A Guide to Staying in an Ashram in Rishikesh India: Costs, Rules & What to Expect
The idea of staying in an ashram sat in the back of my mind for years before I actually did it.
Like many people, the first time I ever heard of it was through Eat, Pray, Love by Elizabeth Gilbert — a memoir about a woman’s search for happiness that took her to Italy, India and Indonesia.
In India, she stayed in an ashram to practice silent meditation.
When I first read the book in 2008, I hadn’t even dreamed of backpacking yet, let alone stepping that far out of my comfort zone.
At the time, I couldn’t wrap my head around it.
What crazy person would travel halfway across the world just to voluntarily lock herself into a place where she had to wake up at 4 a.m. to scrub floors and clean toilets?
And then, years later, I started traveling on a super-tight budget.
Somewhere between living out of a backpack and realizing how little I actually needed, the idea of stripping life down to the basics started to make a lot more sense.
What I once thought were essentials — TV, cosmetics, handbags, shoes, fancy clothes, and an entire collection of shampoos and lotions — slowly revealed themselves as nothing more than clutter.
Letting go of all that felt like a weight lifting off my shoulders. Life became simpler, my mind clearer, and my wallet happier. Backpacking, in a strange sense, became my rehab.
Around the same time, I also started getting into yoga and meditation, which made the idea of staying in an ashram and experiencing yoga in its country of origin felt like a natural next step.
That was what eventually led me to stay in an ashram in India.
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What is an ashram?
Traditionally, an ashram is a spiritual hermitage or monastery in India, designed for people seeking a quieter, more intentional way of living.
Today, the meaning has expanded. Some ashrams still focus purely on meditation and spiritual practice, while others function more like simple accommodation for yoga students.
Depending on where you go, your experience can range from a strict, silent retreat to a relaxed stay with optional yoga classes.
How to choose an ashram in India
Not all ashrams are the same, and choosing the right one can make or break your experience.
1. Location
There are ashrams all over India, so the first question to ask yourself is which part of the country you’d most like to visit. North and South India can feel very different from one another, but both have plenty to offer.
It’s also worth considering the climate when choosing your destination. For example, if you’re not used to being roasted alive, visiting South India during the peak summer months might not be the best idea.
2. Price
Costs vary widely depending on the location, facilities, and what’s included in your stay.
Some ashrams offer all-inclusive packages that cover accommodation, meals, and classes, while others charge separately for food, yoga sessions, meditation classes, or other activities.
3. Classes
Choose an ashram based on what you’d like to focus on. Some ashrams specialize in meditation, others in yoga, Ayurvedic treatments, or a combination of different practices.
The quality and teaching style can vary greatly, so be sure to read reviews from former students to find one that’s a good fit for you.
4. Schedule
Check what the daily schedule is like and how much commitment is expected. How many days a week are classes held? Are they compulsory? Is there a curfew? Will you be expected to do karma yoga (cleaning or other chores around the ashram)?
Trip Savvy and Yoga Moha have listed some of the most popular ashrams in India.
Why I chose Rishikesh
Often called the “Yoga Capital of the World,” Rishikesh sits along the Ganges River and is home to dozens of ashrams and yoga schools.
People come here to:
- Deepen their yoga or meditation practice
- Take a break from fast-paced travel
- Experience a simpler way of living
- Or just try something completely different
With so many options competing for students and long-term guests, I figured the standards would be relatively high and the prices fairly competitive.
My experience staying in an ashram in India
After some research (and a very tight budget), I chose Ved Niketan Ashram in Rishikesh, mainly because it was one of the cheapest options available.
When I stayed, a single room with a shared bathroom cost just 150 rupees (USD 1.60) per night. If you stayed for more than three nights, yoga classes were included. Otherwise, they cost 100 rupees each.
There were also more expensive rooms available for 250 to 500 rupees (USD 2.60 – 5.30) per night, some with private bathrooms.
However, prices may have increased since then, so it’s best to check directly before booking.
Ved Niketan is located near Ram Jhula, slightly removed from the busiest streets, which makes it quieter than many other ashrams in the area.
After the chaos of traveling from Delhi to Rishikesh, stepping into the ashram felt like entering a different world. The complex is simple but spacious, with a central yoga hall surrounded by greenery.
It’s said to attract long-term travelers, yoga students, and people who don’t mind sacrificing a few creature comforts in exchange for a peaceful and authentic atmosphere.
Checking in
I had booked my stay in advance, so when I arrived, I headed straight to reception to register and make payment.
