Self-guided immersion at Santosh Puri Ashram
Uttarakhand, India — on the banks of the Ganga, between Rishikesh and Haridwar

These residential retreats offer a quieter, more introspective way to experience ashram life.

This period is especially suited for those who wish to deepen their personal practice through self-guided sādhana, while remaining supported by the presence of the ashram environment.

Rather than a structured course, the emphasis is placed on developing one’s own rhythm — integrating asana, pranayama, meditation, and self-study into daily life.

Guidance remains available when needed. Those who are new to practice may request sessions to learn the foundations of Hatha Yoga, while more experienced practitioners are free to refine and deepen their existing sādhana.

Sādhanā, Seva & Self-Study

Life during this time revolves around three essential aspects:

Sādhanā — establishing a consistent personal practice
Seva (Karma Yoga) — contributing to the maintenance of the ashram through simple daily tasks
Svādhyāya — self-study, through observation, reflection, journaling, or the study of yogic texts

The ashram library offers a wide range of materials to support study, creating space for deeper introspection.

Daily Rhythm (suggested, subject to change)

4:00 am — Aarti, silent meditation & herbal tea
7:30 am — Asana
9:00 am — Breakfast
10:00 am — Karma Yoga
11:00 am — Svādhyāya (self-study)
1:00 pm — Lunch
3:00 pm — Herbal tea
4:00 pm — Self-guided pranayama & meditation
6:00 pm — Dinner
7:15 pm — Chanting by the dhuni
8:00 pm — Meditation or kirtan
9:00 pm — Lights out

Practical Information

This is a more independent retreat format, with fewer scheduled teachings than during more structured programs. Additional classes may be offered depending on availability — please refer to the full schedule for details.

For visa information, please refer to official government guidelines.

In this two week Yantra Painting & Hatha Yoga Residential Course taught by Mandakini Puri, cultivate mindfulness and stillness in your art practice.

…along the bank of the Ganga, in the foothills of the Himalayas in between Rishikesh and Haridwar in Uttarakhand, India

In this introductory two week Yantra Painting & Hatha Yoga Two Week Residential course led by Mandakini Puri you will strengthen your concentration, while cultivating a one pointed focus. Start your morning as any other at Santosh Puri Ashram with a 1.5 hour Hatha Yoga Session (asana, pranayam and meditation). Spend the afternoon chanting a Vedic mantra for the chosen deity while painting their representative yantra. July 14 – August 11th, 2026 in Uttarakhand, India

With over 20 years experience, Mandakini learned this Harish Johari Wash Painting Technique by her teacher Pieter Weltevrede.

What is Yantra Painting?

Yantra Painting is a tantric active meditation practice, involving a chosen chakra, planet or deity and its appropriate mantra.

Yantra Painting with Mandakini Puri | Short Course at YogAnga Retreat from Sri Santosh Puri Ashram on Vimeo.

July 14 – August 11th, 2026 in Uttarakhand, India

CLICK TO FILL OUT REGISTRATION FORM

Please note: while these are suggested arrival and departure dates, according to the moon cycle, we do welcome you to arrive earlier and / or stay longer. Some classes may or may not have a (new or full moon) fire ceremony, with the actual class starting the following day. In some cases where this date falls on a Sunday, the actual class session will begin on Monday.

Yantra Painting & Hatha Yoga Two Week Residential Course Typical Daily Routine (subject to change):

• 4:00 Am – awakening Conch, Aarti, Silent Meditation, herbal tea

• 7:30 Am –  Hatha Yoga

• 9:00 Am – Breakfast

• 10:00 Am – Karma Yoga

• 1:00 Pm – Lunch

• 3:00 Pm – Tea Time (Herbal Tea)

• 4:00 Pm – Yantra Painting

• 6:00 Pm – Dinner

• 7:15 Pm – Vedic Chanting by the dhuni

• 8:00 Pm – Meditation or Kirtan

• 9:00 Pm – Lights out

Your Teacher: Mandakini Puri

What kind of Visa Should I get?

Please visit the official government website for the latest updates on which visas are available.

Contact us for enquiries or fill out the registration form.

Our Hatha Yoga Yoga & Bhagavad Gita Two Week Residential course is a great way to deepen your Asana, Pranayama & Meditation practice by adding a philosophical foundation to your sadhana, while learning the art of living within a residential ashram environment in India August 12th – 28th, 2026.

All will benefit from our general guest asana classes, whether you are a beginner or have previous experience, as the styles of the daily morning asana sessions are often adjusted to the abilities of the participants, dependent upon the individual teachers. Then to get the change to study the Bhagavad Gita in India, is next level.

