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If you would like to become a certified yoga instructor, then I really can think of no place better to complete your yoga teacher training than in India – the very birthplace of yoga itself!
Due to the country’s deep connection with yoga, there are a plethora of India yoga teacher training courses to choose from, which promise to teach you a range of different yoga styles. It can get a little overwhelming knowing exactly which course is best for you!
That’s where I come in. As a qualified yoga teacher myself and a seasoned traveler, I have put together a list of the best yoga teacher training in India, to help you find the perfect program for you.
I have listed only the very best yoga schools in India and will delve into everything from certifications, location, and syllabus, to give you as much information as possible so you can make the perfect choice.
In a hurry? Click here to see my top pick now!
What to Pack for Your YTT Retreat:
- The Ultimate Guide to the Best Non-Toxic Yoga Mat for You
- 11 Best Organic Yoga Clothes for Travel or the Studio
- 10 Best Travel Yoga Pants: Versatile, Comfy, & Stylish
- Top 10 Best Yoga Shoes for Travel & Outdoors
- Wander: A Mindful Travel Journal
Table of Contents
Best India YTT Comparison Chart
Here’s a quick comparison chart of the top yoga teacher training in India. I’ve hand-picked each one of them, keeping in mind what makes them unique, as well as their duration, location, skill level, yoga styles, and whether or not they’re worth the price.
School | Hours | Duration | Styles | Location | Price |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Gyan Yog Breath | 200 | 18 days | Hatha, Ashtanga Vinyasa | Rishikesh | Check price on Gyan Yog Breath |
Jiva Yoga Academy | 200 | 24 days | Hatha, Ashtanga | Rishikesh | Check price on BookYogaRetreats |
Yoga India Foundation | 200 | 18 days | Hatha, Ashtanga Vinyasa | Rishikesh | Check price on Yoga India Foundation |
Vinyasa Yoga Shala | 200 | 25 days | Hatha, Vinyasa, Nidra, Ashtanga, Karma, Alignment | Rishikesh | Check price on BookYogaRetreats |
Vrinda School of Yoga | 200 | 28 days | Hatha, Kundalini, Vinyasa | Varkala, Kerala | Check price on BookYogaRetreats |
Yoga Vidya Mandiram | 200 | 22 days | Hatha, Vinyasa, Nidra, Ashtanga, Karma, Japa | Rishikesh | Check price on BookYogaRetreats |
Palm Trees Ayurvedic Heritage | 200 | 22 days | Vinyasa, Yin, Restorative, Ashtanga | South Goa | Check price on BookYogaRetreats |
Rishikesh Yogkulam | 200 | 24 days | Hatha, Vinyasa, Yin, Restorative, Nidra, Ashtanga, Chakra | Rishikesh | Check price on BookYogaRetreats |
soShanti Yoga | 200 | 25 days | Hatha, Kundalini, Vinyasa, Tantra, Nidra | Dharamshala | Check price on BookYogaRetreats |
Yin Yoga Therapy | 200 | 20 days | Yin, Nidra, Yin Yang | Mandrem Beach, Goa | Check price on BookYogaRetreats |
Arohan Yoga | 200 | 25 days | Hatha, Vinyasa, Yin, Ashtanga | Rishikesh | Check price on BookYogaRetreats |
Devvrat Yoga Sangha | 200 | 28 days | Hatha, Vinyasa, Ashtanga | Varkala Beach, Kerala | Check price on BookYogaRetreats |
Bhakti Yogshala | 200 | 24 days | Hatha, Kundalini, Vinyasa, Yin, Kriya, Aerial, Acro, Nidra, Ashtanga, Bhakti | Palolem Beach, Goa | Check price on BookYogaRetreats |
D'vine Yoga | 300 | 29 days | Hath, Kundalini, Vinyasa, Tantra, Restorative, Nidra, Ashtanga | Rishikesh | Check price on BookYogaRetreats |
Bala Yoga School | 300 | 28 days | Hatha, Vinyasa | Auroville | Check price on BookYogaRetreats |
Want to learn more about one or all of these YTTs in India? Below you’ll find my detailed reviews of each one of them, plus why I think they’re the right choice for you.
