The 10 Best Life-Changing Yoga Retreats In India

The birthplace of yoga.

The ‘source’, as it’s often called among yoga communities.

We’re talking about India, of course; and with such a rich yogic history, this inspiring — if sometimes confronting — country is an easy choice for an authentic yoga retreat.

Yoga retreats in India come in all shapes and sizes. From laid back beach vibes to intensive study in a traditional ashram, there’s something here to suit everyone.

Why choose India as a yoga retreat destination? 

Do you want…

• A huge choice of great teachers in incredible locations — from bustling and colorful cities, to serene and silent mountain retreats?
• To absorb the history of yoga as you move through your practice; and even as you walk down the street, or sit down to your evening meal?
• To enjoy delicious local food, or immerse yourself in the yogic lifestyle with an Ayurvedic diet?
• The freedom to choose a style of retreat that suits you; whether you’re looking for something profound and intensive, or a relaxed yoga holiday?
• A retreat that doesn’t cost the earth — because of cost of living (and the cost of yoga) in India is lower than in many popular yoga destinations
• Sunshine, new experiences, and the chance to encounter different ways of life?

India offers all of this and much more!

India’s popular yoga spots

India is dotted with cities and rural areas known for yoga.

Some of the top destinations for yogi travelers include:

• Rishikesh: for its peaceful mountain atmosphere, awe-inspiring scenery, and teachers who are alive with the traditional wisdom of Indian yoga
• Goa: for its vibrant beach towns and villages, endless opportunities for swimming (and sunbathing), and laid back, friendly retreat centers
• Kerala: for its spiritual history, beaches and palm trees, and eclectic backwaters that are home to incredible wildlife

What is the most popular yoga in India?

Different forms of yoga are practised all over India, and just as yoga has evolved throughout the rest of the world, it has done so in its birth country too.  

But perhaps the most popular style of yoga in India is Iyengar Yoga.

The founder of this precise form of practice was B.K.S. Iyengar, was born in Bellur — in the southwestern Indian state of Karnataka.

B.K.S. Iyengar was taught yoga by Guru Sri T. Krishnamacharya, who is generally accepted as the inventor of modern yoga.

But Krishnamacharya’s intense yoga practice just didn’t work for Iyengar’s body — and it inspired him to create his own style, with the use of lots of props.

If you’ve ever been to an Iyengar class you’ll know it involves lots of blocks, straps, blankets, and even harnesses hanging from the walls.

Iyengar then brought Iyengar Yoga to the west and became a globally renowned yoga teacher and scholar.

His legacy lives on all over the world, including in India; where his teachings are widely used today.

Top yoga retreats in India

3 Day Himalayan Meditation and Yoga Retreat

This affordable yoga retreat in Rishikesh offers a chance to settle into the peace of the mountains, and discover a yoga practise to enrich your life.

Discover traditional cleansing practices and meditation technique as well as daily yoga.

• Duration: 3 days / 2 nights
• Location: Yoga Vidya Mandiram Yoga School, Rishikesh
• Experience level: Perfect for beginners
• Price range: from $99 per person
• What makes it special? You’ll be able to explore the stunning shrines and temples of the Himalayas

4 Day Meditation and Relaxing Yoga Holiday

This popular yoga school is known for its teacher trainings, but also offers high-quality yoga retreats in Goa.

Daily yoga and meditation is combined with lots of free time to relax and enjoy the gorgeous beach.

• Duration: 4 days / 3 nights
• Location: The Yoga Village Beach Resort, Goa
• Experience level: Beginner, intermediate and advanced
• Price range: from $187 per person
• What makes it special? You can choose the intensity — opting for just one yoga class a day if you’re in need of a restful time, or up to three daily classes if you want to deepen your practice quickly

7 Day Your Ultimate Get Away Amidst Nature with Yoga Retreat

Combine a gorgeous natural setting with a focus on healing, at this transformative Ayurvedic retreat in India.

It’s a real opportunity to step out of the pressure and stress of life and experience deep rest.

• Duration: 7 days / 6 nights
• Location: Shathayu Ayurveda Yoga Retreat, Bangalore
• Experience level: Beginner and intermediate
• Price range: from $816 per person
• What makes it special? Not only will you be guided by expert yoga teachers and Ayurvedic doctors, but you’ll also have access to top of the range facilities — including a sauna, swimming pool, on-site café and spa

5 Day Yoga, Meditation and Ayurveda Retreat

Another of the best Ayurveda retreats in India, this retreat offers a healing immersion in a quiet Keralan village.

