My Guide To Yoga Teacher Training in India (2025)

As a deeply spiritual country and the birthplace of yoga, India is a dream destination for anyone who wants to learn yoga from the source. India is one of the most popular places to do yoga teacher training in the world because you’ll find the most affordable and authentic yoga teacher training in India.

There are so many great reasons to do yoga teacher training; whether you’re thinking of changing your career and becoming a registered yoga teacher, or just want to learn authentic yoga beyond the asanas, have a cultural and spiritual experience and deepen your personal yoga practice.

Studying yoga in India is the obvious choice but there are SO MANY yoga schools in India and sadly not all of them are good. I know how choosing the best yoga course can be overwhelming so I’ve put together this comprehensive guide to yoga teacher training in India from my personal experience to help you.

I started my own yoga journey in India and it has been a really positive force for transformation in my life. Not only have I become fitter, stronger and more flexible, yoga has also taught me to listen to my body and helps me calm my mind

I did my yoga teacher training in Goa and have been living and traveling in India for over 10 years. I’ve been able to experience many yoga schools myself and also heard a few horror stories – so I’ll share with you all my tips to help you have the best experience possible.

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The Origins and History of Yoga in India

Yoga in India is much more than just a form of exercise. It’s an ancient discipline originating in northern India that combines physical postures (asanas), breathing techniques (pranayama), meditation, and ethical principles for physical, mental, and spiritual well-being.

The history of yoga is believed to go back over 5,000 years. The first texts to mention yoga where The Vedas, Sanskrit scriptures detailing spiritual rituals written between 1500–1000 BCE. Although yoga has its roots in Hinduism it’s a holistic practice that can be adapted so that anyone can practice yoga no matter their religion or age.

The term “yoga” comes from the Sanskrit word “yuj,” which means to yoke, unite or to join. It is a physical, mental, and spiritual practice to balance the body, mind, and spirit, with the ultimate aim of achieving inner peace and self-realization.

Many famous yoga gurus have helped to shape yoga into the global phenomena that it is today. In about 400 BCE Patanjali, often considered the father of classical yoga, complied The Yoga Sutras which detailed the Eight Limbs of Yoga (Ashtanga Yoga.) This includes ethical guidelines (yamas and niyamas), physical postures (asanas), breath control (pranayama), and meditative absorption (samadhi).

Swami Vivekananda brought yoga to the West in the 19th century, while T. Krishnamacharya, the “Father of Modern Yoga,” influenced contemporary Hatha yoga through his students B.K.S. Iyengar, Pattabhi Jois, and Indra Devi.

Modern yoga teachers and mystics, like Sadhguru founder of the Isha Foundation, combine traditional yogic teachings with practice for modern life and continue to spread yoga globally today.

Why you should consider doing yoga teacher training in India

As the birthplace of yoga and Ayurveda (an ancient life science) India is the obvious choice for authentic yoga teacher training (YTT) It’s one of the most popular places in the world to learn yoga and get a yoga teacher certification.

There are hundreds of yoga schools offering comprehensive and affordable courses, many are registered with Yoga Alliance USA so, once qualified, you’ll be able to teach yoga all over the world as a registered yoga teacher.

It’s also very affordable and a lot cheaper doing a YTT in India compared to the West. Most YTT packages include accommodation and meals throughout the course.

Yoga in India is very different from the west. In India yoga is so much more than simply the physical practice of yoga postures (asanas), it’s an ancient science and a complex, spiritual practice and lifestyle. When you do a YTT in India you will learn all about the history of yoga in India and yoga philosophy.

You’ll be taught authentic and traditional yoga from experienced yoga teachers and skilled yoga instructors for whom the yogic practices are a way of life. You will not only gain a yoga teacher certification but also learn about the authentic yogic lifestyle and deepen your own personal practice.

Visiting India and being immersed in the rich history and spiritual energy of the country that invented yoga can be a life changing adventure. India attracts many spiritual seekers who come on a journey of self discovery to ‘find themselves’, the country holds a very profound spiritual energy that is difficult to describe but can be a truly transformational experience.

The best places to learn yoga in India

India is an amazingly diverse country with so much to explore from the exciting cities to the snowy peaks of the Himalayan mountains to sandy deserts and tropical beaches.

