Due to its rich spiritual heritage and devotion to holistic health, the Indian yoga institutes are recognised worldwide. These centres in India are popular among those seeking inner peace, physical rejuvenation and spiritual progress.
Whether you’re looking for a spiritual retreat or some serenity near the coast or the foothills, these yoga institutes have got you covered. India has diverse institutes that are known for offering life-changing yoga practices and unique experiences to visitors. We have listed 10 institutes that are a must-visit for all yoga enthusiasts.
No matter what level of experience you have in yoga. Choosing these centres for your yoga journey will offer you a rewarding experience. Each one of them is known for its best instruction, a serene setting, and dedication to providing a complete yoga experience.
10 Best Yoga Centers in India To Elevate Your Practice
There has been a quick rise in yoga retreats, ashrams, and centres throughout India over the last few years. We have shortlisted the 10 finest yoga centres and classes for you to choose from. All these centres can help you uncover the secrets of ancient yogic teachings so you can embark on a path of self-discovery.
1. Bihar School of Yoga, Munger
Sri Swami Satyananda Saraswati established a yoga preparation program for households and sannyasins in 1964. He believed that self-awareness could be achieved through the combination of traditional Vedantic, tantric, and yogic lessons combined with modern physical and emotional wellness science. The Bihar School of Yoga also carries out yoga activities and therapeutic research in partnership with prestigious medical clinics, associations, and foundations. BSY provides a comprehensive curriculum that includes not only physical postures (asanas) but also meditation, pranayama (breath control), yoga nidra, karma yoga, and more.
In addition to being known as the Satyananda Yoga lineage, the Bihar School of Yoga also offers different residential programs for individuals seeking a deeper immersion into yogic studies. 2019 saw the Bihar School of Yoga receive the Prime Minister’s Award for Outstanding Contribution toward Promoting and Developing Yoga.
2. Parmarth Niketan Ashram, Rishikesh
The Parmarth Niketan, located between the Ganges and the beautiful Himalayas, is the perfect place for spiritual development. Pujya Swami Shukdevanandji Maharaj established this ashram in 1942. Pujya Swami Chidanand Saraswatiji Maharaj has led the Parmarth Niketan since 1986. Choose this institute to participate in the best yoga classes in Rishikesh, amidst the lush green gardens and a clean, pure atmosphere that welcomes thousands of pilgrims from around the world.
They conduct daily yoga classes at Parmarth Niketan, specialising in Vinyasa yoga, general Hatha yoga, and yoga Nidra. One of the highlights of Parmarth Niketan is the daily Ganga Aarti (ceremony) conducted in the evening on the banks of the Ganges. Shiva statue of 14 feet stands at the entrance of Parmarth Niketan on the banks of the Ganges, providing a magnificent view of the ashram. This ashram is the home of the divine tree from heaven, Kalpavriksha, planted by Himalaya Vahini’s Vijaypal Baghel.
3. Ashtanga Yoga Institute, Mysore
Those who practice Ashtanga Yoga Mysore believe that yoga is more than a fitness tool. Asanas and Pranayama are good methods for attaining a perfect physiological state. But these aren’t the end-all and be-all of yoga. Ashtanga Yoga Institute has designed its course in such a way that other parts, such as philosophy, meditation, anatomy, and teaching art, also receive equal importance.
A daily practice of two hours of asanas combined with two more hours of adjustments & teaching improves students’ understanding of asanas and their teaching abilities. A teacher (guru) is present in every Asana class, and students can practice asanas under their supervision.
A team of spiritual gurus with extensive experience in their respective fields conduct a 200-hour comprehensive training course. Once you have successfully completed the course, you can teach Ashtanga Yoga or Hatha Yoga, depending on whether you have enrolled in the beginner or practitioner course. Ashtanga Yoga Mysore awards certification at the end of its course.
4. The Art of Living Ashram, Bengaluru
Located in Karnataka’s rural south, this ashram was built in 1986 by the Art of Living International Foundation. This ashram is a spiritual and wellness retreat founded by Sri Sri Ravi Shankar, a globally recognized spiritual leader and humanitarian. It combines ancient and modern elements and is a great example of the Art of Living movement.
The Ashram offers a variety of residential courses to offer you a spiritually uplifting experience. One must also take contemplative walks, touring the ashram. They offer a basic Course that introduces the participants to Sudarshan Kriya, it is one of the best Yoga institutes in india. Their Advanced Course allows guests to dig deeper into themselves. Participants from around the world come to the ashram to immerse themselves in the teachings and practices offered.
5. Isha Yoga Center, Coimbatore
Isha Yoga Center is the headquarters of Isha Foundation, a non-profit organization based in Coimbatore and the foothills of Velliangiri. Sadhguru Jaggi Vasudev, a prominent spiritual leader and yogi, founded this institute. At Isha, you can focus on your inner development, which gives you an environment for self-transformation. Kriya (energy), gnana (knowledge), karma (action), and bhakti (devotion) are the four major paths of yoga offered at the centre. It attracts students from around the globe.
Creating an established state of well-being and fostering inner transformation are the key focuses of this centre. In addition to the brahmacharis, full-time volunteers and visitors, this large residential facility is home to an active international community. The Isha Yoga Center offers a supportive environment for adopting a healthier lifestyle, self-fulfilment, and realizing your potential.
6. Yoga Institute, Mumbai
Shri Yogendra Ji, also known as the father of the modern yoga Renaissance, established the Yoga Institute at the end of 1918, the world’s first yoga centre. Its life-changing courses have transformed thousands of lives and created more than 100,000 teachers around the world. In addition to providing modern-day solutions to all life situations and ailments, this institute offers mental and physical peace of mind. It has also received the prestigious Prime Minister’s Award by the Ministry of AYUSH in June 2018 for its outstanding contributions to yoga science.