Start your morning as any other at Santosh Puri Ashram with a 1.5 hour YogAsana Session (Hatha Yoga, pranayam and meditation) led by Mandakini Puri (or other available teachers). Spend the afternoon studying Bhagavad Gita with Alaknanda Puri.

Bhagavad Gita Residential Course lectures with Alaknanda Puri give an introduction to the teachings of Lord Krishna though his dialog with Arjun. Gain an experiential understanding of the benefits of Karma, Bhakti, Raja and Jñana Yoga, through Sanskrit chanting and real life relatable commentary.

One of the foundational books of Sanatan Dharma (Hindu Philosophy), the Bhagavad Gita is a Sanskrit text that can guide any seeker towards the art of living. Each verse has the divinity to lead you towards liberation, if rightly understood through devotion, surrender, and unshakable faith. The knowledge of this song will free us from ignorance, the source of suffering

Hatha YogAsana & Bhagavad Gita Residential Course Typical Daily Routine (subject to change):

• 4:00 Am – awakening Conch, Aarti, Silent Meditation, herbal tea

• 7:30 Am –  Asana

• 9:00 Am – Breakfast

• 10:00 Am – Karma Yoga

• 1:00 Pm – Lunch

• 3:00 Pm – Tea Time (Herbal Tea)

• 4:00 Pm – Bhagavad Gita Lecture

• 6:00 Pm – Dinner

• 7:15 Pm – Vedic Chanting by the dhuni

• 8:00 Pm – Meditation or Kirtan

• 9:00 Pm – Lights out

What kind of Visa Should I get?

Please visit the official government website for the latest updates on which visas are available.

Contact us for enquiries or fill out the registration form.

In this two week Hatha Yoga Residential Course taught by Mandakini Puri, Ganga Puri, and other available teachers, learn the basics of Asana, Pranayama & Meditation while living an authentic yogic lifestyle, 2026 September 26th  – October 10th.

Start Autumn Season in 2026 off with good intentions and spend your holiday along the bank of the Ganga, in the foothills of the Himalayas in between Rishikesh and Haridwar in Uttarakhand, India

Our Hatha Yoga Immersion Two Week Residential course is a great way to deepen your Asana, Pranayama & Meditation practice by living a spiritual life within a residential ashram environment. All will benefit from our general guest asana classes, whether you are a beginner or have previous experience, as the styles of the daily morning asana sessions are often adjusted to the abilities of the participants, dependent upon the individual teachers. In this two week residential course you will have two sessions a day as well as ample time for self practice.

CLICK TO FILL OUT REGISTRATION FORM

Hatha Yoga Two Week Residential Course Typical Daily Routine (subject to change):

• 4:00 Am – awakening Conch, Aarti, Silent Meditation, herbal tea

• 7:30 Am –  Asana

• 9:00 Am – Breakfast

• 10:00 Am – Karma Yoga

• 11:00 Am – Svādhyāya (self study time)

• 1:00 Pm – Lunch

• 3:00 Pm – Tea Time (Herbal Tea)

• 4:00 Pm – Pranayam & Meditation

• 6:00 Pm – Dinner

• 7:15 Pm – Vedic Chanting by the dhuni

• 8:00 Pm – Meditation or Kirtan

• 9:00 Pm – Lights out

What kind of Visa Should I get?

Please visit the official government website for the latest updates on which visas are available.

Contact us for enquiries or fill out the registration form.

Spend your 2026 Autumn with YogAnga Retreat at Sri Santosh Puri Ashram.

All will benefit from living a spiritual life within a residential ashram environment, whether you are a beginner or have your own dedicated practice.

Following the suggested daily routine (below), or creating your own, we will encourage you to develop the self disciple it takes to live a true yogic lifestyle.

If you are unsure where to start with your practice, you may request a class session led by Mandakini Puri to learn the basics of Asana, Pranayama & Meditation. Mandakini’s hatha yoga classes are adjusted to the abilities of the participants.

Karma Yoga is an essential part of your sadhana journey.

Contributing to the maintenance of the ashram through seva – the spiritual practice of selfless service without an expectation of recognition or reward. In the rainy off-season, with less guests than usual, its often difficult to keep up the general ashram maintenance. Tasks could include food preparation, gardening and cleaning our communal spaces.

Svādhyāya (pronounced Swadhyaya) is self-guided-study as much as it is the study of the self.

Spend your free time observing yourself (your thoughts, words and actions), journaling or studying yogic scriptures, philosophy and commentaries. Our library is stacked with most anything you would want to read, research or study.

