100-Hour Yoga Teacher Training for Wellness Seekers in Rishikesh, India

Maa Ganga Yogashala runs this 100-hour training from a traditional school set in the peaceful neighborhood of Tapovan, Rishikesh. The town is called the Yoga Capital of the World for good reason—ashrams, temples, and wandering sadhus line the streets, and the Ganges runs fast and clear a short walk downhill. Students often describe the atmosphere as doing half the practice for you.

The program itself covers what you need to begin teaching: Hatha and Ashtanga asana with alignment and adjustment techniques, pranayama, meditation, the Yamas and Niyamas, yoga anatomy, and the basics of sequencing and voice. A typical day starts before sunrise with a led asana class, moves through pranayama and meditation, and settles into philosophy and anatomy theory after breakfast. Later afternoons might be given over to practice teaching, where you take turns leading your classmates. Evenings alternate between restorative sessions, kirtan, and a weekly movie night.

Lead teacher Vinay Khurana, the school's founder, trained for years in Mumbai's film industry before the stress of the job pushed him to yoga. He has practiced for over twelve years and brought everything he learned about calm, steady teaching into the school. Guests' reviews, which are excellent, frequently mention his sound bowl healing sessions and his warmth as a teacher. Many say the personal attention is what sets this training apart.

The setting matters as much as the syllabus. You can cross the Laxman Jhula bridge to the older ashram side of the river, climb to the Beatles Ashram in the forest, or just sit on the ghats at sunset for the Ganga Aarti. The school arranges a guided hike into the Himalayan foothills during the week, and most students come away saying the 11 days felt longer and richer than they expected.

What's included

- 11 nights accommodation in shared or private rooms - 3 daily sattvic vegetarian meals (breakfast, lunch, dinner) plus snacks - Water, tea, and coffee available throughout the day - Daily yoga, pranayama, and meditation classes - Yoga teacher training course hours and materials - Certification upon successful completion - Yoga Alliance registration (for eligible students) - Group excursions and hikes with a trusted guide - Evening activities: kirtan, sound healing, movie night - Professional event photos - Transportation for included excursions - Free parking and Wi-Fi

What's not included

- Airport transfers (transfer can be organized on request for approx. 20 km drive) - Flights and visa fees - Travel insurance - Additional treatments or personal expenses - Optional extra nights before or after the retreat