Wellness Escape: Yoga and Sightseeing in Rishikesh, India

The retreat is based at Saptkaya Yoga School on Secret Waterfall Road in the quiet village of Jamari Katal, Upper Tapovan. The school's name means 'Seven Bodies' in Sanskrit, referencing the seven layers of human existence, and the teaching is shaped around that idea—sessions touch the physical, energetic, emotional, and intellectual layers rather than just drilling postures. Every day includes a 90-minute morning session covering yoga, pranayama, and meditation, with modifications for beginners and challenges for advanced students. Afternoons are split between organized outings and free time. A guided sightseeing tour takes you through Rishikesh's ghats and temples and includes the evening Ganga Aarti, the fire ritual on the riverbank. Another day leads you on a hike to the Secret Waterfall, followed by a nature walk. A dedicated sound healing session uses singing bowls to work on emotional balance, and there is also time for Ayurvedic consultations or massage upgrades. The kitchen turns out three daily Satvik Ayurvedic meals, all vegetarian and mostly organic, eaten together in the dining room. The teaching staff is the real draw—each instructor has a different specialty. Dhruvaji, an IIT Bombay graduate with 30 years of teaching, deconstructs yoga philosophy in plain language; Man Mahesh Harjai focuses on pranayama and meditation; and Amit brings a background in Iyengar alignment from his years of study in Rishikesh. With just a handful of guests at a time, classes feel personal, and instructors can adapt each session to what the group actually needs.

What's included

- 3 nights accommodation in private or shared room - 3 daily meals (breakfast, lunch, dinner) - Water, tea, coffee throughout the day - Welcome drink - Daily yoga classes - Daily meditation classes - Daily pranayama classes - Sound healing or Yoga Nidra session - Nature hike to Secret Waterfall - Guided sightseeing tour and Ganga Aarti - Pre- and post-retreat support - Transportation during the retreat - Free parking - Luggage storage - Free wifi

What's not included

- Flights - Travel insurance - Visa fees - Additional treatments (e.g., Ayurvedic massage) - Additional activities not in itinerary - Airport transfers (available for extra fee)