Rishikesh – The Best Yoga Destination for Yoga Enthusiasts

The northern part of India has some of the best yoga destinations in the world. From hill stations to pilgrim spots, there is no shortage of places that take your breath away. You go to Shimla for the hills, Delhi for its rich history, and Manali for adventure. But, there is one place that stands apart from every other destination – Rishikesh. Do you know that it is also the best yoga destination for yoga practitioners?

Yes! Rishikesh is the hub of yoga. But there is a lot more it has to offer. Curious? Read further to know it all.

First, let us find out what makes Rishikesh a place you must visit once in a lifetime.

Rishikesh for the Tourists

Rishikesh is a mesmerizing holy city located in northern India. It is home to spiritual seekers and yoga lovers.

As a tourist, you can experience the magic this city has to offer.

That said, let us take a look at what makes Rishikesh the perfect destination for tourists.

  1. A Heaven for Shoppers

The local and flea markets in the best yoga destination offer you everything under the sun. Be it artistic items, handicrafts, or precious headpieces, Rishikesh has it all. Even if you want to buy a spiritual art & craft, this is the place for that.

You can find shops with rows of precious stones, jewels, shells, and wooden handicrafts. There are also religious statues, clothes, and paraphernalia for the devout. Rishikesh is a place to experience tranquillity and harmony in the true sense.

  1. The City of Self-Expression

Art has been a powerful tool that helped many connect with their spiritual side. Rishikesh too has no shortage of artistic expression. Whether it is music or dance, this city has both to offer to the artistically inclined. There are religious festivals and fairs to enjoy and help you get into the spirit and culture of this holy city.

  1. The City of Food Lovers

Rudyard Kipling said – The first condition of understanding a foreign country is to smell it.

In the case of the best yoga destination, nothing is more apt than this statement. Rishikesh has no dearth of food when it comes to satisfying your hunger pangs. It is a one-of-a-kind city that alcohol-free beverages and the best vegetarian food.

You can try Tibetan noodle soup, dumplings, or a glass of cold sweet lassi. And you will come back for another serving.

  1. The Birthplace of Yoga

A major reason why millions flock to Rishikesh is to let go of stress and tension. Do you know why? Rishikesh is also the birthplace of yoga. The other name of this holy city is – World Capital for Yoga.

The holy city of Rishikesh has some of the best yoga retreats and schools. Each of these helps you understand yoga beyond its physical aspect. You have experienced yoga teachers learning and practising yoga with safety. What more could a yoga lover ask for if not this!

Now combine that with the natural surroundings. You have the holy river Ganges on one side and the mighty Himalayas on the other. It is the best thing for a yogi – the sound of the flowing water and fresh oxygen to breathe in.

But, there is a dilemma that is common for all yoga practitioners.

How Should I Choose a Yoga Destination?

Yes! We know that as an individual, it is hard to step out of the comfort of your home town or country. But, some things require you to go on a deeper inner journey.

It is why yoga experts have come up with some tips. These tips will help you choose the best yoga destination without any hassle.

That said, let us take a look at what you would have to do to choose the perfect yoga destination.

  1. Consider the Location

This is a big one! If you want to learn from the best, you have to go to the best. With yoga being a global phenomenon, thousands of yoga schools have come into being. But, you need to choose the best option for the experience of a lifetime.

Remember, it is not always about the money. It is about what you want to experience in yoga. Do you want to dive deeper into its core philosophy? Then choose the best yoga destination for that. You can take a look at the transit routes to and from the yoga destination to make travel easy.

  1. Check Out the Teacher’s Experience

You are spending a considerable amount of time and effort in yoga. Thus, it makes sense that you do it at a place that is worth both. You should take a look at how much experience the yoga teachers have. It also depends on the type of yoga studio you sign up for. The experience makes a difference with regards to how much you get to learn about yoga.

  1. Find Out About the Yoga Style

Yoga is not only about asanas and Pranayama. It includes a whole lot of different forms like Hatha, Vinyasa, Kundalini, and Ashtanga among others. Yoga experts recommend that you take some trial classes with different yoga styles.

This helps you understand which yoga style is comfortable. The best yoga destination offers lessons in a variety of yoga styles. You can learn the best yoga style from experienced yoga teachers.

  1. Consider Your Pocket

Yes! Money might not be everything but it does help you get admission to yoga school. Thus, you must look for the best possible option. Some yoga schools charge you on a per session basis while others provide unlimited classes. Invest your money in a studio that focuses more on your learning than how much you pay.

  1. Check Out the Certification

Always choose a yoga school registered with Yoga Alliance. It is here that you get complete knowledge of yoga from experienced yoga teachers. Remember to choose the best yoga destination when it comes to a certified yoga school.

  1. Mission and Vision of Yoga School

Before you enroll in any yoga school, it is important to know their core values. You should look at their mission and vision. This gives you an idea about what the yoga school stands for in regards to yoga. Doing this helps you determine if it is the right place to join.

Do you know that yoga is not only an ancient art? Some facts are important to yoga enthusiasts. Let us take a look.

