February 2023. The month I decided to go to India to complete a 200-hour yoga teacher training in Rishikesh — the birthplace of yoga. It was a choice driven by my desire to deepen my understanding of a practice that has been part of my life for years, to truly take time for myself, and to fully immerse in Indian culture, far from my everyday routine.

In India, yoga is so much more than just a series of poses: it’s a philosophy, a way of life, an inner journey. The word “yoga” comes from Sanskrit and means union — the union of body, mind, and soul. In Rishikesh, this meaning comes alive. The teaching is strict, deeply rooted in tradition, and passionately delivered by teachers firmly connected to their culture. Over these intense 28 days, you learn to slow down, listen, and reconnect. It’s not just a training — it’s a transformative experience.

Yoga: More Than Just Physical Practice — A True Way of Life

It all started with simple curiosity... which quickly turned into passion. Yoga is often misunderstood — people say things like, “You have to be super flexible,” “You spend all day doing downward dog,” or “You only eat seeds,” and so on. But beyond the clichés, yoga is so much more. It’s a time to center myself, breathe, and disconnect.

One day, I tried a one-week retreat in Spain. I came out of it feeling calm, aligned, and with a clear certainty: I wanted to keep going down this path. This time, I wanted to go further.

To travel, learn, and fully immerse myself. And what better way than to go straight to the source, where it all began: India.

Why Choose India for a Yoga Training?

I didn’t want just a simple “yoga detox” retreat by the sea. What I was looking for was an authentic yoga training experience — one that went beyond the physical postures to understand the deep roots of this ancient discipline. India naturally stood out as the ideal destination since it’s the birthplace of yoga. Rishikesh, located on the banks of the sacred Ganges River, is known as the spiritual capital of yoga. Every year, thousands of yogis come here to take certified trainings, practice meditation, and reconnect with themselves.

Traveling solo to India might seem intimidating, especially with all the preconceived notions. But after reading many testimonials, browsing specialized forums, and studying reviews of various schools, I knew this was the perfect place for my yoga training.

I found my course through BookYogaRetreats.com, a convenient platform to compare programs based on your preferences, budget, and available time. I chose the “200h Yoga Teacher Training — Hatha, Vinyasa, and Ashtanga in Rishikesh,” a full month immersion.

The 200h YTT Diploma: More Than a Certificate, a True Inner Shift

As I mentioned earlier, there’s a real difference between a simple yoga retreat and a certified teacher training. This wasn’t just about practicing yoga — it was about studying it, breaking it down, and truly understanding it. It felt a bit like going back to school... yoga mat edition. We took notes sitting cross-legged on the floor, listened to our teachers talk about philosophy, anatomy, and teaching methods. All in English, of course. Some days, the mind would wander. Some days, we doubted ourselves. But day by day, it all started to come together.

What made the experience so powerful was the passion of our teachers. They live and breathe yoga — and just listening to their stories was inspiring in itself. Yes, there were evaluations at the end. A written test to review what we’d learned, and the big one: building and teaching a 45-minute class in front of the group — in English, please. It wasn’t easy, but it was a real personal milestone. The best part? Everyone added their own flavor. We had all learned the same things, but each of us taught in our own unique way. That’s when it clicks: there’s no one right way to share yoga — there’s your way.

Our teachers were there watching, encouraging, supporting. The vibe was supportive and genuine. In the end, everyone earned their certificate — not because it was “handed out,” but because this wasn’t about passing or failing. They know no one becomes a master teacher in just 28 days. What they give us are the foundations. What we do with them is up to us.

The graduation ceremony was full of emotion. One by one, we were called up — surrounded by the smiles and kindness of those who had shared this journey with us. There was a quiet sense of connection in the air, a mix of pride and nostalgia. We had experienced something far deeper than just yoga — and that stays with you, always.

What I Took Away From My Yoga Training in India: A Deep Reconnection With Myself

Before even leaving, I made a clear decision: to completely disconnect from the outside world. I switched my phone to airplane mode, stepped away from social media, messages, and all digital distractions. It was a bold personal choice, a real challenge — and without a doubt, the best decision I made during the entire journey.