There are many unique holy and spiritual places, temples and colourful religious festivals to experience in Mother India. If you can, allow extra time after your YTT to experience ashram life and travel around India.

Courses can be found all over the country but the best places to learn yoga in India are:-

Rishikesh: Known as ‘the yoga capital of the world’ situated on the banks of the holy Ganges river at the foot of the Himalayas with many ashrams. Check out my Rishikesh Travel Guide for more.

Goa: A popular beach holiday destination with lively nightlife, colourful hippie markets and a unique fusion of Indian and Portuguese culture. Choose South Goa for a more peaceful experience. Check my Goa Travel Guide for more.

Kerala: Laid back, luscious, tropical backwaters, beaches, jungles, tea plantations and wildlife sanctuaries in the far South of India and the birthplace of Ayurveda. Varkala beach is home to many yoga schools. Check out my Kerala Travel Guide for more.

Mysore: A colourful town in South India famous for it’s flamboyant palace, vibrant markets and the home of Ashtanga yoga. Check out my Mysore Travel Guide for more.

Dharamasala: The home of the Tibetan government in exile in the Himalayan mountains. Many popular yoga schools from Goa run their courses in McLeod Ganj and Dharamkot in the summer. Find out why I love Dharamkot so much.

The Andaman and Nicobar Islands: These largely undeveloped islands in the Indian ocean are perfect if you love beaches and nature and want to get away from it all.

The location of your yoga course will have a big impact on the kind of experience you have so choose wisely! Do some research (or click on the links to read my other India blog posts) and decide which destination you like the sound of and then start your search for the best schools there.

If you want to be in the heart of the yoga scene go to Rishikesh, the yoga capital of the world, if you’re into Ashtanga head to Mysore. For a more serene experience pick Dharamsala and feel the inspiring energy of the Himalayan mountains. Or if you’d prefer to train in a relaxing, tropical environment, then consider somewhere in South India like Kerala, Goa or the Andaman islands.

The best time to do yoga teacher training in India varies depending on your destination as it’s such a huge and diverse country. You’ll find more tips for planning your trip to India and when to visit at the end of this article.

Options for yoga courses in India

There are literally hundreds of yoga courses in India listed on bookyogateachertraining.com with different styles of yoga, certifications and durations that it can be confusing figuring out which one is the best for you.

To narrow down the options think about which yoga style you’d like to learn (and teach) and your current experience level. It’s generally expected that students undertaking India yoga teacher trainings should have experience of at least 6 months of regular yoga practice. Some schools will accept beginners while others have stricter entry requirements.

There are so many different yoga styles – from classical Hatha and Ashtanga yoga, to more modern styles like Vinyasa Flow, Yin, Restorative, Iyengar, Kundalini, Sivananda, Acro and Aerial yoga – so whatever you are looking for you can find it in India.

If you’re unsure which yoga style to specialise in then go for a multi-style program or traditional classical 200 hour Hatha yoga teacher training program.

Also consider how long you want to spend studying yoga in India and which certification you want to earn. Here’s the most common options;

200 Hour Yoga Teacher Training Courses

The intensive 200 hour yoga teacher training certification is the most popular as it is the basic requirement to become a qualified yoga teacher and start teaching professionally.

200 hour yoga courses usually take between 15 – 30 days to complete. As it’s an intensive program I recommend taking the most time you can for the best experience. Some schools offer a hybrid program that allows you to complete some of the theoretical training online which helps to save time.

A 200 hour India yoga teacher training course should contain daily meditation, pranayama and traditional hatha yoga asana practice as well as lectures on yoga anatomy, alignment, yoga history, the yoga sutras, yoga philosophy and teachings about the yogic lifestyle.

You’ll also learn about teaching methodology and get teaching practice, both one on one and leading up to teaching the whole class towards the end of your training.

This is a really important element of a yoga instructor course to prepare you for being a registered yoga teacher (RYT). Some courses have written exams, others just have a practical exam where the students teach a class at the end of the course.

Successful completion of the 200 hour yoga teacher training course will give trainees a yoga teacher certification and the qualification to register with Yoga Alliance, become a certified yoga teacher and start teaching yoga.