With certification from the Ministry of AYUSH, Government of India, the Yoga Institute offers government-certified yoga courses. The International Board of Yoga runs this institute under the direction of Dr. Hansa Yogendra, who was appointed a Special Executive Officer on June 20, 2011.
7. Sivananda Yoga Vedanta Center, Trivandrum
In 1986, the Sivananda Yoga Vedanta Centre Trivandrum was founded in a beautiful, airy building near the convenient West Fort area. This centre teaches Yoga and Vedantic philosophy and has several centres around the world. Sri Swami Vishnudevananda, a disciple of Sri Swami Sivananda of Rishikesh, founded it. The organization has gained international recognition among the most important and authentic yoga institutions worldwide. It has a network of ashrams that offer teachings in yoga and meditation.
In addition to teacher training courses, one can pursue yogic studies, including raja yoga, Vedanta, and other sacred culture programs. Swamiji Vishnudevananda believed that the five principles of yoga could easily be incorporated into daily life. The ancient wisdom of the sages is made accessible to beginners and experienced practitioners alike through this classical, traditional yoga instruction.
8. Krishnamacharya Yoga Mandiram, Chennai
This nonprofit yoga centre was founded by TKV Desikachar in 1976 as a tribute to his father and guru, Tirumalai Krishnamacharya. Yoga practitioners from around the world come here to study. It is said to be one of the most prestigious yoga institutes in the world. Aside from yoga retreats, KYM is also known for its teacher training, yoga therapy, and outreach programs. A scientific research department is also part of the organization.
One of KYM’s distinctive features is its focus on the therapeutic applications of yoga. The institution strongly emphasizes adapting yoga practices to address specific health conditions and individual needs. The institute is actively involved in yoga research and has published numerous books and research papers on yoga philosophy, therapy, and practice.
9. Ramamani Iyengar Memorial Yoga Institute, Pune
Ramamani Iyengar Memorial Yoga Institute (RIMYI), located in Pune, Maharashtra, is the centre for Iyengar Yoga. It is named after Yogacharya B.K.S. Iyengar’s wife, Smt Ramamani Iyengar, who founded the institute on January 19, 1975. It is run by Yogacharya BKS Iyengar, Geeta S. Iyengar, and Prashant S. Iyengar. This institute has drawn students from around the world to learn life lessons and absorb the essence of yogic practice.
There is a deeper meaning behind the distinctive design of RIMYI. In all its practices, we find representations of body, mind, and soul. In addition, one can learn about the eight practices representing Ashtanga yoga yama, niyama, asana, pranayama, pratyahara, dharana, dhyana, and samadhi. A huge collection of accolades, citations, offerings, presentations, and artwork is on display at the institute. They have more than 8,000 books in their library, covering topics ranging from philosophy to yoga and ayurveda to scriptural commentary.
10. Yogis Yogshala Yoga Centers, Rishikesh, India
Yogis Yogshala is a yoga centre in Rishikesh that focuses on yoga, meditation, and the practice of meditation. The Yogis Yogshala is registered with the Yoga Alliance and is certified as a 5-star school.
There are three levels of teacher training offered by Rishikesh Yogis Yogshala: 100 hours, 200 hours, and 300 hours. Nestled in the lap of nature, Rishikesh Yogis Yogshala is the perfect place for yoga. Furthermore, it provides people with yoga teacher training in Rishikesh. The practices one learns at this institute can help them calm and nurture their health for years to come. Thousand of yoga enthusiasts and spiritual seekers flock to Yogis Yogshala in Tapovan, Rishikesh, a place that is also recognized as the world capital of yoga and is among the most revered destinations to learn and practice yoga.
Conclusion
With this, we conclude our list of the 10 best yoga centres in India. All these centres stand as a beacon for those seeking the transformative power of yoga. From the specialized programs at the Yoga Institute in Mumbai and the Sivananda Yoga Vedanta Center to the holistic approach of The Art of Living Ashram and Isha Yoga Centre, each of these institutes has its unique charm. These prestigious institutes have created India’s global reputation as a yoga powerhouse. Before you embark on your yoga journey, consider the unique offerings of each of these centres and adopt the enlightened way of living.
FAQs:
Which city in India is best for learning yoga?
Rishikesh is known as the “Yoga Capital of the World”. However, other spots like Goa, where you can enjoy beach bliss, and Mysore, where you can focus on Ashtanga yoga, have their own vibes.
Which is the largest yoga centre in India?
There are a number of yoga institutes in India, but the Yoga Institute in Mumbai is the largest and offers a wide range of courses.
Which is the best yoga place in India?
One must consider one’s own preferences and experiences when making a decision. You can find Parmarth Niketan in Rishikesh, Sivananda Ashram in Kerala, and Kaivalyadhama Health and Yoga Research Center in Lonavala. Yogic practices and courses at each of these institutes may vary.
Which place is known as the Yoga Centre of India?
Many places offer yoga experiences, but Rishikesh, with its spiritual atmosphere and rich yoga history, stands out. Also, Varanasi on the banks of Ganga and Arambol in Goa offer a unique experience.
Which institute is best for yoga?
Ashtanga Yoga Institute, Bengaluru, is believed to be the best institute in India. It teaches fast-paced, breath-synchronized yoga, made popular by Jois.
Also Read: 10 Spiritual Masters (Gurus) from India
