4-Day Wellness Yoga and Meditation Retreat by the Ganges in Rishikesh

Buddha Retreat runs a tight daily schedule that keeps you moving without ever feeling rushed. Mornings start with Shatkarma, a set of cleansing practices, followed by pranayama and a Hatha yoga class that focuses on alignment and holding poses properly. After breakfast, the middle of the day is free for rest, journaling, or a walk into Tapovan. Afternoon sessions move into meditation, a sound healing class with Tibetan singing bowls, and then Ashtanga or Vinyasa yoga, which is more dynamic than the morning class.

What makes this retreat different from the many ashrams in Rishikesh is how relaxed it feels. Attendance at classes is optional, and the teachers encourage you to pick what suits you. Evenings often include philosophy talks, chanting, and kirtan, and there are optional extras like ecstatic dance, storytelling, and bonfires. A couple of evenings include excursions to nearby sacred sites, and the Ganga Aarti is a highlight you will not want to miss.

The food is sattvic vegetarian, meaning it is designed to keep your body calm and clear, with fresh fruit, salads, and herbal drinks at every meal. Gluten-free options are available on request. The rooms are simple and air-conditioned, with en-suite bathrooms and a terrace, and the property has a yoga shala, a restaurant, and free wifi.

The lead teacher, Dev Rishi Ji, has been guiding yoga and meditation here for years and is known for his calm, knowledgeable approach. He and his team blend traditional Indian teaching with a practical understanding of what Western guests need, which is why so many reviews mention the quality of the teachers. This is an authentic, no-frills retreat that puts the practice first.

What's included

- 3 nights accommodation - 3 daily nutritious meals (breakfast, lunch, dinner) - Water, tea, and coffee served throughout the day - Welcome drink - Daily yoga classes (Hatha, Ashtanga, Vinyasa) - Daily meditation classes - Daily pranayama classes - Sound healing session - Ayurvedic herbal drinks - Luggage storage - Parking - Free wifi

What's not included

- Flights - Visa fees - Travel insurance - Additional activities not in the itinerary - Additional treatments - Optional plant medicine ceremony - Airport transfers (available as an upgrade)