Are You Planning to do Yoga Teacher Training Course in India? Not sure which location to choose?
Even though you can find yoga teacher training courses in western countries, many people prefer to go to India to gain their yoga teaching certificate. There are various reasons for it. Some want to learn the authentic teachings of yoga right at its birthplace, whereas others opt for it due to financial reasons. Whatever the purpose may be, thorough preparation is required before setting off on any journey.
Put simply, Dharamsala feels like a mountaintop escape with breathtaking views. Rishikesh combines meditative introspection with a thriving city center along the gorgeous Ganga River. If you typically prefer the beach over the mountains, Goa is the perfect choice for your yoga teachers training in India.
For a more detailed explanation, please check our FAQ section.
Rishikesh is known around the world as one of the holiest cities in India. The Beatles made it famous, and even today, you’ll be swept up by the meditative atmosphere the moment you arrive. “The Yoga Capital of the World” is a mecca for spiritual seekers and yoga practitioners alike.
Rishikesh sits peacefully at the foot of the Himalayas, where you can see yogis meditating along the Holy Ganga River every day. There are beautiful hikes for nature lovers, as well as a thriving downtown full of artists and musicians for a rich cultural experience.
At Siddhi Yoga Rishikesh, you’ll learn traditional yoga with detoxification techniques and anatomy. Being immersed in all aspects of yoga will calm your mind and spirit and prepare you to lead students on their own journeys. There will be an emphasis on breath-based teaching, and you can expect to leave with an understanding of meditation, pranayama, and the chakras in the course curriculum to help students in spiritual and personal growth. The course covers Hatha and Ashtanga Yoga with Emotional Rebalancing and Naturopathy techniques.
The small city of Dharamsala is surrounded by the breathtaking Himalayas. It is said to vibrate with the pure spiritual energy and abundance of the Himalaya. In Dharamsala, you will be immersed in an environment that supports your yoga practice physically, energetically, and spiritually.
Dharamsala is known for being home to His Holiness the Dalai Lama, along with many Tibetans who have taken refuge in Mcleodganj, about one kilometer away. The word “Dharamsala” can be loosely translated to “spiritual dwelling place,” and amazingly, it lives up to its name.
At Siddhi Yoga Dharamsala, you’ll learn to teach yoga asana with a solid foundation in alignment and anatomy in the course curriculum. Being immersed in all aspects of yoga will calm your mind and spirit and prepare you to lead students on their own journeys. There will be an emphasis on breath-based teaching, and you can expect to leave with an understanding of meditation, pranayama, and the chakras. At Dharamshala, there is an additional option to do basics of ayurveda course during the weekends.
If you typically prefer the beach over the mountains, Goa is the perfect choice for your TTC. The tranquility of Goa is unparalleled. Imagine a long coastline, tropical climate, and the sound of gentle waves as the backdrop to your yoga practice. Its peaceful atmosphere and natural beauty will invite you to step away from the outside world and go within to renew your spirit.
Located in the southern part of India, it offers another opportunity to study in the birthplace of yoga, examining its very heart. Known as a tourist paradise, this city boasts an incredible blend of vibrant culture and a serene environment. The Goan people welcome yoga students from all over the world with warmth and acceptance, providing an ideal place to soak up sweeping natural landscapes along with India’s rich cultural heritage.
Siddhi Yoga’s 300 Hour yoga courses in India are for serious yoga instructors to deepen their knowledge in the heart of India.
Spending time in the with Indian yoga masters is an incomparable way to enhance your practice and by doing so, strengthen your ability to share yoga with others.
This advanced yoga course will take you beyond the 200 Hrs level and leave you ready to teach with confidence and depth. Study advanced poses, and learn to teach the basics with greater sophistication. Each phase of the asana study is informed by anatomy, alignment, and physiology, preparing you to apply that knowledge to every sequence you create.
In all asana work, you will learn how to keep your student safe with modifications and explore the healing potential of yoga to address many issues like back pain, menstruation, anxiety, and high blood pressure, to name a few.
Our 500-Hour yoga courses in India are for serious yoga practitioners to deepen their knowledge in the heart of India.
This advanced yoga course will take you beyond the basics and leave you ready to teach with confidence as a 500 Hour RYT. You’ll study advanced poses and learn to teach the basics with greater sophistication. Each phase of the asana study is informed by anatomy, alignment, and physiology, preparing you to apply that knowledge to every sequence you create.
In addition to an in-depth look at the physical aspects of yoga, our 500 Hour TTC will guide you to explore the expansiveness of mind through yoga philosophy, meditation, mudra, bandhas, kriya, and pranayama. You’ll also learn the therapeutic and psychological applications of these practices. Finally, you’ll explore the business and ethics of teaching yoga and leave fully prepared for success.
Our 100 Hours YTTC Retreat is a delightful option for anyone who wants to deepen their practice without committing to an entire course. It is a beautiful retreat and suitable for beginner level yogis, during which you are invited to join the first half of a 200 Hours Program in Dharamsala.
This is an ideal way to experience yoga in its birthplace–the heart of India–with our master teachers. There’s no better escape for mind, body, and spirit.
