Described by the ancient Indian scriptures as the communion of the individual soul (Jivatman) the Universal soul or God (Parmatma) “Yoga the ancient Indian discipline is highly relevant to the modern day context. Today, as we enter the 21st Century, the outside world is becoming more restless and life is full of strife and tensions. Yoga provides the perfect panacea.

The secrets of the ancient science of Yoga were passed down from the rishis, saints and sages who came to these very Himalayas in Uttar Pradesh for devine inspiration. Through their meditation, austerities and prayers, a treasure-chest of wisdom was bestowed upon them for the benefit of humanity.

Yoga literally means “Union”, it is union of breath to the body, of the mind to the muscles, and most importantly of the self to the divine.

Yoga is not a religion. It does not require you to believe in a certain God or to clant certain hymns. It is an ancient science, which leads to health in the body, peace in the mind, joy in the heart and liberation of the soul. It is the most secular and universal system for human salvation.

Different forms of yoga :- Hatha – Yoga, Raja Yoga, Karma Yoga, Bhakti Yoga, Jnana Yoga, Mantra Yoga and Laya Yoga provide a complete system of self transformation and self realization which are the ultimate goals of human existence. Yoga has been proven as a scientific method for curing and preventing common as well as rare, acute diseases.

Asanas are not merely physical, contortionist exercises. Rather, the specific asanas act as a bridge that unites the ephemeral and limited human body with the divine, enternal, infinite soul. 

Ø For centuries Uttar Predesh, the land of Yoga, has been a spiritual center for learning With a view to promote Yoga worldwide, UP Tourism has been organizing the International Yoga Festival in Rishikesh, at Parmarth Niketan Ashram every year in the month of February. This provides the participants an opportunity to learn, discuss, absorb and practice Yoga on the banks of the holy Ganga.

Ø Seeing the immense popularity of this event, UP Tourism has decided to organize ‘Yoga Weeks’ at other Yogic Centres of learning in UP as well. All these places are situated on the banks of holy rivers, which provide the perfect setting for practicing yoga. The participants have the advantage of practicing Yoga in its purest form on the banks of holy rivers from where Yoga originated.

Ø The mission behind this festival is to spread the spirit of Yoga by involving private sector hotels, tour operators and the renowned Yoga institutes and ashrams across the state. There are packages for 7, 10 and 14 days, which suit your vacation plan. You can choose a single destination or a two-destination package giving you the advantage of learning Yoga on the banks of more than one holy river of India. A special 10-days package is for those who have already participated in our earlier Yoga Weeks or have some preliminary knowledge and experience of Yoga. The programme consists of Asana practice, Pranayam, Meditation, discussion on yoga by revered spiritual leaders and scholars and personal consultation with the Yogacharya.

Ø Special sessions may be held on curative aspects of Yoga for participants suffering from specific diseases.

Ø The participants take part in a special light ceremony in the evening. Set to devotional music, this ceremony, called “Aarti” is sure to stir your soul and touch your heart regardless of your religious or cultural background (especially at Parmath Niketan, Rishikesh).

Ø In addition to Yogic training and instruction, the participants can engage themselves in various cultural activities. From resting peacefully on the banks of the holy rivers, to boating to hiking to local sight seeing, there is a wide range of cultural activities available. Special care has been taken to provide a fun-filled stay for children and all family members.

Ø A bonus excursion trip to various nearby places shall be organized during and after the programme. This offer is limited and is only for those who book early. Additional payment has to be made for it over and above the normal package fees. It goes without saying that all old and new venues of yoga week are blessed with beautiful tourist destinations in close proximity.

Ø Thus the International Yoga Week, apart from teaching the participants an extremely exciting and transforming new way of life, also offers a major platform for exchanging and sharing ideas, understanding different cultures and promoting universal brotherhood.

The participants taking the option of two destination package also get to see places of great tourist importance like Taj Mahal at Agra, Residency at Lucknow or Buddhist sacred places near Gorakhpur, depending upon their destination preferences. 