Advanced Yoga Courses – 300 hours and 500 hours

After completing the initial 200 hours, there’s also the option of the more advanced yoga courses if you want to go deeper. The 300 hour YTT usually takes 21 – 35 days.

If you want to do both then you could choose a 500 hour YTT. This is a intensive combination of the 200 hour and 300 hour yoga program in succession and takes about 60 days.

Shorter Yoga Courses – 50 and 100 hours

If you are looking for short yoga courses, or you’re not sure if you’re ready for a full yoga teacher training program yet, you can opt for a 50 hour YTT or a foundation 100 hour yoga teacher training course.

100 hour yoga courses are usually the first half of the 200 hour course and some schools may lets you come back later to do another 100 hours to complete your certification.

50 hour yoga courses are usually top ups in specific styles like yin yoga, ariel yoga, kids yoga, or prenatal yoga to expand your knowledge after completing a 200 hour course.

Remember that authentic Indian yoga teacher training course is not a relaxing yoga retreat holiday – it’s an intensive, challenging, physical, emotional, mental and spiritual life changing journey where you’ll be waking up early and be busy studying all day. You will be expected to attend every session to earn your certification and pass an exam at the end.

If you’d prefer a relaxing yoga holiday then you’d be better off going for a yoga retreat in India. There are also many amazing ashrams and meditation centres you can visit in India and even stay in if you want to experience ashram life.

Online Yoga Teacher Training Options

If you can’t make it to India right now there is a still a way to gain your yoga teacher certification with one of the best Indian yoga schools as some offer online yoga teacher training courses nowadays.

One of the best is World Peace Yoga School in Rishikesh who offer a comprehensive self paced multi-style online 200 hour yoga teacher training where you can earn your Yoga Alliance certification to work as a yoga instructor anywhere in the world.

Online yoga courses are generally the most affordable way to become a certified yoga instructor, but they do have some drawbacks compared to in-person trainings. Here’s more on the pros and cons of online yoga teacher training.

How much does yoga teacher training in India cost?

India has some of the cheapest and most affordable yoga teacher training courses in the world with prices starting from only INR 30,000 (that’s about $350) and going up to $3000 for a more luxurious experience.

The average cost for a 200 hour yoga teacher training in India is around $1000 (£780 or €900) for a 1 month intensive course with meals and accommodation included.

You’ll find the cheapest yoga courses in Rishikesh where the average 200 hour YTT costs $600, while the beaches of Goa and Kerala tend to be more expensive.

However, cheapest is not always best! Be aware that standards of accommodation and facilities in India might not be the same as you are used to at home. The electricity, hot water supply and internet can be erratic, beds can be hard, streets are noisy, and food hygiene is a real concern. While it’s all part of what makes India such a transformative destination its often worth paying a bit more for more comfort!

Don’t forget that you’ll need to budget for flights and transfers and you’ll need to get an Indian visa too. (More about this at the end of the article.) Check Skyscanner to find the best deals – round trip flights from London to New Delhi can be found for under £400 while flights from New York to New Delhi can cost $600.

My Pick of the Best 200 hour Yoga Teacher Training Courses in India

If you are feeling overwhelmed by the number of programs this bit is for you! To make it easy for you here are my recommendations for some of the best schools for 200 hour yoga teacher training in India.

This list is based on personal experience, recommendations from friends, years of research and reviews on www.bookyogateachertraining.com. 

• Best Yoga School in Rishikesh – Yoga Vidya Mandiram 
• Best Yoga Course in Goa – Diya Yoga
• Best Yoga Course in Kerala – Vrinda School of Yoga
• Best Yoga Course in Dharamshala – Sarvaguna Yoga
• Best Yoga Course in Mysore – All Yoga Training 

The Best Yoga Teacher Training in Rishikesh

200 hours Hatha and Ashtanga Vinyasa Yoga Teacher Training with Yoga Vidya Mandiram in Rishikesh

Image courtesy of Yoga Vidya Mandiram and www.bookyogateachertraining.com

• Location: Tapovan, Rishikesh
• Style: Hatha, Ashtanga and Vinyasa
• Duration: 200 hours in 22 Days
• Price: From USD $595

Rishikesh is the yoga capital of the world and Yoga Vidya Mandiram have been running one of the best value for money and most popular yoga teacher trainings in Rishikesh for years.