Let’s be honest, it wasn’t easy. I’m part of that hyper-connected generation. But as the days went by, I started to see things differently. I learned to really listen. To be present. The silence forced me to face myself. Armed with just a notebook, I wrote, and wrote, and wrote some more — until everything that needed to be released finally came out. It was intense at times, even unsettling, but incredibly soothing. I came out of it with more clarity. More lightness. More peace.

Eva - Trip Completed in February 2023

How to Get to India for a Yoga Training in Rishikesh?

The 200-hour Yoga Teacher Training I attended took place in Rishikesh, a sacred city in northern India known for its deep spiritual energy. Nestled at the foothills of the Himalayas and crossed by the sacred Ganges River — known here as Mother Ganga — Rishikesh is considered one of the world’s yoga capitals.

To get there, I first flew into Delhi, the capital of India. From Delhi to Rishikesh, there are several travel options: domestic flight, bus, or private taxi. I chose the easiest one — a taxi arranged directly through the school. At the airport, a driver was waiting for me with a sign bearing my name. It was incredibly reassuring, especially for a first time in India.

Once in Rishikesh, I met the group I’d be spending the next month with: about fifteen people, mostly women in their 20s and 30s, from all over the world — plus two men. A beautiful mix, each with their own story and reason for being there.

My Accommodation During the Yoga Training in India

We could choose between a private room or a shared one (with two or three people), with different prices depending on the option. I shared mine with two German girls, and we got along really well from the start. We immediately felt comfortable together, which made daily life much easier.

The accommodation itself was simple: a bed, a private bathroom, and close access to the shala — the yoga hall where all our classes took place. Nothing fancy, but more than enough.

It was modest, perfectly aligned with the kind of experience I was looking for.

There was a rooftop with a breathtaking view over the mountains and the Ganges. It became our little sanctuary — the perfect spot to study when needed, or to gather after dinner, chat, and gaze at the stars.

Eating Ayurvedic During the Training

Throughout the 28-day yoga training in Rishikesh, all meals were vegetarian and prepared according to Ayurvedic principles — India’s traditional system of medicine. No alcohol, no coffee, no excess. Just simple, wholesome food designed to balance the body’s doshas — the three fundamental energies.

At times, you might crave something different, but the benefits quickly become noticeable: better digestion, more energy, and sharper focus. And of course, nothing stopped us from eating out once in a while — which was a nice little treat when we needed a change!

Looking Back on My Time in India

I didn’t go to India with the goal of becoming a yoga teacher. For me, this training was a personal pause — a chance to slow down, reflect, and learn in a different way. Of course, there were tough days: sore muscles, exhaustion, four hours of physical practice on top of a demanding theoretical schedule. But by the end, I had found a flexibility, a quiet confidence, and a connection to myself that I never expected. I realized yoga is so much more than a physical practice. It’s a philosophy, a way of life, a path of its own — far from the often standardized classes we know in the West.

Coming back to everyday life felt a little surreal, like I was floating somewhere between two worlds. It took time to process and fully absorb everything I had experienced.

Today, my yoga practice isn’t rigid or daily — but everything I’ve learned has rooted itself deeply within me. And sometimes, the urge to go back arises. I’m incredibly grateful I took that time for myself.

If you’re considering a yoga training in India, I can only encourage you to go for it. You don’t need to have plans to teach. What you’ll gain will go far beyond the mat. One thing I can promise: you’ll come back changed.

Namaste

Cost of a 200-Hour Yoga Training in India: What Budget to Expect for a Stay in Rishikesh?

In 2023, I paid around €500 for a 28-day yoga training in Rishikesh, which included 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 lodging wasn’t luxurious, but the experience remained authentic, well-organized, and warm — exactly what I was looking for in a deep yoga immersion.

Note that this price doesn’t cover international flights or local transportation, like the taxi ride from the airport to Rishikesh. These costs should be budgeted separately. As 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 Take a 200-Hour Training?

