Last Updated: January 10, 2020 Abhishek Gurung
A country where nature, architecture, and culture abound, India is also the most preferred yoga destination to visit for international tourists. I mean why wouldn’t it be…after all it’s the birth land of yoga! Travellers come here for a renewal experience seeking a chance to connect with inner self in country’s many meditations and yoga centres. In fact, what’s more fascinating is that India has a bunch of fabulous tourist friendly places where you can have a yoga session under the trees, on the banks of rivers or on the beachside where the wind whispers thus making it an ideal destination for a yoga vacation. That being said… here are the 12 best or worth visiting yoga destinations to have a spiritual rendezvous with nature and inner self.
Kerala
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A place where the staggering palm trees shadow you from the glowing sun and the traditional houseboats stay afloat on the calm backwaters, is one of the most visited places in India. Ideally, travelers seeking solace and peace opt Kerala as their refuge or a getaway destination, but it is also a great place to go for a yoga vacation. This southern state has many pleasing perfect spots for yoga and the best place to visit for a yoga holiday in Kerala is in the capital itself, Trivandrum. Here, visit the Sivananda Yoga Vedanta Dhanwantari Ashram and completely submerse yourself in various yoga practices. This centre offers yoga on an alcohol-free vegetarian diet, and karma yoga, also silent meditation that may help one to seek inner peace and spirituality. You can check out their website to know more.
Uttarakhand
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This fabulous state of Uttarakhand is filled with beautiful destinations to visit and above all, it is widely famed for its tiger reserve, the Corbett. In fact, there are several other tourist places, but wait a minute! isn’t this blog about a spiritual experience? As we speak, Uttarakhand has a melange of places where tourists can get hold of their inner self by practicing some yoga and meditation, in this case, visit the yoga capital, Rishikesh. While here, spend a week or two (as per the class requires) and have a pleasant vacay you need and deserve. For a more awakening holiday to soothe your spirit, attend the classes in Anand Prakash Ashram where they teach about Akhanda Yoga. You don’t even need to worry about accommodations as they provide well-maintained rooms. There are many other ashrams in Rishikesh like Osho Ganga Dham Ashram, Himalayan Yog Ashram and for those who enjoy everything for free, visit Sivananda Ashram, they provide free daily classes.
Goa
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Whether you want to take up a yoga course or simply soothe your body, mind, and soul…think Goa, for it is that popular destination which is famed for its balmy and serene beaches and of course yoga. For both wellness and pleasure, Goa always offers a notch better experience every time you visit as it is replete with fabulous resorts and perfect landscape and weather. It is evident to be the favourite destination for foreigners and locals alike. However while here, ditch those same old hostels and beach resorts and stay in Goa’s beautiful yoga and wellness resorts. Plan a stay at Ashiyana Yoga Centre in Mandrem to get a detoxifying holiday and for a rather secluded getaway, visit the Beach House in Colva. It offers wellness programs and yoga retreat that focuses on body balancing and intensive yoga healing treatment. However, there are other popular places for a yoga holiday in Goa and they are mostly located in south Goa. Visit Little Cove Yoga Holiday Retreat in Cola and Kranti Yoga Village Beach Resort on Patnem Beach.
Pondicherry
One way to describe this enchanting Union Territory of South India, Pondicherry, is by talking about its French colonial architecture, bright coloured buildings, pristine beaches and pretty flora around every corner. Wait till the monsoon hits the surface of Pondy and lets it radiate the place even more and you’d say, how can one not be charmed by its serene ambience. I’d like to believe, it is more charming than Cinderella’s Prince Charming. But that’s not what we will be discussing about today because, duh! it’s about yoga. For a rather relaxing holiday in India when you are lost in translation, take up a yoga course, as this is the only language that every hearty and healthy holidayer speak. Go to the internationally famed yoga centre at the Sri Aurobindo Ashram located on Rue de la Marine and learn about spiritual teachings and yoga practices. As a matter of fact, this ashram is a prime destination for tourists seeking for spiritual awakening and guidance.
Himachal Pradesh
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This one of a kind state, Himachal Pradesh that is framed by majestic snow-clad mountains and charming towns certainly has an appeal that spellbinds travellers. And it is a land that bundles many alluring places to visit, as a matter of fact, some famously visited places are Manali, Kasol, and Shimla. But not to forget, the most loved yoga destination in Himachal is Dharamshala, ‘this is what you came for’…right? If you are done humming the song, learn about the places you can go for yoga in Dharamshala. Visit Shiva Yoga Valley located on the upper Dharamshala, Mcleodganj and learn how to be a yoga teacher or take a class where you get to learn special techniques of power yoga, hatha yoga, kundalini yoga, kriya yoga and more. Basing on your duration of the stay, you can check out their website and select your ideal itinerary either for a week-long yoga course or two.