Why Do Your Yoga Teacher Training in India?
India is a very spiritual country, not least because it’s the birthplace of yoga. Adorned with beautiful Hindu temples and secluded pockets of nature, India is the ideal place to connect with the practice of yoga as well as with your inner self.
Being in such a beautiful location not only allows you to switch off from everyday life and fully immerse yourself in the course, but it will provide you with a unique and fulfilling experience that will stay with you forever. In that way your yoga teacher training in India is so much more than a course, but a memorable life event.
How to Choose the Best India Yoga Teacher Training for You
There are a number of factors to consider when choosing the best yoga teacher training in India for you, including:
- Yoga style: Hatha, Ashtanga, and Vinyasa are some of the most popular yoga styles out there. But there are other options you can consider, from Kundalini and Yin Yang yoga to Aerial or Acro yoga. Make sure to choose a yoga lineage you enjoy and, most importantly, identify with.
- School: Read about the school, teachers, and students reviews beforehand.
- Certification: The certification that you will get at the end of your yoga teacher training should be one of the most important deciding factors for you when choosing your course. A good yoga certification in India is the Yoga Alliance certification. All courses on this list are Yoga Alliance accredited.
- Location: Some of the hotspots for yoga courses in India are Rishikesh, Goa, Mysore, and Dharamshala.
- Price: Besides the cost of the program per se, don’t forget to factor in flights and other extras like tours and activities (if not included already).
Sounds like a daunting task? Worry not – I’ve already done all the homework for you! Now all you’ve got to do is read on and book your dream yoga training in India.
Best Yoga Teacher Training Courses in India
18-Day 200-Hour Yoga Teacher Training with Ayurveda & Emotional Blockage® Treatment in Rishikesh
Yoga Style(s): Hatha, Ashtanga Vinyasa
Certification: Upon completion, students are eligible to register with Yoga Alliance as Registered Yoga Teachers (RYT®).
Extras: 7 comprehensive course books; post-yoga teacher training assistance, social media distribution, and Gyan Yog Breath Yoga community
Gyan Yog Breath invites you to join their unique and transformational 200-hour yoga teacher training in Rishikesh, India.
This Yoga Alliance-certified program is tailored individually to your current level of practice. Whether you wish to teach yoga professionally or simply learn for personal reasons, you can be sure to leave this place with a huge toolkit of ancient wisdom and profound yoga practice.
Gyan Yog Breath teaches traditional hatha yoga in a therapeutic context which nurtures your self-development and healing journey tremendously. Immerse yourself in the original approach to yoga, ensuring you leave rejuvenated, reconnected, and balanced.
What makes this yoga teacher training unique are the location and the exclusively taught Emotional Blockage® Treatment and Applied Ayurveda modules.
During the Emotional Blockage® Treatment, you learn how to release accumulated and oppressed emotions and trauma from your body and give this treatment to others. It’s a powerful healing therapy that is only taught here.
The training is held at the Gyan Yog Breath Ashram which is located directly at the Rajaji Tiger Reserve in Rishikesh and Ganges River, overlooking both the river and the Himalayas. It’s a very peaceful scenery and space created with much love, comfort, and thoughtfulness, providing you with a positive and safe yogic environment that feels like a home away from home.
Click here for more info and booking.
24-Day 200-Hour Yoga Teacher Training with Ayurveda in Rishikesh
Yoga Style(s): Hatha, Ashtanga
Certification: Upon completion, students are eligible to register with Yoga Alliance as Registered Yoga Teachers (RYT®).
Extras: All yoga materials; pick-up from Dehradun Airport (DED)
The Jiva Yoga Academy offers an intensive 200-hour yoga teacher training program, blending traditional Hatha and Ashtanga yoga with Ayurvedic principles.
Suitable for beginners to advanced practitioners, the course focuses on a holistic approach to yoga, aiming to balance mind, body, and spirit. It includes lessons in anatomy, yogic philosophy, breathing techniques, meditation, and various yoga styles.
The training, conducted by experienced instructors Vikash Kumar and Pritam Singh Rawat, equips students to teach yoga and provides insights into balancing doshas, dietary habits, and restoring body equilibrium naturally.
