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India is the birthplace of yoga and is considered as one of the most spiritual places on Earth. Each year, yoga enthusiasts from all over the world flock to India to experience yoga in all forms, be it within an ashram, a spiritual retreat in Rishikesh, or even a relaxing yoga retreat on the beaches of Goa.
While both a yoga school and a yoga ashram offer yoga instructions, an ashram is typically linked to spirituality. At an ashram, you will find basic necessities and very little room for indulgences. You are expected to help out with day to day chores, and should do so with discipline.
Aside from your daily yoga and meditation practice, you follow the strict routine of the ashram, which include waking up early, practice breathing exercises, meditate, practice yoga asana and eat simple, vegetarian food. The living quarters are very basic and distractions (i.e. your phones and tablets are not allowed).
Being the birthplace of yoga, you can practice virtually any yoga styles in India, with the most famous being Ashtanga yoga, Bikram yoga, Hatha yoga and Iyengar yoga.
October to March
Monsoon or rainy season, July to September
Kerala, Goa, Rishikesh, Ganges area
India is where yoga was first mentioned in a written text around 3,000 years ago.
diphtheria, polio and tetanus, typhoid, hepatitis A, cholera.
The history of yoga in India goes back to 5,000 BC, but even up to this day yoga is still widely practiced in the country. India is known for its yoga ashrams and affordable yoga retreats, offered in various destinations like Rishikesh, Kerala, or Goa, but is also a great place for a yoga retreat for beginners. Even though the offered accommodations are often fairly basic, or different than your yoga studio at home, the knowledge and experience of the yoga teachers in India are like nowhere else. Find the best yoga retreat in India for you, and start your yoga journey to deepen your practice.
In the birth city of Rishikesh, high in the mystical Himalayan mountains, yoga was first mentioned in a written text over 7,000 years ago. Rishikesh is still a pilgrimage for yogis to learn from yoga masters and gurus and a popular location for yoga teacher training and yoga retreats. Other popular cities are Kerala (birthplace of Ayurveda), Mysore (birthplace of Ashtanga yoga), and beachside town Goa.
The birthplace of yoga and Ayurveda, India is an ideal destination for all yoga enthusiasts. Considered one of the most spiritual places on Earth, it’s where you can truly deepen your practice as it was originally intended.
A yoga retreat in India offers the opportunity for a truly transformative experience. You’ll learn the true essence of yoga, delve into meditation sessions, and fully immerse yourself in the yogic lifestyle. In addition, complementary activities such as Ayurveda workshops or treatments may also be included for a well-rounded wellness experience.
From the mystical Himalayas mountains to the backwaters of Kerala and beautiful Mysore, there are plenty of idyllic destinations to enjoy an unforgettable yoga retreat in India.
Rishikesh, the birthplace of yoga, is a great choice for every yoga practitioner looking for a more spiritual experience or wanting to focus on traditional yoga styles. Goa, on the other hand, has a slower-paced vibe and a tropical climate. If you’re seeking a more relaxed yoga holiday, this is the place for you. Other destinations that have rejuvenating yoga retreats include Pune and Dharamsala.
The best time to go on a yoga retreat in India is in winter, from December to March. It’s good to know that the hot weather sets in around April and the monsoon season typically lasts from June to September.
But given the sheer size of the country and diverse climatic regions, there are plenty of lovely places in India to go on a yoga retreat any time of the year.
The most common type of accommodation on yoga retreats in India is ashrams. They offer basic facilities and most have both private and shared accommodation. If you’d rather enjoy more amenities, a variety of guest houses, villas, and hotels are also available, ranging from budget to luxury options.
Most packages include at least one meal. You’ll most likely indulge in organic, vegetarian or vegan, and well-balanced food to nourish your body. Fresh seasonal herbs, vegetables, and fruits, often sourced at the local market, are used in the daily menus. Herbal teas and filtered water are also offered.
No matter where you go on a yoga retreat in India, you’ll likely spend some time in nature by going on walks or hikes. You may also practice yoga or meditation on the beach, in the mountains, or at various sacred places. In addition, city tours, visiting landmarks, markets, or temples may also be included in the package.
Some yoga retreats are organized during important festivals such as Diwali or Holi, giving retreat participants the chance to immerse themselves in the local culture. In addition, some retreats also include visits to local markets and city tours. And, unless you opt for a secluded location, in your free time, you can always explore the chosen destination on your own.
