Yoga Teacher Training in Rishikesh

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.

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.

Following is an example of a daily sample schedule from our 200 Hrs Program:

First of all, it would be good to start some form of exercise to increase your stamina and endurance. Of course, a consistent yoga practice would be ideal, but if not possible, any exercise is sufficient. This is because, during the course, you will be practicing yoga for at least four hours every day. So it is best if your physical body is already reasonably fit when the course begins. Check our youtube channel where we have prepared Yoga Warm UP and Yoga Stretches so that you can prepare your body for yoga teacher training.

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.

Students need to pay the USD500/USD600/USD1000 as advance depends upon location to book a seat in the course of their choice – this fee is NON-REFUNDABLE. Rest of the fees will only need to be paid one month before the course date. If due to any unforeseen circumstances a student has to leave a session midway, they can join back any time (with prior notice) in the next two years but fee is NON-REFUNDABLE. If you are leaving half-way, you will need to take care of accommodation charges for the complete duration of the course.

If you have paid the advance and booked the dates but not able to make it, you MUST inform us minimum 30 days in advance to re-schedule your course with us within next two years. If you failed to inform or are informing within 30-3 days prior to course date, your advance of USD500/USD600/USD1000 will be forfeited.

If you are not showing up for the training after making the payment, 100% fees is NON-REFUNDABLE.

Yes, it’s suitable for beginners. We start with Warm Up sequence and basic Asanas in Module 1 to prepare your body. You don’t have to go to next module until you are comfortable and your body is prepared for advanced asanas. Our teachers and mentors are here to help you as and when you need it.

Every Module has been structured in such a way that you can just keep on completing each lesson step by step in order to progress. This structure has been created after 7 years of teaching experience to give you Optimal results.

Please do! Yoga teacher training is a wonderful way to deepen and recommit to your practice.

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.

Warm-Ups for Beginners

Stretches for Beginners

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.

So far we have not cancelled any of our courses. Due to unforeseen circumstances if we need to cancel our course, we will issue you 100% refund of the amount received by us. You will have option to attend future batch also where we will issue you special discounts.

Well, the most common advice heard, in this case, is to stay alert. But that’s a little vague. So to give you a brighter, more accurate picture, we have divided this section into two parts – hygiene and protection against fraudsters.

Health and Hygiene

India’s hygienic conditions are not the best, and travelers can quickly get sick. Here is a list of some protective measures you can take to help ensure that you stay healthy and fit.

1. Avoid drinking tap water, instead, use mineral water. Check that the bottle is sealed correctly. For individuals who are going to stay for a long duration in India, it is recommended to use Lifestraw or SteriPen. Before signing up for a program check with the school if they have a water purifier machine installed for drinking water.
   
2. Avoid eating raw salads or fruits that have been washed via tap water. Only eat boiled or cooked vegetables. Fruits and vegetables that you can peel are safe for consumption.
3. Don’t have ice at the restaurants as there is a high chance, they are made of local water which can make you sick.
4. Only eat fresh and hot food, don’t pick up food that has been left outside for a long while or has flies buzzing around it.
5. Avoid eating meat that has been placed out for a long time.
6. Take a look at how vendors prepare food and observe their sanitary habits. Along with that, you can also take food tours as well.
7. Buy travel insurance. It will prove very beneficial in emergencies.

Sickness

Sometimes even after taking precautions, you might fall ill. In that case, you can take the following measures:

1. Depending on the area of your yoga school, hospital facilities can range from decent to good. If you feel sick, then quickly pay a visit to your nearest doctor.
2. Ayurvedic medicine is another option available. Since it incorporates natural healing methods, there are hardly any side–effects on the body.
3. If you are unable to locate Ayurvedic practitioners in your location, try searching for Homeopathic doctors. Homeopathy medicines also work wonders in a short time.
4. For added energy, eat yogurt. In India, you can find yogurt easily. The good bacteria and probiotics in it kill the harmful bacteria and are thus beneficial for the ailing.

Preventive Measures Against Scammers, Beggars, and Sellers

In India, tourists become easy targets for scammers, beggars, and sellers. The risks are even higher if you are traveling alone. Here are a few precautionary measures you can use:

1. If you’re not interested in buying something, then give the shopkeeper a strong response. Don’t use, “Maybe next time…” It is taken as a positive response, and you will end up becoming their primary target.
2. If you encounter a persistent vendor, then the best course of action is to run away.
3. Research for traits of possible scammers so that you can spot them beforehand and avoid them. Travel websites and bloggers can prove to be quite beneficial in this regard.

Along with that, you can also consult your hotel staff. They will tell you which areas of the city to avoid. Additionally, if there any particular groups you should stay away from and other useful information regarding tourism problems.

1. Avoid giving money to beggars, especially if you are a female because it will attract scammers and muggers. There is also a risk that the beggar might use the money to buy drugs. Instead of talking in a harsh tone, you can look the beggar in the eye and decline them with respect.
2. In India, sexual harassment against female travelers occurs. God forbid, if you ever find yourself in such a situation, raise your voice or do an elbow jab to keep the perpetrator away.

Also, it is recommended to avoid smiling at Indian men and dress conservatively as well.

Yoga has many different styles, each having its own significance. At Siddhi Yoga, you will be exposed to several forms of yoga, which will give you a holistic view of how and what you’d like to teach. Our goal is to give you the most comprehensive training we can. You will encounter these styles in our 200-hour Yoga Teacher Training:

1. 1. Hatha Yoga – Yoga of Body and Mind Purification
   2. Karma Yoga – Yoga of Action
   3. Bhakti Yoga – Yoga of Devotion
   4. Mantra Yoga – Yoga of Recitation
   5. Raja Yoga – Yoga of Meditation
   6. Vinyasa Yoga – Modern Yoga Flow

Best Places for Yoga Teacher Training in India

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.

