International Yoga Day is coming up on June 21 and if you feel a little rusty with your practice, don’t worry. Yoga is a group of physical, mental, and spiritual exercises and disciplines which aim to control and still the mind, meaning that practice is the bread-and-butter of the teachings. It is understood that the aim is to get a little better than yesterday as perfection is impossible to achieve.
If you’re a seasoned pro or a newbie to yoga, here are seven places in India where you can learn this traditional therapy with experienced teachers and improve your wellbeing.
The yoga program at the Six Senses Vana includes private sessions, guided meditation, and breathwork, alongside signature massages and energy treatments. Guests can choose from programs lasting for five, seven or 14 nights. According to the company, after a consultation and wellness screening, the on-site doctors plan treatments for guests using Ayurveda, Tibetan medicine and natural healing therapies. Six Senses Vana’s intention-based wellness programs require a minimum time commitment, such as five nights for the “Sleep, Detox and Yoga” therapy, 14 nights for the weight management and Ayurveda program, and 21 nights for the "Ayurveda Panchakarma."
Address: Mussoorie Road, Malsi, Dehradun, Uttarakhand 248001
The “Journey through Yoga” retreat at Atmantan incorporates traditional Ayurveda principles, beginning with an Ayurvedic medical consultation to determine guests’ constitution or dosha. The doctors then create a prescriptive diet plan and treatment schedule. There are guided asanas and breathwork exercises along with traditional meditation practices taught at private yoga sessions so that guests can experience the true art of healing and happiness. Atmantan is a National Accreditation Board of Hospitals and Healthcare Providers (NABH) certified wellness centre.
Address: Village Palse, Tamhini Ghat Road, Mulshi, Maharashtra 412108
The “Dharana Yogic Path” program at this retreat is suitable for all levels. In line with authentic Indian traditions, the program is centred on healing guests’ spiritual wellbeing and improving mind-body coordination through mindfulness. The retreat’s eight-fold yogic approach will teach the practices of yama (moral code), niyama (personal discipline), asana (yoga postures), pranayama (control of breath), pratyahara (the withdrawal of senses), dharana (concentration/mindfulness), dhyana (meditation) and samadhi, the ultimate state of self-realisation and salvation. Programs last for seven, 14, 21 and 28 nights. The Dharana at Shillim claims that guests will obtain a profound reduction in stress, anxiety, fatigue and depression, and enhanced cognitive functioning.
Address: Pawana Nagar, Taluka Maval, Shilimb, Maharashtra 410406
The yoga program at the Somatheeram Ayurveda Village offers guided asanas, pranayama and meditation techniques to enhance guests’ flexibility, stamina and health. Under the experienced supervision of a guru, visitors are introduced to a range of practices and basic classes where they learn the opening mantras. Satvic vegetarian cuisine is served here. There are also cooking classes on making yogic or satvic food.
Address: Kovalam, Chowara, PO, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala 695501
SwaSwara offers classical yoga and meditation sessions mediated by qualified practitioners. The form of yoga taught here is Hatha yoga which focuses on physical suppleness and flexibility. The teaching is founded on the belief that the basis for spiritual wellbeing lies in strengthening the body, which in turn benefits the mind. The guided meditation practices here claim to bring serenity and peace in guests, which in turn makes it easy for the body and mind to converge in a spirit of harmony and total wellbeing. The classes impart teachings on shatkriyas, asanas and pranayama. The yoga nidra relaxation technique is also taught. There are group classes but visitors can avail of one-on-one yoga sessions.
Address: Om Beach, Donibhail, Gokarna, Karnataka 581326
This place offers a range of classes for guests, from physically challenging vinyasa through to yin practises, breathwork and meditation. Visitors begin each morning surfing the beaches and jetties in and around Varkala alongside a surf guide before meditation classes and massages commence. The company also holds sunset yoga classes each evening on their rooftop. Soul and Surf's drop-in studio encourages people of all skill levels to join in. Beginners take home a basic understanding of the fundamentals of a Hatha-based yoga practice whereas seasoned yoginis take away challenging asanas to practise.
Address: Golden Beach, South Cliff, Janardhanapuram, Varkala, Kerala 695141
Ananda, nestled in the serene Himalayan foothills of North India, occupies the former Palace Estate of the Maharaja of Tehri-Garhwal. Spanning 100 acres of lush gardens and forests, it offers premier holistic wellness facilities amidst nature’s tranquility. This spiritual haven, birthplace of Ayurveda, Yoga, and meditation, draws global wellness enthusiasts annually. Ananda blends ancient Ayurvedic practices with yoga, meditation, emotional healing, and organic cuisine, aiming to restore harmony and vitality. Its Yoga Programme focuses on rejuvenation and clarity through ancient yogic disciplines, fostering balance across mind, body, and soul. Tailored 7 to 14-night programs target specific wellness goals, integrating therapeutic processes seamlessly.
Address: The Palace Estate, Narendra Nagar, Uttarakhand