Facilities & Activities at Ananda

External Activities

Nature Walks & Treks

Kunjapuri Temple Trek
14km north of Ananda-In the Himalayas, Kunjapuri soars 1645 metres high to commemorate Goddess Shakti and Lord Shiva idols. Awaken one’s spirituality with snowcapped Himalayan Mountains’ vistas and sacred surroundings at sunrise or sunset. Guided by the spa staff, the 3-4 hour trek experience is a sound balance to a fulfilling Ananda Yoga programme.

Trek to Laxman Jhula
Distance: 9 Kms
Time: 3 hrs (down hill only)
This is a downhill trek passing through verdant Sal forests. If the guests wish, they can spend the evening in the town of Rishikesh and watch the evening Aarti performed every evening on the banks of the river Ganga.The return to Ananda by car.

Charges for the trek: Rs.6000 (Inclusive of Taxes)

Nature Walk
Contemplate and receive nurturing. The morning starts with a fresh juice served in the Spa lounge. This is followed by stroll along the trail with a guide enjoying the beauty and tranquility of nature. At a certain point guests have the opportunity to be guided to a deep meditative experience. The walk ends with a ginger/lemon tea and a relaxed soak in the pool, spa or sauna.

White Water Rafting

Of all the rivers of the Indian subcontinent, the Ganga is perhaps the most beautiful. It originates from Gaumukh in the Garhwal region of the Himalayas and is a superb river for inflatable rafts. Rafting on its waters is an unusual experience and one to cherish. To ride these rapids and to come to terms with their strength and wildness is to grow in spirit and to nurture the very stuff that dreams are made of.

FAQs

Does one need to know swimming to go rafting?
Not necessary. The life jackets, equipment, and safety briefing by the experienced crew are more than adequate. However, should you be apprehensive of the big rapids, you can disembark onshore and guides will have you walk to the next point where you can climb aboard the raft again.
What are the age limits and health requirements for rafting?
Minimum age 14 years. However, there is no upper age limit as long as you are in reasonably good health. You will be required to sign a liability release prior to the trip. Guardians must sign on behalf of their children.
What is proper rafting attire?
A Life jacket and helmet are sufficient for rafting. During warm weather (Mar/Apr/Oct/ Nov), gear should consist of sneakers (strap up sandals/running shoes are adequate. Please do not go bare-foot), light clothes (preferably T-shirt and shorts), swimsuit, suntan lotion and other personal requisites. A fresh change of clothes and shoes should be handed over to the staff prior to the trip, who will set up a changing tent at the end of the expedition.

Is rafting safe? What can one expect on the trip?
The rapids of the Ganges are ideal for the first-time rafter, where you can expect to get completely soaked and have a lot of fun as well! The rapids are thrilling, yet safe. The guides are completely in command and will instruct you on basic paddling techniques and safety procedures. In certain sections where the current of the river is gentler, you may be encouraged to body surf. Refreshment centres have been set up en-route at ‘Diving Rock’, where the more adventurous can also take a plunge into the river.

TIMINGS

	Morning Session	Afternoon Session
Departure from Ananda	09.00 hrs	12.00 hrs
Rafting Camp Timings	10.00 hrs – 12.00 hrs	13.00 hrs – 15.00 hrs

CAR RENTAL CHARGES

Duration	5 hours
Distance	80 kms (both ways)
Total Cost (incl of taxes)	Rs 2100.00
Extra Miles	Rs 35.00 per km
Extra Hours	Rs 425.00 per hour

RAFTING CHARGES

Duration	2 hours in water
Rafting Stretch	12 kms

Minimum Total Cost (incl. of taxes)

1 to 2 Persons	Rs 3150.00
5 to 9 Persons	Rs 1260.00 per person
10 + Persons	Rs 1050.00 per person

RATES AND TIMINGS ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE. PLEASE CHECK WITH THE FRONT OFFICE FOR DETAILS.

Ganga Aarti

The “AARATI”, is normally sung at the conclusion of any religious ceremony or puja, or simply by itself each morning and evening as a joyous celebration to the Supreme within us and without. The lighting of the lamps for the Aarati, has a manifold significance. On the one hand it denotes the light of spiritual knowledge, the illumination of truth. On the other hand, when camphor is used as the fuel to light up the lamps, the camphor eventually burns out and disappears without a trace. This signifies the total destruction of the ego in the light of true knowledge or - the illumination of the self in union with the Universe.