History Facts About Yoga

  • The word Yoga originated from the word Yuj which means “to unite”.
  • According to ancient Indian texts, Lord Shiva is the ultimate Yogi.
  • There is a belief that yoga has mystical powers. Its daily practice can improve your health beyond limits.

But, many yoga practitioners often question –

When Did Rishikesh Become So Popular?

It was during the 1960s that the British band The Beatles came to India. Here they studied under the guidance of Guru Maharishi Mahesh Yogi. This is one way how yoga went from being a part of the Indian culture to a global phenomenon.

Yoga came into existence in the holy city of Rishikesh in India. It is a reason why this holy city is the best yoga destination all over the world.

That is not all. Some reasons make this holy city the best place to learn yoga. Keep reading to know what these are.

What Makes Rishikesh the Best Yoga Destination?

Known as The Yoga Capital of the World, Rishikesh is the best place to learn and practice yoga.

The Beatles did popularize Rishikesh as a place to learn yoga. But it was the ancient yoga gurus and practitioners who popularized this practice.

That said, let us take a look at what makes Rishikesh the best place to learn yoga.

8 Reasons Rishikesh is the Best Yoga Destination

Given below are 8 reasons why Rishikesh is the best option to learn yoga.

  1. Understand the Root of Yoga

Yoga originated in Rishikesh more than 5000 years ago. It goes on to prove that yoga has been a part of the Indian tradition for decades. Thus, yoga schools in Rishikesh help you understand the origins, history, and philosophy of this ancient art. There is no doubt that this holy city is the best yoga destination for many.

  1. Different from Yoga Studios

As said above, Rishikesh is the birthplace of yoga. Practising yoga in the open air can beat practising in an air-conditioned room any time of the day. Learning yoga straight from those who have walked this path is the best way to dive deeper into yoga.

  1. Community of Yoga Gurus and Leaders

Rishikesh is one of the holiest places in India. It is why this holy city has been home to many yoga gurus and experts for thousands of years. Many yoga gurus like Adiguru Nilkantha, Swami Shivanand, and Jatawale Baba have made this holy city their home. This is why Rishikesh is popular around the world as the best yoga destination.

  1. A Place Filled with Spiritual Energy

Located on the banks of the holy river Ganga, Rishikesh is a mesmerizing place. This city has an abundance of spiritual energy owing to the presence of the river Ganga. Thousands of yogis have spent their lives practising yoga in this holy city. You too have the chance to experience the life-changing benefits of yoga.

  1. A Hub of Yoga Schools

With so much spiritual energy and good vibes, Rishikesh is a blessing for all. This holy city is home to hundreds of certified yoga schools and ashrams. Rishikesh helps you learn everything about yoga including its mental and spiritual aspects. This is why it is popular as the best yoga destination among yoga practitioners.

  1. Closer to Mother Nature

Rishikesh lies at the foothills of the mighty Himalayas. The holy city is surrounded from all sides by greenery, fresh air, and water. Whether you practice yoga near the Ganges or in an ashram, there is no shortage of natural beauty.

  1. Authentic Yoga Classes

Meeting highly renowned yoga gurus to learn yoga is something Rishikesh is best at. Every yoga ashram and school you come across in the best yoga destination is worth it. Complete and authentic yoga knowledge is what this holy city is known for all over the world.

  1. A Different Culture

The holy city of Rishikesh has a culture you will not find anywhere else. You have a chance to taste the best delicacies, visit numerous holy sites, or learn yoga. It is a place that bathes you in spiritual energy from the moment you step into when you leave. Yoga schools organize weekly excursions to help you get a taste of the rich Indian tradition.

To experience the life-changing benefits of yoga, you have to choose the right place.

Best Yoga Schools in Rishikesh

Given below are 3 of the best yoga schools in the holy city of Rishikesh.

  1. Yoga Niketan

Swami Yogeshwaranand Paramhansa laid the foundation of Yoga Niketan in 1964. Yoga Niketan is a magnet for yoga practitioners from all over the world. This yoga school offers lessons in the eight limb path of yoga. You also get the best facilities to make learning yoga smooth and easy.

  1. Svadhyaya Kosha

Affiliated with Yoga Alliance International, Svadhyaya Kosha is a name known for providing complete and authentic knowledge of yoga. This yoga school has highly skilled yoga teachers who have walked the yogic path.

Whether you want to enrol in basic or advanced yoga courses, this is the place to be. Svadhyaya Kosha is one reason why Rishikesh is considered the best yoga destination all over the world.

  1. Art of Living Yoga School

Guided by Sri Ravi Shankar, the Art of Living yoga school provides multidimensional knowledge of yoga. It is amongst the best yoga learning destination in India for yoga lovers.

Learning yoga in Rishikesh is something you will never come to regret.

Conclusion

There is no doubt that Rishikesh is indeed the best yoga destination for everyone. Whether it is Hatha or Vinyasa yoga, this holy city has the best yoga schools to help you do that.