And if you can’t find what you are looking for, our local bookstore, Drolia Pustak Bhandar, has a large variety of books (in Sanskrit, Hindi and English) to support your studies. They also sell everything from malas to yoga mats to neti pots.

See full YogAnga Retreat schedule

Register Now

September 26th  – October 10th.

In this two week Hatha Yoga Residential Course taught by Mandakini Puri, Ganga Puri, and other available teachers, learn the basics of Asana, Pranayama & Meditation while living an authentic yogic lifestyle, 2026 October 26th – November 9th.

Start Autumn Season in 2026 off with good intentions and spend your Diwali holiday along the bank of the Ganga, in the foothills of the Himalayas in between Rishikesh and Haridwar in Uttarakhand, India

Our Hatha Yoga Immersion Two Week Residential course is a great way to deepen your Asana, Pranayama & Meditation practice by living a spiritual life within a residential ashram environment. All will benefit from our general guest asana classes, whether you are a beginner or have previous experience, as the styles of the daily morning asana sessions are often adjusted to the abilities of the participants, dependent upon the individual teachers. In this two week residential course you will have two sessions a day as well as ample time for self practice.

CLICK TO FILL OUT REGISTRATION FORM

Hatha Yoga Two Week Residential Course Typical Daily Routine (subject to change):

• 4:00 Am – awakening Conch, Aarti, Silent Meditation, herbal tea

• 7:30 Am –  Asana

• 9:00 Am – Breakfast

• 10:00 Am – Karma Yoga

• 11:00 Am – Svādhyāya (self study time)

• 1:00 Pm – Lunch

• 3:00 Pm – Tea Time (Herbal Tea)

• 4:00 Pm – Pranayam & Meditation

• 6:00 Pm – Dinner

• 7:15 Pm – Vedic Chanting by the dhuni

• 8:00 Pm – Meditation or Kirtan

• 9:00 Pm – Lights out

What kind of Visa Should I get?

Please visit the official government website for the latest updates on which visas are available.

Contact us for enquiries or fill out the registration form.

Spend your 2026 Diwali with YogAnga Retreat at Sri Santosh Puri Ashram.

Diwali at Santosh Puri Ashram, 2026

In 2026 YogAnga Retreat will celebrate Diwali at Sri Santosh Puri Ashram on November 8th: a new moon celebration to bring light into our lives.
According to the Hindu lunar calendar, is held every year in the month of Ashwin (between around mid-September and mid-November). In 2026 YogAnga Retreat will celebrate Holi at Sri Santosh Puri Ashram on November 8th.

Diwali is also ofter called Deepawali, due to the lamps that we light around our homes. It is believed keeping ghee lamps in the windowsills and doorways of one’s home, invites the Goddess Laxmi to enter and thus blesses our home with abundance and prosperity. The days prior to this holiday are often spend deep cleaning one’s home.

All will benefit from living a spiritual life within a residential ashram environment, whether you are a beginner or have your own dedicated practice.

Following the suggested daily routine (below), or creating your own, we will encourage you to develop the self disciple it takes to live a true yogic lifestyle.

If you are unsure where to start with your practice, you may request a class session led by Mandakini Puri to learn the basics of Asana, Pranayama & Meditation. Mandakini’s hatha yoga classes are adjusted to the abilities of the participants.

Karma Yoga is an essential part of your sadhana journey.

Contributing to the maintenance of the ashram through seva – the spiritual practice of selfless service without an expectation of recognition or reward. In the rainy off-season, with less guests than usual, its often difficult to keep up the general ashram maintenance. Tasks could include food preparation, gardening and cleaning our communal spaces.

Svādhyāya (pronounced Swadhyaya) is self-guided-study as much as it is the study of the self.

Spend your free time observing yourself (your thoughts, words and actions), journaling or studying yogic scriptures, philosophy and commentaries. Our library is stacked with most anything you would want to read, research or study.

And if you can’t find what you are looking for, our local bookstore, Drolia Pustak Bhandar, has a large variety of books (in Sanskrit, Hindi and English) to support your studies. They also sell everything from malas to yoga mats to neti pots.

See full YogAnga Retreat schedule

Ever wondered where is the best place to study Traditional Ayurveda in North India? Do you know about the next YogAnga Retreat Ayurveda Course?

YogAnga Retreat at Sri Santosh Puri Ashram is the best place to learn traditional Ayurveda in the foothills of the Indian Himalayas.

