Jun 21, 2024
By: Ayush Mehrotra
Known as the "Yoga Capital of the World," Rishikesh is located in the foothills of the Himalayas along the banks of the Ganges River. It is home to numerous ashrams and yoga schools, offering a serene and spiritual environment ideal for yoga practice. Major ashrams include Parmarth Niketan, Sivananda Ashram, and the Yoga Niketan Ashram.
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Famous for Ashtanga yoga, Mysore attracts yoga practitioners from around the world. The city is known for the KPJAYI (K. Pattabhi Jois Ashtanga Yoga Institute) and other esteemed schools like the IndeaYoga and Ashtanga Yoga Shala. The practice in Mysore often involves traditional methods with a focus on discipline and dedication.
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Situated in the Kangra Valley with the backdrop of the Dhauladhar mountains, Dharamshala is home to the Dalai Lama and a large Tibetan community. It offers a peaceful and spiritual environment for yoga and meditation. Tushita Meditation Centre and the Himalayan Iyengar Yoga Centre are popular spots here.
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The serene backwaters and lush landscapes of Kerala provide a perfect setting for yoga and Ayurveda retreats. Kovalam and Varkala are popular destinations within Kerala, offering various retreats that combine yoga with Ayurvedic treatments. Notable centers include Sivananda Yoga Vedanta Dhanwantari Ashram and Somatheeram Ayurveda Village.
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One of the oldest cities in the world, Varanasi offers a unique spiritual experience. Practising yoga along the ghats of the Ganges River provides a profound connection to India's spiritual traditions. Many small ashrams and yoga centres offer classes and retreats here.
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Pune is home to the Ramamani Iyengar Memorial Yoga Institute (RIMYI), founded by B.K.S. Iyengar. The institute is renowned for its Iyengar yoga practice, focusing on alignment and precision. Practitioners from all over the world come to Pune to study this form of yoga.
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Known for its beautiful beaches and relaxed atmosphere, Goa has become a popular destination for yoga retreats. The state offers a blend of traditional and modern yoga practices, with numerous retreats and yoga centres in areas like Palolem, Anjuna, and Mandrem. Popular centres include Purple Valley and Ashiyana Yoga Retreat.
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Located near Pondicherry, Auroville is an experimental township focused on community living and spirituality. It offers various yoga and meditation centres, promoting holistic and integrative practices. Notable places include the Matrimandir and different community-based yoga classes.
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Known for its modern amenities and thriving yoga community, Bengaluru has numerous yoga studios and retreat centres. Art of Living International Center, founded by Sri Sri Ravi Shankar, is a major attraction offering various yoga and meditation programs.
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A quieter alternative to Goa, Gokarna offers beautiful beaches and a tranquil atmosphere ideal for yoga practice. Several retreats and yoga centres are situated here, offering a peaceful environment to deepen one's practice.
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