200-Hour Yoga Teacher Training in Varkala, Kerala, India

Pankaj Yogpeeth runs this 200-hour training from a base in Varkala, a beach town on Kerala's coast that feels a world away from busier Indian cities. The school is led by Yogi Pankaj, a Rishikesh-trained teacher with a master's degree in yoga and holistic health, who has taught for more than ten years. He handles hatha yoga, alignment adjustments, teaching methodology, and anatomy. Swami Atma Jnanananda Giri, a homeopathic doctor and longtime Rishikesh resident, leads the philosophy and meditation lectures, drawing on Vedanta, the Bhagavad Gita, and the Mandukya Upanishad. Students frequently mention Kavita's pranayama classes and the mobility work, which seem to be group favorites.

Training days start before breakfast with asana practice, then move into theory. The curriculum is structured so that beginners and experienced practitioners can both grow: philosophy and anatomy are taught from the ground up, while teaching practice gives you real feedback on your cueing and adjustments. The small group size, usually 10 to 15 people, means you get individual attention in every session.

The location is part of the experience. Varkala sits on dramatic cliffs above the Arabian Sea, with a string of beaches below. Papanasam Beach is a popular spot for sunset walks, and the mineral springs along the cliff are a local draw. You're close enough to walk to the shore between classes, and the weekend excursions take you further into Kerala's backwaters and countryside. It's a setting that makes it easy to slow down, which is half the point of the training.

What's included

- 19 nights accommodation - 3 daily meals (breakfast, lunch, dinner) - Water, tea, coffee served throughout the day - Welcome drink - Teacher training course and certification - Registration with Yoga Alliance/Professionals/International/etc - Certificate upon successful completion - Free excursions to sites of interest - Nature hikes with a trusted guide - Course manual - Yoga mats, blocks, straps, and bolsters - Pre and post retreat support from our team - School t-shirt/tote bag - Weekend/day off excursions - WiFi connection

What's not included

- Airport transfers - Flights costs - Travel insurance - Additional activities not included in the itinerary - Visa fee - Additional treatments