Delve into the power of yoga, Ayurvedic cooking, and healing practices to enhance your wellbeing.

• Duration: 5 days / 4 nights
• Location: Namaste Ayurvedic Wellness Centre, Kerala
• Experience level: Beginner, intermediate and advanced
• Price range: from $1,028 per person
• What makes it special? A personal health consultation with an Ayurvedic doctor is included, so your treatments can be tailored to your unique needs

31 Day Female Yin Yoga and Meditation Retreat

If you’re looking for a truly immersive wellness retreat in India, and an experience that will stay with you for the rest of your life, then this month-long retreat might just be for you.

The focus is on the slow release of Yin Yoga, with daily meditation and a wealth of other practices to explore.

• Duration: 31 days / 30 nights
• Location: Moksha Ashram, Rishikesh
• Experience level: Beginner, intermediate and advanced
• Price range: from $1,550
• What makes it special? Practical and theory classes make your stay here educational as well as wonderfully relaxing. You’ll settle into the centre — and settle into your Self

14 Day Natural Detox & Blissful Stress Relief Yoga Retreat

A rejuvenating yoga retreat in Kerala to cleanse body, mind, and soul.

Let go of stress and boost your body with daily yoga, meditation, a menu of clean eating, and more.

• Duration: 14 days / 13 nights
• Location: Hinterland Village, Kerala
• Experience level: Beginner, intermediate and advanced
• Price range: from $864 per person
• What makes it special? A consultation with an Ayurvedic doctor will help to build your health-supportive diet plan, so you can make the most of this time to heal and regain energy and vitality

7 Day Personalized Wellness and Yoga Retreat

Another wonderful Goa retreat to consider — in a stunning beachside location, with daily yoga, meditation, and a supportive and relaxed vibe.

• Duration: 7 days / 6 nights
• Location: Lotus Nature Cure, Goa
• Experience level: Beginner and intermediate
• Price range: from $299 per person
• What makes it special? 5 sessions of wellness therapies are included, to boost your overall feeling of vibrant health

5 Day Yoga & Meditation Holiday

This traditional yoga and meditation retreat in India is organized in an ashram style, which allows you to experience the yogic lifestyle and immerse yourself in your practice.

Enjoy daily yoga, discover the power of chanting mantras, and bliss out with an Ayurvedic massage.

• Duration: 5 days / 4 nights
• Location: Shiva Tattva Yoga School, Rishikesh
• Experience level: Beginner, intermediate and advanced
• Price range: from $350 per person
• What makes it special? The authentic approach here includes a grounding in yoga philosophy, so you’ll take home actionable tools to apply to your daily life

4 Day Meditation and Relaxing Yoga Holiday

Enjoy a relaxing yoga retreat in India’s popular Patnem beach.

Up to three daily classes allow you to do as much yoga as your heart desires, as well as enjoy daily meditation sessions, delicious food, and daily dips in the warm sea.

• Duration: 4 days / 3 nights
• Location: The Yoga Village Beach Resort, Goa
• Experience level: Beginner, intermediate and advanced
• Price range: from $187 per person
• What makes it special? Wake up to morning pranayama and meditation, so each day starts with clarity and joy

6 Day Meditation and Yoga Retreat

Relax in warm and friendly farm stay accommodation, and detox body and mind.

Daily yoga classes are accompanied by pranayama and meditation, and a backwater boat trip is included — so you can explore the secrets of beautiful Kerala.

• Duration: 6 days / 5 nights
• Location: Agnihotra Yoga Retreat, Kerala
• Experience level: Perfect for beginners
• Price range: from $408 per person
• What makes it special? This retreat includes plenty of opportunities to rejuvenate your energy and cleanse; including fire rituals and pranic healing therapy

Yoga at the source

Yoga retreats in India can be many things, all at once.

You’ll feel challenged by the practices, and yet peaceful and relaxed in beautiful locations.

And you’ll be well supported by staff and locals who are accustomed to having visitors come for the yoga, and the food!

1. Great value: Starting at only $42 per 4 weeks for worldwide travel medical coverage
2. Available for purchase in 180 countries and can be purchased when already travelling with no cap on the duration of travel.
3. Extremely flexible: Choose your start date and your insurance automatically extends every 28 days like a subscription until you pick an end-date. No large upfront payments for month or year-long trips!
4. Home country visits are covered: For every 90 days, you have medical coverage for 30 days in your home country if something happens while visiting family and friends.
5. Young children included: 1 young child per adult, up to 2 per family, age between 14 days and 10 years old, can be included without added cost.