Why to Choose Rishikesh for Yoga Teacher Training

Experienced yoga practitioners and aspiring yoga teachers are often advised to take yoga teacher training at residential retreats, which are located in the lap of nature and where they can get a chance to meet esteemed yogis to enhance the learning experience. Besides, it also gives practitioners a chance to learn about a new place and culture.

One such yoga hub is Rishikesh, where thousands of yoga practitioners come from across the globe to learn and practice yoga. Yoga has been a part of Rishikesh's culture since ancient times, which is another reason why the place is a favorite among yoga aspirants. Let's see why thousands of aspiring yoga teachers take yoga teacher training in Rishikesh every year.

Location

Located in Shivalik Mountains (foothills of Himalaya Mountain Range), Rishikesh, in Indian culture is regarded as a spiritual place since it serves as the gateway to several pilgrimage places such as, Kedarnath, Badrinath, Gangotri and Yamunotri. Besides, the fresh air of mountains provides the ideal environment to practice yoga.

History and Culture

Prayers and festivals are part of daily lifestyle at Rishikesh as it is situated at the bank of holy river Ganges. Even the place itself is named after one of the names of Lord Vishnu, which is Lord Hrishikesh.

Since ancient times, Rishikesh has attracted people from around the world for the purpose of their mind and soul cleansing. Many even decide to settle down here after realizing what they can get by dwelling in its culture. Rishikesh is also the world capital of yoga and each year the International Yoga Festival is organized here.

A Tourist Attraction

Whether it is shopping or experiencing local cuisine, Rishikesh has lot to offer as a tourist attraction. Whether it is visiting pilgrimage places, learning yoga or simply spending holidays, you will find people coming to Rishikesh throughout the year. Apart from being a yoga hub, Rishikesh is also known for white water rafting. In addition, you can also do bungee jumping, rock climbing, forest trekking and more in Rishikesh. Every year people from across the world flock to Rishikesh to experience spirituality and yoga or rafting or both.

You can also shop around to get great deals in Rishikesh, since many yoga related articles that you wouldn't even find in other places are available here at real cheap prices. And as for the food, in Rishikesh you get mostly vegetarian food since people mostly follow a Sattvic diet here. However, you can roam around the place to find something different as some places also offer continental, Italian and other international cuisines.

In Rishikesh, history is being made every day. For instance, The Beatles, English rock band, stayed in Maharishi Mahesh Yogi's ashram in Rishikesh during the 1960s. The band got inspirations for many of their songs while they were in Rishikesh. The Beatles recorded 48 songs in Rishikesh, many of which appear on their album ‘The White Album.' The Beatles' love for Rishikesh has attracted many western people to visit and explore the place. And the place inspires many in such a way that they even decide to live here.

By and large, Rishikesh is a place where both yoga aspirants and adventure lovers can live their dreams.