Parmarth Niketan Ashram, Rishikesh: How To Reach, Best Time & Tips

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About Parmarth Niketan Ashram

credits: Claudio Nichele

Parmarth Niketan Ashram, located in the lap of the verdant Himalayas, along the banks of the Ganges, is one of the most popular ashrams in Rishikesh. The ashram specialises in traditional ayurvedic practice treatment, yoga, meditation and various other natural healing techniques. The ashram was founded in 1942 by Pujya Swami Shukdevanandji Maharaj. With over 1000 rooms, lush gardens, clean and pure ambience, the ashram provides a calm and serene refuge to devotees and patients alike.

The ashram keeps its doors open for people of all religions, gender, caste, class and nationalities. The ashram is the home to a 14-feet statue of Lord Shiva that has been placed along the river bank. The divine or holy tree, Kalpavriksha, also boosts the sense of spirituality on the ashram campus.

Various activities of the ashram include different healing yogas, universal prayers and meditation classes, kirtan, daily satsang, spiritual talks and seminars among other events. The ashram with its various activities aims to help people connect with their inner self and rejuvenate their senses. During your stay at the ashram, you can feel being associated with the peaceful surrounding of the ashram as well as nature.

The place has hosted hundreds of holy men, sages and yogis among others from across the globe. Parmarth Niketan Ashram has its own private ghat where Ganga Aarti is offered every evening. This is a blissful sight to witness if you are spending a day or two at the ashram.

History of Parmarth Niketan Ashram:

Parmarth Niketan Ashram is one of the largest ashrams of Uttarakhand. The founder of the ashram Pujya Swami Divyanand Ji Maharaj established the place in 1942 with an objective to provide his followers a deep understanding of spirituality and the significance of connecting with one’s inner self. To imbibe the essence of peace and tranquillity in our daily lifestyle is a requisite and the ashram was founded based on this very notion.

Therefore, the ambience has been created here suitably where there is an abundance of natural beauty with lots of nicely maintained gardens, while the clean, pure and sacred house offer the much-needed refuge to the visitors. Pujya Swami Chidanand Saraswatiji Maharaj has been the president and also the spiritual head of the ashram since 1986.

He has been a pioneer in creating the ashram into a hub of various traditional Hindu healing practices, nature cure, ayurvedic treatment and training. Since its emergence, Parmarth Niketan Ashram has been hosting various spiritual events

How To Reach Parmarth Niketan Ashram

By autorickshaw & boat: Parmarth Niketan Ashram can be reached quite comfortably on foot from Ram Jhula, though rickshaw and auto services are available too. You can also opt for the beautiful boat ride facility to cross the Ganges and reach the ashram ghat.

By Train: Rishikesh railway station is around 16km from the ashram. If you take a car or auto from the station, you can reach the ashram through Veerbhadra Road.

By Bus: Regular bus services are also available from major cities like Delhi and Dehradun. The bus plies on NH334 and it takes around 5 to 6 hours to get to Parmarth Niketan Ashram from Delhi. From Dehradun, it is around 2 hours. All buses of the Ambala-Dehradun-Haridwar route pass through the ashram stoppage.

By Air: The Jolly Grant airport is the nearest airport at Dehradun which is just 35km from Rishikesh. You can hire cabs and taxis to ensure a safe and comfortable ride to the ashram.

Best Time To Visit Parmarth Niketan Ashram

credits: Claudio Nichele

Anytime from late September to November is the best period to visit Parmarth Niketan Ashram. This time, the weather remains quite pleasant and you can visit various tourist attractions in the surroundings without facing the scorching sun or being drenched in heavy rains that the valley witnesses during monsoon.

Parmarth Niketan Ashram Other Essential Information

Location: Rishikesh, Pauri district, Uttarakhand, India

Timings: The ashram remains open every day from 7am to 8pm.

Price: Entry is free to the ashram. Rs 800 for basic rooms. Rs 1200 or Rs 1500 for rooms with air conditioning and a view of mountains and rivers.

