8-Day Yoga Foundation & Wellness Immersion in Pune, India

The course is accredited by the Swasti Yoga Center, an ISO 9001:2015 certified institution and an associate center of the Indian Yoga Association (IAA). This isn't a brand-new flashy studio setup, but a time-tested traditional school with a clear syllabus. The emphasis is on scientific yoga, designed to help with chronic conditions like arthritis, backache, and migraines, underpinned by the medical knowledge of its founders, Dr. Vikas and Dr. Shwetambari Chothe, both MDs.

Your days will be full. Mornings start early with a two-hour session of asana practice, pranayama (breathing exercises), and shuddhi kriyas (yogic cleansing techniques). After a hearty sattvic breakfast, you'll move into theory lectures, covering subjects like the meaning and history of yoga, schools of yoga, and yogic principles of food. Afternoons are left somewhat free, allowing you to rest, explore the local area, or simply digest the morning's learning.

The program also includes volunteering opportunities, a unique element that lets you give back to the local community. A visit to a nearby hospital was a highlight for past guests, offering a practical look at how yoga is used in healthcare settings. Evening sessions often include meditation, relaxation, and educational talks, or may be replaced by cultural excursions to temples or historical places, bhajan singing, and kirtan.

You stay at the Empire Estate Apartment, a modern and comfortable base that offers a mix of city convenience and peace. While the training schedule is structured, this is a true foundation course—a chance to go back to the basics, ask questions in depth, and understand the 'why' behind each practice. The emphasis on one-on-one teaching via the Guru-Shishya method is what makes this 8-day course feel deeply personal and thorough.

What's included

- 7 nights accommodation - 3 daily delicious and nutritious meals - Welcome drink - Water, tea, coffee served throughout the day - Transportation during the retreat - Nature hikes with a trusted guide - Group excursions/activities - Airport Pickup & Drop-off - Teacher training course and certification - Certificate upon successful completion - Yoga mats, blocks, straps, and bolsters - Weekend/day off excursions - School t-shirt/tote bag - Evening activities/kirtan/movie night - Course Manual - Pre and post retreat support - WiFi connection - Fruit and snacks available all day

What's not included

- Travel insurance - Visa fee - Additional treatments - Yoga Certification Board (Govt. of India) Yoga Assessment and Certification fees (100 USD) - Flights (unless booked with a selected package)