It is very natural for any seeker to get drawn by Mother India as the spiritual journey begins. India seems to be the source of a number of religions and holistic rituals, and spirituality has been embedded into the lifestyles of the people living in it.
India is the birthplace of Yoga and you would imagine that once there, a random holy man will place his hand on your forehead and bless you with the formula to attain permanent joy. Well,… this might not be your case but let me tell you that if you’re searching for the real Yoga experience, this country has so much to offer you.
Endowed with a range of different paths to reach a state of self-realization, harmonizing the body and the mind through the disciplines of Yoga, Ayurveda, and Meditation among others,
its land has seen thousands of renunciates and enlightened beings, who abandon the materialistic world to embrace the practice of austerities as a way of living.
As the Motherland of Yoga, India is the country conducting more Yoga Teacher Trainings in the world. Not all of them are good, and not all the locations are recommended for a Yoga trip. We believe the following four cities located North and South of the country will be the most suitable to embrace the Yoga teacher training experience.
The North of India, especially the region of the Himalayas, is known as the abode of the Rishis, the favorite meditation spot for Shiva. During the months of winter, the chilled weather of the mountains induces stillness and inward work, but summers can be hard if you are not at a good altitude
RISHIKESH
The holy city of Rishikesh is located in the foothills of the Himalayas and its the starting point for pilgrimages, the place for a multitude of ashrams and, as its Sanskrit name indicates, the land of rishis, -rshi (sage, mystic) and kesha (place, land)-.
Rishikesh has been baptized as the Yoga Capital of the World
By virtue of many masters stepping into its land to spread spirituality and mindfulness, and it’s remarkable location, with one foot on the Himalayas and the other foot on the holy river Ganga.
Multiple reasons are valid to embark on this journey of Yoga in Rishikesh, but probably my favorite one is the Ganga river. Ganga Maa begins in the mountains and reaches Rishikesh with clean and fresh water. Her presence is calm and inviting during the day, and fiercely running through the night. It would be difficult to express the exact feeling you have while sitting in the banks of this river. There is something very mystical, deeply spiritual and forever unknown about her energy.
There is a strong Bhakti Yoga following in Rishikesh, which has led to the creation of spaces to learn mantras, meditation and classical Indian music.
Every evening, for sunset, the Ganga Aarti resonates throughout the city, pacifying the atmosphere and bringing a feeling of unification and serenity to citizens and tourists.
This beautiful pooja (ceremony) uses fire in different shapes as an offering, welcoming everyone to light a wick on top of a little flower cradle, to send it floating to the Gods through the running waters
The ceremony is held at Parmarth Niketan and at Triveni Ghat.
Rishikesh is divided into two sections: Ram Jhula and Laxman Jhula. \ Laxman Jhula has more a modern vibe with healthy cafes and hippie shops, while Ram Jhula has remained a bit more traditional. No matter where you are, Yoga schools are everywhere, which makes difficult to choose a good Teacher Training or drop-in class. If you will be visiting for a limited amount of time, that can make you frustrated as some of the classes are taught by beginners or teachers who show no or little interest.
If in search of a comprehensive drop-in class, you cannot miss Mittra Rawat’s classes at Sri Sant Sewa Ashram. His classes are real traditional Hatha Yoga with a deep focus on alignment. Mittra Ji is a gem with great knowledge of the human anatomy, in addition to being a remarkably humble teacher.
Drop-in classes and workshops in Rishikesh are a great way to meet like-minded people, and just by looking around on the restaurants announcing boards or streets walls, you will find an infinite amount of flyers promoting fun and spiritual events.
The International Yoga Festival usually falls around March of each year. This gathering brings some Spiritual Leaders and allows you to try out and embrace every Yoga modality.
