Yoga is one of the many gifts India has given to the world. For centuries, Indians have been practising yoga, and lakhs of tourists from around the globe flock here to master it. Yoga seeks the balance of your mental and physical health and is the best way to keep yourself healthy and energetic. It helps people connect with themselves and with nature as well. If you are keen on achieving balance, spirituality, and peace from yoga, there is no better place than India. Being the birthplace of Yoga, India offers a plethora of destinations where you can master this transformative life skill.
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Places In India For Yoga And Spirituality:
1. Rishikesh
Dubbed as 'The Yoga Capital of the World', Rishikesh is a dream for every Yogi. Nestled in the foothills of the Himalayas in Uttarakhand, with the river Ganga flowing alongside, Rishikesh exerts a magnetic pull on tourists from around the globe. Here, you will find people practising yoga by the riverbank, which may make you fall in love with its serene and divine vibe. It is said that once you visit Rishikesh, you can't resist planning your next trip back soon. The blend of tranquillity, soothing atmosphere, and diversity makes it the ideal location to immerse oneself in yoga and meditation. In addition, Rishikesh boasts plenty of yoga centres, ashrams, and schools where one can learn yoga for self-healing or to excel. Locations like Parmarth Niketan, Sivananda Ashram, Sadhana Mandir, Yoga Niketan, and Himalayan Yog Ashram are famous among visitors.
2. Auroville
An experimental township in Tamil Nadu’s Viluppuram District, Auroville- meaning ‘The City of Dawn’ in French, is one of the most peaceful and spiritual locations in India. This beautiful, green and small town was established in 1968. Here, people from around the globe live on a volunteering basis following principles like sustainability, peace and harmony. A place, untouched by the noise and chaos of everyday life, provides a well-suited environment for yoga, meditation, and spiritual practices. Although this whole city is a centre for yoga and spiritual practises, Matrimandir and Auroville Botanical Garden are the best spots to learn from the experts.
3. Varanasi
One of the oldest cities of India, Varanasi or Kashi, is known as the sacred abode of Lord Shiva. Situated on the bank of the River Ganga in Uttar Pradesh, Kashi provides the perfect ambience for yoga. With the excellent spiritual level there, you will find some of the best learnings and answers to all your questions related to life and death. On the Ghats of Ganga, you will have the foremost experience of spirituality along with the divine practice of yoga. Kashi is the home to several meditation and yoga ashrams like The Yoga House, Art of Living Centre, Intl Yoga Training Ashram, Kashi Yog Sansthan, and Shri-Shri Yog Dhyan Kendra.
4. Dharamshala:
Nestled amidst the Himalayas in the beautiful Kangra Valley of Himachal, this stunning hill station is another well-known destination for yoga and spirituality in India. In the home of Buddhist teachings, meditation, and yoga, you can also go for some adventurous activities within nature to rejuvenate your inner self. Surrounded by snow-capped mountains and lush greenery, this destination will also help you in self-healing. You can find several schools that teach Buddhist culture, yoga, and meditation. Some are Himalayan Iyengar Yoga Centre, Shiv Darshan Yoga School, Abhinam Yoga, Shree Hari Yoga, and Om Yoga Ashram.
5. Mysuru (Mysore)
Mysore is another yoga hub of India known for its traditional Ashtanga Yoga. Nestled amidst the southern range of Karnataka, this city is known for its cultural heritage. It attracts lakhs of yogis looking to deepen their Ashtanga yoga from around the world. Ashtanga yoga is a different form of yoga that requires Vinyasa-style (flowing yoga) practice. It is also the home of the world-famous yoga institute, Shri K. Pattabhi Jois Ashtanga Yoga Institute, founded in 1948. This city is home to several yoga and meditation centres and Yogacharyas, helping people to find their physical and mental balance. Apart from the Jois Institute, you can also exercise yoga at Yogadarshanam, Samyak Yoga, Mysore Ashtanga Yoga Shala, and Badri Yoga School.