India is the birthplace of yoga and Ayurveda (an ancient life science), it’s where the Buddha became enlightened, home to one of the oldest civilisations and one of the most spiritual countries in the world.
There’s no doubt that India is one of the world’s top yoga destinations, especially if you are looking for an authentic experience, where better to head than to a yoga retreat in India!?
Visiting India can be a life changing and transformational experience. It’s not surprising that this country attracts so many spiritual seekers with its plethora of spiritual places to visit and the sheer numbers of meditation centres, ashrams and yoga retreats in India.
Many years ago I was one of those seekers so I quit my job, sold everything and came to India to start practicing yoga and to ‘find myself’ back in 2013.
Over the years I’ve been able to experience many yoga retreats in India myself and even completed my yoga teacher training in Goa, so I can be your guide to yoga in India!
I’ve travelled all over India for the last 10 years and am now based in Goa. My yoga practice has really improved so much since learning yoga in India.
In this guide I’ll include a quick history of yoga in India, the best destinations, the top retreats and tips for choosing the best one for you. My aim is to help you narrow down the thousands of options and find a safe retreat to ensure the best possible experience. If you’re in a hurry, skip here to check out the best retreats.
My Guide to Yoga in India – Top Ashrams, Retreats & Meditation Centers
A Quick History of Yoga in India
Yoga is a whole lifestyle and philosophy that is believed to have developed around the 6th or 7th century BCE and has been practiced in India for centuries.
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.
Yoga is so misunderstood in the West – this ancient discipline is so much more than just physical exercises, in fact the whole point of yoga is to prepare the body and mind for meditation – that’s why yoga and meditation sessions go so well together.
Yoga didn’t become popular in the West until the 1980s, and since then there has been a boom in the yoga industry and there are now so many ashrams, yoga schools, yoga teacher training centers and other places that offer yoga retreats in India.
Yoga’s global popularity has inspired many people to visit India to learn authentic yoga practices where it all began and to go deeper training to become yoga teachers in a search for more meaning, peace and contentment in life.
Yoga, meditation and India has really changed my life! Just traveling around India can be a transformative journey but I believe it’s even more worthwhile if you spend some time on an Indian yoga retreat in this highly spiritual country. In fact, it would really be a shame not too!
While, studying yoga in India is the obvious choice there are SO MANY yoga schools and sadly not all of them are good. I know how choosing the best retreat can be overwhelming so I’ve put together this comprehensive guide to yoga retreats in India from my personal experience to help you have the best experience possible.
Reasons to go on a Yoga Retreat in India
There are so many benefits of taking a retreat for mind, body, and soul and of course, being the birthplace of yoga and Ayurveda, India is one of the best yoga destinations in the world with numerous options to choose from.
In India, you’ll also find many the world’s most authentic and affordable yoga retreats in India, as well as some of the most luxurious.
And, because yoga in India is very different from the west, you’ll learn so much in a yoga class here more than just the physical practice of yoga postures (asanas.)
Most Indian yoga retreats go beyond the asanas and also teach you about yoga philosophy so you’ll get a much better understanding of this ancient science and complex, spiritual practice and lifestyle than if you did a retreat in any other place in the world.
When you join a yoga retreat in India, you’ll be taught authentic and traditional yoga from experienced yoga teachers for whom the yogic practices are a way of life. This will help you learn about yogic lifestyle and gain a whole new perspective on yoga which can really deepen your own personal practice in so many ways.
Plus, as well as daily yoga sessions, you’ll also get to explore the deeply spiritual, fascinating country of India while soaking up the special energy. India’s spiritual energy and atmosphere cannot really be explained in words – you really have to experience it and feel it for yourself.
Other reasons you should consider going on a yoga retreat in India is the affordability, access to ancient Ayurvedic teachings, meeting people from around the globe, and of course experiencing authentic yoga classes, the welcoming Indian culture and tantalising cuisine! There’s really no better place in the world to take a yoga retreat than India!
India is always a soul stirring experience and a yoga retreat can have a transformational and positive impact on your body, mind, and soul, and is an experience that you’ll remember forever. And, as you continue with a daily yoga practice, you’ll feel a change come about in both body and mind.
