Discovering Yoga in India
When I first came to India learning yoga was very high on my India bucket list. As the birthplace of yoga and Ayurveda what better place to learn yoga or train to be a yoga teacher than India!
There’s plenty of places to learn yoga in India – Rishikesh is the yoga capital of the world, and the Himalayas have a really special and unique energy. Mysore is the home of Ashtanga yoga and Kerala the birthplace of Ayurveda, but if, like me, you love tropical beaches then you’ll want to learn yoga in Goa!
After those first few yoga classes I quickly became hooked! I’ve been practising yoga for a few years now and I’ve experienced how many benefits yoga can have and how beneficial taking time out for a retreat is.
What to expect when learning yoga in Goa
Yoga in India is far more than just the physical poses ‘asanas’ and being flexible – it’s a great work out for both body, mind and soul. In fact, the very meaning of the word ”yoga’ means to bind or unite, as it unites you not only with yourself, but with everything around you.
When practicing yoga in Goa expect to have pranayama (breathing exercises) kriyas (cleaning techniques) mantra chanting, and meditation in your yoga classes as well.
There’s also many opportunities to experience other spiritual practices and holistic activities that compliment your yoga practice like kirtan, sound healing, breathwork, cacao ceremonies and ecstatic dance in Goa.
Yoga has been a really positive force for transformation in my life, teaching me to listen to my body, calm my mind and, at the same time, become stronger, healthier, fitter and more flexible. And it all started here in Goa!
My Guide to Yoga in Goa
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I get many emails asking about the best places to learn yoga in Goa, so I put together my recommendations of the best places for yoga in Goa, from drop in classes to yoga retreats and even yoga teacher training courses (YTTC.)
I’ve lived in Goa since 2013 and did my yoga teacher training here. I’ve been able to experience many of the best yoga schools in Goa myself and have also gathered recommendations from friends too and trawled through the reviews on bookyogaretreats.
Wherever you are in your yoga journey you will find something in Goa. From complete beginners to the most advanced yogi, there are many wonderful and potentially life changing yoga schools in Goa.
Whether you just want to try a few drop in yoga classes while on holiday, be immersed in a week long yoga retreat, or get your yoga teacher certification and change your career – there are options for all styles of yoga and budgets.
Whilst Goa offers an easier experience than other places in India, solo female travellers still need to be careful (there are many fake gurus out there!) so always check reviews thoroughly before signing up for a retreat or YTT.
I find sites like bookyogaretreats and bookretreats really useful for searching for yoga courses and checking real reviews and testimonials from previous guests and securely booking my place. I don’t recommend wiring money to a random yoga school in India as you’ve got no protection if it turns out to be a scam.
Best Places for Yoga in Goa
Goa has a blend of Portuguese and Indian culture with over 100km of sandy beaches to explore. The capital city, Panaji / Panjim is located in the middle of the state but the best places for yoga are found in the far north or south.
North Goa has become famous as a lively nightlife and party destination so, if you’re looking for a peaceful and relaxing yoga holiday, avoid crowded noisy places like Baga beach, Calangute beach, Anjuna beach and Vagator beach.
If you want to practice yoga whilst still being close enough to check out the lively markets, parties and restaurants, then head to the beautiful inland village of Assagao or Morjim beach, Ashvem beach, Mandrem beach and Arambol Beach in the far north.
If you want to get away from it all to practice yoga and relax on beautiful, quiet, uncrowded, peaceful beaches then head to South Goa to Agonda beach, Palolem beach or Patnem beach for the best experience.
(My blog on where to stay in Goa has more info about the different beaches, areas and hotels.)
Yoga Studios for Drop In Yoga Classes in Goa
There aren’t many modern yoga studios in Goa, think more semi open air yoga shalas in the jungle or on the beach. Many yoga schools and retreat centres offer drop in yoga classes if you just want a taste and don’t want to commit to a whole retreat or yoga training course. Some of Goa’s luxury resorts also offer yoga classes and have in house spas.
The best places to find drop in yoga classes in Goa are Arambol, Mandrem, Morjim, Anjuna, Vagator and Assagao in the North and Palolem, Agonda, and Patnem in the South. Yoga classes cost about 500 INR nowadays.