In summary, a perfect day in Rishikesh would look something like that:
- Start the day attending a Yoga class
- Having a healthy breakfast in Laxman Jhula
- Explore the streets to find handmade treasures and goodies
- Have lunch at some of the family restaurants in Tapovan
- Participating in an Acro Jam on the Ganga beach
- Waiting for the most magical sunset in Ram Jhula
- Checking out the live music at Royal Cafe__
Even if there is a clear spiritual approach from its inhabitants, the need for money is palpable; merchants and shop keepers will be constantly inviting you to spend your cash on their hundreds of products for sale. Do not get stressed, they have no intentions other than survival, and you can bargain as much as you want.
Besides the constant honking in the main streets, Rishikesh has a peaceful vibe. Nevertheless, it grows more each year as a tourist destination and spiritual gateway, and high season can get really hectic. After living in Rishikesh for almost 2 years, I found that those times are the perfect opportunity to go on an adventure trip.
If that’s your case, I believe you will really enjoy an early morning road trip to Kunjapuri temple to see the sunrise (from a really high point!), a visit to The Beatles Ashram, a little yatra (pilgrimage) around the Shiva temples or maybe just check out the infinite types of tours available; campings, rafting packages, trekkings, to see if anything appeals to you.
If the weather is getting too hot in Rishikesh, I really recommend heading to….
DHARAMSALA
The mountain setup of Dharamsala is loaded with the greenery of forests and tea plantations, gorgeous Buddhist monasteries and silver jewelry shops. The city is the current residency of the Dalai Lama and is the perfect spot for meditation, slow practices, and mindfulness.
For those looking for a profound experience of spirituality and less hustle, Dharamsala has a slow pace and invites you to just relax and focus inward. In Dharamkot and Mcleondganj you can find Yoga schools offering Teacher Training and houses providing retreat stays with Yoga and meditation classes, holistic therapies and delicious local food, at a very affordable price.
Know that if you are heading to Dharamsala for your teacher training, it will be a much more passive experience, probably based on the Hatha Yoga tradition, with gentle classes and lots of meditation.
Many people love spending time here before or after the training, as all the knowledge and arising feelings need some time to settle. To unwind your mind without stepping away from your practice, you can book your stay with Ram Yoga House. The lodge has very airy and luminous accommodations, welcoming guests to attend the mediation or Thai massage retreats, held in small groups, highlighting offerings like:
Daily yoga classes - morning and afternoon
Daily meditation and pranayama sessions
Study of yoga based on ancient yoga practices
Ayurveda & Chakra workshops
Meditative walks in nature
Sightseeing local attractions and surrounding temples
Daily healthy vegetarian meals and yogic cooking experience
If your schedule permits, you might be able to explore the area and check some of the most beautiful Buddhist temples, like Gyuto Monastery, and pry here and there about the monks’ way of life and daily practices. It’s really beautiful to hear and witness their chanting prayers. They take you somewhere else.
Another thing to love about Dharamsala is that you will have to hike everyday to get where you’re going! (ha!, work that booty) Altitudes are around 3,000m high, and sometimes breathing will not be easy, but you will get used to it. Explore breathwork and emotions coming up during that time, it will be very valuable time.
The Southern part of India is a cheerful, jubilant region filled with colors, tropical weather, and more dynamic Yoga practices. Indulge in strengthening practices and some times cheeky, flirtatious communities, where non-dualism governs and there are no limits to alternative living. We love Mysore and Goa, two very different cities that will enrich highly your Yogic experience.
MYSORE
Mysore was the place where the father of modern Yoga spent most of his years teaching. Sri. T. Krishnamacharya brought the secrets of the Himalayas to the common men, and many of the most popular Yoga teachers in history were his disciples.
You must have heard the name Mysore followed by the terms Ashtanga or Vinyasa.
Ashtanga Vinyasa was originated in Mysore by one of Krishnamacharya’s students, Sri K. Pattabhi Jois.
The Shala Pattabhi Jois founded, KPJAY, is still open for yogis and receives hundreds of students every year from all over the world. To participate in Saraswati’s (Pattabhi Jois daughter) and Sharath (grandson) classes you must apply around 3 months before (note: it takes literally less than 30 minutes from the registration opening to run out of spots )
The lineage of Krishnamacharya is alive through many other disciples, among them B.N.S Iyengar, the eldest Vini Yoga master living, whom you could be lucky enough to see in person or even take his class at the Krishnamachar Yoga Shala.
