I completed my 200 hr yoga teacher training in Rishikesh, and as I was handed my certificate today, I was overwhelmed with how far I have come in my yoga journey. Here as I reflect on my overall experiences , I’m keen to share this journey with aspiring yoga teachers.
Life in a Yoga Town
A small town bustling with yogis & yoginis in their yoga pants & dhotis, rushing to their classes with their tote bags & chilling in the evenings at oh-so-many organic cafes, sit-outs & sipping their lemon tea or fruit smoothies with their yoga friends, reading books on various topics like – tantra, kundalini & healing. Yes, Learning Yoga in Rishikesh sounds like the most meaningful experience you can gift yourself.
A Typical Day: Practice, Learning & Alignment
At my school, the waking hour was 5 AM, and the first class began at 6AM. Practising pranayama in the early hours until the sun began shining on me from the windows was definitely my favourite hour of the day. I felt so much at home, our yoga hall was renovated by my yoga teacher ‘s very own hands and his own vision, with natural material – bamboo for walls & the floor. There were indoor plants too. We had the view of mountains very closely from our yoga Hall, and the only sound we mostly heard during any of our classes was of chirping birds and squirrels, yes- no honking, no chaos. It was always a joy just to hang out there.
In the afternoons, we learned Yoga Anatomy and Yoga Philosophy. For the longest time, I’d practiced yoga focused mainly on achieving postures, rather than understanding how it impacts the body, mind, and soul. My favorite classes were Alignment with Kamal — they truly humbled me and made me realize yoga is a journey to the self. Every day was a new day, and under Kamal’s guidance, we were able to let go of fear and ego a little more each time.
Food, Ayurveda & Finding Balance
As a big-time foodie, I can safely say I had the most delicious food here. Most of it was grown organically, coming straight from my teacher’s home in the mountains. He sometimes cooked local recipes himself — I remember a seasonal delicacy made from young bamboo shoots — and he was always keen to share his knowledge of food and Ayurveda with students. We ate fresh fruit at breakfast, and every meal was simple, healthy, and genuinely tasty. Kamal, ever courteous, always asked what we preferred to eat.
By the end of training, I finally understood the importance of a healthy sattvic diet. I’m otherwise a fairly moody person, and after a week and a half at Rishikesh Yoga Valley, I noticed my moods becoming more consistent — I felt lighter and calmer than I had in a long time.
Evenings by the Paddy Fields
My school had green fields right opposite the gate. In the evenings, we’d sit by the paddy fields sipping herbal tea as the sun went down, feeding dogs, cows, and squirrels with the day’s leftovers, or heading to the Ganga Aarti at the ghats. It’s hard to imagine how much I’m going to miss this place.
Final Thoughts & Advice for Future Students
I’m already planning my second visit to Rishikesh. To anyone considering a yoga teacher training course here — go for it. Just make sure you choose the right training center, one that actually meets your needs, since that first choice shapes how you’ll feel for most of the journey. This experience was beyond worth it, and I promise you’ll leave only craving more.
Good luck, and happy learning!
PS: If you’re a beginner, intermediate, or advanced practitioner — Rishikesh Yoga Valley has something for everyone. Below are the course and retreat links:
– 100 Hour Yoga Teacher Training in Rishikesh, India
– 200 Hour Yoga Teacher Training in Rishikesh, India
– Advanced 300 Hour Yoga Teacher Training in Rishikesh, India
– Yoga Retreats for Beginners and Intermediates
