International Yoga Day 2024: 8 Must-visit Yoga hubs in India

International Yoga Day: The Yoga enthusiast's travel guide is incomplete without trips to Munger, Mysuru, Rishikesh and Ujjain. (Image credit: Farsai C Clearsky via Wikimedia Commons 1.0)

Research shows that regular yoga practice boosts physical and mental health in numerous ways. Yoga has been practised in India for centuries, and the Western world turns to our country to learn from the best in the field. This World Yoga Day, we take a look at India’s 8 top spots that are important yoga centres. Bookmark this guide for your next wellness vacation!

1. ​​Rishikesh, Uttarakhand

Also known as the Yoga Capital of the World, Rishikesh is undoubtedly the largest yoga hub in the country.

Rishikesh's connection with yoga dates back thousands of years. Age-old Hindu scriptures such as the Vedas and Upanishads regard the area as a spiritual centre.

Moreover, the charming town’s location on the banks of the majestic Ganga makes it an ideal backdrop for the spiritual practice of yoga.

Presently, the picturesque town is frequented by locals and tourists for its yoga institutions that host yoga retreats and teacher training programmes all year round.

Practitioners can immerse themselves in transformative yoga sessions, which mix yoga practice with meditation, lectures on yogic philosophy, and opportunities for soul-searching.

Rishikesh's connection with yoga dates back thousands of years. (Image credit: Jaspinder Singh via Unsplash)

2. Goa

Goa's association with yoga is relatively recent compared to other parts of India. However, in recent years, it has become a major spot for yoga retreats and teacher training in recent decades.

The state’s beautiful natural landscapes featuring serene beaches and relaxed ambience create the perfect environment for relaxation and rejuvenation.

In Goa, award-winning yoga teachers set up temporary schools or lead retreats during the tourist season.

Yoga institutions in Goa offer a range of styles, from traditional Ashtanga to Vinyasa and Yin yoga, alongside teacher training programmes.

Goa's beautiful natural landscapes are the perfect backdrop for the practice of yoga. (Image credit: Parvate via Wikimedia Commons 4.0)

3. Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh

One of the oldest cities in the world, Varanasi is a spiritual centre with a multifaceted connection to yoga. Here, yoga is seen as a path to spiritual liberation (moksha).

According to Hinduism, Shiva is considered the first Yogi and the founder of Varanasi. As per Hindu scriptures, Shiva's yogic practices laid the foundation for the origins of yoga.

Benaras has also played a significant role in the lives of iconic figures such as  Paramahansa Yogananda, author of the influential book 'Autobiography of a Yogi', who mentions the city in his spiritual journey.

Furthermore, Varanasi is home to yoga schools that offer sessions ranging from traditional Vinyasa and Hatha yoga to more unorthodox practices such as Tantra and Kundalini yoga.

Yoga is seen as a path to spiritual liberation (moksha) in Varanasi. (Image credit: Lucía Puertas via Wikimedia Commons 2.0)

4. Mysuru, Karnataka

The vibrant city of Mysuru has a deep link with yoga, particularly in the form of Ashtanga yoga.

K. Pattabhi Jois, the yoga teacher who popularised Ashtanga yoga, developed and refined the practice in Mysore. His institution in Mysore became a pilgrimage spot for yoga enthusiasts worldwide, eager to learn the traditional method.

Currently, Mysore is still a centre for Ashtanga yoga. Several yoga schools provide instruction in various styles, with a special focus on Ashtanga.

Mysuru has a deep link with yoga, particularly in the form of Ashtanga Yoga. (Image ctedit: David Kuba via Unsplash)

5. Kerala

Kerala is the birthplace of Ayurveda, the 5,000-year-old holistic healing system. Both Ayurveda and yoga share a focus on achieving mind-body well-being.

Kerala has a distinctive martial arts practice called Kallaripayattu that is influenced greatly by Yoga. This martial art form includes yoga postures and breathing techniques, making it a powerful practice for physical and mental health, and self-defence.

Additionally, the state has been home to well-known yoga teachers such as Thycaud Ayyavu Swami and Narayana Guru. Their teachings have enhanced Kerala's yoga tradition and continue to help practitioners.

Kallaripayattu includes yoga postures and breathing techniques, making it a powerful practice for physical and mental health, and self-defence. (Image credit: The Pixelwriter 2309 via Wikimedia Commons 4.0)

6. Bihar

Bihar has a strong link to yoga, particularly through the Bihar School of Yoga founded by Swami Satyananda Saraswati in Munger.

This influential school, founded in 1964, systematised and made yoga practices accessible to a wider audience.

Bihar School of Yoga is instrumental in introducing a holistic approach to yoga, incorporating postures (asanas), breathing exercises (pranayama), meditation, and yogic philosophy for overall good health.

A yogi from the Bihar School of Yoga. (Image credit: Yogi Biswa via Wikimedia Commons 4.0)

7. Madhya Pradesh

Ujjain, an ancient city situated along the Shipra River, was once a major hub for Hinduism and Buddhism and played a significant role in the spread of yoga practices.

Khajuraho, renowned for its majestic mediaeval temples, also has sculptures showcasing yoga postures depicting the town's strong connection to yoga.

Additionally, Madhya Pradesh’s state government has introduced yoga programmes in schools and colleges to position Madhya Pradesh as a spot for yoga tourism.

Ujjain, Madhya Pradesh. (Image credit: Karan Suthar via Unsplash)

8. Haridwar, ​​Uttarakhand

Haridwar is a holy city on the Ganga River, a popular Hindu pilgrimage destination. Several pilgrims participate in yoga retreats in addition to their spiritual rituals, crafting a distinctive mix of spirituality and physical practice.

Haridwar's yoga scene leans towards gentler, practices encouraging relaxation and inner peace. This can be perfect for those practitioners looking for a slower yoga experience.

In addition, Haridwar's yoga retreats incorporate Ayurvedic treatments for a holistic approach to well-being.

Ashtanga namaskar (Image credit: Joseph Renger via Wikimedia Commons 3)