If you decide to explore Rishikesh and frequently attend the gangaarti, I recommend staying at Ell Bee Rishikesh, a beautiful hotel located in the main city. Easily approachable and easily connected with the popular sight-seeing locations, Ell Bee boasts of luxury amenities that make it worth staying in.
How to get there
The nearest airport is Dehradun approximately 45 minutes from the city of Rishikesh.
Location
Ell Bee is located on the main road, overlooking the majestic mountains. The Hotel is a must visit for anyone with a love of witnessing the ganga arti frequently. It is particularly a real haven for devotees, nature lover or the affluent traveler who love to relax in luxury and in an atmosphere of calm with stunning scenic views.
First Impressions
Recently voted one of the best places to stay in Rishikesh by Tripadvisor, the Ell Bee Resort is a place for indulgent relaxation with elegant rooms that are refurbished keeping in mind guest’s relaxation and comfortable stay. The hotel follows a divine theme with glass paintings of Lord Krishna in each room.
The lobby welcomes guests with a wide space complete with comfortable sofas and magazines to read whilst you wait for the check in formalities. We had a sense of wellbeing as we stepped inside the hotel.
Accommodation
Situated in the heart of Rishikesh, Ell Bee offers 360 degree viewpoint of the city. This river-facing hotel has 32 luxurious and centrally air-conditioned rooms that are divided into deluxe, premier, executive and Ganga royal.
All the rooms & suites feature a modern, clean-line concept that utilizes big tiles and dark woods to make you feel connected with divinity. As we checked in our suite, I was amazed to be met by such a luxury approach. Our room had a wide glass window with beautiful mountain view and the flowing ganges. The comfortable beds, blue colored upholstery and extra space with dressing area, sitting space and storage spaces reflect the care the hotel has taken to ensure guests are well taken care of.
The Staff
The hospitality at Ell Bee is worth appreciating. The staff is always so keen to help and show guests around – it makes your day when the staff is smiling. The hotel is located in such a divine location that it feels impossible to get stressed.
Dining
The dining area complements the property nicely, making it an ideal place for a healthy break. The food is vegetarian and evokes a sense of well-being after being consumed.
The cuisine at Ell Bee was a true highlight. We looked forward to a delicious lunch and dinner every day. The roof top dining overlooking the main street and the ganges flowing rapidly with mountains surrounded. They also have an additional dining area where they make arrangements for guests’ to arrange private parties.
If the weather is good, you can enjoy a nice warm lunch on the fresco sitting soaking in the sunshine and gazing at the beautiful scenic surroundings. They have himachal cuisine also that is prepared on request. We loved their kababs and starters in snacks. Their authentic Indian meals are also worth appreciating. The lentils, vegetables and breads have a very homely taste – so you will feel satisfied and elates at the same time.
Activities
For anyone feeling adventurous, there are water sports to consider and the hotel makes arrangements for guests. They also have provisions for walking down to the ghat for daily ganga arti. We had a great time visiting the ghat and offering prayers to the holy river.
Highlights
For me just being able to see the mountains and ganges from my window was unforgettable. It felt more connected to divinity. The accomodation is super luxurious and very comfortable.
Verdict
Ell Bee is a genuinely stunning and spacious hotel that extends this sense of space into every aspect of its facilities. The resort is in the main city and is easily approachable. The rates are decent and the service is extra pristine.
After researching for the best wellness retreat near Delhi, I found Veda 5. The best wellness retreat in Rishikesh. I booked myself for a three night rejuvenation package. My main aim was to detox, relax, and to sort out my weak digestive system.
Veda 5 is a luxury retreat in Rishikesh where you can experience the traditional Ayurveda lifestyle and its benefits in a relaxed environment. The retreat offers therapeutic treatments that focus on eliminating stress and rejuvenating your body, mind, and soul.
There are individual healing programs for guests that include massages, yoga, meditation and Organic Ayurvedic meals. The best package that one must book is the Panchakarma treatment which is a highly recommended detoxification treatment of Ayurveda. It eliminates persistent toxins from the body and makes the system energized and relaxed.
