Uttarakhand – The Yoga Capital of World :

The ancient science of yoga helps maintain a healthy mind and body, and is at the forefront of disciplines that people the world over are turning to in order to become focussed individuals. Yoga traces its roots to the Sanskrit root yog which means – to unite, yoke, join or harness, to prepare and to use and apply.

Yoga is knowledge of the self. It encompasses knowledge related to the gross and subtle sheaths of the self that have to be purified and perfected by uninterrupted practice and devotion. Man is a product of intellect, emotions, action and determined will. While the seat of intellect is the head, the seat of emotions is the mind. The hand and feet are limbs for action. Yoga lays the foundation for purity in actions, emotions or intellect.

The simple truth is that the pursuit of Yoga results in direct benefits, even if the objective is not one of the spiritual gains. Today, the immense possibilities of Yoga as a physical and mental therapy have emerged at the forefront of a world rife with stress and tensions. Experts have pointed out that yoga balances the nervous and endocrinal systems, which is highly beneficial for all body organs. This is the reason that the discipline of Yoga has gained worldwide acceptance.

Nestled in the lap of the Himalayas, Uttarakhand is one of the most beautiful northern states of India that enthralls everyone with its spectacularly scenic landscapes. Charming hill stations juxtaposed against snow-capped peaks, quaint villages along winding mountain roads, serpentine rivers carving their way through the hills, world renowned conservation parks like ‘Jim Corbett Tiger National Park’ and ‘Asan Wetland Conservation Reserve’, world heritage sites like ‘Valley of Flowers’ and ‘Nanda Devi Biosphere Reserve’, waterfalls hurtling down slopes and serene lakes shimmering amidst beautiful towns – that’s Uttarakhand for you.

Numerous sprawling parks speak of Uttarakhand’s continuous efforts to conserve its natural ecosystem; its rich culture and religious heritage ensures that it remains on top of everyone’s travel plan. It has been a favoured choice for travellers from around the world, who visit this mighty land every year to attain salvation for a life transforming experience. Here, you can easily satiate all your adventurous desires; be it flying like a bird, cruising through the strenuous rapids of the Ganges, trekking to some of the fascinating peaks, skiing through some of the picturesque slopes and enchanting destinations, enjoy the longest cable-car ride in India and much more. The ‘Land of Yoga’, Uttarakhand is the perfect place for your body where it will release all the negativity within leaving you calmed, relaxed and refreshed. The wealthy heritage and history of Uttarakhand is known and written about since the ancient and medieval era.

What could be a better place to explore or enhance spiritual side, than the land where it all started in the first place. Every curve and bend of Rishikesh reverberates with calmness and with the views of the mighty Himalayas in front of  eyes all the time, you are constantly reminded of the power and enigma of the universe, with all its mysteries intact.

Rishikesh is located in the North Indian state of Uttarakhand, on the banks of holy River the Ganges and is rightly known as the ‘Yoga Capital of the World’. Rishikesh has managed to acquire the status of a spiritual destination of the highest standing, because of its innumerable yoga schools, meditation centres, ashrams and places of worship. You will find all kinds of yoga schools in this town, ranging from basic introductory classes to intense yoga training courses where you are required to devote at least a couple of years, learning the most profound and intricate yoga techniques and philosophies. Whether one is not interested in learning Ashtanga, Hatha, Iyengar, Vinyasa or Vedic style of yoga, heading to Rishikesh is a fabulous idea.

Yoga and Meditation are connected but not synonymous and the two terms often taken together. While meditation is more of a spiritual thing and yoga comprises of body postures using legs and hands. Yoga and Meditation involves exercises with your breathing and is completely traditional and pure in form. However, Yoga and Meditation is only one knows that the healing and effect powers transcend the religion boundary after one start or learns to practice them. Since time immemorial, the science of meditation and yoga has been practiced in India. Sages controlled their breathing in an ancient time. Just a few asans, meditation and yoga science goes deeper. If followed ensures a life blessed with health it is a complete wellness regime.

After practicing these, people have observed complete changes in themselves. Through Yoga & Meditation, the mission is to spread peace, joy and health. Yoga & meditation can help maintain a peaceful mind and spirit, if applied in daily life. There are some prominent ashrams where one can practice and learn meditation and yoga in Rishikesh.The preferred destination is Haridwar for ayurved treatments. Body becomes comfortable with breathing techniques, exercises and meditation are practiced and well- explained. Handmade artifacts add an opulent flourish and an understated elegance and luxurious skills. Your body to get familiar behind with train and yoga, all these classes instills the basic philosophy. In unique levels and ways to balance the body, spirit and mind it is a disciplined science encompassing all life aspects.