Located on the banks of the holy Ganges River in the foothills of the Himalayas, this top rated yoga school offers a wide range of yoga certification courses. Their most popular course is the 200-hour hatha and ashtanga vinyasa YTT takes 22 days to complete.

This program focuses on traditional Hatha Yoga and Ashtanga Vinyasa Yoga styles and is affiliated with Yoga Alliance. As well as practicing your yoga asanas in the studio and on the banks of the holy Ganges river, you’ll also learn all about Patanjali’s yoga philosophy, the eight limbs of yoga, anatomy, alignment, teaching methodology, pranayama, mediation and yoga nidra.

You’ll learn from experienced, registered yoga teachers that have been immersed in traditional hatha yoga teachings from a young age and are eager to share their wealth of knowledge with you. You’ll also get plenty of teaching practice yourself so that you’ll feel confident and ready to teach yoga upon completion.

The course includes accommodation and three healthy vegetarian meals a day. All rooms have Wi-Fi and you can choose between a shared rooms or private single rooms. The prices also includes excursions to explore the nearby holy shrines and Hindu temples. You can also go hiking in the Himalayas, rafting down the river Ganges, or take the short walk into town or the river ghats nearby on your day off.

Yoga Vidya Mandiram offer a range of yoga courses in Rishikesh. If you have limited time or you are just beginning your yogic practice you could go for their 7 day 50 hour Hatha and Ashtanga YTT, or the 11 day 100 hour Hatha and Ashtanga program.

Or, if you’ve already done your 200 hours, you can do an advanced 300 hour YTT over 28 days, or do your 200 and 300 together in one go with the epic 50 day 500 hour YTT.

See more details, dates, prices and reviews here

Read more about Rishikesh and the other Yoga Teacher Training Courses in Rishikesh I recommend here

The Best Yoga Teacher Training in Goa

200 hours Multi-Style Yoga Teacher Training with Diya Yoga at Mandrem Beach, Goa

• Location: Mandrem Beach, North Goa
• Style: Multi Style
• Duration: 200 hours in 21 days
• Price: From USD $ 2,149

I did my yoga teacher training in Goa with Diya Yoga at Mandrem beach. The beautiful beaches of Goa are one of the most popular places in India to practice yoga, but what really stood out to me about this Goa yoga school was that is mostly female run (a rarity in the normally male dominated world of yoga in India.) So as a solo female traveller I felt super safe here with experienced yoga teachers like Meera and Disha.

Their 200 hour Goa yoga teacher training course takes 22 days and is held just steps away from Mandrem beach – the most peaceful beach in North Goa! It’s a multi-style YTT that includes Hatha, Ashtanga-Vinyasa, Restorative and Yin yoga as well as yoga nidra and OSHO inspired active and non-active meditation sessions.

As well as twice daily asana, pranayama and meditation classes you’ll also learn all about yoga anatomy, alignment, yoga philosophy and teaching methodology. You’ll receive Yoga Alliance certification following successful completion of the program.

Three healthy, vegetarian meals each day and accommodation in comfortable private rooms with ensuite bathrooms just steps from the beach is provided. Airport transfers are also included in the package price.

After yoga classes you can take a swim in the warm Arabian sea or stroll along the beach and be mesmerized by the spectacular sunsets. Or relax with a massage, go shopping at the colourful hippie markets, and join a drum circle or ecstatic dance session.

See more details, dates, prices, reviews and book here! 

Read more about Goa and the other Yoga Teacher Training Courses in Goa I recommend here

The Best Yoga Teacher Training in Kerala

200 hours Hatha, Ashtanga Vinyasa Yoga Teacher Training with Vrinda School of Yoga at Varkala Beach

• Location: Varkala Beach, Kerala
• Style: Hatha, Ashtanga and Vinyasa Yoga
• Duration: 200 hours in 28 days
• Price: From USD $639

Kerala is one of the most luscious and relaxing places in all of India and the home of the ancient life of science of Ayurveda making it the perfect destination for deepening your yoga practice.

