‘Yoga capital of the world’ has caught the eye of luxury hotel groups

Nestled in the far north of India in the Himalayan Mountains, the sacred Hindu city of Rishikesh is often called the “yoga capital of the world.” The city’s history as the birthplace of spiritual practice fuels its current status as a center where yogis and sages gather to learn and meditate.

Rishikesh and its surrounding areas have seen increasing tourism from those looking to develop their yoga practice and discover the city’s heritage.

Amid the broader ‘wellness tourism’ trend, several travel agencies have been marketing wellness-style trips to Rishikesh. In 2023 and 2024, the number of international visitors to this previously sleepy city will approach one million for the first time, according to Hotelier India.

Faced with this growing interest, several hotel groups have set their sights on Rishikesh to open new properties. In early 2026, French hotel giant Accor announced plans to open the new 160-room Sofitel Rishikesh Narendra Nagar in 2030.

Located in the town of Narendra Nagar, 16 km from the historic city of Rishikesh, this 160-room luxury resort is expected to overlook the Ganges River on over eight acres of land including gardens, a river, swimming pools and yoga rooms for a meditation-inspired experience.

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“Sofitel Rishikesh Narendra Nagar will embody harmony and rejuvenation, blending the soulful energy of the Himalayas with the timeless French elegance of Sofitel,” Maud Bailly, CEO of Sofitel Legend, said in a statement. “This extraordinary resort reflects our vision to create immersive luxury experiences that connect guests with culture, nature and wellness.”

In November 2025, Indian luxury hotel group Empire Hospitality also opened a new Country Inn Premier hotel in Rishikesh. The 31-suite property sits at the foot of the Lakshman Jhula suspension bridge, which crosses the Ganges and is commonly associated with the city.

The sacred Hindu city of Rishikesh has become a new hotspot for wellness tourism.Shutterstock · Shutterstock

New Delhi-based Oberoi Group is also developing two new luxury hotels in the city. Construction begins later this year on the luxury 80-room Oberoi Resort and 120-room Trident-branded property, in partnership with Indian hotel conglomerate The Ladhani Group.

Both are expected to open to customers by 2029.

Travel news:

“Rishikesh is a destination of immense cultural and natural significance, and we are committed to developing resorts that celebrate its beauty while providing guests with world-class experiences,” Shri SN Ladhani, Chairman of the Ladhani Group, who passed away in May 2025, said in a March 2025 statement to facilitator Constro.

On January 20, the Indian arm of travel company Thomas Cook also welcomed visitors to the new Nature Trails Rishikesh resort, located on four acres of land next to Rajaji National Park.

The Nature Trails portfolio already has four properties in Indian cities such as Maharashtra and Goa, among others. In unveiling its expansion plan, the outdoor and experiential resort brand highlighted the rise of outdoor spiritual retreat and wellness tourism.

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This story was originally published by TheStreet on January 24, 2026, where it first appeared in the Travel section. Add TheStreet as your preferred source by clicking here.