1. Sivananda Ashram in Madurai.
This
is the most beautiful ashram I have ever visited in India. The location is perfect, in an isolated area surrounded by nature.
The food is delicious. Probably the best food I've tried in an ashram.
The daily schedule is very busy and it is also strict. You gotta follow the rules. That is a good thing. It's part of the mental training.
They
have two hatha yoga classes a day, which includes pranayama, and two
Satsangs with meditation, kirtan (chanting) and a philosophical
discussion.
You can visit this ashram for a minimum of three days to join the yoga vacation program.
2. Swami Rama Sadhaka Grama, Rishikesh
If you are interested in meditation according to the Himalayan tradition then you gotta visit this ashram.
It's on the outskirts of Rishikesh, about 25 min drive from the busy areas of Ram Jhula and Laxman Jhula.
They offer twice a day one hour of hatha yoga, and one-hour group meditation sessions, besides different classes during the day.
The
program changes regularly, depending on how many guests they have at the ashram, so I suggest you contact them before planning any visit.
3. Sadhana Mandir, Rishikesh
This is a small, peaceful and quiet ashram, sitting right next to the holy river Ganges.
I miss my nice long walks alongside the banks of the river!
It is actually a sister ashram of Swami Rama Sadhaka Grama. It has a beautiful garden full of plants and flowers.
They run different retreats throughout the year.
You can join the retreats, or if there is space you can simply stay at the ashram and follow your own routine.
It is ideal if you want to spend time in silence, reading, or doing your own meditation practice.
4. Bihar School of Yoga, Munger
Doing
the Four Month Yogic Studies Course at the Bihar School of Yoga has
been one of the most challenging things I've ever done, and at the same
time the most rewarding experience I ever had.
I would definitely recommend this ashram to anybody who is serious about doing sadhana.
This program runs normally only once a year, starting every October. So plan ahead.
What
I miss the most of this ashram are the kirtans (best kirtans ever!) and the innumerable havans or fire rituals. So powerful!
Do
not expect to do lots of asanas, but rather a lot of Seva, selfless service. You will also have plenty of time to use their amazing library.
5. Ramana Maharshi Ashram, Tiruvannamalai
Ramana Maharshi was one of the most influential sages of all times and Tiruvannamalai was his home.
From my personal experience, Tiruvannamalai is the most powerful place I ever visited in India.
The town is surrounded by different small ashrams and temples. The highlight is the Mount Arunachala, which Hindus believe is Lord Shiva
Himself.
You can normally stay maximum for three nights at the Ramana Maharshi Ashram, and you'll need to book way in advance.
But you can always find accommodation nearby and visit the ashram as many times as you want.
There are no special programs at this ashram. You simply go there and be, enjoying the positive vibrations.
Best place ever to contemplate and meditate.
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