Rishikesh (Parmarth Niketan Ashram) is the largest Ashram in Rishikesh, with over 1000 rooms and abundant, beautiful gardens. Parmarth Niketan lies right on the holy banks of Mother Ganga, nestled in the lap of the lush, towering Himalayas. Additionally, the ashram runs schools, hospitals, ecological programmes and disaster-relief projects. Parmarth Niketan is the main site and the lead institution for the International Yoga Festival, organized by UP Tourism. Revered Spiritual leaders and Yogic Experts like swami Chidanand Saraswati Ji “Muni Ji and “Padamshree” Swami Bharat Bhushan Ji among many other, have been the guiding force behind this Yoga festival.

Ø Haridwar : Adjacent to Rishikesh, Haridwar literally means “gateway to divinity”, a picturesque place at the foothills of the Himalayas where the great festival of holy bathing is held on the banks of holy river Ganges.

Ø Varanasi or Benaras : The oldest living city of the world, which has been described by Mark Twain as “Benaras is older than history, older than tradition, older than legend and looks twice as old as all of them put together”. The origin of the science of Yoga owes quite a lot to Benaras as well.

Ø Sarnath : The famous Buddhist place where Lord Buddha preached his first sermon after his enlightenment. It is situated 10 kms. Away from Varanasi and is a perfect place for Yoga and Meditation.

Ø Agra : The land of the Taj Mahal has been aptly described as “Tear on the face of eternity”, the most beautiful wonder on this earth, offers unique surroundings where one can breathe the glory of Moughal history as well as practice the science of Yoga.

Ø Lucknow : The place is witness to the glory of Avadh and has some very distinguishing remnants of British Raj. Known for its culture and hospitality, Lucknow is ideal for Yoga and meditation.

Ø Vrindavan : The place is associated with Lord Krishna’s childhood and youth and known for its beautiful temples. It has the famous ISKCON temple as well.

Ø Allahabad : The city of ‘Sangam’ – the confluence of holy rivers of Ganga and Yamuna, is known for its spiritual and intellectual heritage.

Ø Chitrakoot : It is an ancient town where Loard Rama spent his exile. Known for its deep forests, beautiful temples and river ghats, it is an ideal place for Yoga no less than Rishikesh or Haridwar.

Ø Ayodhya : the ancient city of Ayodhya was the birthplace of Loard Rama, a small but beautiful township on the banks of river Saryou where meditation and yoga resonates in the air.

Ø Gorakhpur : The central headquarters of the Buddhist Circuit is a place where Yoga and meditation have been a tradition.

Ø Kushinagar : The well known township in Buddhist history where Lord Buddha attained ‘Nirvana’ and left his earthly abode, a place where peace prevails and where Yoga and meditation are a way of life. 

Ø 7 days package : (15-21 Feb & 22 – 28 Feb) includes 6 day exclusive Yoga teaching and two half day excursions to nearby tourist destinations.

Ø 10 days package : (15 – 24) Feb or any 10 days of your choice between 15 – 28 Feb.) includes Yoga teaching at two different centers and three half day excursions.

Ø 14 days packages : (15 Feb – 28 Feb) includes Yoga teaching at two different places and 3 full day excursion to nearby tourist places.

Ø Excursions in all these packages are optional and on payment basis.

Ø You may choose any two locations for undergoing Yoga training out of the choices mentioned above.

Ø You have the option to avail yourself of 10 day and 14 day packages at a single destination also.

Ø In case you choose the package of Yoga teaching at two different places, the teaching at place I would be of Asana & Pranayam while at Place II it would be an advanced course of Dhyan (Meditation)

Ø In the case of a package consisting of two destinations, the cost of traveling between the two destinations will be charged separately

For more information please contact : UP Tourism at

Haridwar : Hotel Alaknanda, Belwara, Ph. 0133-426379, 423787. Rahi Motel, Near bus stand, Ph. 0133-426450, 428686

New Delhi : 36, Janpath, Chandralok Building, Ph. 91-11-3322251, Fax : 91-11-3711296

Mumbai : 38, World Trade Center, Cuffe Parade, Colaba Ph. : 91-22-2185458

Chandigarh : Room No. 62-63-64, 1st floor, Sec -17, Ph.: 91-172-707649

Chennai : 28, Commander-in-chief road, Ph.: 91-44-8283276.

Ahmedabad : 303, Ashwamedh House, 5, Smriti Kunj, Navrangpura, Ph.: 91-79-6560752

Calcutta : 12-A, Netaji Subhash Road, Ph.: 91-33-220785