1. TTC in Rishikesh

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 +45^oC. But if you like winters, try visiting this holy city in December and January. The weather stays relatively cold, with maximum temperature being around 15^oC and the minimum around 5^oC.

Pros

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.

Cons

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.

2. TTC in Goa

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.

Pros

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.

Cons

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.

3. TTC in Dharamsala

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.

Pros

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.

Cons

Like Rishikesh, Dharamshala has no nightlife. Apart from that, this city might be a bit cold for some people as well.

Still hesitant about going to India for your yoga teacher training? To clear your doubts and help make up your mind, we have compiled a list of reasons regarding why you should visit India for your TTC. Let’s take a look at them.

1. Yoga Originated in India

India has a rich history of yoga and is regarded as its birthplace. Yoga in the west has ended up losing its original purpose. In most yoga studios, it has been reduced to a mere physical workout. By going to India, you will be able to immerse yourself in the true essence of yoga and will gain knowledge regarding the original teachings of this ancient practice.

2. Expert Gurus

India has given birth to many expert yogis over the years like Swami Sivananda, BKS Iyengar, and Tirumalai Krishnamacharya, etc. Their teachings were passed on to their disciples and are being preserved even today. By visiting India, you can study under the guidance of professional yoga masters. Their in-depth knowledge and irreplaceable teachings will guide you in the right direction.

3. Cost-Efficient

In comparison to other countries, the YTT programs in India are more economical. The reason behind this is that Indian yogis consider spreading their teachings a sacred duty instead of business. Thus by opting for a yoga teaching course in India, you’ll be provided with excellent yoga training, accommodation, and food at budget-friendly rates. You can get training with 25 days of accommodation and meals at as low as $1000.

4. Wide Variety of Terrains

India has a wide range of beautiful and mesmerizing landscapes that attract yoga practitioners. Most of the ashrams and yoga training schools are built in remote areas away from the hustle and bustle of the city. This enables students to relax and focus on their practice.

Depending on the season, the temperature and weather conditions vary. Some of the widely popular destinations among yogis are Dharamshala, Rishikesh, Mysore, and Goa.

5. Learn About Ayurveda

Ayurveda acts as preventive medicine and a natural healing system. Like yoga, it also has its origins in the Indian Vedic culture. Visiting India for your yoga training allows you to study both these disciplines at the same time. You can take a look at our basic ayurveda course for more details.

6. Forge New Friendships and Connections

Indian yoga centers welcome students from all across the world. Thus it provides you the opportunity to spend time with like-minded people and share your yoga experiences with them. Along with that, you also get to forge new friendships and beautiful connections with different people.

7. Yoga Alliance Approved Schools

India has many Yoga Alliance accredited schools that provide certificates. If you’re thinking of becoming a yoga instructor and working at a gym or a studio, these certificates will give an extra boost to your yoga career.

8. Experience Delicious Yogic Diet

Be ready to enjoy simple, healthy, and tasty yogic food during your stay in India. Furthermore, you can also attend yoga cooking classes. These will enable you to cook and prepare healthy dishes which can you can add to your everyday meals. In time, you can also pass on the recipes to your future students.

9. Adventure on Your Off Day

Off days are fun, though you usually get only one per week. There are a ton of activities to choose from, like bungee jumping, rafting, cliff jumping, walking on beaches and others. If you are training in Rishikesh, then you’ll get a rare chance to dive into the Ganga river as well. Don’t miss it!

You will need to buy your international air ticket for New Delhi. From there we advise following one of three options to travel.

Option 1:

By Air : It is highly recommended option. Nearest airport to Rishikesh is Jolly Grant Airport, Dehradun. There are a couple of flights from Delhi to Dehradun throughout the day. Airfare is between 2000 INR TO 10,000 INR. The earlier you book, the more you save. Fares and availability of seats in the flight change constantly and can be checked/booked online via www.makemytrip.com or www.yatra.com. Flight bookings can be done yourself. If you choose this option, please inform us of your arrival details for Dehradun.

Option2:

By Road through Air-conditioned Bus: Taking a bus from Delhi to Rishikesh is a much cheaper option than flying. The Rishikesh bus runs from 9AM – 11PM every day and takes a little over six hours. Cost of bus ticket is around 400-500 INR. We may assist you to book your ticket through local travel agent with nominal fees of Rs.50. You may pay us later on arrival. Bus booking opens one month before the travel date. You can take a pre-paid taxi from Delhi Airport to reach Bus boarding point at Delhi.

Option 3:

By AC Train: There is one AC Train named Dehradun Shatabdi, which starts from New Delhi at 6:45AM and reaches Haridwar at 11:30AM. The train ticket costs around 650 INR. We may assist you to book your ticket through local travel agent with nominal fees of Rs.50. You may pay us later on arrival. Train booking opens two months before the travel date. You can take the metro train from Delhi Airport to reach the New Delhi railway station.

For Option 1, we will pick you up from the Dehradun airport; for Option 2, we will pick you up from Rishikesh bus stand; and for Option 3, we will pick you from Haridwar railway station.

Please consider our other Yoga Teacher Training In India locations as an alternative. Each city offers its own unique and spiritual charm. Here are different programs at these locations:

200 Hour Yoga Teacher Training in Dharamsala

200 Hour Yoga Teacher Training in Goa

If you can’t find 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/