Tips for Parmarth Niketan Ashram

If you are visiting the ashram for the first time, you should gather some knowledge beforehand about the activities and conducts that are allowed on the ashram premises.

1. You can carry a camera, phone, and other electronic gadgets in your luggage but always consider the situation before using them in public.

2.Do not litter or pollute the ashram premises and its surroundings as cleanliness is strictly maintained here.

3. Carry sunscreen and an umbrella if you are visiting the ashram in summer months like May or June.

4. Warm clothes are a must during winter here.

5. Always abide by the special customs set by the ashram authorities regarding keeping shoes, using cameras, using headgears, consuming food or practising some religious rites.

6. Maintain a calm and silent atmosphere as you stay here as a tourist to make the most of your visit to the ashram.

Facts of Parmarth Niketan Ashram

Parmarth Niketan Ashram is famous for religious activities, yoga, meditation and natural healing practices. It was set up in 1942 in order to provide a refuge to yoga, meditation practitioners and those who seek religious pursuits. As a tourist you can spend around 3 hours here. Those who seek to stay here need to opt for prior booking for choice of rooms. Both AC and non-AC rooms are available here at reasonable prices.

The place promotes the dual purpose of fitness and aesthetics. The stunning natural beauty, green hill vistas, rich flora and fauna make it an ideal place to pursue yoga, meditation and various traditional fitness practices in their organic forms. The ashram administration consists of various saints and gurus along with members of the management committees. The overall functioning of the place is very smooth and on time.

If you are touring across Rishikesh, Parmarth Niketan Ashram is a place you should spend at least two nights to get a flavour of the ancient Hindu yogic kind of lifestyle. There are some special norms and customs set by the ashram authorities. You are expected to follow them during your stay at the ashram.

Tourism Board Alliances

Parmarth Niketan Ashram FAQs

Is camera allowed in Parmarth Niketan Ashram?

Yes, cameras are allowed on the ashram premises but you should always check and follow the customs set by the ashram management regarding its usage. You are not supposed to use camera inside a lecture hall or yoga class. However, to capture the scenic beauty of the gardens and surrounding locales is always allowed here.

Is there any locker facility available in Parmarth Niketan Ashram?

Yes, you can get a locker facility at the ashram. Every room has sufficient storage option. Also separate locker and cloak rooms are there on the ashram premises.

Are baby strollers or backpacks permitted in the Parmarth Niketan Ashram?

Yes, you can carry baby strollers or backpacks inside the ashram premises.

Can I use my mobile phone in the Parmarth Niketan Ashram?

Yes, you can use your mobile phone or any other electronic gadgets such as ipads, laptops among others at your room and also on the ashram premises. But follow the rules set by the ashram management regarding their prohibition in certain places. This is a place for a lot of patients as well so also use your own judgement before using your cameras.

Can I eat or drink in the Parmarth Niketan Ashram?

There is an on-site restaurant that serves delicious and organic vegetarian food to its guests at a very reasonable rate. Non-vegetarian edibles are not allowed inside the temple. Also, storing or consumption of liquor is strictly prohibited inside the ashram. Your stay can be terminated at the ashram if rules set by the ashram management are ignored.

Does the Parmarth Niketan Ashram have wheelchair access?

Yes, there is wheelchair facility for visitors with special needs at Parmarth Niketan Ashram. The set up of the ashram is disabled-friendly.Sufficient ramps and open spaces have been provided for comfortable stay and movement of the disabled. There are volunteers at the ashram who offer free assistance to the disabled visitors.

How can I reach Parmarth Niketan Ashram from Haridwar?

There are ample means of transportation services such as bus, taxi or private vehicles to reach Parmarth Niketan Ashram from Haridwar. The ashram is just 30km from Haridwar and therefore if you take the bus, it will take around 2 hours to get to the ashram. App cabs and private vehicles are also available in plenty across Haridwar round the clock. From Haridwar railway station, the quickest route to reach the ashram is through the nearby national park. Or if you want to take the boat ride, you can opt for the ferry facility from Haridwar and reach the ashram ghat by crossing the Ganges.