June 21st, 2016 by Abhijit Chakraborty

Top Yoga Destinations in India

Yoga is perhaps the world’s only physical, mental and spiritual practice of its kind. With its origins in ancient India, Yoga has today spread all over the world. Its various forms are practised by millions of followers on a daily basis.

The International Day of Yoga is observed every year on 21 June. Yoga is the only such practice in the world to have a special day of celebration recognised by the United Nations!

Being the place of its origin and home to the world’s largest population of Yoga followers, India has a number of Yoga centers and ashrams spread across its length and breadth. Based on information compiled from various websites and experts, we list down some of the top Yoga destinations in India for those who want nothing but the best when it comes to learning this practice.

 

Rishikesh

Nestled amidst the beautiful Himalayas and located on the banks of the Ganga, Rishikesh abounds in Yoga ashrams and learning centers. Some of the most popular ones are the Patanjali International Yoga Foundation, Anand Prakash Ashram, Parmarth Niketan and Sivananda Ashram.

(Book OYO in Rishikesh here)

Anand Prakash Ashram, Rishikesh
Anand Prakash Ashram, Rishikesh (Image Source – akhandayoga.com)

Pune

The Ramamani Iyengar Memorial Yoga Institute founded by BKS Iyengar, an international acclaimed Yoga guru, is located in Pune. A special variation of HathaYoga, namely, Iyengar Yoga (with a special focus on postures) is taught here. The institute’s popularity can be judged from the fact that at times, there is a two-year-long waiting list to get admission here.

The Ramamani Iyengar Memorial Yoga Institute
Ramamani Iyengar Memorial Yoga Institute (Image Source – yoga.in)

(Book OYO in Pune here)

Mysore

The Ashtanga Institute in Mysore is run by the family of the renowned guru Sri Krishna Pattabhi Jois who had been teaching there since the 1930s. As the name suggests, this institute focusses on the art of Ashtanga Yoga.

The Ashtanga Institute
The Ashtanga Institute (Image source – astanga.pl)

(Book OYO in Mysore here)

Chennai

Founded by T Krishnamacharya (who taught Yoga to both BKS Iyengar and Sri K. Pattabhi Jois mentioned above), the Krishnamacharya Yoga Mandiram in Chennai is another popular Yoga center which specialises in Viniyoga.

Krishnamacharya Yoga Mandiram
Krishnamacharya Yoga Mandiram (Image source  – kym.org)

(Book OYO in Chennai here)

Munger

The Bihar School of Yoga is unique in the sense that the focus is not just on the physical aspects of Yoga but also service and meditation. Munger itself might be a city not heard of by many, but it is in fact, the fifth largest city in Bihar, and just 180 km away from the capital city of Patna.

In case you have more time with you, check out places to visit in Patna

Bihar School of Yoga
Bihar School of Yoga (Image source – biharyoga.net)

(Book OYO in Patna here)

Trivandrum

Kerala is among the most popular destinations for Yoga and Ayurveda in the world, popular among celebrities and the general public alike. The Sivananda Vedanta Center is among the most popular training centers here. The training focusses on postures, breathing, relaxation, meditation, and diet.

The Sivananda Vedanta Center
The Sivananda Vedanta Center (Image source – travelblog.org)

(Book OYO in Trivandrum here)

Mumbai

Probably the least known among all the centers mentioned in our list, The Yoga Institute, founded in 1918, is the oldest organized center of yoga in the world!

The Yoga Institute, Mumbai
The Yoga Institute, Mumbai (Image source – urbanpro.com)

(Book OYO in Mumbai here)

So, what are you waiting for? If holistic well-being is on your mind, pack your bags and travel to these Yoga destinations whenever you can.

 

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