The Best Places for Yoga in India
India is a huge and diverse country and there are many wonderful places to practice yoga and meditation in India, from holy, mountainside towns in the Himalayas to beach resorts along the coast of the Arabian Sea, plus deserts, forts, colourful historic towns, chaotic modern cities everything in between.
There are many Holy places in Mother India and the land itself holds a very profound spiritual energy that is difficult to describe but life changing to experience.
Retreats can be found all over the country but the best places to go on a yoga retreat 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 temples, ashrams and yoga schools. 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. Check out my Dharamkot Guide for more info.
Wherever you decide to go in India, don’t forget that you’ll need an Indian visa too – read this post on how to get an Indian visa.
Read More: My Guide to Yoga Teacher Training in India
My Top Tip: Think about what style of yoga you want to do (go for traditional Hatha if you’re unsure) and your level of experience. Then decide which destination you’d like to visit and start the search for your ideal retreat center with these three core bits of information at hand.
When I first went to India, I’d only done a couple of yoga classes in Bali previously, so I know how, as a beginner, it may feel daunting to travel to India for a yoga retreat. There are many famous gurus, ashrams and yoga schools – of which some will only take very experienced yoga practitioners and require commitments of a month or more. But there are also plenty of India yoga retreats for beginners too. So don’t worry – you will be very welcome wherever you are on your yoga journey.
Yoga in India has become big business and sadly there are some fake gurus and awful yoga schools out there, so its really important to do your research and make sure you find a reputable yoga retreat. Especially if you are a solo female traveller.
I love using www.bookyogaretreats.com to find yoga and wellness retreats because you can check reviews and testimonials from real yogis who’ve already been there. You can also book and pay on here rather than wiring money to India so it makes payment easier and more trustworthy.
To make finding the perfect yoga retreat in India easier I thought I would write a post with the best retreats to help narrow down the options and point you in the right direction.
Yoga has changed my life so much and traveling in India has been a transformational experience so even if you are just starting out on your yoga journey there’s really no better place.
The Best Yoga Retreats in India
Here is a list of the 12 best India yoga retreats:
- Isha Yoga Center, Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu
- Veda 5 Ayurveda Yoga Retreat, Rishikesh, Uttarakhand
- Yoga Vidya Mandiram, Rishikesh, Uttarakhand
- Ananda in the Himalayas, Narendra Nagar, Uttarakhand
- Preksha Yoga Ashram, Mandrem, Goa
- Bamboo Yoga Retreat, Polem Beach, South Goa
- Ashiyana Yoga Retreat, Mandrem, Goa
- Bodhi Ayurveda and Yoga Retreat, Kochi, Kerala
- Sivananda Yoga Ashram, Trivandrum, Kerala
- Om Yoga Ashram, Dharamshala, Himachal Pradesh
- K. Pattabhi Jois Ashtanga Yoga Shala, Mysore, Karnataka
- Ramamani Iyengar Memorial Yoga Institute, Pune, Maharashtra
And here are some of the best meditation centres in India:
- Osho Meditation Resort, Pune, Maharashtra
- Dhamma Bodhi Vipassana Center, Bodhgaya, Bihar
- Tushita Meditation Centre, Dharamsala, Himachal Pradesh
- The Art of Living International Centre, Bangalore, Karnataka
Click on the links to find out more or carry on reading to find out what makes each one special.
Isha Yoga Center, Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu
Sadhguru is the most famous living Indian guru around now and his Isha Yoga Center runs some of the best yoga retreat in India.
Sitting in the foothills of the Velliangiri Mountain, the Isha Yoga Center was founded by Indian yogi Sadhguru in 1992. It attracts people from all over the world who come to learn about both yoga and meditation in India.
The ashram offers various types of traditional yoga, including Hatha Yoga, Upayoga and Kriya Yoga, as well as Aum and Shoonya Meditations and their signature Inner Engineering program.
It is a large centre, boasting 150 acres of land, complete with a domed yogic temple, a large meditation hall, rejuvenation centre and living quarters.
