKING AND CURRENCY
Currency
The Indian Rupee is the official currency of the Republic of India. The modern Indian Rupee is subdivided into 100 paise (singular paisa). Banknotes in circulation come in denominations of INR 5, 10, 20, 50, 100, 500 and 2000. Please note that as of November 2016, the older 500 and 1000 INR note are no longer valid legal tender and only new ₹500 notes will be accepted.
The latest Indian Rupee coins are available in denominations of INR 1, 2, 5, 10.
The import and export of local currency is prohibited. The import of foreign currency is unlimited. However, amounts exceeding US$5,000 or equivalent in cash, or US$10,000 or equivalent in all forms of currency must be declared. The export of foreign currency is allowed up to the amount imported and declared.
Currency can be changed at banks, airports or authorised money changers. Many hotels also have facilities to change money but this is a more expensive option. It is illegal to exchange money through unauthorised money changers. US Dollars and Pounds Sterling are the easiest currencies to exchange.
Banking
Banking hours: Monday-Saturday 10h00-03h30 (Bank will be closed on second and forth Saturday).
Strictly speaking, you can neither import nor export Indian currency, but you can get some at the airport straight away to at least get you transport to your accommodation. There are Authorized Foreign Exchange dealers in most big cities, and banks will also change your currency at a fair rate if you have time for the paperwork.
A good way of getting your travellers currency is via an ATM but beware of hidden bank charges, both from the bank providing the ATM and the card-issuing bank - you also do not know what exchange rate you are getting.ATMs are found in most towns and are recommended for cash withdrawals.
Visa, MasterCard and American Express are usually accepted in tourist hotels and many other shops. Debit cards are also widely accepted.
Travellers cheques are widely accepted and may be changed at banks and larger hotels. The most widely accepted currencies include US Dollars and Pounds Sterling. Some banks may refuse to change certain brands of traveller's cheques whilst others may exchange quite happily.
TRAVEL, TRANSPORT AND GETTING AROUND
India is big and there are lots of interesting ways to travel around it, most of which could not very well be described as efficient or punctual. Allow considerable buffer time for any journey with a fixed deadline (eg. your flight back), and try to remember that getting there should be half the fun.
India's large size and uncertain roads make flying a viable option, especially as prices have tumbled in the last few years. Even India's offshore islands and remote mountain states are served by flights, the main exceptions being Sikkim and Arunachal Pradesh (although crossing over from neighbouring states is fairly easy). Due to the aviation boom over the last few years, airports have not been able to keep up with the air traffic. Most Indian airports continue to function with one runway and a handful of boarding gates. Check in and security queues can be terribly long, especially in Delhi and Mumbai.
Railways were introduced in India in 1853, more than one and half a centuries ago, by the British, and today India boasts of the biggest network of railway lines in the world, and the rail system is very efficient, if not always on schedule. Travelling on Indian Railways gives you the opportunity to discover the Indian landscape and scenic beauty first hand and is generally more economical than flying domestic. It is one of the safest ways of travel in India. With classes ranging from luxurious to regular, it's the best way to get to know the country and its people. Most train passengers will be curious about you and happy to pass the time with a chat.
In central locations of big cities like airports or stations reliable pre-paid taxis are available and will save you money as well as the bargaining hassle. However beware of touts who would claim themselves to be running pre-paid taxis. Always collect the receipt from the counter first. The receipt has two parts - one part is for your reference and the other part you will need to handover to the taxi driver only after you reach your desired destination. The taxi driver will get his payment by submitting or producing this other part to the pre-paid taxi counter. Normal taxis running by meter are usually more common. In many non Metro Cities (or even in Metros depending on time) taxies or autos may ply without the usual meter.
While you can't take a cross-country bus-ride across India, buses are the second most popular way of travelling across states and the only cheap way of reaching many places not on the rail network (eg. Dharamsala).
FOOD, DRINK AND CUISINE ADVICE
Water for drinking, brushing teeth or making ice should first be boiled or otherwise sterilised. Milk is often unpasteurised and should be boiled. Avoid dairy products likely to have been made from non-boiled milk. Only eat well-cooked meat and fish. Do not eat salads, vegetables should be cooked and peel your own fruit. Don’t eat street vendor food unless it is piping hot. Tap water is not safe to drink, rely on bottled water which is widely available. However, do check the seal on bottled water.