My odyssey to wellness
After an 8.30 am flight from Delhi, I arrived at the Dehradun airport, excited to begin my journey to Rishikesh. It was an hour long journey, and the road was pretty decent towards the retreat.
The warm welcome
On arrival, I was welcomed with a chandan tikka and a beautiful drape – a custom that adds a special touch to the warm welcome. I was elated and refreshed by the warm welcome.
First Impressions
The reception area has beautiful elements adorned at each corner. A peaceful and calming aura can be felt the moment you feel comfortable inside.
A relaxing sensation seeps in as you absorb yourself into the environment that is illuminated with subtle hues on the walls and dim lights. The sound of a tiny waterfall gushing at one side with a bamboo plant looks alluring while a statue of Buddha adds to the minimalistic design.
There are books on meditation and yoga stacked neatly on one side and simple yet intricate wall hangings. The upholstery matches up with the simple looks and yet exudes luxury.
The staff at the reception is as welcoming as the vibe of the place. A welcome drink made with ginger, honey and lemon is refreshing and revitalizing. Just what I needed after the hilly ride.
The landscaping of the retreat is commendable, but what impressed me the most was the extra attention given to corners that could have been ignored. There were Buddha statues, decorated umbrellas, miniature waterfalls, potted plants at every corner.
Tiny huts with swings are also created to add in to the special warmth offered by the retreat. The owner has ensured the place offers a classic combination to Ayurveda essentials while enjoying the luxurious amenities.
Rooms are placed at every hillock, but are worth the height as each room has breathtaking vistas to open your eyes to. A small pool is also made above the restaurant that has lounge chairs to relax and seep in the scenic beauty. There are beauty rooms with services like signature facials, pedicure and manicure that can be experienced while the enjoying the surroundings.
My Luxurious abode –
After the warm welcome, I am escorted to my room which is located a bit far from the reception. The steps seemed tiring, but was worth it when we approached the room. Named as “ Dhyana” meaning meditation, the room opened up to a beautiful cozy duplex room that had all the comforts of a luxurious room.
Comfortable beds with soft pillows, an almirah to keep valuables and my luggage, a wooden showcase with copper bottle and glasses exhibit the wellness essence to the room.
The washroom has all the amenities from Biotique, which reflect their concern for guests. The wide balcony with a panorama view over the property, and the surrounding mountains is just breathtaking.
Although there is no Television in the room, but there are recreational facilities like table tennis, carom, foosball, ludo in the basement. Unique gifting options, books and healing salts and incenses are also kept for cleaning the aura and vibration of homes.
Annam – Saatvic paradise
The retreat is completely devoid of non vegetarian which comes under taamsic category. The vegetables are plucked from their organic farm that is made with very light spices and completely free from heavy seasonings and dressings.
The aim is to serve simple palatable food. The Executive chef, Ashok, comes from an extensive background in culinary expertise. He ensures each dish is made with light ingredients and is delicious to taste.
The décor matches well with the warm hospitality. A small carriage has three jars lined up that contain chia seeds, sesame and pumpkin seeds. There are different containers of organic tea blends that are lined up neatly. A copper jar is placed for guests on the carriage. The capacity of the restaurant is enough to fill in almost 70 to 80 people and offers a fantastic view of the mountains. The server served some delicious cream of mushroom soup along with sprout and pomegranate salad. I have to admit this was the most delicious starter I have ever had. Later, he presented a wide thaali with dishes like kadhi, aloo matar, paneer shimla, lauki barfi along with multi grain roti.
After a hearty meal, I am escorted to the Ayurveda center called Svastika Panchkarma Center.
Svastika Panchkarma Center
The dim red lights are bright yet not dominant. Pots filled with water add to the soothing vibe. The doctor pointed out my weak shoulders that were carrying the weight of stress and negative emotions.
