Perched high in the Himalayan foothills overlooking Rishikesh and the sacred Ganges River is the former Palace Estate of the Maharaja of Tehri-Garhwal. The estate was reimagined as Ananda in the Himalayas – India’s first destination spa in 2000, blending regal architecture with ancient wellness traditions.
The 25,000-square-foot spa — one of Asia’s largest — offers over 80 Ayurvedic and international therapies, anchored by open-air yoga pavilions and daily Vedanta philosophy sessions.
Originally commissioned in 1910–11 for an anticipated visit from the Viceroy of India, the palace once hosted British dignitaries and spiritual leaders including Mahatma Gandhi, Mira Ben, and Ma Anandamayi, whose meditation room remains preserved on-site.
More recently, Ananda in the Himalayas has hosted notable guests including Oprah Winfrey, King Charles III, and Kate Winslet.
A three-year renovation completed in 2022 introduced new suites a physiotherapy wing, and a show kitchen for Ayurvedic culinary classes. In 2024, Ananda deepened its legacy of wellness with a series of enhancements including the debut of a new room category and elevated design touches to its iconic Viceregal Suite.
The palace’s original woodwork and colonial detailing has still been preserved, with Himalayan craft and native flora woven into the interiors. The result showcases colonial elements while creating a dialogue between landscape and structure.
Marking 25 years of wellness innovation, the retreat’s recent restoration additionally introduces a newly launched diabetes management program and sound healing offerings. The updates expand the retreat’s holistic approach and speak to a rising global interest in spiritual wellness retreats.
