February 2023. The month I decided to travel to India to take a 200-hour yoga teacher training in Rishikesh — the birthplace of yoga. A choice driven by the desire to better understand this practice that has been with me for years, to carve out real time for myself, and to experience full immersion in Indian culture, far from my daily routine.
In India, yoga is much more than a sequence of postures: it is a philosophy, a way of life, an inner journey. The word yogacomes from Sanskrit and means union — the union of body, mind, and soul. In Rishikesh, this dimension becomes tangible. The teaching there is rigorous, respectful of tradition, and shared with passion by teachers deeply rooted in their culture. During these 28 intense days, you learn to slow down, to listen, to reconnect. It’s not just a training program — it’s a transformative experience.
Yoga: More Than a Physical Practice, a True Art of Living
It all started with simple curiosity… which quickly turned into passion. You often hear all kinds of things about yoga: “you have to be super flexible,” “you just spend your days doing downward dog,” “you only eat seeds,” and so on. But beyond the clichés, yoga is so much more. For me, it’s a moment to recentre, to breathe, to disconnect.
One day, I tried a short one-week retreat in Spain. I came back feeling calmer, aligned, with one clear certainty: I wanted to keep following this path. This time, I wanted to go further. To travel, to learn, to immerse myself. And what could be better than going to the very source of yoga, where it all began: India.
Why Choose India for a Yoga Teacher Training?
I didn’t want just another “yoga-detox retreat” by the sea. What I was looking for was an authentic yoga training experience, one that would go beyond physical postures and dive into the deep roots of this ancient discipline. That’s why India naturally became the ideal destination — it’s the birthplace of yoga. Rishikesh, located on the banks of the sacred Ganges River, is recognized as the spiritual capital of yoga. Every year, thousands of yogis come here to join certified trainings, practice meditation, and reconnect with themselves.
Traveling alone to India may sound intimidating, especially with all the preconceived ideas, but after reading many testimonials, checking specialized forums, and carefully reviewing feedback on different schools, I knew this was the perfect place for my yoga training.
I found my program through BookYogaRetreats.com, a practical platform to compare courses based on your goals, budget, and available time. I chose the 200h Yoga Teacher Training – Hatha, Vinyasa, and Ashtanga in Rishikesh — a full one-month immersion.
200h Yoga Teacher Training: What Exactly Is It?
Unlike a simple yoga retreat, Yoga Teacher Trainings (YTT) are comprehensive programs designed to deepen the practice of yoga. The 200-hour YTT is the first level of training certified by Yoga Alliance, the international organization that validates serious and recognized yoga programs worldwide.
These trainings combine theory, physical practice, philosophy, and meditation techniques, offering a structured and immersive experience. You often hear about 200h, 300h, or even 500h, which correspond to different certification levels for future yoga teachers.
As for me, even though I wasn’t necessarily planning to become a teacher, I wanted to join a serious, intensive, and recognized yoga training — to fully immerse myself in the practice and, why not, keep this official certification for future projects.
Cost of a 200h Yoga Teacher Training in India: What Budget to Plan for a Stay in Rishikesh?
In 2023, I paid around €500 for a 28-day yoga training in Rishikesh, including full board, accommodation, yoga classes, and activities. In my opinion, it’s one of the best value-for-money options for a 200-hour Yoga Teacher Training (YTT) in India.
The accommodation wasn’t luxurious, but the experience was authentic, well-structured, and welcoming — exactly what I was looking for to truly immerse myself in the practice of yoga.
It’s worth noting that this price does not include the international flight or local transfers, such as the taxi ride to Rishikesh from the airport. These costs should be planned in addition to the training budget.
For extras — like having tea, eating out, or buying small snacks — those were, of course, at our own expense.
Do You Need to Be an Expert in Yoga to Join a 200h Training?
Obviously, with so many hours of physical practice and theory, it’s better to have a genuine interest in yoga. Otherwise, you may quickly get discouraged, and the month can feel very, very long. That said, no specific level is required for practicing asanas (postures). In my group, for example, there was a woman who was stiff as a board — she knew a lot about yoga philosophy but practiced postures very little. It wasn’t always easy for her, but she truly made progress.