She advised me Nasya treatment – According to the doctor, Nasya has some unexpected benefits like greater clarity of mind and a calmer nervous system.
It is a simple procedure where 3-5 drops of herbalized oil, usually sesame or olive oil, is applied into the nostrils and sniffed. This lubricates the nasal mucosa, leaving them cleansed by the neti and lubricated by the nasya.
The Therapy –
The manager escorted me to the treatment room that was spacious and smelt heavenly. A wooden steam chamber was kept aside the treatment bed. The therapist, a smiling lady from the North East politely told me to sit on the chair while she dipped my feet in the warm water in the bowl. Minutes later, she made me lie on the bed to begin Nasya. She took a concoction that is made by slowly cooking lubricating and soothing herbs into the oil.
She warms the oil by putting oil in the dropper and holding it under hot water until it is just above body temperature. Later, she tilts my head back as far as possible and asked me to exhale fully.Then she drops 3-5 drops of oil into each nostril and asked me to sniff deeply. Although I did feel a bit groggy initially, but a cup of herbal tea soothed my throat and I felt relaxed and at ease.It was evening time and according to Ayurveda, an early dinner is necessary for balancing the doshas. The chef had prepared lentil soup with steam carrot and a thaali comprising of daal tadka, lauki coconut stew, stir fried coconut cheese, rice, missi roti, jeera raita. Just like lunch, I devoured my dinner. I was especially in love with the stir fried coconut cheese.
Yoga and meditation
There was a yoga session organized for guests. There were yoga mats with cushions, blankets and props for different forms of yogic postures and asanas. The asanas were simple based on Hatha Yoga that focused on stretching and toning of the muscles.
I moved towards the panchkarma center where my appointment for booked for Vedic facial,Detox wrap, Abhyanga and Potli massage.
Detox wrap –
The treatment started with a warm foot bath, with my feet dipped in a bowl of warm water. It felt incredible, as the foot bath certainly has impressive properties to ease away tiredness.
The therapist worked vigorously with the concoction of the Ayurveda powder, that helped in releasing the toxins. The best thing was apart from the exfoliation, the therapy was helpful in getting rid of the cellulite from the body. After the powder massage, the oil massage began.
The rhythmic massages were beautifully synchronized thus imparting the exact pressure on each area.The medicinal herbs were magical and I could feel the pain almost gone. The massage on the other parts was also gentle. She left the detox wrap on my body for a while. This was followed by a steam bath where the skin absorbs the oil profusely and makes it more supple and soft.
Potli Massage –
The Potli Massage is one that can whisk away your aches and pain in a matter of 60 minutes. It is a combination of hot compression “Ayurveda Herbal Compression” (called potli) followed by a luxurious body massage.
The massage is started by working up on the tensed muscles with hot potli, that is synchronised with long massage stroke. The relaxation further accentuated after steam which completely took away the tiredness.
The Panchkarma therapy
As per Panchkarma, there are five therapies – Griva vasti, prasht abhyanga, mukhalepam, shirodhara, paad abhyanga.
Griva vasti and prasht abhyanga –
One of the major therapies in Ayurveda, Greeva vasti is the most specialized treatment for neck pain and diseases related to cervical region. The procedure involves retention of warm medicated oil over the neck region for a stipulated period of time. The treatment gives an amazing relief from the pain and stiffness associated with the neck pain or cervical spondylitis. My shoulder and neck were stiff and there was cervical spondylitis too. This therapy was best suited for my condition.
The therapist creates a leak-proof reservoir made of black gram dough and places it on my neck. Later, she pours medicated lukewarm oil in a continuous stream in that space that helps to alleviate pain and strengthen the bone and joint tissues. The oil is retained there for a particular period of time. The oil was working its magic and I could feel the pain drifting away.
When the oil cooled down, it was squeezed out with cotton gauze. This procedure was repeated few times. After removing it, the affected area was gently massaged with the same oil.