India has over 500+ Yoga Alliance USA registered institutes in different parts of the country. While finalizing the place, keep in mind the month you are traveling and the weather during that month at the location you plan to do your training. We’ll discuss the main places where the maximum institutes or ashrams are in India – Rishikesh, Goa, and Dharamshala.
Considered as the yoga capital of the world, Rishikesh has 50% of the Yoga Alliance USA accredited institutes in India. The perfect time for visiting the city is from February to April, and August–November.
If you are coming for an authentic experience, then you should avoid coming in July, since the famous Kawad Yatra takes place during this time. As a result, all hotels in Rishikesh remain crowded, and most roads are blocked due to regular traffic jams. However, there are some institutes or ashrams on the outskirts of Rishikesh far away from crowded areas, you can attend with them if July is the only month you can come.
Apart from July, May and June are also not recommended for those who don’t like the hot weather, with temperatures touching +45oC. But if you like winters, try visiting this holy city in December and January. The weather stays relatively cold, with maximum temperature being around 15oC and the minimum around 5oC.
You can find excellent yoga gurus here. They hold Masters and Ph.D. degrees in yoga science and can enlighten you about leading a genuinely yogic lifestyle.
At Rishikesh, you will be able to practice in beautiful landscapes in the lap of the Himalayas and the Holy Ganges. Also, food and accommodation are pretty cheap, which makes the cost of institutes or ashrams also reasonable.
There are a lot of actives which can be done during off days. Other than shopping you can also do adventure sports. You have a lot of places to visit during your stay.
Rishikesh is an alcohol–free and meat-free city, which means you won’t be able to enjoy them even after completing your course. Also, there is no nightlife.
After Rishikesh, Goa is the second preferred yoga destination. Peak season is November to February, and everything is expensive during this period. May is scorching, and from June to September, there is heavy rainfall. Due to this, most of the schools or ashrams run their programs from October to April.
The beautiful beaches and the excellent climate are a big attraction. The beaches are lovely places for practitioners to relax, and take in the serene atmosphere and the luscious views.
If you wish to enjoy a yoga retreat on the beach and looking for nightlife, this is the place.
The cost of a good program is 25% to 50% more in comparison to Rishikesh or Dharamshala. Also, there are too many tourists, which can make it a bit awkward for solo travelers.
Dharamsala (also spelled as Dharamshala), is home to His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama. The holy city boasts of beautiful monasteries and temples, and breathtaking views of the mountains. Dharmkot a tiny village in Mcleodganj also known as “The Yoga Village,” has a lot to offer. Not as crowded as Rishikesh, this place only has a few yoga schools to choose from. But the quality of the TTC programs is top-notch.
January and February are freezing, and during July and August, the city receives heavy rainfall. So if you want to enjoy the best yoga experience, the ideal season for visiting Dharamshala is from April to June and September to December.
If you are planning to undertake your Yoga Teacher Training India in the summers, then Dharamshala is the best choice because compared to the other two places, the weather here will be the most pleasant. Also, food and accommodation are available at reasonable rates. Since this place is the home of Dalai Lama, Dharamshala is perfect for those interested in Buddhist teachings.
Like Rishikesh, Dharamshala has no nightlife. Apart from that, this city might be a bit cold for some people as well.
Taking TTC programs are suitable for beginner to intermediate level yogis and can be a nerve-wracking experience, but at the same time exciting. To ease your mind, we have put together a list of things you can expect. Let’s take a look at them.
1. Culture Shock
India is a very hectic country with many strange customs and marvels. People who are visiting India for the first time will experience some level of culture shock. However, India and its citizens are very welcoming toward tourists. You will be able to immerse yourself in the Indian culture and the yogic lifestyle in no time.
2. Eating a Yogic Diet
Most of the institutes provide meals three times a day. Yogic diet meals usually consist of simple dishes such as rice, beans, lentils, chapatti or Indian flatbread, veggies, soup, etc. Typically, very little spice, sugar, and fat are added to them, since the purpose of these dishes is to let you experience pure and simple taste.
Depending on your school or ashram, the diet can vary. You might also be allowed to consume sweets, and if lucky, some coffee. And if you are visiting Rishikesh, wean your body off eggs, meat, and booze because it’s a dry and vegetarian town. Even it’s difficult to get eggs.
3. Meeting Other Students & Making Friends
As already mentioned, India attracts yoga lovers from all over the world. Thus, your class will consist of people from various backgrounds. It might be a little awkward at first, but eventually, you will be able to forge unbreakable bonds with these people. The memories and unique connections you make will stay with you and enrich all aspects of your personal life.
4. Yoga is Much More Than Asanas
A common misconception among people is that yoga is all about asanas. Well, it is not so. During your course, you will deal with the practical, philosophical, and anatomical aspects of it.
The majority of your time will be spent on taking notes, creating sequences, learning therapeutic effects, and many other things.
5. Your Habits will Change
After the competition of your yoga training course, you will see a significant shift taking place in your life. Instead of following your usual routine of eating, drinking, shopping, or gossiping, you will focus more on your training. And all of the things you learned during your course will steadily become a part of your everyday life.
