5 Top Wellness Vacation Destinations in India

Kerala backwaters houseboat

While India can unfold many treasures- some natural, some man-made—it is a treasure-trove of cultures, of legends, of elegance, of marvelous palaces, fortified forts, ancient temples, awe-inspiring museums, impregnable forests that are a home to the national bird—the peacock; of beauty crafted in stone and of gems encrusted in jewels. This beautiful country generously opens its arms wide to tourists and travelers from across the globe, and never fails to keep you enthralled with her majestic mountains and golden sand beaches.

A vacation to India will not only fascinate you with its vibrant culture and heritage; it can also help you with your weight loss regime. It will be a fascination that you would want to cherish in your hearts forever, only to reopen and visit even years after your first visit. This is one place you would never tire of revisiting; rekindling your urges; and reviving your memories.

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As a fulltime blogger and internet marketer I hardly find time to relax and unwind. My fitness mantra is an hour in the gym everyday. I try my best to eat a balanced diet so that I don’t add calories; but due to my sedentary work style I am unsuccessful in my endeavour. Whenever I am under work pressure I binge and this adds to my weight gain. Moreover the stress and strain of urban life, the mad rush of traffic and pollution ridden cities add to my woes and I sometimes long for peace and tranquillity. A week or two in the mountains in serene surroundings with Nature for company is exactly what I long for. I found this fascinating that in India I can actually combine my vacation with weight loss and wellness. Don’t believe it? These are some of the Indian destinations that can help you to unwind as well as enjoy a vacation without adding any calories; rather shedding them.

1. Ananda in the Himalayas – The Viceregal Palace

Ananda Spa
Astounding view of the Viceregal Palace (Ananda Spa), situated 3000 ft above the Ganges. Source: MisEntropy’s photostream on Flickr

Located in the serene foothills of the Himalayan Mountains, not far from the mythological cities of Haridwar and Rishikesh, Ananda Spa is nature’s delight. The peaceful surroundings with the majestic Himalayan Mountains as back drop and the pollution free atmosphere, emanating nature’s freshness and fragrance helps you to relax and enjoy a peaceful holiday. With its impressive Viceregal Palace, and the magnificent view to some of the planets highest peaks, no wonder why Ananda in the Himalayas was rated best tourist spa destination in the world by The Telegraph and Travel + Leisure Magazine.

Ayurvedic Massage: This spa offers wonderful Ayurvedic massage that helps you to unwind and mentally feel calm. Ancient Indian medicine of Ayurveda is of the opinion that physical body and mind need to be treated together to attain the desired effect. Gymming alone is not going to help you lose weight. You’ve to deal with your body and mind in totality to achieve your goal. These massage oils help burn the fat and also aid in blood circulation.

Yoga & Meditation: Yoga at Ananda Spa is purely traditional and it’s tailored to suit individual’s needs. The trained teachers talk to you to learn about your body composition analysis and accordingly prepare a yoga chart for you. There are fitness experts who help you with your weight loss effort. Did you know that yoga protects you from obesity and heart disease?

Sathvic Cuisine: At Ananda’s, utmost care is taken in preparing the menus for every tourist; it’s not that it is a common menu for all the travelers. A low calorie, less fat and low carb diet is prepared with Ayurvedic herbs to suit individual’s needs. The emphasis is on whole grains, fresh fruits, vegetables and lean proteins and low fat dairy products.

With lip smacking recipes, in beautiful locales where you’re surrounded by Natures’ bounties your vacation will be an unforgettable experience.

2. Sikkim

Situated in the North eastern part of India, Sikkim is still virgin in habitat and not corrupted by modern civilization. Though you’ve internet connectivity and dance bars, the place is untouched and unaffected by latest developments. Gangtok, which is the capital of Sikkim, doesn’t allow four wheelers into the city. Tourists need to walk around to enjoy the beauty and grandeur of this place. So, automatically you burn calories and shed weight looking around the place. The white water rafting in Teestha River is a unique experience that should be enjoyed by everyone. The hospitality of Sikkimese is indeed a humbling experience.

The city of Gangtok
The city of Gangtok. Source: dougie131172’s photostream on Flickr

Romtek Monastry: This Buddhist monastery situated near Gangtok offers meditation classes for tourists. Strolling in the gardens of the monastery transports you to a spiritual world. The Lamas / monks in their red garb move around in complete silence. It is a treat to watch these people who’re totally cut off from the material world. There are several other places near Gangtok like Nathu La (on India-Tibet border), Pelling (famous for flower shows) and tea gardens that are something you get to see only here and no where else.