The hills and forest that surround the centre, combined with the sound of birds chirping and waterfalls makes it a fantastic place to spend some time on your inner growth.
The Isha Foundation has become one of the most popular and well regarded yoga and meditation retreats in India. I recommend staying in one of the cottages that have a more rustic and cosy feel.
Veda 5 Ayurveda Yoga Retreat, Rishikesh, Uttarakhand
If you’re looking for a relaxing luxury yoga holiday and Ayurveda retreat in Rishikesh that won’t break the bank then look no further than Veda 5.
This top rated and highly professional yoga and ayurvedic retreat centre is located in tranquil nature in the hills near the famous Neelkanth Temple just outside Rishikesh.
Ayurveda is an ancient life science that, like yoga, also originated in India. So take the opportunity to experience both and combine your yoga retreat with Ayurvedic treatments and massages for a holistic healing experience.
At this retreat centre you’ll have a consultation with a highly experienced Ayurvedic doctor and can take part in daily hatha yoga classes with pranayama, meditation, and mantra chanting.
You will also receive a daily Ayurveda treatment and vegetarian, Ayurvedic meals and an Ayurvedic cooking class so you can learn to make these healthy meals for yourself at home too.
If soaking up the panoramic views of the Himalayan mountains from this spa resort is not enough and you prefer to be more active they also offer nature walks, trekking in the mountains and the chance to tour a local village.
There are not many luxury retreats in Rishikesh, so if relaxation and comfort is what you need then check out Veda5. Another bonus is that airport transfers are also included to get your trip off to a smooth and stress free start.
Yoga Vidya Mandiram, Rishikesh, Uttarakhand
One of my favourite affordable India yoga retreats for beginners is Yoga Vidya Mandiram in Rishikesh. The retreats here are some of the best yoga retreats in India and are perfectly suited for beginners looking for a full yoga education.
This Rishikesh yoga retreat is ideal if you wish to learn the basics of not just asanas but also pranayama, meditation, mudras, mantra chanting and yoga philosophy. It also includes an excursion to nearby shrines, temples, caves and waterfalls as well as sightseeing around the town and a fire ceremony. Don’t miss the nightly ‘Ganga Aarti’ ceremony and exploring the now abandoned ashram that The Beatles stayed at.
All meals are vegetarian and are included in the price as well as modern, clean, comfortable accommodation. From the moment you arrive you can really feel there is a highly spiritual and special energy in this place.
If you’re just starting out you can even just book in for a 3 day yoga retreat for less than $100 to see how you like it without committing to a full week like most yoga retreats. They also offer 7 day or 14 day retreats as well as excellent yoga teacher training courses if you want to take your practice to the next level.
Read More on Yoga in Rishikesh:
- My Rishikesh Travel Guide
- My pick of the best yoga retreats in Rishikesh
- My guide to yoga teacher training in Rishikesh
Ananda in the Himalayas, Narendra Nagar, Uttarakhand
If you are looking for something even more luxurious, Ananda in the Himalayas has been regarding as one of the best luxury yoga retreats in India for many years.
This luxury spa resort was not only voted as one of the best spas in the world by the Telegraph, but was also pegged as the world’s number 1 spa destination by Travel + Leisure.
Now this is one that I haven’t been here personally as it’s pricey, but have heard a lot of great things about its incredible programs, impeccable grounds, and world class yoga and wellness retreats.
The whole place is set in a 100 acre Maharaja’s Palace Estate with service and accommodation to match. Hatha, Gatyatmak and Kriya Yoga is offered, as is Yoga Nidra. There are also many meditation techniques offered here, like Antar Mouna, Chidakasha Dharana and Trataka.
Combine these with things like a Tibetan Ku Nye Massage, Earth Stone Massage, Indian Head Massage and Hydrotherapy Aromatic Bath and you will be in total bliss on this luxury yoga retreat.
Preksha Yoga Ashram, Mandrem, Goa
Preksha Yoga Ashram is located in the jungle near Mandrem Beach in a quiet part of popular north Goa and offers great value yoga and Ayurveda retreats.