The check-in process was straightforward, and before long I was being shown to my room.
Room
The room was spartan. It contained a very shaky bed with a stone-hard mattress, a thin pillow, a blanket, two windows, a power socket, and a few stone shelves carved into the wall.
There was also a lamp and an electric fan, although the room could still get uncomfortably hot during the day, especially when the electricity cut out, which happened from time to time.
There were toilets and shower rooms at both ends of the building. Considering the ashram was surrounded by trees and located near the Ganges River, I was pleasantly surprised that mosquitoes weren’t much of an issue during my stay.
Rules
Like most ashrams, Ved Niketan has its own set of rules.
Residents are expected to maintain silence at all times, particularly between 1 p.m. and 3 p.m., and after 9 p.m. Meat, fish, eggs, alcohol, and drugs are prohibited anywhere on the premises.
There is also a 10 p.m. curfew. After that, the gates are closed and no one is allowed to enter or leave the ashram.
Amusingly, the rules board referred to residents as “inmates,” which felt a little ominous for a yoga retreat. 😅
Schedule
The schedule during my stay at the ashram was fairly relaxed. There was a meditation class from 6 a.m. to 7 a.m., a morning yoga class from 8:30 a.m. to 10 a.m., and an evening yoga class from 5 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.
Apart from that, I was free to spend my time however I wanted. Even the classes weren’t compulsory, which I appreciated.
If you find that a particular class or teacher isn’t the right fit for you, there’s nothing stopping you from exploring the many other yoga schools and classes around Rishikesh while still staying at the ashram.
Classes
The yoga classes focused on different themes throughout the week. One day might emphasize strength, while another focused more on flexibility or balance.
During my stay, the morning and evening classes were taught by different instructors, each with their own teaching style.
Personally, I thought they were perfectly fine, but opinions among the students were mixed. A few people felt there were better teachers elsewhere in Rishikesh, which is probably inevitable in a town overflowing with yoga schools.
Still, as someone who wasn’t looking for intensive training, I found the classes enjoyable and a good introduction to a regular yoga practice.
Food
Rishikesh is a vegetarian city, so you won’t find meat served in restaurants here. If you’re vegetarian, vegan, or simply looking to eat less meat for a while, you’ll be spoiled for choice.
The ashram kitchen served breakfast and thali meals, but I found the prices comparable to some of the nicer cafés and restaurants outside the ashram (which also had Wi-Fi, a tempting bonus). So, more often than not, I ended up eating out.
If you’re feeling adventurous, there are plenty of street stalls to try as well. My personal favorite was the 10-rupee chai sold on almost every corner. Cheap, sweet, and somehow always exactly what I needed after a yoga session.
How to get to Rishikesh
Rishikesh is a small town in the northern Indian state of Uttarakhand, about 230 km from Delhi. Thanks to its popularity with yoga students, spiritual seekers, and domestic tourists, it’s relatively easy to reach by air, train, bus, or private taxi.
The nearest airport is Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun, which has regular connections to major Indian cities. From the airport, it’s about a 30- to 45-minute drive to Rishikesh, depending on traffic.
By train
Although Rishikesh now has its own railway station, many travelers still arrive via nearby Haridwar, which has more frequent train connections from Delhi and other major cities.
From either station, you can take an auto-rickshaw, taxi, or shared vehicle to the areas around Ram Jhula and Lakshman Jhula, where many ashrams, yoga schools, and guesthouses are located.
By bus
One of the most common ways to get to Rishikesh is by bus. The journey from Delhi usually takes around 5 to 7 hours, depending on traffic and road conditions.
Both government-run and private buses operate throughout the day and night, ranging from basic local buses to more comfortable air-conditioned coaches.
I took a local bus because it was the cheapest option available. Late one night, I arrived at the Delhi bus station with three Italian travelers, hoping to catch the last bus to Rishikesh.
When the bus pulled in, it was complete chaos. At least 30 people rushed the door at once, all trying to squeeze onboard.
The conductor somehow managed to find space for us, but there were only two seats available for the four of us. For the next several hours, we took turns sitting on the floor and standing in the aisle.
Rishikesh is also well connected by bus to other destinations in North India, including Jaipur, Haridwar, and Varanasi.
If you’re visiting during the Hindu month of Shravan (usually July or August), be aware that pilgrimage traffic can cause significant congestion, and accommodation may book out well in advance.
FAQs
Is staying in an ashram safe for solo female travelers?