Cuisine: The Sikkimese cuisine mostly consists of steamed momos with delicious stuffing.

Lunch in Sikkim
Lunch in Sikkim. Source: juicyrai’s photostream on Flickr

Since it is very cold throughout the year and rainy for most part soups, broth and rice and dal (pulses cooked in gravy like stew) with vegetable is the daily menu. It is interesting to note that you’ll never find a pot bellied Sikkimese. They are all trim and fit (both men & women) as they walk around the hilly place all the time.

The view of the snow capped mountains transports you to the wonderland of Gods where you’re one with nature. The sun rises by 4.30 A.M and sets by 5 P.M. here. If you want to visit this place then try these Sikkim Tour Packages.

3. Dharamshala

Situated in Himachal Pradesh, Dharamshala is yet another tourist spot that is on the foothills of Himalayas. This is an ideal vacation destination with Kanchenjunga as back drop and the beautiful Dal Lake where your rowing experience can aid in your weight loss effort. Tsuglagkhang temple at the Namgyal Monastery is home for the Dalai Lama. Close to the beautiful hill station of Mcleodganj, the Ayuskama wellness spa is located. This Buddhist destination offers weight loss vacation packages from which you can choose the one that suits you.

Buddhist monastery at Dharamsala
Buddhist monastery at Dharamsala

4. Kerala

Known as God’s own country, Kerala with its back waters and tall coconut tree groves is ideal vacation destination for weight loss lovers. The Kerala Ayurvedic Spa attracts tourists with its ancient Indian oil massages that help not only in weight reduction but also rid you of many ills. A dip in the back waters will help you to relax and rejuvenate on a holiday. Spa treatments under the skillful hands of spa therapists will help you to open up the chakras in your body.

Lavanyam Ayurveda Package is a weight management program offered by The Lalit Resort & Spa Bekal. The individual and customized weight reduction treatment is designed in a natural and eco friendly atmosphere. These treatments are holistic, safe and supportive with other medical treatments.

Kerala backwaters houseboat
Kerala backwaters houseboat. Source: Globetrotter girls

5. Majorda Beach, Goa

Amid the rippling turquoise waves in the beaches of Goa stands a mesmerizing fantasy that attracts tourists to this beach city of India. Totally urban in culture and modern in approach, Goa still retains its old world Portuguese charm combined with Indian tradition. The river cruise, water sports, dolphin spotting and beach parties are unique to this place. Freshly prepared sea food and Feni drink, besides a fun and frolicking night life are popular here. One of the most beautiful places in Goa is Majorda beach. Bio Resurge Clinic is a great weight loss retreat in Majorrda beach offering a complete wellness vacation package for tourists who need to lose weight or delay ageing. Their weight loss program is developed by Glen Schirmer, the Australian fitness expert who has trained celebrities and Olympic athletes.

Majorda Beach, Goa
Majorda Beach in scenic Goa

India is magnificent. Mighty. Mystic. What are you waiting for? Simply pack your bags and get on that plane to India for a holistic weight loss vacation.

About the author

Latasri
Latasri

Latasri of WeightLossTriumph.com was born and raised in India. Her penchant for travel and desire to enjoy a holistic experience encouraged her to explore some of the most exotic locales in India, such as Sikkim, Rajasthan, Kerala, and Goa. Visiting India is a worthwhile experience more so for its diverse culture, ethnic couture and scenic places. She is married with two children. Being a fitness and wellness aficionado, she reviews weight loss retreats and diet programs in Asia and around the world.

References
[1] Ananda in the Himalayas
[2] Ayuskama wellness spa located at the beautiful hill station of Mcleodganj, Dharamshala
[3] The Lalit Resort & Spa Bekal. in Kasargod, one of the 50 places to be visited in a lifetime
[4] Majord Beach Resort: Where fun never ends

103 thoughts on “5 Top Wellness Vacation Destinations in India”

  1. Hi Latasri, and welcome to Shalu’s blog 🙂

    I so agree with you about the sedentary lifestyles we all are leading nowadays, which makes it tough for us to really remain healthy and well overall.

    While walks and exercise are part of some of our schedule, the real get away is when we visit such wellness destinations or head over to a vacational place to completely rejuvenate.

    I’ve been to all of these, though the best I loved from these were Sikkim for it’s beauty, especially Kalimpong and Darjeeling, Dharamsala as we have a few relatives there, and of course Kerala too.