Maharashtra
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Maharashtra is all about their high rise tower cities, copious beach destinations and pretty hill stations that famously display their captivating points of tourist interests. Besides all that where travellers go to, Maharashtra has a bunch of places best for a yoga holiday. And when we talk about where to go for a yoga retreat, head up to the hills towards Lonavala to Kaivalyadhama Ashram. This ashram offers myriad programmes, you can select from a series of courses according to your stay here; also they provide healing programs and Ayurveda, naturopathy programs apart from yoga. Kaivalyadhama Ashram also trains yoga teachers providing them with diploma courses. Check their website for more information about accommodation and other programs on yoga.
Karnataka
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A stupendous destination that stands out with a melange of attractions that include pilgrimage and heritage sites, wildlife and beaches, Karnataka is certainly a must visit with many amazing places to see and things to do. Speaking of which, Karnataka also makes a great yoga destination and with housing Mysore, this state is amongst the ideal place to visit for a yoga holiday. Visit Mysore Mandala Yoga Centre as this place offers an authentic ambience with a century-old house with a few modern decor. The programs run here include learning the yoga sutras as well as hatha, back bending, pranayama, and shatkriya. With a cafe facility that serves sole vegetarian menu, Mysore Mandala certainly makes every spiritual travellers journey here quite something.
West Bengal
Yet another fabulous place to visit in India, West Bengal’s capital city, Kolkata is a great destination to love and explore the city. This place has a number of yoga centres but a popular one you can venture on is the Vivekananda Yoga Anusandhana Samsthana. This centre teaches various forms of yoga with a traditional approach. Plan a stay at this yoga centre for at least a week and practice various forms of yoga and meditation, you would see the outcome gradually.
Delhi
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With Delhi being the central breathing ground of India…and well, also the capital, you can expect to find a mishmash of everything good here. If your soul still lingers in the past, Delhi has a melange of historical sites, if a quick hill getaway if what you seek, well, Delhi is a place to start your trip from. Besides, this capital of India also occupies a bundle of ashrams that offer yoga and meditation centres and to pick a few best ones, Sri Aurobindo Ashram can be considered to be visited for a yoga meditation session. You get a peaceful meditation hall with no hierarchy dwelling around, they offer various types of yoga classes and workshops that speak of spirituality and inner healing process. But that’s not the only centre or ashram you can book into, visit Sivananda Yoga Vedanta Nataraja Ashram (keep yourself updated – sometimes free classes are conducted) and Neem Karoli Baba Ashram is also a worth visiting ashram. Here, you can see the Annapurna Temple which is the largest in North India.
Bihar
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One of the important destinations of the Buddhist circuit in India, Bodhgaya is probably the sole reason for travellers visiting Bihar but for yoga enthusiasts, it’s not a bad place to be in either. To make it clear, Bihar School of Yoga located in Munger of Bihar is a famous and best yoga learning center as it believes yoga to be a lifestyle and not a practice. That being said, this yoga school offers special hours for seva, which includes cleaning the surrounding and gardening. It may sound a little disappointing but it creates a different and interesting experience. Besides, the school offers yoga therapy classes and others that include Hatha, Raja, Kriya, as well as deep meditation classes called Yoga Nidra.
Tamil Nadu
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This beautiful state that houses an awe-so-pretty collection of west coast destinations is another place to visit for yoga filled holiday. In Tamil Nadu, one of the best yoga centres is Isha Yoga Center and it is located in three major places, Chennai, Madurai, and Coimbatore. This centre is famous worldwide for it not only offers yoga classes or meditation but also rejuvenation centers and a residential school called Isha Home School. However, head towards Coimbatore’s yoga centre for a rather rejuvenating feel as it is located off the city in the midst of Velliangiri mountains. The large facility also offers accommodation – Isha Cottages that offers serene ambience and comfortable bedrooms. Every year, thousands of people come here to seek inner peace and wellbeing. If you plan to visit here, make sure to plan months before.
Sikkim
Yoga centres up in the hills are always a refreshing change than the city ashrams and the Sikkim state offers a brilliant cool environment, you have to visit to experience. Come to Gangtok and stay, learn and explore the Sahaja Yoga Centre where they teach about the spiritual awakening and different forms of yoga. This center is also located in almost all the Northeastern states like Nagaland, Meghalaya and Arunachal Pradesh. Now, the next time you hit the road for a journey, make sure to devote a week or two for a yoga retreat.
Come and seek solace in their many yoga centres in India. It is a country blessed with various yoga centres settled in many destinations and through this article written all about yoga above…let me assume, you got your favourite pick already. If you are seeking a change in scenario and want a spiritual holiday in India do consider us for we offer best tour packages at a comfort of the wallet. You can feel free to call us at +91-9212553106 or drop in an email at info@tourmyindia.com and we will get to you as soon as we can.
Published: 06 Oct, 2017
Abhishek Gurung is a writer whose passion for food and travel is an unending affair. He likes going on treks and camping in the woods, loves exploring forts and architecture, he is a cycle enthusiast who likes to contribute something to the environment, travel photography and videography is another interest as he sees life in a cinematic point of view. He likes the idea of living in offbeat destination where the mode of communication is to interact with each other. Coming from Nagaland, he has visited some beautiful valleys and remote villages and appreciates nature as it is and as it should be.