Generally, yes. And especially in places like Rishikesh. Ashrams tend to have structured environments and clear rules. Still, always read recent reviews and trust your instincts.
Do you need to be religious to stay in an ashram?
No. Many visitors come purely for yoga, meditation, or the experience of simple living.
How long should you stay in an ashram?
Anywhere from a few days to a few weeks or months. If you’re new, 3-5 days is a good starting point.
Can beginners join yoga classes at an ashram?
Yes, but it also depends on the ashram. Some are beginner-friendly, while others assume prior experience.
Do ashrams have Wi-Fi?
Some do, many don’t.
What should you pack for an ashram stay?
- Modest clothing. Thin, airy fabrics are perfect for the hot weather.
- Flip-flops / sandals
- Toiletries
- A reusable water bottle
- An open mind (sounds cliché, but it helps)
Final thoughts
Ved Niketan Ashram—or pretty much any ashram, for that matter—is not for fussies. Don’t expect luxury. There was no air conditioning, no hot water, and no Wi-Fi. What it does offer is peace and quiet.
If you’re looking to focus on yoga, meditation, or simply slow down for a while, it’s hard to beat falling asleep to the sound of the Ganges flowing nearby.
The twice-daily yoga classes can be quite intense if you’re not used to practicing every day. The poses themselves are beginner-friendly, but they can still challenge your strength, balance, and endurance.
I stayed for six nights, and throughout my stay, I skipped the morning meditation sessions because I was too lazy to get out of bed that early. I heard they were good, though.
Personally, I think I would have benefited from an ashram with a stricter schedule and fewer opportunities to negotiate with myself. Something more like the Vipassana silent retreat I attended, where showing up wasn’t really optional.
Left to my own devices, it turns out I’m remarkably good at convincing myself that five more minutes of sleep is a spiritual practice.
Informative post!… ‘Ashrams of India’ is pretty good book that covers a few ashrams in Rishikesh and beyond… eBook version can be viewed at Amazon and on the website ashramsofindia.com
Thank you for the info, Roger. Will definitely check it out!
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Wow menarik jugak , kira macam tempat penginapan bajet jugaklah yer ni kalau kat korea ala2 sauna gitu…insyaAllah jika pandemik ni dah berakhir dan boleh travel balik nak jugak cuba. Akan rujuk blog ini sebagai guide. Paling penting mesti mahu berani mencuba dan tak kisah dengan sedikit kesusahan dan kekurangan.
Ya, Saidila. Lebih kurang macam penginapan bajet. Tapi tujuan asal ashram ni sebenarnya untuk membolehkan kita ‘get back to basics’…lupakan kemewahan buat sementara supaya kita boleh fokus on what really matters. Betul, kita mesti berani mencuba sesuatu yang baru. Ada banyak yang boleh kita belajar bila kita keluar dari bawah tempurung.
Waaa.. nampak macam tempat ni boleh memberi ketenangan.
Teruja tengok river dia tu.
Cantiknyaaa
Ya, Syamimi, Rishikesh ni memang tempat yang tenang dan dekat dengan alam semulajadi. Sungai Ganges pulak adalah sungai yang sangat terkenal di India. Ramai penganut Hindu di sana akan berendam dalam sungai sebagai simbol penyucian diri. Tapi di bahagian2 hulu (utara) je sungai ni bersih. Kalau dah sampai bawah sana, rasanya nak celup kaki pun tak sanggup 😅. (Boleh tengok gambar di Google sebagai rujukan).
Agak unik pengalaman merehatkan minda dan terapi di kawasan yg agak asing. Tapi mmg seronok, kenangan yg x akan dilupakan
Betul, kawasan ni sangat menenangkan. Berbeza dengan kebanyakan tempat lain di India yang biasanya hingar bingar dengan bunyi hon kenderaan. Walaupun kat Rishikesh ni ramai pelancong, tapi yang datang tu boleh dikatakan semua untuk tujuan meditasi/yoga, jadi takde la bising.
Sis tengok chai tea tu je wowww…mesti kaww kann dia punya rasa..
Baru tau juga india ni ada yoga semua tu, sebab normally tengok filem hindi ke india ke, takde pulak mereka buat exercise yoga ke kann…
Ya, sis, memang kaw dia punya rasa, dengan rempah2 nya, sebab buat cara tradisional guna periuk dapur arang, bukan guna teh segera 3 dalam 1 🤭.