The Ganga Aarati at Rishikesh is an unforgettably spiritual experience. Performed each evening at sundown at the Parmarth Niketan Ashram, on the banks of the holy river Ganges, it is an event to gladden the heart, feed the soul and create harmony with the elements. Fire, Water, Earth, Air combine in perfect synergy during this ritual and leave you with a feeling of having witnessed perfection.

The one and half hour ceremony, starting with sacred chants and a ‘Yagna’ or fire ceremony, during which a mixture of sacred herbs and ghee (clarified butter) are poured into the fire in order to dispel negative energies, is concluded with the Aarati, during which the river is worshipped as the source of life on the physical plane, and as a symbol of the eternal life circle on the metaphysical plane.

The performance of the Aarati by the Guru, the singing of bhajans (hymns) by the saffron robed disciples, the fragrance of incense and camphor as it permeates the air, the mesmeric light of myriad diyas, the sound of the rushing river, the setting sun mirrored in sparkling ripples on the flowing water, the intensity of the people as they sway in unison, all combine to create a surreal atmosphere of peace that pervades every sense and remains with you long after you have left Rishikesh.

Time: Sunset. Please check at the reception for the exact time
Durations: 3 hours including driving time
Cost: Rs 1400.00 (taxes included)
Additional hour: @ Rs 520.00 per hour

Safari

Rajaji National Park was formed by consolidating three sanctuaries namely Chilla, Motichur and Rajaji and covers an area of 820 sq. km. The area lies towards the east of the Dehradun-Roorkee highway.

There are approximately 21 tigers in this extensive area and a bigger population of leopard in the upper regions of the park. It is generally easier to sight the elusive leopard in certain areas like Chilla. Tigers are difficult to spot on account of the dense cover, which lies in the core areas of the Park, which are not open to tourists. Chilla, which is the region open to tourists, is probably the best for viewing wild life. It is also very scenic as it affords views of the mighty Ganga, as well as the Himalayas to the North, together with a large reservoir for water birds. It is located close to the religious center of Haridwar and is just about 20 km away from Rishikesh. At Chilla proper, where the residential complex is located, in a large opening in thick Sal forests, there are two domesticated elephants. These Elephant back safaris take one through bamboo thickets and elephant grass. There are watchtowers located over water holes and motorable tracks taking one to areas around the park where wildlife can be spotted as one drives along. Herds of Spotted Deer are fairly common to spot. The other animals that can be spotted in the Chilla wildlife sanctuary are the wild boar, Sambhar Deer, the Grey Langur, the Red Rhesus Macaque, the Barking Deer, the Peacock, Quails, Hornbills, Hawks, Falcons, Vultures and many other birds of prey.

Full Day Itinerary
0530 hrs
Leave Ananda driving via Rishikesh-Kumaon (along the Canal), via Bindvasni (on Bindvasni nala)-Chilla. Arrive at Chilla entrance gate at 0630 hrs.

0630 hrs
Commence game viewing drive of approx. 15 kms. on jungle tracks on the Chilla- Mundhal-Mithawali-Khara circuit and back to Chilla. Enroute stop over at Gujjar settlement to see the way they live. Return to the Forest Rest House Complex by 0830 hrs.

Breakfast at Forest Rest House (FRH) at Chilla. After breakfast, visit the Elephant stables and look around the complex. Drive to the Beach of the Ganga at the edge of the forest – relax and swim in the water. Hot lunch served here with beer.

1530 hrs
Return to FRH Complex for elephant ride of approx. 1.5 hrs. into forest. Finish ride latest by 1715/1730 hrs.

Drive to Haridwar (15 minutes) to walk around the Har ki Pauri bathing ghats and observe the evening Aarti Ceremony. Return to Narendranagar on the highway Haridwar-Rishikesh-Narendaranagar in the dark in time for Dinner. 1.25 hrs. drive from Haridwar.

(Rajaji National Park closure till 15th November)

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