The serene location in Rishikesh, near the Ganges River, provides an ideal environment for yoga practice and learning.
The program also covers practical aspects like class sequencing, alignment, and adjustment of over 50 asanas, teaching methodologies, and a practical assessment. Additionally, students learn about Ayurvedic history, diagnostic techniques, diet, daily habits, and health maintenance.
Attendance is mandatory for certification, and the course stipulates adherence to guidelines for a respectful, focused learning environment.
Click here for more info and booking.
18-Day 200-Hour Self-Love Yoga Teacher Training in Rishikesh
Yoga Style(s): Hatha Yoga, Ashtanga Vinyasa
Certification: Upon completion, students are eligible to register with Yoga Alliance as Registered Yoga Teachers (RYT®).
Extras: Kids Yoga, Prenatal Yoga, Ayurveda Module, one-weekend excursion, Ayurvedic consultation, and pulse diagnosis, Vedic Ritual Ceremony, yoga mat, course kit, school T-Shirt, airport pick up (DED to Rishikesh), 8 Course PDF books prior course start, 4 Printed Course Books, farewell gift & free access to all monthly online refresher classes
Yoga India Foundation offers a unique Yoga Alliance-certified 200-hour yoga teacher training program that has been established and fine-tuned over the last 10 years. The course is ideal for all-level yoga practitioners who want to experience traditional Hatha and Ashtanga Vinyasa yoga in a peaceful environment.
In terms of Asana (posture), you can expect to learn a lot about the correct demonstration, practice, alignment, and adjustments. The teachers focus on teaching multiple variations of each posture and show how to integrate props (bolsters, pillows, chairs, blocks, belts, etc.) to make the poses suitable for all levels. The training also includes Kids’ Yoga and Prenatal Yoga classes and learning about both topics and how to design balanced classes.
Besides the asanas, this 200-hour yoga teacher training covers all pranayama techniques, meditation, anatomy, yoga philosophy, teaching methodology, and teaching practicum. The additional module Ayurveda is led by Ayurvedic Doctor and university professor Dr. Kumar, who will be giving free Ayurvedic consults, pulse diagnosis, and guidance throughout the course.
The Yoga India Foundation Ashram is located at the Ganges River, overlooking the National Park and foothills of the Himalayas. It is the only building in the whole of Rishikesh that is 95% run by solar power. It’s sustainable, eco-friendly and 100% vegetarian. It caters to vegans and gluten-free yogis as well and provides only freshly cooked, homemade sattvic (pure) meals.
Another highlight is the focus on self-development, self-love, and confidence. The highly qualified and caring team of teachers emphasizes positive and empowering learning energy in which each participant is encouraged to reconnect to the soul. Personal guidance, feedback, and sharing circles assist in leaving this place as a confident and joyful individual.
Click here for more info and booking.
25-Day 200-Hour Yoga Teacher Training in Rishikesh
Yoga Style(s): Hatha, Vinyasa, Nidra, Ashtanga, Karma, Alignment
Certification: Upon completion, students are eligible to register with Yoga Alliance as Registered Yoga Teachers (RYT®).
Extras: Astrology consultation, sound healing/Reiki session, one ayurvedic full-body massage, one session of emotional treatment. Also included is a weekly activity to places like Kunjapuri temple, Vasishtha Cave, etc.
Based in the yoga capital of the world, this 200-hour yoga teacher training in Rishikesh is run by a family-operated school and focuses on a range of different yoga styles.
The training provides theoretical and practical knowledge of yoga and meditation and is suitable for anyone interested in enhancing their yoga knowledge. No prior degree or knowledge is required.
This yoga teacher training in Rishikesh includes learning traditional yoga practices, anatomy and physiology, teaching methodologies, mindfulness, yoga philosophy, Pranayama, bandha, mudra, mantra, meditation, yoga Nidra, and contemplation techniques.
The school, Vinyasa Yogashala, is nestled in the vibrant foothills of the Himalayas and overlooks the Holy Ganges River, the perfect location to connect spiritually to the practice of yoga.
Click here for more info and booking.
