Traveler Magazine AHSpring2019 | Page 23

21 Perched on a hilltop at the foot of the Himalayas, the former royal palace of the Maharaja of Tehri Garhwal is a grand sight. Built in 1895, the spectacular hundred-acre estate overlooks the Ganges River and was once a favorite destination of Indian royalty as well as such well-known luminaries as Mahatma Gandhi. Today, the illustrious palace is home to Ananda in the Himalayas, one of the most luxurious wellness retreats in the world. Here, world-weary cosmopolitan types gather to practice yoga and meditation while indulging in traditional Ayurvedic therapies at the hotel’s opulent spa. What makes Ananda unique, however, is the hotel’s unwavering dedication to the comfort of its guests. Every detail, from the perfectly appointed guest rooms to the organic cuisine and lush gardens, is perfectly calibrated to reinforce the hotel’s mission of holistic rejuvenation. ANDREWHARPERTRAVEL.COM AUTHOR LISA KAHAN PHOTO YO G A I N I N D I A SPRING | 2019