200-Hour Ashtanga & Hatha Yoga Teacher Training in Kerala

This is a serious course for people who want to teach yoga, not just a holiday with some yoga thrown in. The curriculum covers the 70 asanas of the Ashtanga Primary Series in depth, along with pranayama, meditation, philosophy, anatomy, and the art of teaching. You'll practice every day in two sessions: a morning Hatha class that works through the postures with attention to alignment, and an afternoon Ashtanga class in the Mysore style, where you practice the sequence at your own pace with the teacher's guidance and adjustments.

The teaching team is led by Devvrat, who has been practicing Ashtanga in Mysore and is completing his yoga therapy training at SVYASA University. He brings a mix of engineering precision and yogic insight to his teaching. Abhishek, from Rishikesh, has a master's degree in Yogic Science and 500 hours of teacher training, and he teaches with a focus on the therapeutic benefits of the practice. Both are known for being supportive and approachable.

The retreat is based at Yoga Sangha, a small school near the beach in Varkala. The weekly schedule includes daily teachings on philosophy, anatomy, and methodology, plus sessions on the art of teaching and hands-on practice. There's also time for self-study and reflection, as the course encourages self-awareness and personal growth. On Sundays, there's a study of yogic texts, and one day a week is free to explore the local area.

What makes this training different from many others is the small group size and the community feel. With a maximum of 15 students, you get to know your teachers and classmates well. The course also includes a few excursions, like a boat trip to Golden Island, and you'll have the chance to participate in cooking sattvic meals as part of the Karma Yoga practice. By the end of the month, you'll have a solid foundation in teaching both Ashtanga and Hatha, and a certificate to show for it.

What's included

- 28 days, 27 nights accommodation - 6 days per week full vegetarian yogic diet (breakfast, lunch, and dinner) - Daily yoga asana and meditation practice - Daily teachings of yoga philosophy, anatomy, physiology, methodology, and hands-on practice - Certificate of completion - A few sightseeing excursions around Varkala (i.e. boat tour and meditation on Golden Island) - One free day per week - Ayurvedic consultation - Welcome kit

What's not included

- Flights - Travel insurance - Flights costs - Personal expenses - Additional meals or snacks outside the meal times - Transportation to and from the retreat location