Ayurveda is an ancient holistic Indian life science that is the perfect compliment to yoga. This affordable wellness retreat centre in Goa uses Ayurveda to improve your energy and leave you feeling rejuvenated and revitalised.
There are a variety of options available at Preksha, most retreat packages include daily yoga classes, morning and evening meditation sessions, accommodation in eco-friendly wooden cottages and vegetarian meals.
After your consultation with the Ayurvedic doctor you’ll receive daily Ayurvedic massage treatments. There’s also the option to do a panchakarma detox retreat for deeper healing and rejuvenation .
You’ll also have plenty of free time to spend at the beach. Mandrem is the most peaceful part of North Goa which offers the best of both worlds – a wide, uncrowded beach and peaceful nights sleep that is also within easy reach of all the action.
With retreats from 5 days to 30 days there’s plenty of options and Preksha is also one of the most affordable Goa yoga retreats. Another highlight is that all the yoga teachers are Indian and highly qualified, very experienced and super caring.
Bamboo Yoga Retreat, Polem Beach, South Goa
Bamboo is the best beachfront yoga retreat in Goa and one of my personal favourites. Stay in a cute, eco beach hut right in the sand and experience blissful morning and sunset yoga classes from the yoga shala that overlooks the ocean.
Bamboo is situated at the end of peaceful and quiet Polem Beach in the far South of Goa – it feels like a private beach and its a world away from the party beaches in the north. Bamboo offers twice daily yoga classes in a wide range styles, including Ashtanga and Vinyasa Flow, Hatha, Sivananda, Iyengar, and Yin.
After yoga jump into the warm waters of the Arabian sea, curl up with a book in the beach front lounge or relax with a massage. I love the barefoot beach front boho vibes at Bamboo, the views from the beach front yoga shala, the friendly staff and great international yoga teachers. It’s easy to see why Conde Naste Traveller magazine voted it as one of the Top 10 Yoga Retreats in India.
Bamboo is suitable for yogis of all levels and offers all inclusive beachfront yoga holidays that include ensuite accommodation in a beach front cabana, vegetarian meals and airport pick up and drop off for the perfect getaway.
Ashiyana Yoga Retreat, Mandrem, Goa
Ashiyana is a magical, sanctuary set in stunning tropical gardens on the chilled Mandrem Beach that offers a wide range of yoga and meditation retreats, including Hatha Yoga retreats, Vinyasa Yoga retreats and Iyengar retreats.
Ashiyana means home in Hindi, and that is exactly the vibe that has been created here. Ashiyana is not ashram, it’s a beautiful, boutique yoga resort with a gorgeous natural swimming pool, many beautiful accommodation options and delicious, healthy food.
One of the things that made my experience at Ashiyana stand out is that, in addition to yoga, there are also many other spiritual activities and workshops as well as a detox program, spa and massage treatments, Ayurveda consultation and cleansing. They also offer 200 and 300 hour yoga teacher training programs.
Read more on yoga in Goa:
- My insider’s guide to Goa
- My Pick of the best yoga retreats in Goa
- My guide to yoga teacher training in Goa.
Bodhi Ayurveda and Yoga Retreat, Kochi, Kerala
Laid back and luscious Kerala is a world away from the hectic cities of North India and is also the home of Ayurveda (the world’s oldest holistic healing system) and some of India’s best yoga retreats.
I love the Bodhi Ayurveda and Yoga Retreat as it offers a unique program of Hatha yoga sessions, pranayama, meditation, Ayurveda therapies and holistic healing. As well as yoga, a rejuvenating Ayurvedic massage and steam bath are also included.
There are also sessions on the theory and philosophy behind yoga, cookery demonstrations and bhajans (devotional singing) or you can just relax or swim in the pool and enjoy the tropical gardens.
Bodhi offers 3 day retreats, perfect for beginners wanting to give yoga, meditation and Ayurveda a try, and also 7 and 10 day retreats for those wanting to go deeper. The Indian instructors are all experienced, authentic and welcoming.