    Thanks for sharing this with us. Have a nice weekend both of us. 🙂

  5. Hi Daniel,You don’t need loads of money to visit India. In fact there are facilities where you can stay for free also. weightlosstriumph.com/jfit-balance-pods-review.html

  6. Ananda looks so peaceful and tranquil. I wish I was there now. Mind you, that beach in Goa also looks lovely. I can’t imagine many better places in the world for a wellness vacation to clean the body and mind.

  7. Happy to say that I have been to all except for Ananda. Happy to learn that Sikkim is still unspoilt, as I went there a long time ago.

    Kudos for covering very distinct areas from different parts of India.

  8. HI Latasri

    My vote goes to Kerala for its ayurvedic spa and Sikkim for its natural beauty. I’ve been to both the places and have thoroughly enjoyed.

    I hope to visit Ananda very soon.

    Thanks for this great share and have a great week ahead.

    Sapna

  10. great list of Vacation Destinations in India. and really a great post ,,all places mention above are really very nice beautiful places .my favorite is Ananda in the Himalayas.you will get peace and satisfaction there.yet i am not visited to Kerala and Sikkim but after reading about these places i will definitely visit their very soon

  11. Extremely useful post Latasri, this is also because I am landing here at the right time when I am looking for a good holiday destination that can really prove to be a stress killer. All these meditation facilities are really great to know about.

  13. I can’t pick just one destination out of these, although I’m someone looking to gain weight 🙂 I really like Goa for its beach and seafood but Sikkim and Kerala looks very appealing too.

  18. Wonderful places…..I really want to visit all of them….I have applied for my visa.Soon I will come and visit all places.Thanks for sharing these places with us shalu….Keep it up

  19. I was very encouraged to find this site. It is pleasure a going through your post. I have bookmarked you to check out new stuff from your side.

  20. Thanks Abbie and Christine,
    I am glad I am of help to you. India does have some wonderful places to visit. Very soon i’ll be writing about other places too here. So watch out.:)

  22. There are five Top Wellness Vacation Destinations in India!! we will find it in this article!! This article is so interesting and useful!Thank you

  24. What a nice destination spots. I actually made an article before about India’s top religious destination and I must say, these places are so worth the travel! Thanks for sharing! 🙂

  29. Oh Namoro Beach is so beatiful, my friend went there on christmas holidays and came back with lof of pictures, i envy her, i wish the flight tickets werent that expensive :S

  35. India will definitely be in one of my top destinations for the summer. I have heard the country is beautiful and the food is nice, though I do not like to try the exotic ones. Thanks for giving me extra ideas about this country.

  37. Nice post.Kerala and Goa is very good destination for the summer holidays. because here is very beautiful beaches lakes etc.

  41. I hope to be able to visit Sikkim and Kerala one day. Both looks like a fantastic destination. Sikkim kind of reminds me of Genting.

  43. India is such an interesting and wonderful place to take on a vacation. This country is rich in cultures and sumptuous foods which makes it famous around the world. Also, they are cost-effective and have nice people around.

  46. hi Latasri !
    Sikkim is my dream holiday destination in India. beautiful site seen, untouched environment and heart touching landscape. Every travel lover should visit Sikkim at lest once in there life.

  47. Hi Latasri! I can’t imagine that India has this awesome places. I mean, I am not underestimating India yet this is beyond amazing! I do love to visit these places someday. I’ll wait to have a holiday and flies immediately to India! Thank you so much for an eye opener blog.

  48. Can we send you a copy of free Siem Reap travel guidebook? If you find it to be of useful to your Blog readers, we wish you can feature it at your website.

  49. Love your blog and your personal recommendations. This post on some of the top destinations to visit in India is great.

    Being a fitness freak, I first visited India back in 1995 and stayed in Kerala for over a month. There I learnt the basic principles of Ayurveda. Since then I have travelled all over the country and visited places like Goa, Kashmir, Sikkim etc. I keep coming back to India every year because it is so addicting.

  50. That photo of the Majorda Beach makes me wanna go to India, like right now! I have always been a huge beach-lover and the destinations I choose to have a vacation in, I always pick the one with a beach. Thanks for the recommendations! I guess I know now where to head next.

  52. The first destination i.e. the lap of himalayas sounds amazing. I have heard a lot about the kerela as most of the couples choose their honeymoon destination to be kerela. I personally loved the himalayan place through your description. I guess Panchgini is also one of the awesome and peaceful places in India.

  53. Hello Latasri,

    Due to busy schedules people don’t have enough time to go for a tour with family. Even on weekend so many people want to do work. I wish to come to India and want to visit Goa and Sikkim destinations.

