Ananda in the Himalayas

Arriving at Ananda in the Himalayas feels like stepping into another world. After the winding climb from the valley below, the palace gates opened to reveal a retreat that is as steeped in history as it is devoted to wellness. The Viceregal Palace, once the home of a Maharaja, stands proudly at the centre of the 100 acre estate and now sets the tone for a journey of inner peace, balance, and self awareness. Surrounded by the lush forests of the Himalayan foothills, this luxury wellness retreat blends heritage and nature in a way that makes the outside world fade almost instantly. From the blessing ritual and herbal tea served in the palace drawing room on arrival, to the buggy ride through manicured gardens towards our room, every detail was designed to encourage calm. The staff seemed to embody the core principles of Ananda, valuing well being, creating balance, and connecting with nature. Whether it was a smile, a thoughtful suggestion, or a conversation about wellness, each interaction was personal and meaningful. First impressions made it clear that Ananda was not just another luxury wellness retreat, but a sanctuary where centuries of tradition meet a holistic understanding of self care.

The setting of Ananda in the Himalayas is nothing short of spectacular. From our terrace, we could look across the gardens and ancient forest, right down to Rishikesh and the River Ganges in the valley below. On clear days the views stretched endlessly, while at night the valley lights sparkled like scattered jewels. The monsoon rains during our stay brought its own charm, with raindrops creating an often hypnotic beat and clouds drifting lazily through the property, creating an ethereal atmosphere. These moments offered a reminder that nature is central to the Ananda experience.

Our Deluxe Valley View Room was elegant and comfortable, with every detail thoughtfully considered. As the name suggests, the views were remarkable, reaching across the valley to the town of Rishikesh. The balcony quickly became one of our favourite spots, where we watched emerald doves and parakeets flit between the trees in the gardens below. Even the large bathtub offered the same outlook, making evening soaks especially memorable. The bed came with a choice of non feather pillows from the pillow menu, which ensured we had both comfort and peace of mind during our stay. It was the kind of room that made it easy to slow down, relax, and embrace the stillness that Ananda encourages.

Integrated Wellness at Ananda in the Himalayas

Wellness is at the heart of everything at Ananda. Following a thorough consultation with the Ayurvedic doctor, our programme was designed around our personal doshas. Treatments included acupuncture, reflexology, acupressure, and a range of massages from deep tissue to herbal compress. Each visit to the spa began with time in the steam room, sauna, and cold plunge, before moving into therapy with a practitioner who was clearly an expert in their field. Herbal teas followed every session, grounding us before returning to our day. Yoga and meditation were also central to our stay. Sessions took place either in the historic ballroom of the palace or at the marble floored ‘Hawa Mahal Pavillion’ set within the tranquil gardens, both settings adding a unique atmosphere. Morning chanting, guided breathing and sound therapy further enriched our experience. These activities didn’t just fill our daily schedule, they offered lessons for body and mind, special moments for us to carry home and into our lives outside of the palace gates.

The Vegan Food at Ananda in the Himalayas

Food at Ananda is closely tied to wellness, and our experience reflected this from the start. After our initial consultation, bespoke menus were created for each of us (one based on a Pitta diet, the other on Vata) meaning that each dish was designed to balance our constitution. At first, there was a little food envy, but it soon became clear that everything placed in front of us was both nourishing and delicious. The chefs were skilled at bringing Ayurvedic principles into every meal without sacrificing creativity or taste. Restaurant staff handled everything seamlessly, remembering our requirements and making sure vegan options were adapted with care. Breakfast was a nourishing and health start to each day, always beginning with a turmeric detox tea, followed by plates such as savoury crushed wheat porridge with peas, congee with roasted broccoli and lemongrass, or masala dosa with chutney and sambhar.

Lunchtime meant a return to the impressive salad bar, which was unlike any we have ever seen, with cooked vegetables, infused oils, flavoured salts, seeds, and tofu, allowing us to build vibrant and nourishing bowls. Dinners were equally memorable, with dishes like vegetable laksa, roasted vegetables with green pea hummus, and casseroles of chickpeas, zucchini, and cashew cream. Portions were modest but perfectly satisfying, leaving us energised and light rather than heavy. Every drink was also chosen with purpose. Detox teas appeared before breakfast and after lunch, while after dinner a calming blend of chamomile, saffron, and triphala was served to encourage restful sleep. We quickly learned to appreciate these rituals. Eating at Ananda was not just about food, it was about aligning nourishment with our actual needs, and it left us both feeling rebalanced and renewed.

The Vegan Food Quest Essentials

Ananda in the Himalayas delivers all of the planet friendly essentials that we look for on our travels. Drinking water was produced on site and served in reusable glass bottles, whilst the bathroom amenities were plant based and eco friendly, provided in refillable bottles to reduce waste. The spa and wellness facilities were exceptional, with expert therapists and a programme that combined ancient traditions with modern techniques. Daily yoga and meditation ensured there was always space to reconnect, while the landscaped gardens and infinity pool overlooking the valley offered quiet corners for reflection. The attention to sustainability was evident too, with a focus on minimising impact through thoughtful practices across the property. Waste and water management systems ensure that recycling and reuse are practiced wherever possible, whilst heat pumps for the hot water and LED lighting ensures energy savings. For travellers who are passionate about sustainable and responsible travel these details matter, and Ananda seemed to have considered them all.

The Vegan Food Quest Verdict

There is a reason why Ananda in the Himalayas is considered one of the leading wellness retreats in the world. Its location alone, in the Himalayan foothills overlooking the River Ganges, is breathtaking. Combine this with the palace setting, the depth of the wellness programme, and cuisine that nourishes in every sense, and you have something truly special. For us, Ananda was not just about recharging, but also about learning and reflecting. We left with new insights into our health and wellness, and a feeling of being cared for by people who are deeply committed to their craft. For vegan travellers who want more than just a holiday, who want to embrace a lifestyle that balances body, mind, and soul, Ananda in the Himalayas is the kind of place that stays with you long after you leave.

We were guests of Ananda in the Himalayas but please rest assured that their generosity in hosting us didn’t influence our views.

Ananda in the Himalayas
The Palace Estate, Narendra Nagar
Tehri Garhwal District 249175
Uttarakhand, India

Telephone: +91 1378 227500
Email: reservations@anandaspa.com
Cost From: £783 / $974 (July 2025)