Mysore is a heritage city, and is considered as the cleanest city in India. Before, use to be a retirees paradise, but within the years has evolved into a mixture between both young and oldie people. The city allows good mobility through public transport including a great number of buses, railway, cabs and rickshaws.
Mysore allows having touristic endeavors like visiting art galleries, botanical gardens, wild jungle safari and gorgeous ancient temples. If you are interested to know more about culture and tradition, Mysore is the place.
This city congregates the most fascinating musicians and dancers in the classical Indian music scene, talented painters and wonderful architecture.
Classical music concerts and dramas are held regularly, and in the month of September or October, the world-famous Dasara Festival takes place to celebrate the victory of good over evil. This special Navaratri (nine nights of celebration for Durga, the Goddess) fills the streets of the city with processions, exhibitions, dance, music, and cultural programs.
Mysore is in Karnataka, the neighbor state of Kerala, the cradle of Ayurveda. You will find nice Ayurveda centers and resorts in the area, and you can take a short trip to Kerala to live the full ayurvedic experience.
Foodies alert! We must mention the gastronomy of the city, as many of the most delicious Indian dishes come from the South of India, such as Masala dosa (YES!), idli sambar, Mysore paak, vada or uttapam. Countless options for vegetarians and also for non-vegetarians.
If you are ready to taste the yummiest dosa in the world you should head towards Hotel Mylari. Simple, delicious food affordable to all!
GOA
A tourist destination for both Indian and foreigners, Goa is India’s most popular party place. Goa was one of the biggest trade centers in India. The hippies started exploring the area in the early ’60s, attracted by the beauty of the beaches and the peaceful atmosphere.
The dance and music meetings started growing and quickly became a hotspot for electronic music festivals and psychedelics
Some people come for Yoga and others for the party; at the present is a mixture of both.
The cradle of the new Yoga Gypsy vibe, combines hippie markets, reggae festivals, use of weed and other medicinal plants with Tantra, Yoga, and other Holistic Therapies.
Doing a teacher training in Goa it’s way more ‘distracting’. If you like taking Yoga playfully, using it as a tool to have fun, explore body movement and awareness, and be part of a big and loving community of like-minded people, this is your place.
At Arambol beach, you can relish sunrise dips, participate in Acro jams, or practice sunset Yoga next to the ocean.
There are many studios offering drop-in classes or Yoga on the beach, tantric workshops, Reiki courses, and all the alternative therapies you could ever imagine.
Get the most beautiful threads at the Mapusa Friday market, a vibrant trading center from the old times where vendors bring from all around India unique pieces, relics, and gypsy outfits.
Doing a teacher training in Goa it’s way more ‘distracting’. If you like taking Yoga playfully, using it as a tool to have fun, explore body movement and awareness, and be part of a big and loving community of like-minded people, this is your place.
At Arambol beach, you can relish sunrise dips, participate in Acro jams, or practice sunset Yoga next to the ocean.
There are many studios offering drop-in classes or Yoga on the beach, tantric workshops, Reiki courses, and all the alternative therapies you could ever imagine.
Get the most beautiful threads at the Mapusa Friday market, a vibrant trading center from the old times where vendors bring from all around India unique pieces, relics, and gypsy outfits.
Moreover, Goa has beautiful architecture: a nice blend between Indian and Portugues culture. The gastronomy as diverse as the city itself: all food is available; from seafood delights to modern vegan dishes.
Goa is ideal for beginners at water sports willing to give the first try to wet adventures like scuba diving, snorkeling or even swimming with dolphins!
Overall, India has space for everyone’s different taste: some places are very westernized and other more traditional, mountain, valley or ocean, inner work or building community.\ \ If you are having a difficult time choosing a suitable school for you, try out our bidding services and find your perfect match! Most likely what you seek is already seeking you.