    ~Diana

  55. Are there any spas or resorts in India that specialize in vine-therapy? It’s a new kind of spa treatment from Europe that uses grape-based massage oils that have anti-aging property and are very good for the skin. I would like to try it but the only place I can find doing that is diVINE SPA in Naples, FL.

  56. This is a great post for promoting India. I didn’t know that there’s such kind of place where we could do vacation, relax and at the same time lose weight. This post really exposed the beauty of India.

    All in all I think I would like to choose Ananda in the Himalayas. It looks peaceful there.

  63. I was there this summer, really it’s an amazing place, lot of nice people, you can see a lot of cultures in just one place, delicious food, it was great, really nice post , thanks for sharing!

  64. Hi Shalu,
    Only a writer,poet,traveller and a child “The beauty of nature” .Famous Poet William Wordsworth has define as small child “Lucy” in his poetry “Lucy Gray” and famous Hindi poet Jayshankar Prashad has define in the character of “Manu” and “Shraddha” in his famous book “Kamayani”.Thank you for sharing such post….You have proved the role of writer to defining “The beauty of Nature”.

  66. You have written interesting post for wellness destination. I read lot about these places; all are very good and you can rejuvenate your mind and body with these ancient well being treatments. Thanks for sharing this information to all readers. i will visit all these places in my life at least once.

  75. I think this is what I’ll get for my friend, a new! I loved the explanations here and thanks so much for your articles. Now I need to choose one of them. the hardest job still. I’ll see what he likes.

  77. Soothing music plays softly in the background as your massage therapist begins to work away the stress of your busy day-to-day responsibilities, in a relaxing quiet atmosphere… Thanks for sharing this post. 🙂

  78. Cool! Thank you for this informative post. Great pictures you got there. I havent tried going to India but my sister plans to go there. Thank you for sharing this one. I will share this to her too. Nice website. You might as well check out ours too!

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  84. Thank you for this informative post. Great pictures!
    I was in Kerela stayed at Vivanta by Taj and enjoyed alot.It was my second visit to India and I loved it.
    The most fascinating thing I liked was the spa offered by them ..It was such a relaxing treatment with hot oil massage and was within the range not costly enough. Loved it entirely.

    India is such a great country to be in ..it has so much to explore like wildlife,history , culture etc

    Nice Share!!

  85. WOW! Thanks so much for sharing this post I love reading your articles, its an inspiration for me in someway or another. Love your Articles they are really refreshing. Loved Sikkim the most

  89. Nice collection of wellness travel destinations in India!!!! Most of person feel tiredness in travel, but whenever they will visit these places, surely they will enjoy & will not feel tired. And it will keep them refreshed and healthy because of its purity.

  91. Your article beautifully sums up the destinations for ayurveda treatments in India. I work for medicalcareinindia.com specializing in healthcare tourism & ayurveda treatments and can vouch for these destinations. May I add The Leela’s ESPA spa. With its architectural ‘Haveli’ style & shades of royalty, this ayurveda retreat is a treat for mind, body & Soul

  92. Hi Latasri !
    Thank you so much for this posting. Because I am agree with your proposal. Actually India is fabulous place to journey and there are a lot of destination like Taj mohol, Sikim and so on. These are charming place for re-freshness and entertainment. Thank you again for your nice concepts and proposal.

  93. What a great article, thank you for sharing. It’s a good list for people wondering where to travel. It can be hard deciding where to go. Looking forward to more from you.

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  96. Hi Shalu,
    Thank you for the nice wellness holiday round-up. I run a clinic in London that specialises in integrated natural treatments (chiropractic, massage, nutrition, acupuncture etc) to restore clients to optimal health. This is right up my alley!

  97. Wonderful places…..I really want to visit all of them….I have applied for my visa.Soon I will come and visit all places.Thanks for sharing these places with us shalu….Keep it up weight-loss.zone

  98. very good post A mere thought of a spa vacation takes me to a stress-free world. I always want to go to places offering spa for peace of mind and yes of course adventure too. I have been looking through internet for such places. I have found a list of few countries one must visit for both fun and isolation including India. I am going to Fiji this vacation. I will surely visit India in my next vacations. Those pictures you shared in your post are wonderful and attractive.

  99. I felt good after reading your article. I belongs to Dehradun and you are absolutely right about The Viceregal Palace. I like to spend time in Rishikesh its amazing!

  100. Reading this article, made me take a trip down old memory lane. Gangtok, I remember used to get totally deserted after sunset. The days in summer was very warm, which is usually not expected in a hill station.

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