This 28-day 200-hour Multi Style yoga teacher training in Kerala is located in the heart of the stunning holy beachside town of Varkala. This location gives you access to beaches, temples, nearby authentic fishing villages and countless outdoor activities.

The program at Vrinda Scientific School of Yoga features Hatha yoga and Ashtanga Vinyasa yoga training led by passionate, qualified doctors of yoga and nature cures with expertise in a wide variety of styles. The school is also registered with Yoga Alliance USA.

The lead teacher Doctor Malathi is a post graduate degree holder of yoga from Dr. MGR medical College Chennai with over 10 year experience in yoga training and one of the best yoga teachers. Female yoga teachers are not as common in India and her energy, empathy and enthusiasm was a real highlight for me and will put solo female travellers at ease.

Your included accommodation will give you access to beautiful scenery, and you will be able to participate in extra activities such as painting, cooking, and Sanskrit classes. You’ll eat three meals a day of fresh, delicious, vegan, Ayurvedic food perfect for a yogic diet.

Being in the birthplace of Ayurveda, Vrinda School of Yoga also offers a 28 day 200 hour YTT program with ayurvedic massages and treatments. 

See more details, dates, prices, reviews and book here!

The Best Yoga Teacher Training in Dharamshala

200 hours Multi Style Yoga Teacher Training with Sarvaguna Yoga in Bhagsu

• Location: Upper Bhagsu, near Dharamsala, Himachal Pradesh
• Style: Multi-Style
• Duration: 200 hours in 28 days
• Price: From USD $1,400

If you want to escape the heat of India and feel the magic and powerful energy of the Himalayan mountains head up to the Dharamshala area for a traditional yoga training.

An excellent choice for an authentic Indian yoga training in Dharamshala is Sarvaguna Yoga. Tucked into the mountainside at the base of the Himalayas in the serene village of Bhagsu close to McCleod Ganj – the home of the Dalai Lama and Tibetan government in exile.

The 200 hour YTT offered here takes place over 28 days and incorporates asana practice in classical hatha yoga, vinyasa yoga, restorative yoga, yin yoga and yoga nidra as well as mantra chanting, pranayama, daily meditation and spiritual therapy.

Classes are taught by experienced instructors, one of which is Dr. Keshava, a registered yoga teacher who has taught over 100 teacher training courses and the school is registered with Yoga Alliance. You’ll also be taught the yoga business skills you’ll need for a successful career as a yoga teacher or yoga studio owner.

Your modern and comfortable guest house accommodation will include Wi-Fi, 24-hour hot showers, and everything you need for a comfortable and relaxing stay including freshly prepared traditional Indian vegetarian meals.

On your days off you will be able to visit temples and monasteries and explore the mountains, participate in trekking excursions. Dharamsala is one of my favourite places to go in India in the Summer months and I’m sure if you go you’ll fall in love too.

The Himalayas are probably one of the best places in the world to meditate and Sarvaguna also offer a 15 day 100 hour meditation teacher training program. If you’ve already done your 200 hour check out their advanced 300 hour YTT held over 28 days.

Sarvaguna offer courses in Dharamshala from April till September and in the winter time from October – March you’ll find them on peaceful Agonda Beach offering their 200 hour yoga certification courses in Goa.

See more details, dates, prices, reviews and book here!

The Best Yoga Teacher Training in Mysore

200 hour Ashtanga Yoga Teacher Training with All Yoga Training in Mysore

• Location: Mysore, Karnataka, South India
• Style: Ashtanga and Vinyasa
• Duration: 200 hours in 28 days
• Price: From USD $1,950

Mysore is famous is the yoga world as Guru Pattabhi Jois developed Ashtanga Vinyasa yoga here. His world famous yoga centre, the Ashtanga Yoga Research Institute, is now run by his daughter but it can be difficult to get into and doesn’t do YTTs.

Luckily there are now other options for yogis wanting to immerse themselves in the Mysore yogic lifestyle. All Yoga Training, who I did my YTT in Bali with, have been running fantastic ashtanga yoga courses in Bali and Thailand for many years and are now offering the same in Mysore!

Their 23 day 200 hour YTT focuses on the Ashtanga Primary Series and combines it with the creative sequencing approach used in Vinyasa yoga for a challenging and dynamic practice.