The therapy improves circulation, muscle and connective tissue strength, while lubricating the joints and promotes its flexibility. She started the Prasht Abhyanga – the massaging of the upper back.
The treatment alleviates cervical spondylitis, stiff neck, sore muscles, upper back aches etc. I could feel the soreness simply going away.
Muktalepam –
This Muktalepam is tailored purely to the needs and concerns of skin type and indulges one’s visage with numerous lavishes of gentle cleansing, exfoliating, masques and deep moisturizers that focus intensely on hydration, purification or soothing. Made with pure organic ingredients, this facial is highly recommended for people who do not indulge in facials but want the skin to be rejuvenated and fresh. My skin felt smooth and I thanked the therapist for the wonderful experience.
Shirodhara –
Shirodhara is a unique, blissful therapy that balances and stabilizes the mind. The therapist covered my eyes with a muslin cloth. Next, she poured warm herbal oil in a thin steady stream directly onto the forehead, where the sixth chakra is located. The therapy helps to purify the mind, alleviate anxiety, reduce headaches and expand awareness.
There was a generous amount of oil being poured constantly on the forehead and I could feel the tension melting away. The oil was seeping inside my follicles and healing the tissues in my brain.
The feeling was amazing. After this therapy, she concluded with Paad Abhyanga, which means massaging the legs, ankle and feet. She was giving apt pressure on the ankles and heels and also my knees which needed the tender, loving care since a long time.
The treatments took a long time, but I felt refreshed and young. It wasn’t very easy to bid adieu to the paradise that had become my home. I felt a certain connection here.
Conclusion
Veda 5 is a hidden gem. It is a very warm, friendly place, run beautifully by the Veda 5 wellness. There is nothing pretentious about Veda 5. It delivers authentic Ayurveda experience that heals the mind, body and soul in a luxurious setting.
We travel to off-beat places that include heritage resorts, wellness retreats, jungle lodges and cozy homestays and provide information about these places.
Wellness retreats and resorts with ayurveda and naturopathy, healing the mind, body and soul.
Experiences at boutique homestays cottages that offer homely atmosphere
Jungle lodges that offer rustic feel of the wilderness.
India is home to the best wellness retreats in the world. With the pandemic setting down, people are looking for retreats that help in relaxation and also help them to recharge. India has some of the best wellness retreats where you can balance the mind, body and soul. These retreats offer a wellness package amidst beautiful surrounding.
Travreviews presents 4 best wellness retreats in India that you must add to your bucket list!
Best Western Arogya, Madurai –
Madurai, Tamil Nadu, the Best Western AVN Arogya brings forward the best treatments in the lap of Mother Nature. Running successfully with 41 hotels, in operation and under development in India, the Best Western recently joined hands with AVN Arogya to bring to you Best Western AVN Arogya. The epitome of luxury and wellness, it aims to empower Medical Tourism and hospitality in the region.
Ganga Kinare,Rishikesh –
Serene locations and magnificent view of the Ganges have always lured travelers. Sitting pretty amidst the holy city is Ganga Kinare, that gives guests a panoramic view with an unpretentious service. Located on the banks of the awe inspiring, tranquil River Ganges, Ganga Kinare– the riverside boutique hotel in Rishikesh, offers exquisite Yoga packages for you to experience spiritual rejuvenation with yoga and meditation.
Sanskriti, Rishikesh –
Rishikesh, a habitat for the parched soul has a new reason to visit the holy city – Sanskriti. The very essence of Ayurveda seeps in the culture of the new Vedic retreat that sits pretty amidst the bustle of Rishikesh. International tourists who come here to seek solace can now acquire tranquility when they enter the retreat.
Nidhivan,Vrindavan –
The land of Krishna has its very own luxury hotel. Nestled amidst the mystical town of Vrindavan, barely 2 km’s from the main city centre is born Nidhivan. The first hospitality venture incepted by Radiance Residency and Resorts Pvt. Ltd, it marries mysticism and luxury.