Sri Santosh Puri Ashram offers the best traditional ayurveda courses with Alaknanda Puri, both two week short courses, as well as this Intensive One Month Residential Certificate Course, throughout the year. Our participants leave this program with a solid foundation of knowledge to diagnose and facilitate traditional ayurvedic treatments; say this is the best place to study Traditional Ayurveda in North India!

Sanskrit scriptural foundation meets real life relate-ability, Alaknanda Puri teaches the basics of Traditional Ayurveda: principals, diagnosis, treatments, medicinal plants & preparing medicine, in this Ayurveda Intensive One Month Residential Certificate Course.

This Ayurveda Intensive One Month Residential Certificate Course is for both Foreigners and Indian Nationals and will be taught in English. We will start and end the course with a havan (Vedic Fire Ceremony). It is advisable to arrive a day or two before the course begins. Course fee includes accommodations, meals, course materials and certificate of completion.

COURSE DATES: November 14 – December 14th, 2026

Ayurvedic Medical Science was passed down to us through generations over thousands of years of oral tradition, before finally being recorded in written form. It explains a holistic way of living a healthy life, a balance within one’s physical, social, mental and spiritual being. Approaching health holistically, from the physical, mental, social-emotional, and spiritual perspectives, Ayurvedic lifestyle and treatments bring health to the unhealthy and maintain that of the healthy and thus enabling one to attain their purpose in life. The basic knowledge of Ayurvedic principles helps us to understand our individual nature as well as that of the universe, to realize the connection between the microcosm within ourselves and the macrocosm of the universe, ultimately leading to optimal health and happiness.

Alaknanda Puri teaches traditional ayurveda courses. You will learn theory based on Sanskrit scriptures, as well as medicine preparation, treatments, and lifestyle guidance, in order to put the theory into practical use. 

Ayurveda Intensive One Month Residential Certificate Course will cover the following topics:

• Parāyaṇam (call and response Ayurvedic scripture study)

• Ayurvedic Principles

• Diagnosis Techniques

• Practical Treatment Techniques

• Herbal Medicine Preparations

• Sukṣma Vyāyām (subtle prāṇic exercise)

• Ayurveda Cooking

• Marma Science

• Botanical Garden Tour (medicinal plant identification)

YogAnga Retreat at Sri Santosh Puri Ashram is the best place to study Traditional Ayurveda in North India. Here is an example class:

Alaknanda Puri teaches Ayurveda Intensive One Month Residential Course once a year.
Typical Daily Routine (subject to change):

• 4:00 Am – awakening Conch, Aarti, Silent Meditation, herbal tea

• 6:00 Am – Parāyaṇam (call and response Sanskrit scripture study)

• 7:30 Am –  Sukṣma Vyāyām (Subtle Prāṇic Exercise)

• 9:00 Am – Breakfast

• 10:00 Am – Karma Yoga

• 11:00 Am – Practical (Treatment / Medicine Preparation) Class

• 1:00 Pm – Lunch

• 3:00 Pm – Tea Time (Herbal Tea)

• 4:00 Pm – Ayurveda Theory Class

• 6:00 Pm – Dinner

• 7:15 Pm – Vedic Chanting by the dhuni

• 8:00 Pm – Meditation or Kirtan

• 9:00 Pm – Lights out

Contact us for enquiries to learn Traditional Ayurveda with Alaknanda, or click the button below to fill out the registration form to join the next YogAnga Retreat Ayurveda Course.

What kind of Visa Should I get to Learn Traditional Ayurveda with Alaknanda Puri at Sri Santosh Puri Ashram in India?

Please visit the official government website for the latest updates on which visas are available.

In this two week Hatha Yoga & Ayurvedic Cooking Residential Course taught by Mandakini Puri, with the kitchen as your classroom, you will learn classic vegetarian dishes based on the Ayurvedic principles, to feed your yogic lifestyle.

…along the bank of the Ganga, in the foothills of the Himalayas in between Rishikesh and Haridwar in Uttarakhand, India, November 24th – Dec 8th, 2026.

Hatha Yoga & Ayurvedic Cooking Residential Course: Start your morning as any other at Santosh Puri Ashram with a 1.5 hour Hatha Yoga Session (asana, pranayam and meditation) led by Mandakini Puri. Spend the afternoon in the kitchen, learning to use various food combinations as a means of balancing your doṣas. Gain an understanding of how to make basic stable meals, snacks and condiments needed for a truly yogic lifestyle. Learn apply Ayurvedic concepts into the food you prepare for yourself, family, and friends.

Please Note: this Hatha Yoga and Ayurvedic Cooking course may have some extra fees to cover the cost of cooking supplies for the class. You will be giving such details upon registration.