As for me, I had a regular practice, without being an expert. At the beginning of the training, you go back to the basics: simple postures that you learn and repeat, focusing on correct alignment and the right breathing at the right time. These are the fundamentals.
Day by day, you gradually move into more challenging exercises requiring flexibility or balance. Not everyone succeeds in everything, but that’s the beauty of yoga: each person finds their own adaptation, their own path, according to their abilities. With 4 hours of daily practice over 28 days, progress is guaranteed. By the end of the 200h YTT training, you’ll be able to do postures you never thought possible.
So, you don’t need to be an expert in yoga to start: the training is designed to help all levels evolve. However, be prepared for sore muscles, as your body discovers new movements and the intensive practice requires both patience and perseverance.
How to Get to India for a Yoga Teacher Training in Rishikesh?
The 200h Yoga Teacher Training took place in Rishikesh, a sacred city in northern India, famous for its spiritual atmosphere, nestled between the Himalayan mountains and crossed by the sacred Ganges River, known here as Mother Ganga.
To reach Rishikesh, I first landed in Delhi, the capital of India. There are several options for the Delhi–Rishikesh journey: plane, bus, or private taxi. I chose the simplest solution: a taxi, booked directly through the school. At the airport, a driver was waiting for me with a sign bearing my name — incredibly reassuring, especially for a first time in India.
Once there, I met my group: about fifteen people, mostly women between 20 and 30 years old, from all over the world, plus two men. A beautiful diversity, each with their own story and reasons for being there.
My Accommodation During the Yoga Training in India
We could choose between a single room or a shared room with two or three people (the costs were, of course, different). I shared mine with two German girls, and we got along really well. We immediately felt comfortable with each other, which made daily life much easier.
The accommodation itself was simple: a bed, a private bathroom, and close to the Shala, the yoga hall where our daily classes were held. It wasn’t luxurious, but it was enough — modest, and perfectly aligned with the experience I was seeking.
There was also a rooftop with an incredible view of the mountains and the Ganges. It became our little haven of peace, the perfect spot to review when needed, or to gather after dinner, chat, and gaze at the stars.
Eating According to Ayurveda During the Training
During these 28 days of yoga training in Rishikesh, all meals were vegetarian and prepared according to the principles of Ayurveda, the traditional Indian medicine. No alcohol, no coffee, no excess. Just simple, healthy food designed to balance the doshas — the body’s fundamental energies.
Of course, sometimes you might crave something different, but the benefits quickly become noticeable: better digestion, more energy, and clearer concentration. And nothing stopped us from eating out once in a while, which was a nice change of pace!
What Does a Typical Day Look Like During a 200h Yoga Teacher Training in India?
The pace of a yoga teacher training in India is intense: 6 days a week, from 6 AM to 9 PM.
Here’s an example of a typical day:
- 6:00 AM – Jala Neti: nasal cleansing with a Lota (a small pot) and warm salty water. It’s one of the six Kriyas, purification techniques that prepare the body for practice.
- 6:30 AM – Ashtanga Vinyasa: 2 hours of dynamic physical practice, flowing through yoga postures with controlled breathing to strengthen both body and mind.
- 8:30 AM – Pranayama: breathing exercises to regulate energy, calm the mind, and improve focus.
- 9:30 AM – Breakfast + short break
- 11:00 AM – Yoga Philosophy: learning about the spiritual and historical foundations of yoga, sacred texts, and the values behind the practice.
- 12:30 PM – Anatomy: understanding the human body to practice and teach safely, prevent injuries, and adapt postures.
- 2:00 PM – Lunch + break
- 3:00 PM – Teaching Methodology: training on how to guide a class, use your voice, adjust students, and create sequences.
- 4:30 PM – Hatha Yoga: 2 hours of practice focused on alignment, holding postures, and conscious breathing.
- 6:30 PM – Meditation: exploring different techniques to quiet the mind, cultivate presence, and develop mindfulness.
