Trying to pick a 200 hour YTT in India, ideally this year.
Found myself drowning in endless websites and reviews. I reached out to one or two but they don’t seem to be happy to hear questions which isn’t a good sign. My heart is pulling me toward something authentic. A program that would dive deep into the philosophical roots of yoga rather than just focusing on Instagram-worthy poses.
After months of research, I’ve narrowed it down to Rishikesh, Mysore, and Goa, but each seemed to offer such different experiences that I felt stuck. As a woman planning to travel solo, I also had those nagging safety concerns that kept creeping into my decision-making process. I’m curious to hear from others who’ve taken this journey… Which programs truly delivered that balance of traditional teachings, natural surroundings, and a supportive environment for solo female students?
18 Likes
Deepen Your Practice Beyond the Mat
Finding meaningful yoga discussions and guidance can be surprisingly difficult. Discover a space where your questions are welcomed and your growth is celebrated: Start Your Journey
Have you seen the main yoga teacher training thread? I think most of the suggested schools are in Bali but there’ll be some in India and there’s generally good advice on finding the right 200 hour training.
If you’re drawn to Rishikesh, Sattva Yoga Academy really stands out because they call their program the ‘gold standard’ of YTTs and emphasize radical transformation rather than just certification, which sounds like exactly the kind of deep, philosophical approach you’re seeking beyond the Instagram poses.
Finding the ‘right’ YTT isn’t about hunting for the objectively best program, it’s about finding one that aligns with what speaks to YOUR soul 
Each lineage emphasizes different aspects (some focus on physical practice, others on philosophy, meditation, or lifestyle), so having at least some yoga experience helps you know what resonates before committing. Trust your gut feeling about which approach feels authentic to you rather than getting lost in endless reviews!
Hey, don’t forget that the timing of your YTT can play a big role; for instance, Rishikesh is most vibrant during the March International Yoga Festival (though the crowds can be overwhelming for some), but quieter seasons offer a more intimate experience.
If you’re considering a TTC, then your first step should be sitting with yourself and honestly exploring your intentions.
If you’re seeking teaching skills and anatomy knowledge, then traditional Teacher Training Courses will serve you well they’re designed for aspiring and current teachers wanting to deepen their practice and methodology.
If you’re drawn to a specific style like Ashtanga or Yin, then research schools that specialize in those particular lineages each has its own beautiful quirks and philosophies.
If you’re among the many seeking personal transformation or that elusive ‘finding yourself’ experience, then know that many Indian ashrams have recognized this desire. While some might view it as commercialization, if the right teacher crosses your path, then yes profound spiritual shifts absolutely happen.
If you find that special guru who resonates with your soul, then your practice can elevate to dimensions you never imagined possible.
But here’s the paradox: if teaching is truly an art that flows from within, then can anyone really ‘teach’ you how to teach? Perhaps the real training happens when you step onto your mat, open your heart, and let the practice guide you.
When exploring Rishikesh, you’ll find the Tapovan area is where the magic happens for yoga students it’s this beautiful bubble about 20 minutes walk from the main city where you can flow through morning surya namaskars at sunrise, then grab a smoothie bowl at one of the cozy cafes designed just for us yogis, though definitely practice your balancing poses like vrksasana and garudasana before attempting the walk since those paths can be quite uneven!
I went to that amazing school in Rishikesh World Spirit Yoga… no wait, World Peace Yoga School! That’s the one. Such an experience. I was there in September… actually no, it was October 2023. The morning Hatha sessions overlooking the Ganges were absolutely magical. Still practicing the pranayama techniques they taught us there!
Looking back at my time in Indian YTTs, they threw me into this whirlwind of different teaching approaches and situations I never saw coming.
At the time, I’ll admit, it felt overwhelming. But sitting here now, I can see how those unpredictable moments, those times when nothing went according to plan… they shaped me as a teacher in ways I’m still discovering.
I remember feeling spiritually depleted after completing several local YTTs that treated yoga like a purely physical discipline, all muscles and alignment, but no soul.
Then I felt called to journey to India, where my first morning began with dawn meditation overlooking the Ganges. As our teacher spoke of the divine connection between breath and spirit, something shifted within me. It was like finding the missing piece of my practice the sacred wisdom and contemplative traditions that transformed my understanding from mere postures into a living prayer.