Comfortable, air conditioned accommodation and delicious homemade sattvic and Keralan vegetarian meals and tropical juices made with love are included. The retreat center is situated in a traditional tropical Keralan homestay surrounded by 7 acres of lush vegetation and palm trees on the outskirts of Kochi.
Don’t miss the chance to cruise the Kerala backwaters on a houseboat, visit historic and multicultural Fort Kochi and some nearby beaches while in Kerala!
Sivananda Yoga Ashram, Trivandrum, Kerala
If you’re looking to stay in a traditional yoga ashram in south India then check out Sivananda Yoga Ashram. Following the teachings of Swami Sivananda, this famous ashram sits in the foothills of Agasthyamalai at the edge of the Niyyar Dam and offers an authentic experience.
The centre offers rejuvenating yoga programs that include two daily vegetarian meals, a morning Karma Yoga class, an afternoon asana class and workshop/lecture and 2 daily Satsangs (meditation, chanting and spiritual discourse).
As this is an ashram rather than a retreat, it is quite strict here. It is mandatory to attend everything and stick to the schedule, so if you don’t think you’re disciplined enough you may want to give the ashram a miss but if you enjoy the ashram environment then it can be an incredible experience.
There is a 3-night minimum stay, with rates based according to accommodations.
Read More on Kerala:
Om Yoga Ashram, Dharamshala, Himachal Pradesh
Dharamshala and the surrounding areas of McCleod Ganj, Bhagsu and Dharamkot are like my 2nd home in India and where I head to when it gets too hot in Goa. This beautiful mountainous region is an amazing place for yoga and meditation, trekking in the Himalayan mountains and soaking up the Tibetan culture.
Om Yoga Ashram in McCleod Ganj is a non-profit organisation founded by Dr. Rashpal Yogi. It’s a great place to learn about yoga, Indian culture and Indian spirituality and is specifically aimed at offering a gentle introduction to yoga and the ashram lifestyle for beginners with trekking and local sightseeing.
Om Yoga Ashram offers morning and evening Hatha yoga and meditation classes, an introduction to yogic cleansing techniques and a daily Aarti (traditional prayer ceremony) and bhajans (devotional singing) There are also classes on anatomy, philosophy, mantras and chakras as well as trekking and local sightseeing to waterfalls and Tibean monasteries nearby.
The accommodation is clean and comfortable ensuite rooms in a newly built comfortable with views of the mountains from the balcony and 3 vegetarian, Ayurvedic meals daily are also included.
Read More: Why Dharamkot is the best place to find yourself in India
K. Pattabhi Jois Ashtanga Yoga Shala, Mysore, Karnataka
Mysore is another of India’s yoga hubs – it’s where Ashtanga Yoga was invented and has many famous yoga schools as well as a flamboyant palace.
Ashtanga yoga’s modern roots trace back to early 20th-century Mysore, where T. Krishnamacharya taught under royal patronage and helped revive and systemise yoga practice.
Among his students were K. Pattabhi Jois, who later codified Ashtanga Vinyasa Yoga and founded the Ashtanga Yoga Research Institute in 1948, and B. K. S. Iyengar, who developed Iyengar Yoga with its strong focus on alignment and props.
If you want to practise Ashtanga in the place where it became world-famous, this is it. The K. Pattabhi Jois Ashtanga Yoga Shala is the continuation of the original institute founded in 1948 by K. Pattabhi Jois, and it remains firmly within the Jois family.
Today it is led by his daughter Saraswati Rangaswamy and granddaughter Sharmila Mahesh, preserving a direct link to the lineage that shaped modern Ashtanga practice.
What defines the experience here is the traditional Mysore-style format. You arrive early in the morning, roll out your mat, and move through the memorised sequence at your own pace while the teachers circulate, offering adjustments and quiet guidance.
There’s no loud music, no choreographed flow, and no performance. It’s all about focus, discipline, and your personal yoga practice. Over days and weeks, that repetition creates a powerful rhythm – ‘Practice and all is coming‘ as yoga guru Sri K. Pattabhi Jois said.