- 8:00 PM – Dinner… and straight to bed!
Sundays were a well-deserved day off. I usually treated myself to an Ayurvedic massage, relaxed in a café, or simply unwound by the Ganges River with the others.
The 200h YTT Diploma: More Than a Certificate, a Deep Inner Transformation
As I mentioned at the beginning, there’s a real difference between a simple yoga retreat and a certified training. Here, it’s not just about practicing — you learn, analyze, and understand. It’s a bit like going back to school… but on a yoga mat. We take notes sitting on the floor, listening to our teachers talk about philosophy, anatomy, and teaching methodology. Everything, of course, in English. Sometimes your mind drifts, sometimes you doubt yourself, but day after day, everything starts to make sense.
The Passion of the Teachers
What makes the experience so powerful is the passion of our teachers. They live, breathe, and embody yoga, and their stories alone are deeply nourishing. Yes, at the end there are assessments: a written test to check our knowledge, and most importantly, a 45-minute class to design and teach in front of the group — in English, of course. It’s not easy, but it’s a real personal milestone. The best part? Everyone adds their personal touch. We all learned the same things, but each person teaches in their own way. That’s when you realize there isn’t a single “right” way to teach — everyone has their own.
Support and Kindness
The teachers observe, support, and encourage us. The atmosphere is caring, and the exchanges are genuine. In the end, everyone receives their diploma — not because it’s simply “given,” but because the focus here isn’t on punishment. They know no one becomes a fully qualified teacher in 28 days. What we receive are the foundations, and it’s up to each of us to build on them.
An Emotional Ceremony
The graduation ceremony was deeply emotional. One by one, we were called forward, surrounded by the smiles and kindness of those who shared this journey with us. There was a gentle sense of connection, a mix of pride and nostalgia. We had experienced far more than just yoga, and that remains deeply anchored.
What I Took Away from My Yoga Training in India: A Deep Reconnection with Myself
Even before leaving, I made a clear decision: to disconnect completely from the outside world. Put my phone in airplane mode, forget about social media, messages, and digital distractions. A strong personal choice, a real challenge, and probably the best decision of my stay.
Let’s be honest, it wasn’t easy. I belong to a highly connected generation. But over the days, I learned to observe differently, to truly listen, to be present. That silence forced me to meet myself. With a journal as my only ally, I wrote, again and again, until I released what needed to be released. It was sometimes intense, stirring, but profoundly soothing. I gained clarity, lightness, and serenity.
Reflections on My Yoga Training in India
I didn’t go with the goal of teaching afterward. For me, this training was a pause, a moment to recenter, explore, and learn differently. Of course, there were tougher days: the soreness, the fatigue, the four hours of daily practice on top of all the intense theoretical lessons. But in the end, I discovered a flexibility, a confidence, and a presence with myselfthat I hadn’t imagined.
I realized that yoga is far more than just a physical exercise. It’s a true philosophy, a way of life, a path in itself — very different from the often standardized classes found in the West.
Returning to everyday life felt strange, like a slight floating sensation. It took me time to digest and integrate this immersive experience. Today, my practice isn’t daily or rigid, but everything I learned is deeply anchored within me. And sometimes, the desire to go back arises.
I am infinitely grateful that I took this time for myself. If you’re still hesitating about attempting a yoga training in India, I highly encourage you to take the leap. You don’t need to aim to become a teacher: what you gain will go far beyond the yoga mat. One thing I can promise: you will come out transformed.
Namaste
Want to Extend Your Immersion in India and Explore Even More of Its Cultural Richness?
After Rishikesh, why not discover Benares, one of the oldest and most sacred cities in India? Benares is renowned for its intense spirituality, its ghats along the Ganges, where rituals, prayers, and ancient ceremonies intertwine. It’s a place where life and death meet, offering a profoundly mystical and moving experience. To help you navigate, we’ve prepared a complete guide with our practical tips and the must-see places in Benares. Check it out here to continue your journey deep into the heart of India.
Eva – Trip Completed in February 2023