Your journey into yoga teacher training is such a sacred step, and choosing the right location deserves thoughtful consideration.
South Goa offers a beautiful balance of beach serenity and safety, particularly welcoming for solo female practitioners. The smaller schools nestled in jungle settings provide intimate, authentic experiences away from the more commercialized ‘Instagram-worthy’ centers that tend to focus more on aesthetics than authentic practice. While these larger schools offer certain amenities, they often come with inflated prices and may distance you from yoga’s true nature.
Rishikesh, cradled in the mountains, holds deep spiritual significance as yoga’s birthplace. The energy there is more traditional and rooted in ancient practices. You’ll find numerous Hindu and Buddhist temples that breathe life into your understanding of yoga philosophy. The mountain setting naturally invites introspection and a deeper connection to the practice.
Please trust your intuition when selecting an ashram or school. If something feels energetically off or overly controlling, honor that feeling. Some institutions, unfortunately, prioritize profit over authentic teaching (and this is happening more and more), and it’s completely acceptable to request a refund and seek a program that aligns with your spiritual path.
May your training journey unfold with grace and bring you deeper into your practice.
With metta and light
Most YTT programs in India fall into distinct categories just like regular retreats you’ve got your luxury all inclusive setups in Goa versus the more traditional, affordable ashram style trainings in Rishikesh. You need to figure out whether you want that raw, authentic experience with basic accommodations or something more comfortable that still honors the philosophical roots you’re seeking.
My grandmother always said ‘the cheapest option isn’t always the worst, especially when it comes from the source’ and she was right about India’s yoga teacher trainings being both incredibly affordable and authentic.
When I was searching for my YTT, I noticed that many Western studios charge five times more for watered-down versions of what you’ll find in India’s registered schools. The traditional schools there emphasize safety and proper alignment techniques, because as my grandmother would remind me, ‘a poorly trained teacher is like a doctor without proper medicine.’ Since you’re looking for philosophical depth, I’d definitely lean toward Rishikesh it has that perfect blend of spiritual tradition and modern safety standards that would make even my cautious grandmother approve!
Hey there! Curious if you’ve settled on an ashram yet? I’m flying into Rishikesh in exactly 7 days (landing at 14:30 IST) and I’m still 62% undecided between schools. Been comparing 4 different yoga centers but can’t seem to commit the reviews are all over the place! Would love to hear which one called to you. Namaste!
I’d been confusing wanting to ‘find myself’ with actually wanting to teach yoga, two completely different journeys that I’d rate a solid 9/10 on the confusion scale!
Once I got clear that I was actually seeking spiritual growth rather than teaching credentials, everything shifted, and I started looking at programs through a totally different lens (authenticity rating: 10/10). I ended up choosing a small ashram that wasn’t even advertising teacher training but rather focused on traditional practice. However, how did that decision completely transform my entire approach to yoga? That’s a story for another day…
I’ll never forget sitting in a coffee shop in Ubud last year, completely overwhelmed by all the YTT options, when I overheard two teachers discussing how they wished they’d chosen a program that covered more than just one style. That conversation really stuck with me (in fact, I think one of them is now a member here, hey Sarah)!
For a well-rounded 200-hour YTT with a focus on philosophy and multiple yoga styles, All Yoga in Bali is a great choice. Their comprehensive curriculum, small class sizes, and serene setting provide an immersive and supportive learning experience. The way they weave different traditions together really creates something special, exactly what those teachers in the coffee shop were looking for!
If you’re drawn to Ashtanga, Mysore is definitely the place to be! It’s where Sri K. Pattabhi Jois established the Ashtanga Yoga Research Institute back in 1948, and the city still pulses with that traditional energy. I remember hearing how Western students in the 1970s would sleep on the shala floor just to practice with Guruji at dawn.
For exploring different yoga styles though, Rishikesh offers incredible variety. As the ‘Yoga Capital of the World,’ you’ll find everything from easy Hatha to dynamic Vinyasa, plus Kundalini, Yin, and traditional Himalayan practices all in one sacred place. The diversity there is truly special perfect if you want to sample different approaches and find what resonates with your practice.