Which state in India is famous for yoga?

Which state in India is famous for yoga?

As most of you might be aware that being the birthplace of yoga, India is famous for yoga. There are a number of destinations spread across different states in India where you can choose to learn this ancient Indian philosophy. Although yoga has become popular and been taught the world over, India still remains an epicenter to learn authentic and traditional yogic practices. This post will enlist the many places in India you can explore for imbibing the ancient knowledge of yoga.

Rishikesh, Uttarakhand

Rishikesh, a holy city in the Indian state of Uttarakhand is well known for all kinds of yoga activities. Rightfully called the yoga capital of the world, this ancient city draws many yoga aficionados, especially Westerners each year to learn the many nuances of yoga. Rishikesh is nestled at the foothills of the mighty Himalayas and the holy river Ganges flows through it. This makes Rishikesh ambient to all kinds of spiritual activities including yoga. You will find numerous yoga ashrams, yoga shalas and yoga studios dotting this ancient city’s landscape. Due to a plethora of options available, one can either go for short-term courses and even choose drop-in yoga classes or enrol in the more intensive 200-hour Hatha yoga teacher training in Rishikesh. In fact, some of the best yoga teacher training programs happen in Rishikesh.

Kerala

Kerala is a Southern coastal Indian state known for its verdant locales and world-famous spices. Kerala abounds in natural beauty and it's rightfully called ‘God’s Own Country’. The Kerala landscape is dotted with lush green forests, spice gardens, frothy waterfalls and pristine backwaters making a perfect backdrop for practicing yoga in solace. Besides, Kerala has a rich heritage of Ayurveda which when applied to yoga can bring about therapeutic benefits. Furthermore, Kerala is home to Kallari yoga which is a combination of Hatha yoga and Kallaripayattu, an ancient martial art form. Besides, Kerala abounds in yoga retreats which double up as holistic healing centers through a combination of yoga and Ayurveda interventions. You can learn many yoga styles in this coastal state such as Hatha yoga, Iyengar yoga and Vinyasa flow yoga along with the more specialized ashtanga yoga teacher training in Kerala.

Mysore, Karnataka

Mysore, a regal city in the Indian state of Karnataka is regarded as the birthplace of Ashtanga yoga which was popularized by K. Pattabhi Jois. He founded the Ashtanga Yoga Research Institute in Mysore in 1948 to promote this form of Vinyasa flow yoga. Interchangeably called the Ashtanga Mysore yoga, this style of yoga attracts aspiring yogis from across the globe. There are numerous yoga schools in Mysore. Most of these yoga schools can be found at ‘Gokulam’, a Mysore suburb mostly frequented by foreigners who stay at these yoga schools to learn the ancient discipline of yoga. Today, there are more than 150 yoga schools in Mysore that teach ancient yogic practices to students flocking to this royal city from across the world.

Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh

Varanasi situated in Uttar Pradesh is regarded as the quintessential spiritual capital of India. This holy town draws many Hindu devotees who take a dip in the holy waters of the river Ganges to perform funeral rites. Furthermore, Varanasi has a spiritual aura similar to Rishikesh and just like Rishikesh is also home to several yoga ashrams and yoga shalas teaching authentic yoga. Moreover, besides the traditional forms of yoga, you will also come across several yoga studios that teach modern and dynamic forms of yoga.

Considered a watering hole for all kinds of spiritual and religious activities, Varanasi has an indulgent spiritual ambience that attracts aspiring yogis from around the world.

Goa

Although Goa, a coastal state in Western India is more known for its beaches and nightlife, it is also a hub for learning yoga. Goa especially South Goa is dotted with many yoga schools that cash in on the serenity and clean sealine. One can get a zen-like vibe conducive to meditation and yoga practices. From traditional yoga shalas to the hippiest yoga villages, Goa has a lot to offer to all kinds of spiritual seekers.

What’s more? Goa is dotted with many beautiful beaches, forts, temples and churches which you can explore during leisure hours. Also, don’t forget to experience the live-wire festivities of Goa especially if your yoga sojourn to Goa is planned during the Christmas and the New Year period.

Dharamshala, Himachal Pradesh

Dharamshala in the Indian hilly state of Himachal Pradesh is a lesser-known place for learning the ancient art of yoga. Encircled by cedar forests, Dharamshala, notably regarded as a meditation center, is dotted with many monasteries and temples. You will find many yoga retreats and accredited yoga teacher training course centers in this hilly belt. McLeod Ganj, a Tibetian settlement town, located about 6 km from Dharamshala is a hub for yoga and other spiritual activities. You will find a number of yoga studios and yoga schools dotting this suburb of Dharamshala. From short-term yoga courses and drop-in yoga classes to the more intensive and long-drawn yoga teacher training programs, Dharamshala yoga schools are capable of catering to all kinds of yoga students.

Pondicherry

The Union Territory of Pondicheery aka Puducherry is an ideal destination for practicing yoga in India. This quaint, peaceful town’s landscape is reminiscent of the erstwhile French era in form of heritage buildings, churches and other monuments. Pondicherry is dotted with many well-known yoga and meditation centers that specialize in yoga teacher training programs. There are a plethora of yoga styles that you can choose to practice such as the most popular Hatha yoga, a more structured Ashtanga yoga to even contemporary forms of hot yoga and power yoga. Also, paying a visit to the Auroville and Sri Aurobindo Ashram entails a serene and peaceful experience ambient to yoga. Moreover, it's worthwhile to note that Pondicherry hosts the annual International Yoga Festival which attracts hordes of aspiring yogis from across the globe.

Your Takeaway!

It's common knowledge that India is famous for yoga. However, by enlisting these destinations spread across India, we have given you a brief idea about places you can plan to visit to learn yoga in India.