The ancient science of yoga helps maintain a healthy mind and body, and is at the forefront of disciplines that people the world over are turning to in order to become focussed individuals. Yoga traces its roots to the Sanskrit root yog which means – to unite, yoke, join or harness, to prepare and to use and apply. Yoga is knowledge of the self. It encompasses knowledge related to the gross and subtle sheaths of the self that have to be purified and perfected by uninterrupted practice and devotion. Man is a product of intellect, emotions, action and determined will. While the seat of intellect is the head, the seat of emotions is the mind. The hand and feet are limbs for action. Yoga lays the foundation for purity in actions, emotions or intellect. The simple truth is that the pursuit of Yoga results in direct benefits, even if the objective is not one of the spiritual gains. Today, the immense possibilities of Yoga as a physical and mental therapy have emerged at the forefront of a world rife with stress and tensions. Experts have pointed out that yoga balances the nervous and endocrinal systems, which is highly beneficial for all body organs. This is the reason that the discipline of Yoga has gained worldwide acceptance. It was about two and a half thousand years ago that Patanjali systematized the practice of yoga in his work, Yogasutras, consisting of 195 aphorisms that standardized the practice of yoga. Horever, the yoga system of Patanjali comprised one of the six ancient schools of philosophy of the time and derived a great deal from the influential, atheistic, philosophy of the Samkhya school of thought. Both Yoga and Samkhya influenced Lord Buddha in his early years.

Nestled in the lap of the Himalayas, Uttarakhand is one of the most beautiful northern states of India that enthralls everyone with its spectacularly scenic landscapes. Charming hill stations juxtaposed against snow-capped peaks, quaint villages along winding mountain roads, serpentine rivers carving their way through the hills, world renowned conservation parks like ‘Jim Corbett Tiger National Park’ and ‘Asan Wetland Conservation Reserve’, world heritage sites like ‘Valley of Flowers’ and ‘Nanda Devi Biosphere Reserve’, waterfalls hurtling down slopes and serene lakes shimmering amidst beautiful towns – that’s Uttarakhand for you. Numerous sprawling parks speak of Uttarakhand’s continuous efforts to conserve its natural ecosystem; its rich culture and religious heritage ensures that it remains on top of everyone’s travel plan. It has been a favoured choice for travellers from around the world, who visit this mighty land every year to attain salvation for a life transforming experience. Here, you can easily satiate all your adventurous desires; be it flying like a bird, cruising through the strenuous rapids of the Ganges, trekking to some of the fascinating peaks, skiing through some of the picturesque slopes and enchanting destinations, enjoy the longest cable-car ride in India and much more. The ‘Land of Yoga’, Uttarakhand is the perfect place for your body where it will release all the negativity within leaving you calmed, relaxed and refreshed. The wealthy heritage and history of Uttarakhand is known and written about since the ancient and medieval era.