This isn’t a fancy wellness retreat with juice cleanses and sunset yin classes. It’s one of the most significant places in the world to practise Ashtanga yoga. It’s a serious practice environment that attracts committed students from around the world who come for immersive daily study.
That being said, you don’t need to be an advanced practitioner to attend. Beginners are accepted, provided you’re willing to learn patiently and commit to regular attendance.
Ramamani Iyengar Memorial Yoga Institute, Pune, Maharashtra
Located in the leafy, historical city of Pune, the Ramamani Iyengar Memorial Yoga Institute (RIMYI) stands as the world headquarters of Iyengar Yoga. Founded in 1975 by B.K.S. Iyengar in memory of his wife Ramamani, this institute became the central training ground for one of the most respected and influential modern yoga traditions.
Iyengar Yoga itself grew out of Iyengar’s decades of study under T. Krishnamacharya, but what evolved in Pune was markedly distinct from other lineages. At RIMYI, precision, alignment, and therapeutic application are the hallmarks — every posture is explored with detail and often supported with props like blocks, belts, chairs, and blankets to help students of all levels experience the form and benefit deeply.
The teaching at RIMYI is structured and methodical. Classes are typically led rather than self-paced, with sequences tailored to levels and progression. The focus isn’t on rapid flow, but on intelligent movement, subtle awareness, and the union of breath and body in stillness and expression. You’ll find senior certified Iyengar teachers sharing knowledge that has been refined over decades, and attending here feels like stepping into a lineage that’s both powerful and meticulous.
Attending RIMYI in Pune is as much a pilgrimage site as it is a school — a place to deepen discipline, refine alignment, and experience yoga as a lasting, evolving practice.
The Best Meditation Retreats in India
Yoga and meditation are deeply intertwined – in fact, the physical practice of yoga is designed to help the body sit for meditation so no list of India’s top retreats would be complete without these excellent meditation centers.
Osho Meditation Resort, Pune, Maharashtra
Osho meditation center in Pune. Photo Credit: www.osho.com
Any list of the best yoga and meditation retreats in India wouldn’t be complete without mentioning Osho Meditation Resort! India’s most controversial guru still attracts many spiritual seekers today.
Rajneesh (aka Osho) founded the Osho International Meditation Resort in 1974.
While they don’t focus on yoga classes, this plush resort offers many active and dynamic meditation styles to help the modern, Western mind settle for meditation. Osho offers the meditation techniques of Buddha, while the resort itself takes on the qualities of Zorba the Greek.
The resort is an oasis in the city of Pune, with its beautiful trees, koi ponds, bamboo forest, 12-acre park and waterfalls. It is the perfect match for the Zen style guest rooms, marble meditation area and glass pyramid main building. There’s also an Olympic size pool, a spa and a vegetarian restaurant onsite.
They offer 8 different types of meditation every day, morning Chi Gong and Tai Chi classes, and evening events. There’s also a variety of courses that run from 7 to up to 30 days, depending on the course. This is one of the most luxurious and infamous meditation retreats in India.
Dhamma Bodhi Vipassana Center, Bodhgaya, Bihar
The ancient technique of Vipassana meditation was practiced by Lord Buddha in India and taking a 10 day silent residential Vipassana meditation retreat in India has become a popular, and challenging, right of passage for many travellers and seekers.
There are centers all over India and the courses are always identical but where better to meditate than in Bodhgaya where the Buddha attained enlightenment!
Vipassana meditation means to see things as they really are. The Vipassana technique focuses on observing the breath and bodily sensations. The course is free of religious teachings and is one of India’s most ancient techniques of meditation. It was taught in India more than 2500 years ago but todays courses are based on the instructional video and audio of by S.N.Goenka.
Normally, the course, food and accommodations are all free of charge. Days begin at 4.30 a.m and there should be no contact with other participants so don’t expect it to be a free holiday.
Check out this post for an insight into the Vipassana experience. The world’s largest Vipassana meditation center, Dhamma Giri, is located at Igatpuri in Maharashtra. Check out this post with more Vipassana centers in India.