As well as twice daily yoga classes to practice your yoga asanas and teaching style you’ll also study yoga philosophy, anatomy, teaching methodology and the yoga sutras so you’ll be super knowledgeable once you start teaching yoga.

Most yoga students in Mysore have to arrange their own accommodation near the yoga studio, but All Yoga provide comfortable accommodation in a spacious retreat center just outside the city in a peaceful spot near the river. All the rooms are comfortable with attached western bathrooms. You’ll also be fully catered for with three vegetarian meals a day during your program.

The city of Mysore is an interesting place to explore when your not practicing yoga with colourful temples, atmospheric markets and flamboyant palaces – it’s one of my favourite places in India so you’ll get a real Indian experience if you do your yoga training here.

See more details, dates, prices, reviews and book here!

For more options check out the listings on bookyogateachertraining.com and remember to read the reviews!

How to choose the best yoga training in India for you

There’s so many options for yoga teacher training courses in India so don’t just book the first one you see – take time to make sure it’s the right one for you.

Some of the most important things to consider when choosing a yoga training course include:

• the certification you’ll gain,
• the curriculum and quality of the yoga education,
• the style of yoga taught and how advanced you are in your own practice,
• the reputation of the yoga school and the instructors,
• the quality of the facilities and accommodation,
• the destination and location,
• the length and price of the program.

My top tip would be to consider what certification you need and which yoga style you want to teach, the destination you want to visit and research the reputation of the teachers and the school by reading unbiased reviews.

Always make sure the school is a Yoga Alliance registered yoga school. Here’s a great article on how to choose the best YTT for you which goes into more detail.

A Warning: There are a plethora of schools in India offering YTTs but not all are equal and choosing a good one can be difficult. A lot of yoga centres in India are mostly focused on profit than providing the most authentic experience. Ones that show up high on a Google search are not necessarily offering the best yoga education, they are just good at SEO.

There are also many fake gurus out there and solo female travellers need to especially careful as there have been cases of sexual misconduct in the yoga industry. The rise of #MeToo in yoga is a real concern, not just in India but all over the world. Women do need to be careful who they trust when traveling to India (check out my tips for women here)

A good way of checking out the schools reputation is to read real reviews and testimonies from past students on bookyogateachertraining.com to make sure you have a safe and enjoyable experience. You should also check that the school is a registered yoga school and approved by Yoga Alliance or the International Yoga Federation.

Read more here about how to choose a good yoga teacher training program and how to prepare for doing yoga teacher training.

Pros and cons of studying yoga in India

While India is the obvious choice for authentic yoga training visiting India is not without it’s challenges. Here’s some pros and cons and things to consider before you take the leap.

Pros:

• Yoga teacher training packages in India are the cheapest in the world
• You will learn authentic and traditional yoga in it’s birthplace
• You’ll be immersed in a vibrant, spiritual atmosphere
• There’s always a welcoming community of yogis and spiritual seekers to connect with
• You can experience the life changing adventure that comes with visiting India

Cons:

• India can be challenging to travel in – women’s safety, scams, garbage, pollution and poor food hygiene are challenges to consider.
• There are many fake gurus and yoga teacher training factories with huge classes sizes and low quality teaching and facilities.
• Accommodation can be basic and beds are usually hard in India. Winters can be cold in Rishikesh and most accommodation does not have heating or hot water.
• Noise from traffic, crowds of tourists and construction can disturb the tranquil atmosphere.
• You need to obtain an Indian visa beforehand.

Make sure you keep these issues in mind and carefully research the school before you book. If you prepare yourself for the culutre shock and challenges of visiting India and come with an open mind and heart, yoga teacher training in India can be a truly life changing experience.

If you are nervous why not consider yoga teacher training in Bali instead. This beautiful, tropical and deeply spiritual island in Indonesia also follows the Hindu religion and has a plethora of high quality yoga centres.

Taj Mahal, Agra

Tips for planning to your yoga trip to India

Now you know more about which yoga course to choose, here’s some more tips for visiting India. I have many more blogs on India so you might also want to check those out too.