28-Day 200-Hour Yoga Teacher Training in Kerala
Yoga Style(s): Hatha, Kundalini, Vinyasa
Certification: Upon completion, students are eligible to register with Yoga Alliance as Registered Yoga Teachers (RYT®).
Extras: Optional cooking and painting classes are available at request. Sundays are a day off to enjoy an activity of your choosing.
In the heart of Varkala sits this yoga school, just a stone-throw away from exquisite temples and picturesque beaches.
This yoga teacher training course in Kerala includes daily advanced yoga classes, and teachings of yoga philosophy, anatomy, and physiology. Led by a lady doctor, t focuses heavily on alignment and adjustment to avoid injuries in asanas sequencing.
This yoga teacher training in Kerala is suitable for students of all abilities, from beginners to advanced. The syllabus taught at this school is equal to the degree of Bachelor of Science in Yoga (BSc Yoga) taught for a duration of three years.
Click here for more info and booking.
22-Day 200-Hour Yoga Teacher Training in Rishikesh
Yoga Style(s): Hatha, Vinyasa, Nidra, Ashtanga, Karma, Japa
Certification: Upon completion, students are eligible to register with Yoga Alliance as Registered Yoga Teachers (RYT®).
Extras: Visits to Rishikesh city and nearby Himalayan holy shrines.
Tucked away within the spiritual town of Rishikesh, on the banks of the holy River Ganges, there are few better locations in which to complete a yoga teacher training course in India.
Training in this course mostly consists of traditional Hatha yoga, Patanjali’s philosophy, the eight elements of yoga, and Ashtanga Vinyasa yoga styles.
This is one of the most popular yoga courses in Rishikesh, with a full syllabus that extends to mantra recitation, daily joints and glands practices, the science of breathing, yoga energy locks, and much more.
One of the teachers on this course is an Ayurvedic doctor who is keen to share their knowledge of combining ancient traditions with medical sciences.
Click here for more info and booking.
22-Day 200-Hour Yoga Teacher Training in South Goa
Yoga Style(s): Vinyasa, Yin, Restorative, Ashtanga
Certification: Upon completion, students are eligible to register with Yoga Alliance as Registered Yoga Teachers (RYT®).
Extras: An estuary sunset boat trip.
If you dream of learning yoga under the shade of swaying palms, hammocks only a few steps from you, and a lovely beach just a 10-minute walk away, then this may be the best yoga teacher training in Goa for you.
During this teacher training course, you will study the traditional practice of Ashtanga yoga as well as anatomy and alignment, how to apply Ayurveda practices to daily life, and much more.
This is an intimate course for a maximum of 12 students at a time and is set in a peaceful resort that is encompassed by nature. It is conducted by Julia Gavin who specializes in anatomy and has been training teachers for over eight years.
Click here for more info and booking.
24-Day 200-Hour YTT with Emotional Release Treatment in Rishikesh
Yoga Style(s): Hatha, Vinyasa, Yin, Restorative, Nidra, Ashtanga, Chakra
Certification: Upon completion, students are eligible to register with Yoga Alliance as Registered Yoga Teachers (RYT®).
Extras: An excursion every Sunday. This may include white river rafting, a Himalayan tour, a local market tour in Rishikesh, waterfall trekking, and much more. A free Sound healing and kirtan session as well as an Emotional Release Treatment session is also included.
Surrounded by lush green mountains is this tranquil school, just a 10-minute walk from the famous hanging bridge in Rishikesh.
At this Rishikesh yoga teacher training center, you will learn about asana, yoga anatomy, yoga philosophy, mantra chanting, and meditation. You will also enjoy chakra-based Yin yoga classes.
Upon arrival at this teacher training course, you will experience a welcome ceremony and will be provided with a yoga kit which includes a yoga mat, study books, and more.
As well as learning from the classes, you will be encouraged to interact in discussions on the ethics and different aspects of the yogic lifestyle.
One thing that separates this program from other similar courses is the addition of an Emotional Release Treatment session.
Click here for more info and booking.
25-Day 200-Hour Yoga Teacher Training in Dharamshala
Yoga Style(s): Hatha, Kundalini, Vinyasa, Tantra, Nidra
Certification: Upon completion, students are eligible to register with Yoga Alliance as Registered Yoga Teachers (RYT®).
