Top 5 Best Yoga Ashrams in Rishikesh, India for Yoga & Meditation

By Om Shanti Om Yoga Ashram

Planning to truly live the yogic lifestyle in the spiritual heart of India? Then come to Rishikesh, the world's Yoga Capital, which is simply the ideal location. Set at the divine banks of Ganges River and surrounded by the Himalayan foothills, Rishikesh is a sanctuary for seekers, sadhaks, and yoga lovers from around the globe.

Whether you wish for a serene retreat, seek to learn about yogic philosophy, or are ready to sign up for a life-altering yoga teacher training program, Rishikesh has authentic ashrams that promise an experience like no other. Here's a list of the best yoga ashrams in Rishikesh, India for 2025 — including the famous Om Shanti Om Yoga Ashram.

Why Rishikesh is a Global Yoga Hub?

Rishikesh is not a town — it's an atmosphere. It's the sound of mantras, the smell of incense, and the radiance of the sunset Ganga Aarti that all create a serene and spiritual atmosphere. The town features numerous yoga ashrams that blend traditional yoga with modern amenities. With its serene environment, high-quality spiritual energy, and skilled yoga instructors, Rishikesh is the ideal location to begin or grow your yoga practice.

Top 5 Best Yoga Ashrams in Rishikesh, India

1. Parmarth Niketan Ashram

Established in 1942, Parmarth Niketan is one of the oldest and most revered ashrams in Rishikesh. It is situated directly on the banks of the Ganges River in the Ram Jhula neighborhood. This ashram provides a serene blend of spiritual instruction, yoga classes, and nature-based living. It specializes in traditional Hatha Yoga and ancient Vedic traditions, making it perfect for anyone seeking to delve into India's spiritual heritage.

It's an excellent option for individuals who love spiritual rituals such as the popular evening Ganga Aarti. The ashram welcomes yoga enthusiasts, seekers of spirituality, and foreign visitors seeking retreats, mantra chanting, and a strong connection to Indian heritage. With more than 1,000 rooms, stunning gardens, and a spiritual environment, Parmarth Niketan is a place to reside — and a place to be transformed.

Highlights:

Famous Ganga Aarti ceremony.
Host of the International Yoga Festival.
Spiritual teachings by Swami Chidanand Saraswatiji.

2. Shiva Anand Ashram

Shiva Anand Ashram, established in 1997, is a serene spiritual retreat within the tranquil zone of Tapovan, Rishikesh. This ashram specializes in ancient yogic techniques such as Hatha Yoga, Raja Yoga, and Kundalini Yoga. Its tranquil and contemplative environment is ideal for individuals seeking intense meditation and spiritual development.

It's ideal for those interested in energy healing, advanced breathing methods, and spiritual awareness. With intimate classes, personal mentoring, daily lectures on yoga philosophy, and space for quiet contemplation, Shiva Anand Ashram is ideal for serious seekers who wish to deepen their experience of yoga beyond the physical postures.

Highlights:

Kundalini and advanced breathwork practices
Fire ceremonies and spiritual group discussions (satsangs)
Natural vegetarian cuisine and peaceful environment.

3. Om Shanti Om Yoga Ashram

Established in 1999, Om Shanti Om Yoga Ashram is within walking distance of the vibrant Ram Jhula market but retains a peaceful and spiritual environment. It instructs classical forms of yoga such as Hatha and Ashtanga Vinyasa, as well as meditation and yogic lifestyle practices. The ashram maintains a powerful spiritual energy and remains rooted while providing structured training to contemporary learners.

Founded by esteemed Swami Yogananda Ji, the ashram seeks to provide students with inner peace, vigor, and purpose through yoga. The ashram provides various Yoga Teacher Training Courses (YTTCs) — 100, 200-Hour, 300 Hour, and 500-hour courses — all taught by expert and compassionate instructors. All these courses include physical postures (asanas), breathing (pranayama), yoga philosophy, meditation, and even human anatomy.

What makes Om Shanti Om special is its heart-centered approach, strong spiritual environment, and focus on small, personal learning groups.

Highlights:

Internationally certified yoga teacher training courses.
Small group sizes for personal guidance.
Peaceful location near the Ganges.
Ayurvedic meals and weekend sightseeing.