Also while these are suggested arrival and departure dates, according to the moon cycle, we do welcome you to arrive earlier and / or stay longer. Some classes may or may not have a (new or full moon) fire ceremony, with the actual class starting the following day. In some cases where this date falls on a Sunday, the actual class session will begin on Monday.

The recipies Mandakini Puri teaches in her Ayurvedic Cooking course, typically cater to serving 2-6 people, while measurement calculations can easily be tailored to your specific needs.

Certificates may be granted upon request.

Hatha Yoga & Ayurvedic Cooking Two Week Residential Course Typical Daily Routine (subject to change):

• 4:00 Am – awakening Conch, Aarti, Silent Meditation, herbal tea

• 7:30 Am –  Hatha Yoga

• 9:00 Am – Breakfast

• 10:00 Am – Karma Yoga

• 11:00 Am – Svādhyāya (self study time)

• 1:00 Pm – Lunch

• 3:00 Pm – Tea Time (Herbal Tea)

• 4:00 Pm – Ayurvedic Cooking Class

• 6:00 Pm – Dinner

• 7:15 Pm – Vedic Chanting by the dhuni

• 8:00 Pm – Meditation or Kirtan

• 9:00 Pm – Lights out

Recipe for Carrot Halwa.

What kind of Visa Should I get?

Please visit the official government website for the latest updates on which visas are available.

Contact us for enquiries or fill out the registration form.

More in Ayurveda

Come to YogAnga Retreat for New Years Eve! In this special winter holiday, three week Hatha Yoga Residential Course taught by Mandakini Puri, Ganga Puri, and other teachers according to availability, learn the basics of Asana, Pranayama & Meditation while living an authentic yogic lifestyle, December 8th  – 31st, 2026.

Spend your New Years Eve along the bank of the Ganga, in the foothills of the Himalayas in between Rishikesh and Haridwar in Uttarakhand, India

Our Hatha Yoga Immersion Two Week Residential course is a great way to deepen your Asana, Pranayama & Meditation practice by living a spiritual life within a residential ashram environment. All will benefit from our general guest asana classes, whether you are a beginner or have previous experience, as the styles of the daily morning asana sessions are often adjusted to the abilities of the participants, dependent upon the individual teachers. In this two week residential course you will have two sessions a day as well as ample time for self practice.

CLICK TO FILL OUT REGISTRATION FORM

Hatha Yoga Two Week Residential Course Typical Daily Routine (subject to change):

• 4:00 Am – awakening Conch, Aarti, Silent Meditation, herbal tea

• 7:30 Am –  Asana

• 9:00 Am – Breakfast

• 10:00 Am – Karma Yoga

• 11:00 Am – Svādhyāya (self study time)

• 1:00 Pm – Lunch

• 3:00 Pm – Tea Time (Herbal Tea)

• 4:00 Pm – Pranayam & Meditation

• 6:00 Pm – Dinner

• 7:15 Pm – Vedic Chanting by the dhuni

• 8:00 Pm – Meditation or Kirtan

• 9:00 Pm – Lights out

What kind of Visa Should I get?

Please visit the official government website for the latest updates on which visas are available.

Contact us for enquiries or fill out the registration form.

Spend your New Years Eve with YogAnga Retreat at Sri Santosh Puri Ashram.

All will benefit from living a spiritual life within a residential ashram environment, whether you are a beginner or have your own dedicated practice.

Following the suggested daily routine (below), or creating your own, we will encourage you to develop the self disciple it takes to live a true yogic lifestyle.

If you are unsure where to start with your practice, you may request a class session led by Mandakini Puri to learn the basics of Asana, Pranayama & Meditation. Mandakini’s hatha yoga classes are adjusted to the abilities of the participants.

Karma Yoga is an essential part of your sadhana journey.

Contributing to the maintenance of the ashram through seva – the spiritual practice of selfless service without an expectation of recognition or reward. In the rainy off-season, with less guests than usual, its often difficult to keep up the general ashram maintenance. Tasks could include food preparation, gardening and cleaning our communal spaces.

Svādhyāya (pronounced Swadhyaya) is self-guided-study as much as it is the study of the self.

Spend your free time observing yourself (your thoughts, words and actions), journaling or studying yogic scriptures, philosophy and commentaries. Our library is stacked with most anything you would want to read, research or study.

And if you can’t find what you are looking for, our local bookstore, Drolia Pustak Bhandar, has a large variety of books (in Sanskrit, Hindi and English) to support your studies. They also sell everything from malas to yoga mats to neti pots.

See full YogAnga Retreat schedule