Filem2 Hindi tu kebanyakannya shoot di Mumbai dan bahagian2 India Utara. Apa yang menarik tentang India ni, dia besar dan luas. Dan di setiap sudut, kebudayaannya berbeza. Kadang-kadang rasa macam bukan dalam satu negara yang sama. Memang sangat menarik untuk kita teroka dan fahami.
Ohh woow….that’s really a nice & informative sharing about Ashram in India, would like to experience it once if I have a chance in the future. cheers, siennylovesdrawing
Thanks, Sienny. Glad you liked the article. I hope you’ll get to experience staying in an ashram too in the future.
A great one, that’s really a nice & informative sharing about Ashram in India, would like to experience it once if I have a chance in the future. cheers, siennylovesdrawing
Thanks, Sienny. Glad you liked the article. Staying in an ashram is a great new experience, if you like that kind of environment. I hope you’ll get to experience it someday. 🙂
Very interesting.. Next time if I have a chance to visit India, will definitely include this in my itinerary too…
Awesome! Just a word of caution though — an ashram may not be for everyone. It is *very* basic. But if you enjoy the simple things in life, this would be perfect. Have fun!
Good that u have found the best Ashram for you to experience while travelling…
Yes, Fas. I would love to go again to Rishikesh and experience other ashrams, to see which one I like better. This one is very quiet, which suited me well, but I always want some variety. 😀
I’ve been to India once and it was a great experience my only regret was not trying out their yoga classes will be back for that!
Yes, Jia Shin Lee, you definitely should! Yoga has spread worldwide and has attracted a huge following in the western world. But nothing beats seeing it in practice in its motherland India. 😃
I personally rasa yang kalo jenis kental dan backpakers maybe boleh stay kat ashram ni kan..tapi bg mereka yang cerewet maybe tak sesuai tapi kalo i why not try kan? Utk rasa pengalaman berbeza di negara orang
Betul tu Min. Pada pendapat saya, kalau setakat nak rasa penginapan dan layanan 5 bintang, kat mana-mana dan bila-bila masa pun boleh dapat. Bahkan, dalam negara sendiri pun banyak. Tapi pengalaman yang asing macam ni, bukan di semua tempat ada, dan bukan selalu kita berpeluang. Jadi, rugi kalau tak rasa. Selagi mana saya mampu cuba benda2 sebegini, saya cuba. Satu hari nanti mungkin dah tak mampu, atas keterbatasan usia dan fizikal 🙂
I have been to india many times but never stayed in ashram before. Looks good. Will try it during my next visit. I miss traveling
Admittedly, ashrams may not be for everyone. But if you think it suits you, I hope you’ll get to experience it on your next visit. I miss traveling too!
Suka travel style gini. Lebih dekat dengan budaya dan cara hidup mereka yang sebenar. Ala-ala bajet gitu. Chia tea tu, warna dia nampak sangat menyelerakan! Tentu sedap kann?
Betul, Nina. Saya suka travel dengan cara begini, lebih dekat dengan budaya dan cara hidup masyarakat setempat. Kalau asyik duduk di hotel saja, pemandangan kita tak terbuka.
Bagi sesiapa yang belum pernah cuba chai masala tea ni, mungkin pelik sikit rasanya, sebab ia adalah teh susu yang dimasak dengan halia, buah pelaga, dan rempah-rempah lain. Tapi kalau dah biasa, ketagih juga. Dah la murah.
Omg.. this is so adventurous, I love to travel to India more often and wish to stay in Ashram too.
Oh you definitely should, Kelly! If you go to India often, then staying in an ashram is a great way to fully immerse yourself in the culture. 🙂
This seems like it would be a really relaxing and rewarding place to stay. Definitely going to look into it more!
It is, Krista. Perfect if you don’t want any distraction from your meditation or yoga practice. 🙂
Ummi, this is a truly helpful guide! I will definitely come back to this if I decide for an Ashram stay. Very well written!
Thank you, Toni! I hope it will be useful for you in the future 🙂
Girl, we could be good friends! I never thought of decluttering my life as therapy, but your words ‘backpacking was my rehab’ really resonated with me. I’d love to experience an ashram, so I’m saving this post. It’s great to hear both the good and the not so good of the experience, so you’re making my research much easier 😊
Thank you, Coni, that’s lovely to know. I hope you’ll get to experience staying in an ashram in the future. Backpacking was indeed the therapy I needed, and I’m glad to say that I’m still reaping the benefits from a minimalistic lifestyle — even now that I’m not traveling as often as I wish. 😀