Wellness tourism in India: Our favourite destinations

India is a country with a very rich heritage of wellness trends. While the western world might just have woken up to these trends, these have been practised like rituals in the country. This is the country of Ayurveda, Yoga, Meditation, plant based diets, sustainable farming, wellness retreats and so much more. If you are planning a trip to India and are keen on wellness tourism, these places are just for you.

Rishikesh - Yoga

Close to Delhi, the national capital, Rishikesh can be your ideal start in India. A quaint city by the side of River Ganga, it is also famous as the Yoga Capital of the World. It is replete with yoga schools of repute and some of the world's most-trusted yogis and yoga teachers have learnt the tenets of yoga in Rishikesh.

Kerala - Ayurveda

The lush, tropical state of Kerala is also known for Ayurveda and related practices. Travellers from all over the world vouch for having a long stay in the state as well as staycations to heal body as well as soul. It is also home to some of the most famous Ayurvedic retreats in the world.

Mysuru - Ashtanga Yoga

If Ashtanga Yoga is more to your liking, head to Mysuru, its birthplace. The yoga practice in Mysuru is also famed because it lets practitioners focus on individual, self paced session even in a group setting. There are ample yoga schools here if you are keen on getting a yoga teaching certificate as well.

Kerala - Kalaripayattu

Now, this is no easy one. While it is not seen in the same light as other wellness trends, Kalari is one of the world's oldest martial arts form and takes years of practice. Kalari practitioners are known for immense control, strength and agility in not just their body but minds as well.

Bodh Gaya, Igatpuri, Ladakh, Dharamsala - Vipassana

Vipassana is a form of mindful meditation, and has its roots in the teachings of Buddha. While Bodh Gaya is one of the most preferred places in India to learn and practice it, there are reputed vipassana centres in Igatpuri, Ladakh, Dharamsala and more places as well.