4. Ved Niketan Ashram

Initiated in 1964 and situated in the Swarg Ashram locality close to Ram Jhula, Ved Niketan provides a quiet and uncomplicated environment for yoga. The ashram instructs Hatha Yoga and Karma Yoga and promotes discipline, personal development, and spiritual living. It operates on a donation system, so it is accessible to everyone, irrespective of budget.

This ashram is best suited for those who are looking to have a yogic life free of distractions. There is silence, daily yoga practice, meditation, and self-inquiry as the prime focus here. Ved Niketan is best suited for beginners and those who are looking to get back to the essence of spiritual living.

Highlights:

Quiet and disciplined environment.
Non-commercial (donation-based) infrastructure.
Focus on daily regime and self-observation.

5. Yoga Niketan Ashram

Niketan Yoga, established in 1964 as well, is another widely recognized and established yoga school based in Rishikesh. It is located in the quiet Muni Ki Reti sector and has views of the Ganges River and surrounding mountains. This serene location is ideal for learning Raja Yoga — an approach that specializes in meditation, self-discipline, and learning yogic scripture.

This ashram was established by Himalayan master Swami Yogeshwarananda Saraswati Maharaj. It carries on his work through daily yoga, lectures on ancient scriptures, and weekly meditation sessions. Yoga Niketan is ideal for serious students who wish to delve deeper into yoga beyond physical postures and into the study of sacred texts and introspection.

Highlights:

Intense focus on Raja Yoga and meditation.
Daily lectures on yoga philosophy and scriptures.
Peaceful environment for intense spiritual studies.

Final Thoughts: Which Ashram is Right for You?

Every yoga ashram in Rishikesh has something unique to offer — from the rich rituals of Parmarth Niketan to the intense spiritual practices at Shiva Anand Ashram, or the balanced, teacher-centered learning at Om Shanti Om Yoga Ashram. Whether you're a beginner, seeking inner peace, or ready to become a certified teacher, Rishikesh has an ashram that suits your path.

If you're seeking a combination of old-school yoga, contemporary training, intimate group instruction, and an environment that really does feel like a spiritual home — Om Shanti Om Yoga Ashram is the ideal destination to start your journey.

People May Also Ask!

Rishikesh is renowned as a center for yoga because numerous saints and yogis have meditated here for many centuries. It's replete with ashrams, temples, and serene landscapes. Individuals from across the globe visit here to learn yoga and meditate on the sacred Ganges River.

A yoga ashram is where you can simply live, learn yoga, meditate, and find your inner self. Not like a hotel, it's more of a home for the soul with a day-to-day routine.

Yes, beginners are welcome at most yoga ashrams. You don't have to have any experience in yoga to attend. The teachers will teach you step by step and guide you through the basics.

Om Shanti Om Yoga Ashram is one of the best for beginners. It provides beginner-friendly classes, a serene environment, and small batches for individual attention.

Yes, most ashrams in Rishikesh provide certified teacher training in yoga (such as 100, 200, or 300 hours). The courses are all over the world recognized and ideal if you'd like to teach yoga.

Ashrams generally serve simple yet healthy, vegetarian food. It is freshly made and is designed to keep the body and mind tranquil. Some ashrams also have herbal tea or Ayurvedic meals.

You can stay a few days, weeks, or months � it depends on what you're seeking. Retreats are short stays, and teacher training programs last typically 3�6 weeks.

Several ashrams are very reasonably priced and include everything in an all-inclusive package (stay, meals, classes). Some, such as Ved Niketan, are donation-based, and you pay what you can.

A typical day consists of yoga in the mornings, nutritious meals, meditation, philosophy lectures, and occasionally group prayers or chanting. It's a serene regimen to nourish you spiritually as well as physically.

Yes, it is safe for solo travelers in Rishikesh. The spiritual environment, friendly locals, and sense of community in ashrams make tourists feel at ease, including women.

No, most individuals go to ashrams for peace, healing, or to learn yoga without undergoing the full course. You can attend day classes or short retreats.

Om Shanti Om Yoga Ashram has old yogic traditions complemented by contemporary ways of teaching. It's perfect if you desire spiritual learning coupled with professional instruction.