The best time to visit India for yoga training

Generally speaking the best time to visit India is between November and March in the cool, dry, winter season where days are sunny and dry and temperatures are cool, by Indian standards.

April and May can be unbearably hot until the monsoon rains bring respite from the heat in June/July – September/October, depending on where you are.

But India is a huge and diverse country so the best time to do a yoga teacher training in India really depends on your destination:

November – March is the best time to do a YTT in Goa, Kerala and Mysore. After that it becomes too hot or too wet.

If you do a YTT in Rishikesh in December or January you’ll likely find it quite cold, especially during early morning meditation or yoga classes. Rishikesh is in the foothills of the Himalayas it gets pretty chilly up there in the winter and the buildings are generally not very well insulated and shalas (yoga studios) are often open air.

For Rishikesh, the best time to go is September/October or March – April. Dharmashala is even higher up than Rishikesh so gets even colder but is a perfect escape from the heat in May, June and July.

Getting to India and Getting Around

Mumbai (BOM) and New Delhi (DEL) receive many international flights from all over the world and will probably be your point of entry to India, although Goa and Kerala also have smaller international airports.

From Mumbai or Delhi you can transfer to a domestic flight to get closer to your YTT destination. Most yoga schools will be able to arrange a transfer from the nearest airport and I recommend you take this to ensure you get to your destination safely and stress free.

The quickest way to get to Rishikesh is to take a domestic flight from Delhi to Dehra Dun which takes about 1 hour. Then from Dehra Dun it is about 40 minutes in a taxi to Rishikesh. Alternatively the bus from Delhi to Rishikesh takes about 6 hours. The train to Haridwar takes about 7 – 9 hours and then you’ll need to get a taxi 30 mins to Rishikesh. Book your train well in advance as they get fully booked.

Cochin in Kerala and Goa both have well connected airports receiving some international and many domestic flights. Mysore is 3 hours from Bengaluru/ Bangalore which receives many international flights.

The nearest airport to Dharamshala is Kangra/ Gaggal Airport (DHM) which is a small airport with limited services 30 mins away from Dharamshala. You can also get an overnight sleeper bus from Delhi but this can be a hair raising ride through the mountains.

You can book buses and trains in India easily online at 12Go Asia.

Visas for India

Nearly all nationalities (apart from citizens of Bhutan, Nepal and the Maldives) must apply for an Indian visa before travelling.

An E-Visa is available to 156 nationalities including the UK, USA, Canada, Australia, New Zealand and most European countries, but you still need to apply online before you travel to India. Get your e-visa here.

If getting an Indian visa is a problem why not consider Bali instead – it’s also a deeply spiritual Hindu island with many luxurious retreats and trainings.

What to wear for yoga in India

India is a conservative country and female travellers especially should dress conservatively to avoid unwanted attention. Loose fitting, light clothes are a good way to cover up and stay comfortable in the heat.

Tight leggings, hotpants and crop tops aren’t really appropriate for yoga in India although you don’t need to cover up so much at the yoga retreats or beaches of Goa, the most westernised state in India.

Most yoga schools have yoga mats you can use but for hygiene reasons I recommend getting your own. You can buy basic yoga mats in many shops but if you prefer a higher quality mat you might want to bring it with you. See more packing tips and what to wear when traveling in India here.

Also make sure your travel insurance covers you for all the activities you plan to do on your trip and for any covid related cancellations or illness. I recommend World Nomads

I hope this blog has helped to find your ideal India yoga teacher training course and has inspired you to take the next step in your yoga journey!

If you’re still undecided check out my other posts or this article about yoga teacher training abroad for more tips and recommendations. 

Also check out Love Yoga Love Travel Blog my new yoga blog.

Read More India and Yoga Blogs:

• A Guide to Yoga Teacher Training in Goa
• A Guide to Yoga Teacher Training in Rishikesh
• Top Yoga Retreats in Goa
• Best Yoga Retreats in Rishikesh
• Yoga and Ayurveda Retreats in Kerala
• Tips for Women Traveling in India
• The Ultimate Itinerary for Traveling India

Do you have any more questions about yoga teacher training in India? Leave a question in the comments below and I’ll try and help you out! Who knows, your questions might even help out other yogis and travellers!