Extras: Indian cooking workshop, Indian classical dancing workshop, visits to local markets, sightseeing, as well as hiking and meditation walk to mountains and a waterfall.
Nestled within the spiritual town of Dharamsala, the holy residence of the Dalai Lama and the Tibetan government-in-exile, is soShanti Yoga, a yoga school with a holistic approach to spiritual healing.
When completing your yoga teacher training in Dharamsala, you will learn traditional yoga, healing and cleansing chakras, breathwork, meditation, yoga anatomy, mantra chanting, and more.
During your experience, you will be able to embark on silent meditation walks through nature to beautiful waterfalls.
A typical day starts at 7:30 am and ends at 7 pm, so is far shorter than in many other 200-hour yoga teacher training in India courses.
Click here for more info and booking.
20-Day 200-Hour Yoga Teacher Training in Goa
Yoga Style(s): Yin, Nidra, Yin Yang
Certification: After the completion of the online part of the course, you will be able to register as an RYT 200 (Registered Yoga Teacher) with Yoga Alliance.
Extras: Self-paced online 40-hour online video material which can be completed anywhere up to a year after registration as well as pre and post-retreat support from the team.
On the pristine golden-sand coast of Goa is this 3-week course which promises to give you a deep dive into the Yin side of yoga through both in-person teachings and online video material.
This 200-hour yoga teacher training in Goa explores ancient teachings which are presented by an experienced acupuncture practitioner. The course also promises to teach you Daoist healing and mindfulness.
The 40-hour online video material can be completed anytime from within a week up to one year from registration.
In this course you will learn to release physical and emotional tension, unblock energy, and evoke a sense of tranquillity. The course will focus on acceptance and achieving a Zen state of mind.
Click here for more info and booking.
25-Day 200-Hour Yoga Teacher Training with Ayurveda in Rishikesh
Yoga Style(s): Hatha, Vinyasa, Yin, Ashtanga
Certification: Upon completion, students are eligible to register with Yoga Alliance as Registered Yoga Teachers (RYT®).
Extras: Two complimentary excursions. These could be Patna Waterfall and Tek, Kunjapuri Temple, Ganga Aarti, or Vashishtha Gufa (Mediation cave). An Ayurvedic cooking class is also included.
On the banks of the holy River Ganges, in a secluded pocket of Rishikesh, you will find this spiritual center whose vision is to teach authentic yogic knowledge to its students.
If you are looking for the best yoga teacher training in Rishikesh, then this school is an excellent choice, with an in-depth program that covers mudra, cleansing, Pranayama, asana, and meditation techniques. On the theory side, you will learn yoga anatomy, physiology, philosophy, and Ayurveda.
Days start at 6 am and run till 7 pm, apart from Saturdays, when you will enjoy a half-day. Sundays are a day off.
The school is family-run and focuses heavily on maintaining a safe, friendly environment where you can feel as though you are amongst family.
Click here for more info and booking.
28-Day 200-Hour Yoga Teacher Training in Kerala
Yoga Style(s): Hatha, Vinyasa, Ashtanga
Certification: Upon completion, students are eligible to register with Yoga Alliance as Registered Yoga Teachers (RYT®).
Extras: One field trip is included which is sightseeing around Varkala. Could include a boat tour or meditation on Golden Island. Also included is an Ayurvedic consultation with a doctor.
This unique course in Kerala includes 2 Asana yoga classes per day along with meditation and Pranayama sessions as well as yoga theory such as philosophy, anatomy, and physiology.
This teacher training course focuses on the art of teaching: how to instruct, how to demonstrate, and how to observe and give hands-on assistance when required.
The course promises to not only give you the tools provided to teach your own students but to increase your strength and flexibility as well as your self-awareness, energy levels, and concentration.
Click here for more info and booking.
24-Day 200-Hour Multi-Style Yoga Teacher Training in Goa
Yoga Style(s): Hatha, Kundalini, Vinyasa, Yin, Kriya, Aerial, Acro, Nidra, Ashtanga, Bhakti
Certification: Upon completion, students are eligible to register with Yoga Alliance as Registered Yoga Teachers (RYT®).