Indian food is world-renowned for its tantalising flavours, spiciness and enormous variety. Curries are created from the subtle and delicate blending of spices such as cumin, turmeric, cardamom, ginger, coriander, nutmeg and poppy seed although these vary from region to region and every spice has medicinal properties and use.
Vegetable dishes are more common than in Europe, particularly in the fruity, coconutty dishes of southern India, while northern India has an entirely different but equally satisfying cuisine to sample. Breads like paranthas, chapatis, naans and rotis are also part of the main diet in several states like Punjab, Haryana and Uttar Pradesh. Achars (pickles), relishes and chutneys again vary by region and add more resonance to amazing meals.
Sweets or mithai too have regional specialities. They tend to be milk based and some are syrupy and fried. Well-known northern sweets are gulab jamun, jalebi (it’s worth watching how these syprup-based confections are made in the street), kulfi, kheer, halwa and laddu. From the east are rasgulla and rasmalai. The south has several burfi and halwa-type desserts like coconut burfi and badam halwa made from almonds.
While care should be taken in where one eats, exceptional food can be had in the most humble surroundings such as food at ashrams as can be found in 5-star restaurants. Non-vegetarians will find fabulously spiced mutton dishes according to regional specialities including fish dishes typical to coastal areas.
10 to 15% is usual in restaurants that impose no service fee; optional where service fee is added to bill.
CLIMATE AND WEATHER
The weather is mainly hot most of the year with significant variations from region to region. The coolest weather lasts from around the end of November to the beginning of March, with fresh mornings and evenings, and mostly sunny days. The really hot weather, when it is dry, dusty and unpleasant, is between March and June. Monsoon rains occur in most regions in summer anywhere between June and early October.
CLOTHING AND DRESS RECOMMENDATIONS
Male or female, one rule covers all visitors to India: don't leave the house with your arms or legs bare. You'll naturally get attention as a foreigner, as full-on staring is common and accepted on Indian streets, but you'll suffer far less negative attention if you remain covered up. For most locations and seasons in India, thin, loose linen or cotton pants and button-down shirts will keep you comfortable in hot, humid weather and help you blend in. While you may see Indian young adults sporting tight jeans and fitted brand-name tops, you'd stand out significantly more in the same outfit. If you visit anywhere in northern India - not just the mountains, Delhi too - during the winter, prepare for seriously cold weather. Bring jeans and heavy shirts and pick up an Indian wool wrap.
What you can get away with at an Indian beach depends entirely on which beach you visit. In the state of Goa, a popular beach and club getaway destination, locals are accustomed to seeing tourists in bikinis on the beach and Indian men often sport Speedos. But skimpy clothes need to stay on the beach. Don't walk around town or your hotel in nothing but a bikini and sarong. In less Western-frequented beach destinations, such as the beaches around Bombay, Alibag and Chowpatty, or anywhere in the south, hit the beach in light pants and a tunic.
When visiting temples and other religious sites on your own or part of a tour, be on the lookout for signs advising visitors to dress in a specific way to enter the temple. The government of India advises that some religious institutions require visitors to cover their heads or remove their shoes, and covering your legs and arms in respect goes without saying. Certain sites may carry more specific requirements, such as donning a certain colored sash or sarong-like covering. Take your cue from other visitors exiting the site.
ELECTRICITY AND PLUG STANDARDS
For the most part, electrical sockets (outlets) in India are the "Type D" 5 amp BS-546 sockets. This is actually an old British standard. The "Type D" Indian plug and socket is not to be confused with the "Type M" South African plug and socket. In pictures, they look very similar, but the South African type is much larger than the Indian type, and they are physically incompatible. If your appliance's plug doesn't match the shape of these sockets, you will need a travel plug adapter in order to plug in.
Electrical sockets (outlets) in India usually supply electricity at between 220 and 240 volts AC. If you're plugging in an appliance that was built for 220-240 volt electrical input, or an appliance that is compatible with multiple voltages, then an adapter is all you need. If your appliances are not compatible with 220-240 volt electrical output, a voltage converter will be necessary.