As the winter continues to spread its charm, make the best
out of the season and head to the snow-clad Himalayan Mountains as Shoes On
Loose, an adventure-themed travel portal, brings to you an exquisite skiing
holiday experience in the picturesque hill-station of Uttrakhand- Auli.
Surrounded
by snow-covered peaks of the great Himalayas, this hilly land offers charming
sights of oak-fringed slopes and enthralling dense coniferous forests. At an
average altitude of 2800 meters, Auli is one of the few world class ski resorts
in India that is still undiscovered and not commercialized.
Get geared for an amazing ski experience in the lofty
mountain ranges of the. This exciting
package is blended with great range of flora and fauna, snow-sports, Himalayan
Nomads, spectacular views, open skies, local experiences and serenity.
The
region forms one of the largest protected areas in the Himalayas and many
animals like the legendary Snow Leopard find refuge here. Discover prehistoric
trade routes, explore unspoiled landscape and experience the Buddhist culture
of Ladakh. As you take a walk through the slopes, get enraptured with the
impressive view of the lofty mountain ranges like Nanda Devi, Mana Paravat and
Kamat.
The way through the slopes also provide wonderful views of stunning
apple orchards and fine deodar trees making for a perfect day. These slopes
offers enough thrill to the adroit skier as well as the novice to professional
skier and novice as well to enjoy the adventure to the fullest. Right from
arranging your travel, organizing accommodation and meals to arranging your ski
experience, offering sightseeing as well as other customized preferences; Shoes
On Loose takes care of it all, ensuring you a completely hassle free holiday.
The 4 Night/ 5 Day itinerary feature:
DAY 1 Rishikesh – Rudraprayag
Start your journey from Rishikesh in the morning. The place
is known as the meditation Capital of India, and is leader for spiritual
teachings in world. You can visit Triveni Ghat popluarly known as “bathing
ghat” where thousands of people go for a holy dip in Ganges.
Lakshman
Jhula is another attraction that you should visit. Now start your journey to
Rudraprayag in your private vehicle. Reach Rudraprayag in the evening. Check-in
at the hotel for dinner and overnight stay.
DAY 2 Rudraprayag – Auli
Wake up lazy morning. After breakfast, drive your way to
Auli in private vehicle. Reach Auli by afternoon. Rest of the say is for
acclimatization. Prepare yourself for the next day skiing session. Dinner and
overnight stay at the hotel. *Optional – You can try out the Kayaking in
Alaknanda River in Rudraprayag if you want to.
DAY 3 Skiing at Auli
After breakfast and some leisure, slip your feet into heavy
skiing boots, clamp them on to the skis and let gravity do the rest. Travel in
cruise control down the meandering snow slopes leaving behind you a blazing
trail white powder. The slopes of Auli are paradise to the ski lovers. Dinner
and overnight stay in Auli.
DAY 4 Local sight-seeing in Auli
This morning head to Gorson Bugyal (a high altitude meadow-
03 kms / one way) – a very easy and scenic
trek with altitudes ranging from 2591mts to 3049 meters, where one gets
to see a wide ranges of Himalayan peaks
on the trek. Evening sightseeing for Tapovan hot water springs. Now transfer
back to the hotel. Dinner and overnight stay at the hotel.
DAY 5 Back to home
Check-out the hotel after breakfast and drive back to
Rishikesh in your private vehicle. Reach Rishikesh in the evening and continue
your journey back to home.
So, pack your bags and head to experience skiing at its best
with Shoes On Loose.
Cost Per Person: Rs 20,900
Package Validity: Till March 2016
Package Inclusions:
Accommodation in all three places- Rudraprayag, Auli &
Rishikesh
Transport in 6-seater SUVs
All meals for all days- Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner everyday
Package Exclusions:
Skiing in Auli
Local Sightseeing
Tips, laundry, phone calls, bottled water, alcohol, camera
fee etc
Optional tours/excursions
Insurance of any kind
Personal tips, gratuities, & incidental expenses
Anything not
specified under the section, “Cost Includes”