India is known for celebrating plenty of religious and cultural festivals. With so many religions and cultures coexisting in the country, you’re spoiled for choice.
For yoga enthusiasts, without a doubt, the main event is International Yoga Day. Taking place each year on June 21, the event originated in India. You’ll be able to celebrate by joining large yoga classes held in public places.
The festival of lights, Diwali, is one of the biggest in India. Generally falling between mid-October and mid-November, this festival is all about lights, fireworks, and religious ceremonies.
The festival of colors, Holi, is known around the world. People celebrate by putting colors on each other and dancing to cheerful music. It takes place at the end of winter on the last full moon of the Hindu lunar calendar month.
Other important festivals and celebrations include Ganesh Chaturthi, Durga Puja, Dussehra, and Eid-Ul-Fitr.
Some packages include transfers to/from the closest airport. However, the transfer may also be available for an additional fee. You may have also have complimentary pick up to/from the closest train or bus station included in the package.
From the world-famous Taj Mahal in Agra to the majestic Red Fort in Delhi, and the Golden Temple in Amritsar, India is filled with landmarks that are a true testament to its rich culture and diverse history. You may also want to visit Qutub Minar in New Delhi, Charminar in Hyderabad, Hawa Mahal in Jaipur, the Gateway of India in Mumbai, or Mysore Palace in Mysore.
And let’s not forget the natural landmarks that make India famous: The Holi Ganges originates in the Himalayas and empties in the Bay of Bengal. Considered sacred by the Hindu, it’s revered as the personification of the goddess of Ganga, who has the power to cleanse sins and grant spiritual purity.
The iconic and majestic Himalayas also run through India. You’ll not only find the highest peaks in the world, including Mount Everest, here but also plenty of serene places for a getaway.
India is certainly a land of adventures and surprises. Head to Kerala and check out the 13 Arch Bridg or embark on a scenic drive through the forest in Idukki district.
In Gujarat, Adalaj Stepwell is still considered one of the finest examples of ancient Indian architecture. In Southern India, Fort Dansborg in Tharangambadi is a unique landmark to check out.
And if you’re seeking to relax at the beach, what better choice than the hidden Kashid Beach in Maharashtra? Enjoying stunning sunsets and taking a stroll along its sandy beach make for an unforgettable getaway.
India has 22 official languages but there are more than 100 languages spoken here. The most spoken language, Hindi, is also the world’s oldest. English is the second-spoken language in India. Unsurprisingly so, because English was the official language during the British rule. And even after India gained its independence, the language lingered and is being widely spoken.
That said, you’d want to learn some basic terms in Sanskrit and get familiar with the yoga poses. Some instructors in India prefer to use only the Sanskrit names of asanas.
Renowned worldwide for its use of herbs and spices, Indian cuisine is as diverse as the country itself. A melting pot of cultures, the heritage of the Mughals, Portuguese, and British, all added variety and fusion.
From the quintessential Indian snack, pakora to Aloo Gobi, dal tadka, and tandoori chicken, Indian cuisine has something for everyone. Other mouth-watering foods you can’t miss out on include biriyani, samosa, chaat, idli, naan, vindaloo, shahi paneer, and butter chicken. Wash everything down with lassi, a yogurt-based drink.
Because of the conservative culture in some parts of the country, you don’t want to send the wrong message when talking to locals. So, it’s better to be assertive, show confidence, and don’t try to make small talk. In other ways, be as direct as possible in a polite way. Locals want to help you, so when asking questions, be as detailed as possible to avoid inaccurate answers.
When visiting sacred places, you need to pay attention to the local dress code. Women should cover up and dress modestly while men should also wear appropriate & modest clothing. When visiting rural areas, where people tend to be more conservative, avoid wearing provocative clothing.
You may also rely on your retreat center for advice regarding local customs.
It is customary to tip in India. The exact amount to tip in restaurants, for example, depends on the place, occasion, and order size. Some places do include a service tax of 10-15%. When it comes to other services, you can tip your private guide or driver at most 5 EUR/USD per day. And no need to tip luggage porters more than 1 EUR/USD.
However, take the above as a guideline. If you are happy with the service, you’re welcome to give more, and surely, it’ll be greatly appreciated.
India is a fairly safe place to visit. Take your normal precautions and be careful with your money and other valuables. Particularly in crowded areas, be mindful of your surroundings as pickpockets could take advantage of such situations.
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