India, the birthplace of yoga, attracts practitioners from all over the world. The country offers perfect places to practice yoga, each with its own charm and special features. Here are five destinations that are ideal for combining yoga practice with sightseeing in India.
Rishikesh
When it comes to yoga in India, Rishikesh is obviously a must. Situated at the foot of the Himalayas and bordered by the Ganges, it is often referred to as the yoga capital of the world. It is a spiritual place, ideal for yoga and meditation. The Beatles even spent a few months at an ashram in the city, adding to its reputation.
Why Rishikesh?
- Ashrams and yoga centres: Rishikesh is home to many renowned ashrams and yoga centres, including Parmarth Niketan and Sivananda Ashram. You’ll find all styles of yoga (Ashtanga, Hatha, Vinyasa, Kundalini…) and a wide range of courses. These can combine yoga with other practices (reiki, naturopathy, sound healing, etc.).
- International Yoga Festival: Every year in March, Rishikesh hosts this festival which attracts thousands of yogis.
- Activities: Apart from yoga, Rishikesh offers a wide range of activities. You can visit various temples or hike to the various waterfalls that surround the town. If you want to take it up a notch, try trekking in the Himalayas. If you like water activities, don’t miss rafting on the Ganges, a unique experience.
Rishikesh is easily accessible from Delhi (6-7 hours drive or 1 hour flight). You can combine this destination with a trip to Rajasthan. After exploring the forts and palaces of Jaipur or the Taj Mahal in Agra, Rishikesh offers a spiritual and invigorating break. It’s also a gateway to the Himalayas, which will delight nature lovers.
Dharamshala
Dharamshala, in Himachal Pradesh, is a peaceful place surrounded by mountains. It is the seat of the Tibetan government in exile and the residence of the Dalai Lama.
Why Dharamshala?
- Yoga and meditation centres: Places such as Tushita Meditation Centre and Himalaya Yoga Valley offer yoga and meditation retreats. Dharamshala is also known for its Iyengar yoga classes. This type of yoga, often associated with yoga therapy, is suitable for all physical conditions and is very popular in certain regions of India. The Iyengar Institute is located in Pune, a city in Maharashtra, near Mumbai.
- Peaceful surroundings: The mountains of Himachal Pradesh provide a tranquil setting for yoga practice. The best place to stay is in the villages above Dharamshala, such as Dharamkot or Bhagsu. From here you can practice with a view of the mountains.
- Tibetan culture: Did you know? Dharamshala is home to the Dalai Lama and the Tibetan government. This makes it an ideal destination for exploring Tibetan culture, visiting monasteries and attending teachings by the Dalai Lama.
Dharamshala has its own airport, so you can get there by plane or bus from Delhi. You can also combine this destination with other holy places such as Amritsar (Golden Temple) and Rishikesh. Himachal Pradesh is also full of beautiful places to explore, such as Manali, the Spiti Valley and the Parvati Valley, to name but a few.
Goa
Goa is famous for its heavenly beaches and some of the wildest parties in Asia. But it’s also a popular place for yoga. Numerous yoga centres and retreats are located here, attracting practitioners of all levels.
Why Goa?
- Variety of yoga centres: Goa offers options to suit all budgets, from luxury retreats to affordable classes. Well-known centres include Purple Valley Yoga Retreat and Ashiyana Yoga. You’ll find all types of yoga in Goa and many schools for training or retreats.
- Relaxing setting: Practising yoga while listening to the waves of the Indian Ocean is a unique experience. The best places to practice yoga are Agonda in South Goa or Arambol in North Goa.
- Activities: In Goa you can enjoy the beaches, but that’s not all! Discover the local cuisine, a real treat for seafood lovers. You can also go on an excursion to discover the Portuguese origins of India’s smallest state. Don’t miss the colonial district of Fontainhas or the Dudhsagar Falls.
Goa is accessible from two well-connected airports (Dabolim and Mopa). You can easily add Goa to any tour of India, whether after exploring Rajasthan or the southern cities of Bangalore and Chennai.
Auroville
Auroville, near Pondicherry, is an experimental town founded on the ideals of human unity and peace. It is a unique place for the practice of yoga and meditation.
Why Auroville?
- Spiritual community: Auroville is a community where spirituality, yoga and personal development come together. Beyond the beliefs of each individual, it is an interesting place to visit to understand how an autonomous community works.
- Yoga centres: Places such as the Quiet Healing Centre and Verite offer yoga retreats and courses. Auroville has a wide range of options and has the advantage of offering many in French, as the French-speaking community is very present in this part of the country.
- Serene atmosphere: The peaceful environment and proximity to nature encourage relaxation and the practice of yoga. There are many permaculture farms and forests. You can also sample products directly from Auroville if you stay a few days.
Auroville is perfect for a trip to Tamil Nadu. You can combine it with exploring Pondicherry and Chennai. It’s also easy to get to Sri Lanka via Chennai to extend your adventure.
Mysore
Mysore in Karnataka is considered the birthplace of Ashtanga yoga. It’s a city where the traditional meets the modern, and offers an ideal setting for the practice of yoga.
Why Mysore?
- Ashtanga Yoga: Mysore is famous for Ashtanga Yoga, which is one of the most physically demanding and rigorous forms of yoga. There are renowned centres such as KPJAYI (K. Pattabhi Jois Ashtanga Yoga Institute) and Sharath Yoga Centre.
- Cultural heritage: The city is home to the magnificent Mysore Palace, colourful markets and historic temples. Don’t miss climbing to the temple on Chamundi Hill, a small hill located outside the city centre. Watching devotees recite a mantra at every step is unique!
- Authentic teaching: Learn yoga with experienced teachers in an authentic setting. Mysore is known as a city where you can find traditional yoga, whether it’s Hatha or Ashtanga.
Mysore is easily accessible during a tour of Kerala, which is one of India’s most popular tourist destinations. After exploring the backwaters of Alleppey and the beaches of Kovalam, end your stay with a yoga retreat in Mysore before catching your flight from, say, Bangalore.
Practice yoga in India – Conclusion
India, the cradle of yoga, is naturally a destination of choice for those wishing to deepen their knowledge and discover the origins of this practice. Each of the above destinations has its own characteristics and benefits. If you’re looking for a more relaxed experience, Goa will suit you, whereas Mysore, for example, offers a more rigorous retreat. My advice would be to join a teacher that you trust, but you can also join a retreat on a platform like Book Yoga Retreats.
What’s certain is that at least one of these five destinations will offer you an enriching experience. All that remains is for you to define your priorities and the places you want to visit at the same time to create your Yoga & Discovery itinerary in India!