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With travel as my main profession, I didn’t realize how burnt out I felt with tight deadlines and the hormonal changes in my body. I simply needed a reset – to calm my nervous system and refresh my entire system.

I discovered a place near Rishikesh that felt like a reset for me – Sri Jungle Ashram Akhand Institute. It felt like a calling – homely, satisfying and healing. I instantly took a flight from Delhi to Dehradun and boarded the cab towards Rishikesh. After a rough drive for about two hours, my heart felt full on reaching the ashram.

A brief introduction to Akhanda’s Sri Jungle Yoga Ashram and Retreat

Located in the Himalayan foothills near Rishikesh (about 27 km away), the unique forest setting makes Sri Jungle Ashram ideal for quiet reflection and yoga practice. The ashram is part of the wider Akhanda Yoga tradition founded by Himalayan master Dr. Yogrishi Vishvketu.

A Himalayan Master of Yoga and founder of the Akhanda group, Dr. Yogrishi has over 40 years of committed sādhanā and a PhD in Yoga Philosophy. He has taught thousands of students worldwide — integrating the wisdom of the scriptures with practical, embodied living.

The peaceful and natural environment of the ashram, surrounded by forests and fresh mountain air, offers a space away from the distractions of city life.

First Impressions

I stood there in silence as I gazed at the simplicity of Sri Jungle ashram. After the usual formalities, I checked in my room, that had a bed with pillows and blankets, a window that opened to the jungle. Fresh air, sound of birds and calming sensation was all I could feel. It was magical.

I went to sleep for sometime and cannot express the deep relaxation I felt after a hour of undisturbed rest. This was the something I needed since a long time. I woke up after an hour to the soothing sounds of birds. The sunlight bouncing in my room, making my face all lit up.

I stepped outside to explore the ashram. The place is spread across the hill ; made without uprooting any trees. There is a vibration in the entire space making you feel connected and at peace. A small stream flowing rapidly caught my eye as I walked down. I stepped inside, water tingling my feet and taking away my stress. I felt calm and centered as I sat in silence with my feet dipped in the cold waters. I felt fresh and rejuvenated already.

The gong goes for a meditation session by Dr. Yogrishi in the yoga hall. The calming music, reverberating sensation and guided meditation help me to drift away to magical paradise, making me feel relaxed. I felt my spirit united with the almighty, surrendered and dis-attached from the material world. The meditation helped to calm me down further.

The gong went off for dinner time. The Ashram serves dinner by 6.30 pm that helps in easy digestion and aids in better sleep. There were students who were serving food with so much devotion and love. The environment felt pure and so wholesome. Seated on the floor, I devoured my food on a plate; gratitude. There is always music being played while serving food/prasadam so that consuming food becomes a soulful practice.

Day 2

The day begins at 5.30 with meditation, paranayam and yoga ; followed by fire pooja. Here while the puja happens, shlokas are recited with devotion by guruji, his wife Kal Prakashini Ji, who is a steward of authentic Yogic wisdom.

Breakfast is followed next, with a wholesome meal complete with vegetables from their organic garden. I was very curious to see their garden, so I took a tour with Deeksha, who manages the ashram. The organic garden has huge varieties of vegetables that are grown without any preservatives. I was delighted to experience the walk. There were chillies, mustard, cauliflower, reddish, beets, ginger, coriander etc carefully nourished and grown with love.

After the garden walk, I went for a massage at the ashram. The massages are therapeutic and definitely worth trying. I went for a full body massage and literally fell asleep. It wasn’t just relaxing, but it also helped me get rid of the stress I was carrying for so long.

This was followed by a yog nidra class by Kal Prakashini Ji who is also an architect in shaping Akhanda Yoga Wellbeing’s global mission — initiating, expanding, and nurturing.

There was tantra vidya by Dr. Yogrishi, organized for the yoga teachers; followed by yantra knowledge. It was an eye opener for me , as I experienced something that I hadn’t learnt in years.

The evening tea comprises of poha and tea – light and delicious. There was a light meditation session in the evening followed by a satvik dinner. Here there are two main meals served, morning and evening: with a light snack in the afternoon. Utensils have to be washed by the students / residents.

A Sad Goodbye

The next day it was time for me to leave the ashram – the place that helped me built connection, made me feel centered and calm and create awareness. I felt myself more organized and productive by the end of the retreat.

Conclusion

If you are looking for a holistic wellness space to re-connect with nature and help you in relaxing your nervous system, Sri Jungle Ashram is worth considering.

It is an ideal location for yoga groups and retreat facilitators, offering a peaceful natural environment for group practices and immersive retreats. The space is also suitable for those who wish to work remotely in a quiet, nature-filled setting, away from the distractions of city life.

Many visitors come simply for detox, rest, and inner introspection, using the serene forest surroundings to slow down and reconnect with themselves. It is perfect for solo women travelers and those seeking an authentic and safe community experience.