Once upon a time, the maharaja of Tehri Garhwal discovered a beautiful piece of land in the foothills of the Himalayas in Uttarakhand, India. It was here that he built the stunning Viceregal Palace, which played host to heads of state from India and abroad, including Britain’s Lord Mountbatten.
Long after the British Raj had disappeared, an entrepreneur stumbled upon this magical place. He decided to transform the estate and its lush surroundings into a sanctuary of wellness that celebrated ancient Indian virtues and holistic living. Ananda in the Himalayas was born.
The country’s first luxury wellness retreat, it celebrated its 25th anniversary in 2025, and over the years has hosted a fittingly illustrious clientele, including celebrities and royalty such as Oprah Winfrey, Bill Gates and King Charles.
The resort is reached via a 40-minute domestic flight from Delhi, followed by a beautiful, winding drive up through the mountains. Upon entering through its golden gates, it’s as though you’ve been transported to a different world.
