When people think of yoga today, it’s often seen just as a fitness trend, stretching routines, fancy poses, or a way to stay flexible. Real yoga is much more than that, it’s about the balance: between the body and mind, effort and surrender, the self and the world around us. To get the real feel of yoga, there is no better place than India, the place where yoga originated thousands of years back.
However, with the numerous yoga schools available, it is sometimes difficult to determine which ones are truly authentic. To assist, we have compiled a list of the 5 best yoga destinations to take an authentic yoga course- schools that are not only faithful to the tradition but also direct students in a profound, life-altering manner.
1. Himalayan Yoga Association
Himalayan Yoga Association is situated in the beautiful mountains of India where one can learn the true, traditional yoga. The special thing about this school is not only the location, but also the commitment to the teaching of yoga as it was intended to be taught. Here, you can learn with teachers who have been practicing and studying yoga for many years and their courses go beyond yoga poses.
The best part about Himalayan Yoga Association is that you do not just come to class and leave, you live as a yogi during your stay. The silence of the mountain place helps you to think and develop spiritually. Each day will consist of early morning silence, classic yoga practice, and evening discourses on yoga wisdom. According to many students, their stay here transformed their lives and made them view life, relationships and themselves in a totally different manner.
Why We Stand Out
Courses are based on ancient yogic teachings but are modified to adapt to current lifestyles.
Teachers not only teach asanas, but also give deep study about meditation, pranayama, anatomy, therapy and Ayurveda, and philosophy.
Yoga Alliance certified programs enable students to become international yoga teachers with real skills.
The Himalayan environment offers the ideal landscape to focus and reflect.
2. Arogya Yoga School
Coming in second on our list is Arogya Yoga School, which is a place where the healing properties of yoga are in the forefront. The name Arogya means good health in Sanskrit and this school certainly reflects well on its name by taking the issue of yoga as a whole physical, mental and spiritual health well being. They are special because of their different attitude to therapeutic yoga- many individuals come to yoga as a way to solve their actual health problems such as back pain, stress, or chronic fatigue.
The teachers at Arogya have been trained in both classical yoga and contemporary anatomy which provides them with a unique point of view on how classical yoga can address modern health issues. Students report that their physical health is greatly improved, that they sleep better, and are less stressed, after taking courses here. Our focus on practical application leads to you not only leaving with tools you can use in your day-to-day life to maintain wellness.
3. Sattva Yoga Academy
Sattva Yoga Academy rises to the third position in our list due to its focus on teaching Sattva which is a Sanskrit term that means truth, purity, and harmony. This school has established itself as a provider of traditional, authentic yoga education but in a manner that is accessible to a modern practitioner of all backgrounds. The difference is that they put weigh on the spiritual foundations of yoga and yet practical in modern life.
The academy has a balanced curriculum with Hatha yoga, Vinyasa flow, meditation practices, and a study of yogic philosophy. Instructors at this school are well-chosen not only in terms of their expertise, but also their capability to reflect the ideas they impart. Even though the school is located in a quite remote area, you will enjoy it if you are more of a spiritual seeker.
4. Arohan Yoga
Arohan Yoga is ranked fourth in our list and the name itself gives you an insight about their philosophy. Arohan is a Sanskrit word which means ascending or rising up, and reflects the school approach to assisting students to raise their practice and consciousness. The school is especially renowned to be progressive with traditional yoga teachings as they respect the wisdom of the past and yet they present it in a manner that is appealing to the modern student.
Arohan Yoga has programs that fit various levels; there are basic courses that are ideal to a beginner but also advanced training that is ideal to experienced practitioners. What makes them special is the combination of the latest understanding with ancient traditions. As an example, they may describe the way ancient breathing methods influence the nervous system in terms of modern scientific knowledge. Students talk about it being empowering as they learn to view challenges as learning opportunities.
5. Vinyasa Yoga Shala
Vinyasa Yoga Shala takes the 5th spot as a school of the popular and graceful form of yoga called Vinyasa. They focus on this particular method, however, their experience and expertise is far beyond a series of steps. At Vinyasa Yoga Shala, students learn that Vinyasa is not merely the study of the rhythm and pace of life, but the actual physical practice of breathing and movement- going through the hardships of life with grace and flow is an analogy.
The school has a reputation of creative and dynamic classes which keep the students moving and help build their bodies, flexibility and endurance. What makes their style real is the fact that they ground the fluid movements on the classical yoga ideologies. The teachers also have the ability to make classes both demanding yet accessible and many students note that the style can not only make them more physically fit but also mentally flexible and resilient to apply to everyday life.
All these five schools have something special and valuable to offer. Choose where to study by considering deeply analysing your personal goals. The best yoga school is always the one that suits you and helps you in your way.
The decision to study yoga in its purest form can change your life in a wonderful way. Yoga is not about the perfect positions – it is about inner peace and the development of a better relationship with self. Wherever you decide to go, whether to one of these five schools or somewhere else, the most important thing is to start. Your yoga path is ready to begin!
FAQ
Q- What styles of yoga are mostly taught in Rishikesh yoga schools?
A- Multi-style yoga, which includes traditional Hatha, dynamic vinyasa, and Ashtanga vinyasa yoga is the base of many schools in Rishikesh. If you are new to begin a yoga journey, Multi-style yoga teacher training is recommended as you will gain a proper foundation in authentic yoga teaching.
Q- There are quite a cost range among the schools in Rishikesh. Why?
A- If you are looking for a quality experience, you need to invest. If you are looking for a way to learn yoga as low cost as possible, it’s possible to find such schools but you cannot expect more than the fee. Having a quality space, quality food, quality services along with best teachers requires a bit of investment.
Q- Are food and accommodation included in the yoga course fee?
A- At most of the yoga schools in Rishikesh, yes. Majority of yoga schools in Rishkesh provide simple, sattvic Indian dishes with minimal ingredients. At Himalayan Yoga Association, we go out of the box and provide a variety of healthy vegetarian dishes that have a proper nutritions with high-protein ingredients to support your training.
Q- How do I choose the best yoga school in Rishikesh for teacher training?
A- As you are coming to Rishikesh to do an intense yoga teacher training, focus on the quality of the school rather than what to do outside the school. You will wake up before the sunrise, and training goes on past the sunset time. Choose a school that is spacious, clean, away from noise so that you can focus on the reason why you come to Rishikesh.
Q- What is the difference between 100, 200, 300, and 500-hour yoga teacher training in Rishikesh?
A- 100hr YTT is the first half of 200hr YTT each school provides. 200hr YTT is the minimum requirement to register yourself to Yoga Alliance. 300hr YTT is an advanced level course for those who have completed 200hr YTT. 500hr YTT is the combination of 200hr and 300hr YTT.
Q- Are the yoga teacher training courses in Rishikesh beginner-friendly?
A- Yes, and Rishikesh is one of the (or the best) best places in the world for beginners to take yoga teacher training. By joining YTT in Rishikesh as a beginner, you are still a white canvas. The most authentic knowledge an practice of yoga can smoothly come into you without unnecessary or false information, and it will be a great beginning of your authentic yoga journey.