6. Your Body will be Pushed to its Limits
The physical practice will tire your body out and will enable you to go beyond your limits. Despite being tired, you will continue trying to perfect the new asana and will have a great time with your new friends.
In the weeks prior to your training, you can prepare physically with the videos listed below. As always, listen to the body and work within your limits.
7. You will Become Fearless
It will take away all your fears and will transform you into a completely new person. The things you deemed impossible will now become possible, and you’ll be able to smash every wall that stands in your way.
8. Your Communication Skills will Improve
In order to become a good yoga instructor, you need to have practical communication skills. During your Yoga Teachers Training Course, you will discover your voice, which will help you in guiding your future students. Along with that, your communication skills will also improve, which will be beneficial for both your private and professional lives.
9. You will Learn About Your Teaching Capabilities
Teaching requires patience, perseverance, and in-depth knowledge. You might consider yourself an expert, but after going through your TTC, you will understand whether you are ready to teach others or not.
Please do! Yoga teacher training is a wonderful way to deepen and recommit to your practice.
There are many factors to it. It depends upon where they work, how many classes they are teaching in a day, which city they are working in. Take a look at this article about How Much Do Yoga Instructors Make? in more detail.
The first step is to do a 200 Hrs Yoga Alliance Accredited Yoga Teacher Training in India. If you have 25 days to spare then you can attend the residential 200-Hour TTC Program. Otherwise, you can go for the weekend course. After successful completion of a 200hrs curriculum from an RYS 200 Yoga School (Registered Yoga School at 200hrs level) with 200 hrs Yoga Certification, participants are eligible to get registered with Yoga Alliance, USA for a designation of RYT 200 (Registered Yoga Teacher at 200 hrs level). For more details please take a look at our article which is explaining more of How to Become a Yoga Instructor.
The average cost of a yoga instructor courses ranges from $1000 to $2500. However, some schools also charge $5000 and more. While selecting schools, many students make the mistake of thinking that low cost means low standards. But this is far from reality. Accommodation, Food, Duration of Certification and Location are the major four factors that genuinely influence the cost of TTCs. The low average cost of Indian TTC programs is not indicative of the quality. India has highly knowledgeable yoga gurus who are willing to share their skills with you.
Although the daily schedule varies from school to school, nevertheless the TTC is an intense program where students are expected to commit 10-12 hours per day to their training. This goes on for six days per week, and students get a day off to rest.
07:00 – 09:00 Kryias, Pranayama, Asana Practice
09:00 – 10:00 Breakfast
10:10 – 11:10 Anatomy & Physiology
11:15 – 13:00 Alignments/The Art of Teaching Methodology
13:00 – 14:00 Lunch
14:15 – 15:15 Yoga Philosophy
15:15 – 15:45 Karma Yoga / Self-Study
15:45 - 17:15 Asana Practice
17:15 – 17:30 Tea Break
17:45 – 18:30 Meditation
19:00 – 20:00 Dinner
20:00 - 21:00 Satsang/Kirtan/Dance/Music - Once a Week
Please do take note that this is just a sample Daily Schedule and is subject to change as per needs.
Please consider our other 200-Hour Yoga program location as an alternative. Each city offers its own unique and spiritual charm. Here are different programs at these locations:
If you can't find the suitable dates, here are some of the most prestigious Universities and Institutions;
Bihar School of Yoga, Munger, Bihar
https://www.biharyoga.net/
Morarji Desai National Institute of Yoga, New Delhi
http://www.yogamdniy.nic.in/
SVYASA, Bangalore
https://svyasa.edu.in/
Dev Sanskriti Vishwavidyalaya, Haridwar
http://www.dsvv.ac.in/
Gurukul Kangri University, Haridwar
https://www.gkv.ac.in/
Patanjali University, Haridwar
https://universityofpatanjali.com/
Kaivalyadhama, Lonavala, Pune
https://kdham.com/
Other than above here are some reputed Yoga Alliance Certified Yoga Training at different locations:
Triguna Yoga, Rishikesh Uttarakhand http://trigunayoga.net/
Alakh Yoga, Rishikesh Uttarakhand https://www.alakhyoga.com/
Yoga Vidya Mandiram, Rishikesh Uttarakhand https://yogavidyamandiram.com/
Rishikesh Yogpeeth, Rishikesh Uttarakhand https://www.rishikeshyogpeeth.com/
World Peace Yoga, Rishikesh Uttarakhand https://worldpeaceyogaschool.com/
Rishikul Yogshala, Rishikesh Uttarakhand https://www.rishikulyogshala.org/
Pushkar Meditation Temple, Pushkar, Rajasthan http://www.meditationinpushkar.in/
Paramanand Institute, Indore, Central India https://paramyoga.org/
Oceanic Yoga Retreat, Mandrem Beach, Goa https://www.oceanicyoga.com/
Trimurti Yoga, Dharamsala, Himachal Pradesh https://www.trimurtiyoga.com/
Nirvana Yoga Shala, Mysuru, Karnataka https://mysoreyoga.in/
Vrinda School of Yoga, Varkala, Kerala http://www.vrindaschoolofyoga.com/
