Anand Prakash Yoga Ashram
Rishikesh, Uttarakhand · temple
- Days OpenOpen daily
- Entry FeeFree Entry
Anand Prakash Yoga Ashram is a peaceful, community-run ashram in Tapovan, the yoga heartland of Rishikesh that rises on the ridge above Laxman Jhula where the Ganga leaves the Himalaya. It is the spiritual home of the Akhanda Yoga tradition — a holistic school founded by Yogrishi Vishvketu and Chetana Panwar that draws on classical hatha yoga, pranayama (breath practice), mantra, and meditation. "Akhanda" means whole or unbroken, and the ashram's teaching reflects that idea: yoga presented not as exercise alone but as an integrated path of body, breath, mind, and spirit rooted in the wider dharmic heritage of the Ganga valley.
Where to Eat Nearby
- ✦The ashram's own satvik kitchen – simple, freshly cooked pure-vegetarian meals served to residents and retreat guests, often prepared without onion and garlic in the yogic tradition.
- ✦Organic satvik cafes and pure-veg kitchens in the Tapovan / Muni-Ki-Reti lanes - wholesome vegetarian bowls, salads and thalis (ask for eggless bakes); Rishikesh is entirely vegetarian, confirm hours locally.
- ✦A pure-veg cafe near Laxman Jhula with a terrace overlooking the bridge and the Ganga – bakes, pizzas and coffee; ask for eggless options and confirm current hours on arrival.
- ✦Little Buddha Cafe (Laxman Jhula) – a landmark multi-level vegetarian cafe with river views serving thalis, bowls and Indian-and-international veg dishes; hedge and confirm current status locally.
About
Anand Prakash Yoga Ashram is a peaceful, community-run ashram in Tapovan, the yoga heartland of Rishikesh that rises on the ridge above Laxman Jhula where the Ganga leaves the Himalaya.
- It is the spiritual home of the Akhanda Yoga tradition — a holistic school founded by Yogrishi Vishvketu and Chetana Panwar that draws on classical hatha yoga, pranayama (breath practice), mantra, and meditation.
- "Akhanda" means whole or unbroken, and the ashram's teaching reflects that idea: yoga presented not as exercise alone but as an integrated path of body, breath, mind, and spirit rooted in the wider dharmic heritage of the Ganga valley.
- Unlike a commercial studio, Anand Prakash is a not-for-profit ashram sustained by karma yoga (selfless service) and donations.
- A typical day begins early with meditation and mantra chanting, followed by an asana and pranayama session; there is usually an afternoon class and evening practice as well.
- A distinctive feature is the regular Vedic fire ceremony — a havan or yajna in which offerings are made into a sacred fire to the accompaniment of Sanskrit chanting — an old ritual form that anchors the ashram's daily rhythm in traditional practice.
- The courtyard, lined with plants and prayer flags and washed in clean hill air, is designed for quiet reflection between sessions.
- The ashram is best known internationally for its residential programmes: multi-day retreats, immersions, and yoga teacher training courses that attract practitioners from around the world.
- Guests stay on-site in simple, clean rooms and share communal satvik meals.
- Casual visitors are also welcome to join drop-in classes or the fire ceremony, though registering ahead is wise as space is limited and the ashram keeps a calm, unhurried atmosphere.
- Because Rishikesh is a holy town that is vegetarian and alcohol-free by law, the food question resolves itself beautifully.
- The ashram itself serves simple satvik vegetarian meals to residents — freshly cooked, wholesome, and often free of onion and garlic in keeping with yogic tradition.
- Just outside, Tapovan and the Laxman Jhula lanes are full of pure-vegetarian cafes serving thalis, dosas, herbal teas, and healthy bowls, so a day of practice pairs naturally with clean, unfussy vegetarian eating.
- Visitors of every background are welcome; the simple etiquette is to remove shoes at the practice hall, dress modestly, silence phones, and keep a respectful quiet during meditation and the fire ceremony.
Timings & Entry Fee
Verified: August 2026
Location & How to Reach
Address
Tapovan Sarai, near Laxman Jhula, off Badrinath Road, Rishikesh, Uttarakhand, 249192
How to Reach: Tapovan, on the west bank above Laxman Jhula, Rishikesh. From Rishikesh (Tapovan Sarai) it is a short walk or auto-rickshaw ride into the Tapovan lanes. From Rishikesh (Yog Nagari Rishikesh) railway station an auto-rickshaw or taxi to Tapovan takes about 20–30 minutes (roughly 6–7 km); from Haridwar it is about 30 km (around an hour) by taxi or bus to Rishikesh, then a local auto to Tapovan. The nearest airport is Dehradun (Jolly Grant), about 20 km away.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Anand Prakash Yoga Ashram located in Rishikesh?
It is in Tapovan, on the west bank above Laxman Jhula — the part of Rishikesh most associated with yoga schools and ashrams. From Yog Nagari Rishikesh railway station it is about 6–7 km (a 20–30 minute auto or taxi ride), and Dehradun's Jolly Grant airport is roughly 20 km away.
What does the ashram offer — can I just drop in for a class?
Anand Prakash is a living ashram of the Akhanda Yoga tradition offering daily hatha yoga, pranayama (breathwork), meditation, mantra chanting and a regular Vedic fire ceremony, alongside multi-day retreats and yoga teacher training. Casual visitors can usually join drop-in classes or the fire ceremony, but it is best to register or check ahead, as space is limited and the ashram keeps a calm, unhurried atmosphere.
Is there an entry fee?
There is no ticketed entry to visit the ashram grounds. As a not-for-profit ashram it is sustained by donations and karma yoga (selfless service); drop-in classes, retreats and teacher-training courses have their own suggested contributions or fees. Confirm current rates and availability with the ashram directly.
What is the Vedic fire ceremony at the ashram?
It is a havan or yajna — a traditional ritual in which offerings such as ghee, grains and herbs are made into a sacred fire while Sanskrit mantras are chanted. It is a centuries-old dharmic practice that anchors the ashram's daily rhythm. Visitors of any background are welcome to sit in respectfully; simply remove your shoes, keep quiet, and follow the guidance of those leading it.
What food is available, and is it vegetarian?
Rishikesh is a holy town that is entirely vegetarian and alcohol-free, so everything nearby is meat-free. The ashram serves simple satvik vegetarian meals to residents, often cooked without onion and garlic in the yogic tradition. Just outside in Tapovan and around Laxman Jhula you will find pure-vegetarian cafes such as Little Buddha Cafe and the organic satvik kitchens of Tapovan — confirm their current hours locally.
When is the best time to visit, and what should I wear?
October to April brings cool, comfortable Himalayan weather ideal for practice; the early-morning meditation and asana session or the evening fire ceremony are the most rewarding times to come. Dress modestly and in comfortable clothing you can move in, remove your shoes at the practice hall, silence your phone, and keep a respectful quiet during meditation and rituals.