Obviously, with so many hours of physical practice and theory, it’s best to have a genuine interest in yoga. Otherwise, you might quickly get discouraged, and the month could feel very, very long. That said, no specific level is required for practicing asanas (the postures).

In my group, for example, there was a woman as stiff as a board who knew yoga philosophy but practiced very little of the postures. It wasn’t always easy for her, but she really made progress.

As for me, I had a regular practice but wasn’t an expert. At the start of the training, we go back to basics: simple postures that we learn and repeat, focusing on proper alignment and breathing at the right times. These are the fundamentals.

As the days go by, we add exercises that require a bit more flexibility or balance. Not everyone manages all of them, but that’s part of the beauty of yoga: everyone finds their own adaptations and path according to their abilities. With 4 hours of daily practice over 28 days, progress is guaranteed. By the end of the 200-hour YTT, you’ll be able to do poses you never thought possible.

So, no need to be a yoga expert at the start: the training is designed to help all levels improve. Just be ready for some muscle soreness, because your body will be discovering new movements and intensive practice requires patience and perseverance.

What Exactly Is a 200-Hour Yoga Teacher Training?

Unlike a simple yoga retreat, Yoga Teacher Training (YTT) programs are comprehensive courses designed to deepen your yoga practice. The 200-hour YTT is the foundational certification level recognized by Yoga Alliance, the international organization that approves serious and reputable yoga training programs worldwide.

These trainings combine theory, physical practice, philosophy, and meditation techniques, offering an immersive and well-structured experience. You’ll often hear about 200h, 300h, or even 500h programs — each representing different certification levels for aspiring yoga teachers.

For me, even though I didn’t necessarily want to become a teacher, I wanted to follow a serious, intense, and recognized yoga training to fully immerse myself and, who knows, keep this official certification for future projects.

What Does a Typical Day Look Like During a 200h Yoga Teacher Training?

The pace is intense: six days a week, from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m. Here’s what a typical day looked like:

• 6:00 a.m. – Jala Neti: nasal cleansing with a small pot (Lota) and warm salty water. It’s one of the six Kriyas — traditional cleansing techniques to purify the body and prepare for practice.

• 6:30 a.m. – Ashtanga Vinyasa: a dynamic 2-hour physical practice combining breath and movement to build strength, focus, and endurance.

• 8:30 a.m. – Breakfast

• 9:30 a.m. – Pranayama: breathing exercises to regulate energy, calm the nervous system, and sharpen concentration.

• 11:00 a.m. – Yoga Philosophy: exploring the spiritual and historical roots of yoga, sacred texts, and the core values behind the practice.

• 12:30 p.m. – Anatomy: learning how the body works in order to practice and teach safely, prevent injury, and adjust postures appropriately.

• 2:00 p.m. – Lunch

• 3:00 p.m. – Teaching Methodology: developing the skills to teach yoga — from using your voice and giving cues, to creating balanced sequences and offering hands-on adjustments.

• 4:30 p.m. – Hatha Yoga: a gentler 2-hour practice focused on alignment, posture holding, and breath awareness.

• 6:30 p.m. – Guided Meditation: exploring different techniques to quiet the mind, cultivate presence, and deepen mindfulness.

• 8:00 p.m. – Dinner... and straight to bed!

Sundays were our well-deserved day off. I used the time to get a massage, relax at a café, or simply unwind by the Ganges with the others.

Ready to Dive Even Deeper Into India’s Cultural Soul?

After your yoga training in Rishikesh, why not explore Varanasi — one of the oldest and most sacred cities in India?

Famous for its intense spirituality, Varanasi is a place where life and death coexist in the most raw and poetic way. Along the banks of the Ganges, rituals, prayers, and ancient ceremonies unfold daily. It’s a deeply moving, mystical experience that leaves no one untouched.

To help you make the most of your time there, we’ve put together a practical guide with our tips and must-see spots in Varanasi. Discover the guide and continue your journey through India.