The Top Five
Yoga Destinations
in India
If you would like to
visit a nice scenic locale and immerse yourself in Yoga and Meditation in
India, this article is for you. India being the land from where Yoga originated; it attracts aspiring yogis from
around the world seeking out a spiritual getaway from the travails of everyday
life. While the length and breadth of India houses yoga centers and retreats;
we look a 5 of the most revered places to go to.
1) RISHIKESH is
called the ‘world capital of yoga’. And rightly so; because it houses Ashrams
and Centers, both ancient and relatively newer too. Rishikesh, situated
alongside the banks of the Ganges is a holy city and it is believed that
Meditating here brings one closer to Moksha (Enlightenment). It’s also one of
the rare places on the planet that you can actually see a Yogi and not the
track pant-clad, yoga mat-laden modern variety! So that’s further motivation to
visit here.
The International Yoga
Festival, Rishikesh
Places of Interest: The world-famous Sivananda ashram
offers Teacher Training courses that are highly sought after. Also, the
wonderful Parmarth Niketan Ashram and Swarg Ashrams on the banks of the Ganga
are must-visits. Ram Jhula and Laxman Jhula, suspension bridges the let you
cross the Ganges are landmarks here. Then of course, the highlight of the city
is the evening Aarti (Prayer) at the banks of the Triveni Ghat. All in all,
Rishikesh is a must-visit for any serious Yoga aspirant – and it’s soon
becoming a Mecca for a worldwide audience waking up to the deeper aspects of
Yoga!
2) GOA! So,
if you want to have a holiday with a yoga practice in the morning and evening;
and beach time the rest of the day – then Goa is definitely the place to be!
That Yoga would come to Goa is actually a no-brainer – people have been going
to Goa for an alternative experience since many decades; and now it’s only
natural that Goa attracts thousands of students to this idyllic beach-state.
The North of Goa with places like Arambol are huge on Yoga; while the South
(beyond Pallolem) also have a fair share of retreats, teacher training and
more. Of, course in Goa the season is only from Oct – Mar; so plan a holiday
accordingly.
Yoga on Goa’s beaches
Places of Interest: The whole of Goa is hugely
interesting – from pristine beaches, shack-living and dolphin cruises, to
hillside treks and the Party scene! You won’t be bored and you have all the
time to contemplate life as you take in picture-perfect Sunrises and Sunsets!
3) MYSORE is
in many ways the birthplace of Modern 20th century Yoga. Although it has been
practiced in India since time immemorial; the role of Sri Krishanmacharya and
his students Pattabhi Jois and BKS Iyengar in spreading the light of Ashtanga
Yoga Shala, Mysore
yoga globally cannot be
over-emphasized! And Mysore is where it all started – thanks to the patronage
of the Mysore Maharaja’s Palace. Although Krishnamacharya decided to move to
Chennai later in life; his student Pattabhi Jois’ tireless work has ensured
that his Ashtanga Yoga center attracts thousands of yoga
students every year.
Places on Interest: For a Indian, ‘Gokulam’ is a
strange sort of district – it’s where the Ashtanga Shala is located. Suddenly
it’s a Global Village with people of all nationalities adjusting into the
Indian way of life, so to speak. Chamundi Hill offers breathtaking views of the
city; and is also a fine place to contemplate. After all, on your yoga getaway;
you want to do much more than just sweat bucket-loads, right? And the Mysore
Palace is worth visiting especially during the festival of Dussehra (Oct-Nov)
4) PUNE is
unique because it houses 2 centers of Self development – both seemingly at
opposite ends of the spectrum! Pune is Ramamani Iyengar Memorial Yoga Center,
Pune
the headquarters of
Iyengar Yoga – BKS Iyengar’s Center is a pilgrimage for Iyengar
Yogis the world over. Pune also houses the Osho Meditation Center – one of the
giants of the modern Spiritual movement. So, while in Pune you have more to do
than just asana!
Places of Interest: The Iyengar Yoga center is a
massive construction with a hall that is perfectly aligned to fit about a 100
yogis! And it has a wonderful library as well. Pune s also great for trekkers –
especially during and immediately after the monsoons. Sinhagad Fort, Lohagad Fort
and other treks will keep you in the midst of nature!
5) DHARAMSHALA: Yoga
evolved in the Himalayas and practicing Meditation in these revered mountains
is always a dream come true for Dharamshala
yogis from around the
world! Dharamshala and Mcleodganj are unique because apart from being in the
mountains and boasting crisp air, majestic views and everything else that the
mountains offer – it is also the home of the Dalai Lama. As more people become
interested in Buddhist philosophy – it brings people to visit from across the
world. Yoga retreats and treks are stunning in the mountains surrounding
Mcleodganj.
Places of Interest: Mcleodganj is a mini-Tibet
with Buddhist temples, monasteries, stores and cafes serving delicious thukpas
and more. Triund Hill trek is fantastic as there is snow here through the
year!
