Consider an India retreat to deepen your yoga practice
The luxury Atmantan Wellness Resort near Mumbai, which offers yoga sessions in its wellness packages.
The first time I took a yoga class, I was in my twenties and working in the high-octane field of public relations, and in need of a way to relax and calm my mind. At that time (before the Lululemon craze), yoga was not popular or cool as it is now. The class was held in a school gymnasium and it must have worked because I fell asleep, which was a miracle for a 20-something body that was operating on little sleep and gallons of caffeine.
Since, yoga has increased in popularity across the country, attracting people from all walks of life, and I continue to learn more about this ancient Indian tradition, which is much more than just poses.
The benefits of yoga are well-known, including increased flexibility, muscle strength, improved energy and vitality, weight management, cardio health, reduced stress, among others. Interestingly, a recent study shows that meditation and yoga practice are linked to reduced volume in the brain region that is tied to negative emotions. Probably the most important reason, it can help us love ourselves a little bit more.
And so, if you are looking to start and/or maintain a daily practice, or deepen your practice, or are a beginner, one of the best ways is to immerse yourself in study and practice. Or consider including it in a wellness retreat. The ideal place to learn is where it all began: India.
There are many yoga academies and ashrams across India, though a number of them rank higher than others. Some offer retreats and others are geared to teacher training (note: in Sanskrit, ashram means “a place where everything happens effortlessly”). I have visited many of them in Pune and Lonavala, Maharashtra.
Here are some of the most popular yoga institutions in India. The ones I have visited have photos included.
List of most popular yoga institutions in India
Created by B.K.S. Iyengar, considered to be the founder of modern yoga, this renowned institute attracts yoga students from around the world who are interest in training.
The outside of Iyengar Yoga Institute. Indoors photos were restricted or forbidden.
Iyengar
Founded in 1946 by the legendary Mahatma Gandhi, it is a unique example of the field of naturopathy, which brings people from across India and internationally for its holistic approach to healing, which includes daily yoga.
Yoga room at the Nisargaopchar Ashram
Lovely views at the Nisargaopchar Ashram during the monsoon
A research institution and yoga college that teaches the Ashtanga yoga of Patanjali, the pioneer who laid down the foundation for traditional yoga.
Kaivalyadhama Ashram
Kaivalyadhama Ashram enterance
Founded by legendary Swami Parthasarathy. Located 8 km from Lonavala and nestled in the hills of Malavli, the academy is set on a secluded, modern campus, providing an ideal atmosphere for peace, contemplation and reflection; and has a number of amenities.
The Vedanta Academy campus
The Vedanta Academy accommodations
One of India’s most popular ashrams, it was founded by renowned spiritual leader, Sri Sri Ravi Shankar. It is a volunteer-based organization that also undertakes various initiatives geared to uplifting and enhancing quality of life internationally.
Founded by Sadhguru, it was designed to create an inclusive culture for global harmony and progress, as well as a centre working on literacy and conservation. Its “inner transformation” programs for physical, mental and spiritual wellness have been recognized by the United Nations Economic and Social Council (UNESC).
Located in a 14th-century fort, the center integrates several approaches to personal development based on yogic teachings. Founded by Sri Swami Satyananda Saraswati, the yoga ashram (Ganga Darshan Yogashram) follows modern-day “gurukul lifestyle,” and the school offers yogic teachings. The center also guides yoga projects and medical research in association with corporations and government.
Set in Mysore, the city of palaces and fountains, this institute was founded by Sri Krishna Pattabhi Jois and offers yoga courses ranging from one month to six months, and intensive Ashtanga yoga classes year-round. Classes are also offered in Sanskrit.
The Yoga Institute in Goa is located on Chorâo Island, the largest of the 17 islands of Goa, along the Mandovi river. This paradise for bird-watchers and nature lovers is less than a 30 minute drive from the state capital city of Panjim and a 15 minute ferry ride through scenic surroundings.
Although there are a plethora of places where you can learn and practice yoga in India, such as spas and wellness resorts like the luxury Atmantan Wellness Resort near Mumbai, as well as private retreats, these are certainly amongst the best to help you deepen your yoga practice.
Atmantan Wellness Resort lobby. It is not officially listed in this list because it is not a learning/teaching institution, though I stayed here and it offers fabulous wellness packages.
Shannon Skinner is an award-winning inspirational creator/host of ExtraordinaryWomenTV.com, author, radio host, speaker and writer covering travel, wellness and wine.