Extras: Several therapies are provided in order to enhance your yoga practice. They include Marmchikitsa (marma therapy), color therapy, vacuum therapy, aromatherapy, diet therapy, and naturopathy.
Teaching a vast range of yoga styles, this course includes 2 yoga classes per day, meditation, chanting, and Pranayama sessions as well as philosophy, theory, and anatomy lessons.
This course not only focuses on increasing your knowledge of yoga and providing you with the skills to become a yoga teacher in your own right, but it teaches you advanced yoga techniques and poses.
A large part of the syllabus focuses on learning acceptance, how to be open-minded, and discovering different perspectives on life.
The yoga teacher training takes place on the glorious Palolem Beach in Goa. Yoga and meditation sessions will take place on the beach, the ideal environment to truly unwind.
Click here for more info and booking.
29-Day 300-Hour Advanced Yoga Teacher Training in Rishikesh
Yoga Style(s): Hatha, Kundalini, Vinyasa, Tantra, Restorative, Nidra, Ashtanga
Certification: Upon completion, students are eligible to register with Yoga Alliance as Registered Yoga Teachers (RYT®) under E RYT 300 & E-RYT 500.
Extras: Himalayan tour and sightseeing tours on Sundays as well as dance yoga sessions.
This 300-hour yoga teacher training in Rishikesh is a comprehensive course designed to help you advance the knowledge you have learned from previous teacher training. It’s open to yogis who have already undergone 200-hour yoga teacher training.
You will learn advanced yoga techniques, Ayurveda and yoga therapy, in-depth Pranayama, and advanced Pranayama techniques. In-depth training for all yoga styles will be provided.
When learning how to teach yoga in Rishikesh, you will be taught how to manage your diet and the science behind the food. You will also be given the tools to help you make the best decisions in your everyday life.
This is a very in-depth yoga teacher training course in Rishikesh, perfect for those who wish to advance their training beyond the basics.
Click here for more info and booking.
28-Day 300-Hour Advanced Yoga Teacher Training in Auroville
Yoga Style(s): Hatha, Vinyasa
Certification: Upon completion, students are eligible to register with Yoga Alliance as Registered Yoga Teachers (RYT®) under E RYT 300 & E-RYT 500.
Extras: Sightseeing excursions and cooking.
Located at the entrance to the town of Auroville on India’s east coast is this advanced 300-hour yoga teacher training in India. Auroville is a place associated with peace and stability, an ideal place to advance your knowledge of yoga.
This yoga teacher training course is unique in that it offers ‘Karma Yoga’ – the opportunity to volunteer on local projects such as farms.
Included in this course are learning all four mangas (paths) of yoga, advanced asana, Pranayama, and meditation. In-depth studying of a variety of topics is also included, allowing you to deepen your knowledge of anatomy, physiology, and much more.
As well as aiming to expand your knowledge, this course puts a lot of emphasis on improving your mental and spiritual health, helping you to heal and love yourself.
This course is suitable for those who have already been on a 200-hour yoga teacher training course and are ready to gain their next certificate which would allow them to teach their own yoga teacher training course.
Click here for more info and booking.
If you’re looking to complete a yoga teacher training then there’s no better location for you than India, the birthplace of yoga. You can’t go wrong with any of these yoga teacher courses in India, each one boasting glowing online reviews. Which program appeals most to you?
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Doing Your YTT in India? Don’t Forget Travel Insurance!
As with any other kind of physical activity, joining a yoga retreat is not without its risks. While yoga is generally safe, accidents and injuries can happen anywhere and, if you’re anything like me, you’ll want to be prepared for the worst, especially when you’re in a foreign country.
That’s why travel insurance is so important and you should never leave home without it! I use and recommend SafetyWing travel medical insurance for travelers, remote workers, and nomads.
They cover overseas medical assistance in case of accident or illness, a wide range of sports and activities including yoga, travel delay or interruption, lost checked luggage, emergency medical or political evacuation, natural disasters, and personal liability, at very competitive prices.
You can subscribe online here for a minimum of 5 days to a maximum of 364 days, or opt for a monthly subscription instead.
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