INDIA’S PREMIER YOGA INSTITUTES

INDIA’S PREMIER YOGA INSTITUTES

Yoga, deeply rooted in Hindu tradition, has been a cherished practice in India for ages, offering a path to harmonise the mind, body, and spirit. In recent times, its popularity has soared in the West, drawing enthusiasts to study yoga in its place of origin.
From the serene banks of the Ganges to the lush foothills of the Himalayas, India boasts an array of premiere yoga schools that cater to diverse preferences and aspirations. Whether you seek an immersive retreat experience or prefer casual drop-in sessions amidst breathtaking natural landscapes, India's yoga schools offer a kaleidoscope of opportunities to explore and deepen your practice.
Here are some of the premiere yoga schools in India (in no particular order) , where the essence of yoga is not just taught but experienced:



  • Art of Living Ashram , Bangalore:
    Renowned worldwide for Sudarshan Kriya (a rhythmic breathing technique), other stress-elimination and self-development programs based mainly on pranayama, meditation, and yoga. The Art of Living International Ashram is one of the best Ashrams not only in India but in the world. Founded by H.H. Sri Sri Ravi Shankar in 1982, it is a volunteer-based organisation that also undertakes various initiatives aimed at uplifting humanity and enhancing the quality of life
    Website : www.artofliving.org



  • Isha Foundation, Coimbatore:
    The Isha Yoga Centre is located in Coimbatore, at the foothills of the Vellangiri Mountains. The Isha Foundation created this centre as a non-profit organisation in 1992 and was founded by Sadhguru to create an inclusive culture towards global harmony and progress. This organisation not only runs the yoga centre but also works on literacy, rural sustenance and environmental conservation.
    Website : www.ishafoundation.org



  • Bihar School of Yoga , Munger:
    Set in the midst of a 14th-century fort, the campus of the Bihar School of Yoga spells history. Bihar School of Yoga, one of India’s premier yoga centres, was founded in 1964 by Swami Satyananda Saraswati and offers a whole yogic lifestyle. This yoga facility teaches yoga that includes traditional postures, breathing, and meditation, with a focus on meditation and kriyas rather than postures. The Bihar School of Yoga offers a variety of short and long-term courses, such as yoga TTC, Hatha yoga Yatra, and Yogvidya.
    Website:  www.biharyoga.net



  • Parmarth Niketan, Rishikesh:
    Parmarth Niketan Ashram, one of India’s most prominent yoga centres, is located in the holy town of Rishikesh, founded in 1942 by Pujya Swami Shukdevanandji Maharaj . Throughout the year, the ashram offers a variety of yin yoga, vinyasa yoga, kriya & meditation yoga, as well as a regular yoga retreat, all of which are led by guest faculty. Regular teacher training courses and studies connected to Vedic heritage and spirituality are also held at Parmarth Niketan Ashram. Every year in the month of March, they also hold the world-famous yoga festival named International Yoga Festival.
    Website:  www.parmarth.com



  • Yoga Institute, Mumbai:
    Yoga Institute, founded by Shri Yogendraji in 1918, is one of Mumbai’s oldest and most popular Yoga centres. Heart and respiratory disorders, hypertension, diabetes, orthopaedic difficulties, and stress-related concerns are among the ailments that the yoga institute Mumbai addresses. There are also special programs for children and pregnant women.
    The institute is a government recognized non-profit organisation, also certified by The Ministry of AYUSH, Government of India as the first authorised Yoga School to conduct government certified courses. It won the Prime Minister’s Award 2018 by the Ministry of AYUSH for outstanding contributions in the field of Yoga in June 2018.
    Website: www.theyogainstitute.org



  • Ashtanga Yoga Institute, Mysore:
    Located in Mysore and run by descendants of the revered guru Sri Krishna Pattabhi Jois, the Ashtanga Institute offers ongoing intensive ​ashtanga yoga classes throughout the year. The courses range from one month to six months. Students can also take classes in Sanskrit, in which the ancient yogic texts are written. The classes are for serious students only, and places are much sought after. It's necessary to apply at least two months in advance
    Website:  sharathjois.com



  • Ramamani Iyengar Memorial Yoga Institute, Pune:
    Located in Pune and founded by B.K.S. Iyengar, who was one of the earliest students of Tirumalai Krishnamacharya, who is often referred to as “The Father of Modern Yoga”. This institute is a must-visit place for any serious yoga practitioner, this yoga institute attracts students of yoga from all over the world. This Yoga Centre conducts classes in ‘Iyengar Yoga’, a form of Hatha Yoga which focuses on postures with breath control. There are special classes for women, children, and people with medical conditions. The Iyengar school emphasises the in-depth study of asanas (anatomically correct postures) and pranayama (breathing). It teaches students to adapt and modify their exercise routine depending on the environment.
    Website:  www.bksiyengar.com



  • Krishnamacharya Yoga Mandiram, Chennai:
    The Krishnamacharya Yoga Centres are headed by TKV. Desikachar, the son of T Krishnamacharya, the “grandfather” of modern Yoga. He developed an individualised style of yoga known as Viniyoga, based on Hatha Yoga adapted to suit different needs. The Heart of Yoga is one of the institute's most popular programs. It's a 120 hour, four-week non-residential intensive covering key aspects of asana, pranayama, philosophy, meditation, and chanting. Their programs cover the ideas, teachings, and practice of asana, pranayama, meditation, mantra, and major components of yoga philosophy, and they are one of the greatest and well-known Yoga centres in India. 
     
    Website: www.kym.org

  • Sivananda Yoga Vedanta Center, Trivandrum:
    Sivananda Yoga Vedanta Centres is named after Swami Sivananda, one of the most influential spiritual teachers of the 20th century; the institute was founded by his disciple Swami Vishnudevananda. The five points of yoga - Proper Exercise (Asanas), Proper Breathing (Pranayama), Proper Relaxation (Savasana), Proper Diet (vegetarian), Positive Thinking (Vedanta) and Meditation (Dhyana). Showing specific ways to develop physical and mental health as well as spiritual growth.
    Website: www.sivananda.org


In conclusion, selecting the ideal Yoga Teacher Training program in India is paramount for your journey towards success and fulfilment. We understand the significant investment of time and resources involved in this decision-making process. It's natural to seek the perfect fit that aligns with your aspirations and goals.
As you navigate through the myriad options available, prioritise finding a school that aligns with your unique needs and aspirations. Your transformative yoga experience begins with the right choice, and we're here to support you on this empowering journey.

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