Tushita Meditation Centre, Dharamsala, Himachal Pradesh
This Buddhist meditation centre is set on the outskirts of Dharamkot in a forest in the hills above the town of McLeod Ganj; home of the Tibetan government-in-exile.
The centre was opened in 1972 by Lama Thubten Yeshe and Lama Zopa Rinpoche and named the Tushita Meditation Centre. It follows the Tibetan Mahayana tradition and offers daily drop-in meditation as well as residential group retreats.
The popular 10 day Discovering Buddhism course focuses on spiritual studies and meditation with a 2 day silent meditation retreat at the end. This is quite a challenge, but can be quite refreshing and illuminating. There are also other retreats and courses available.
Accommodations are dorm-style but comfortable, and three vegetarian meals are served each day. It is a great place to learn about Buddhism and inner peace and one of the best Tibetan style meditation retreats in India.
If you want a meditation retreat but aren’t quite ready for 10 days of full silence in Vipassana then this is a great start.
You need to book in advance as the 10 day course gets full up. I attended the drop in sessions at Tushita but couldn’t get on the course so I did it in Kopan, Nepal (part of the same group) Check out my experience of the 10 day discovering Buddhism course at Kopan Monastery.
The Art of Living International Centre, Bangalore, Karnataka
The Art of Living International Centre is one of the most famous and popular mediation retreats in India. Started in 1986 by Sri Sri Ravi Shankar the ashram now spreads out over 65 acres in the Panchagiri Hills just outside the busy, modern city of Bangalore.
This center is a haven and a home away from home for those suffering from stress. The main meditation hall, the Vishalakshi Mantap, is stunning and represents a fully blossomed 1000 petal lotus and the extensive grounds are lovely and serene too.
The meditations and practices here are dedicated to stress management and the pursuit of world peace but this is more of an ashram than a yoga vacation. Days here begin with yoga and meditation, followed by breakfast and karma yoga or seva (voluntary service). There’s a range of jobs that need doing around the ashram including cooking, cleaning, office and administrative work.
Like I said, it’s not a holiday but most people find it a very rewarding experience as the art of living organisation believe that adding an element of service adds more depth to our lives. The sattvic meals are a highlight as they are often made from the vegetables and grains produced on site and the day finishes with satsang, group meditation, celebration, singing, dancing and devotion.
Tips for choosing a Yoga Retreat in India
Yoga in India, especially in Rishikesh, is big business nowadays and, because it’s so popular there are a few ashrams and gurus in India that are unfortunately not the real deal.
There are now hundreds of yoga retreats and yoga teacher training courses in India, but not all are good. So it’s very important to do your research before booking your yoga retreat in India, especially if you are a solo female traveler.
There are so many different ashrams and yoga centers all offering different styles of yoga, meditation and holistic healing and all with different prices, standards of teaching, accommodation and food. The trick is finding the one that is perfect for you.
Yoga Ashrams vs Yoga Retreats – Which is best?
One of the first questions you should ask yourself when picking a yoga center in India is whether you wish to have an ashram experience or a retreat experience. Authentic, traditional yoga ashrams in India often have basic conditions and facilities and many have rules or a code of conduct you need to abide by.
If you want to try an authentic ashram then I recommend Parmath Niketan Ashram, the largest ashram in Rishikesh. It is located on the banks of the sacred Ganges River and has beautiful gardens and can house thousands of pilgrims from all over the world. Parmarth School of Yoga is more than just a yoga school, it is a comprehensive life school where students receive a holistic education on the principles, practices, and philosophy of yoga.
If you’re looking for a bit more comfort and relaxation then a yoga retreat is the best idea and I’ve focused on yoga retreats in this post as I prefer that environment more.
Another thing to be aware of is that many yoga teacher training schools also offer retreats where you’re basically joining the teacher training program for a few days. The advantage of this is that you’ll learn more theory, but, depending on what stage they are in the course, it might be a bit overwhelming for someone new to yoga just wanting a relaxing yoga holiday!
Also note that yoga clothes tend to be more conversative in India that what you’d wear in the west. In India, people tend to wear light, loose fitting long pants and t shirts for yoga. Some places are fine with western yoga wear in the studio but, to avoid unwanted attention, I wouldn’t recommend walking around Rishikesh in tiny, tight yoga shorts and bars. Take this into mind when packing for your trip or yoga holiday in India but don’t worry, you can always buy clothes at affordable prices once you get there if you need to.
Things to check when choosing a yoga retreat
Other things to consider are the type of yoga classes offered, the yoga style, the teachers and their reputation, and your experience level. Many retreats teach multiple yoga styles like Hatha, Ashtanga, Vinyasa, Yin and Iyengar yoga, whilst some focus just on one style of yoga, so make sure the style matches what you’re into and the level taught is right for you.
Also check what’s included, most retreats include accommodation and food, and others also offer excursions, sightseeing and tours to nearby temples, waterfalls and spiritual sites which can enhance your experience beyond the yoga mat.
And in terms of expectations, remember that India is still a developing country. While many yoga retreats in India are some of the most affordable in the world, accommodation and food quality and facilities can be a bit basic. Things like hot water, fast wifi, AC and a soft bed these don’t come as standard in India – so check the condition of the accommodation and choose a place where you you will be comfortable.
Be aware that most retreats only serve vegetarian food. No meat, eggs, or alcohol is allowed in Rishikesh as it’s a holy place. Also try to get a retreat with an airport or train station transfer to make your arrival smooth and stress-free.
How to check reviews
Reviews on a yoga schools website or social media pages may not always show the full picture. Try to find real reviews from other guests so that you have a better idea of what to expect.
A great site I use for checking reviews and testimonials for Indian yoga retreats is www.bookyogaretreats.com. Here you can also find out more about the classes, instructors, accommodation and food offered as well as booking your place.
Final Thoughts on Yoga in India
I hope this post has helped you find your perfect way to experience yoga in India. Whether you’re a beginner looking for a luxurious yoga holiday, or a more advanced yogi seeking an authentic ashram experience, whether you want to feel the energy of the mighty Himalayas or simply relax on the tropical beaches there’s no shortage of choice and whatever you choose I hope you have an incredible adventure in India.
So read the reviews thoroughly, choose wisely, and come with an open mind and heart, prepare to expect the unexpected and I’m sure you will have an unforgettable experience in this fascinating country.
Have you been on a great yoga retreat in India? Do you have any more tips to share?
Leave a comment below and your recommendations can help out other travellers 🙂
Read more India Yoga Blogs:
- The Best Yoga Retreats in Rishikesh, India
- My Pick of the Best Yoga Retreats in Goa, India
- My Guide to Yoga Teacher Training in India
- The Best Places to Visit in India for First Timers
4 comments
Hi Anna barring ladakh I have visited almost all the places you mentioned in your blog and more. It’s inspiring and exhilarating to see your country through someone else’s eye. U have summed up most things beautifully. Only one correction, Kerala isn’t the birthplace of Ayurveda. Ayurveda was not born , but assimilated in various parts. Most ancient sages and exponents of Ayurveda were at foothills of Himalayas.
Another thing you missed out is Odisha. The state is underrated but pristine. There are esturies, tribal forests, and places of historical significance. Do find time and visit them. Lovely to have been introduced to your blog
Thank you for suggesting to us the most famous places for yoga. This is the part of our routine life that comes with energy if we are following the yoga. Thank you for this artcle.
A lovely, inspiring article. I could read it again and again.
Hi Anna,
Thank you for the insightful article on the most popular Yoga Retreats in India. I would just like to add a point here that sometimes the best yoga retreats might not be the most authentic and genuine yoga retreats, as the ones that are genuine don’t usually advertise or market themselves.
It would be prudent for aspiring and serious yoga students to check on the lineage of the Yoga School, the Course Material, and the level of sincere devotion of the yoga teachers towards the ancient science and art of yoga, before they embark on the sacred journey of self-revelation.
As an spiritual seeker and devoted yoga enthusiast, i wish the very best to all genuine students. May they find the right path to freedom and everlasting joy.