Some long running places with yoga classes worth checking out include:
- Bhakti Kutir and SwaTantra Yoga in Palolem,
- Yoga Village, Tantraloka and Love Temple in Arambol,
- Jamboree Creek Yoga in Ashvem,
- Be Yoga Bound in Vagator,
- Aum Yoga in Anjuna
- and Morjim Yoga House.
Classes and schedules change quite frequently so look out for the posters around the village and flyers on social media advertising drop in yoga classes. There are also lots of one off workshops in things like Tantra, Kundalini yoga, sound healing, breathwork and ecstatic dance so keep your eyes pealed to see whats on when you are visiting Goa.
The Best Yoga Retreats in Goa
If you want to immerse yourself in your yoga practice with a group of like minded people then joining a yoga retreat in Goa is the way to go.
There are plenty of budget friendly retreats but not many luxury retreats in Goa – think more sand in your toes rustic beach huts and cute yoga villages in the jungle than modern luxury – that’s the charm of Goa.
You can find retreats from 3 days up to 1 month but the most popular option is 7 days/ 1 week. Check the more info link for more details, dates and prices etc.
Here’s my favourite retreats in Goa:
Bamboo Yoga, Polem Beach,
This is one of the longest running and best beach yoga retreats in Goa, even Conde Nast Traveller magazine voted it as one of the Top 10 Yoga Retreats in India
I love the rustic yet comfortable, eco friendly, huts and beachfront yoga shala and lounge that serves tasty, healthy food. They have a range of experienced international yoga teachers and the staff are really friendly and make you feel right at home.
Bamboo yoga retreat centre recently moved from Patnem Beach to the remote and undeveloped Polem beach in the far, far south of goa. It feels like a private beach so you get the ultimate seclusion and relaxing escape here!
They offer multiple yoga classes every day in an open air studio overlooking the ocean in a wide range of yoga styles, including Ashtanga, Vinyasa, Hatha and Iyengar, that are suitable for all levels of experience.
If you’re looking for a relaxing beach and yoga holiday away from the crowds then you can’t get better than Bamboo. I’ve been to both the old location and the new one and it’s still my favorite retreat in Goa.
Preksha Yoga Ashram, Mandrem,
One of the most highly rated wellness centres in Goa is Preksha Yoga Ashram in Mandrem. This affordable and peaceful yoga and ayurveda resort is nestled in the jungle within walking distance of Mandrem Beach.
Mandrem is the most peaceful beach in North Goa nowadays, it offers the best of both worlds – a wide, uncrowded beach and peaceful nights sleep that is also within easy reach of all the action.
Preksha offer a wide range of wellness retreats with caring staff and highly qualified, experienced instructors that combine yoga and Ayurveda – an ancient holistic Indian life science that is the perfect compliment to yoga.
As well as daily yoga classes and meditation sessions you’ll also have a consultation with the Ayurvedic doctor and receive daily Ayurvedic massage treatments.
Accommodation in eco-friendly wooden cottages and vegetarian meals are also included. There’s also the option to do a panchakarma detox retreat or yoga teacher training at Preksha.
Earth Yoga Village, Patnem
Another of my favourite yoga retreats in Goa is Earth Yoga Village. This lovely eco village was located in a beautiful spot at the top end of Palolem Beach, the most beautiful beach in Goa, and has now moved to the neighbouring and more peaceful Patnem beach but you can easily walk between both beaches.
Earth Yoga Village is an eco-village community and a holistic wellness centre, that, in addition to daily yoga asana classes, also hosts workshops about yoga theory and yoga philosophy which helps deepen your understanding of yoga beyond the physical practice.
Yoga holidays and retreats include 3 daily Hatha, Vinyasa and Yin yoga classes, pranayama, meditation, mantra chanting and yoga nidra sessions. If you want to go deeper they also run yoga teacher training
In the evenings you can join in with spiritual activities like kirtan, ecstatic dance, sound healing and cacao ceremonies. One of the highlights of staying in this yoga resort is the chance to experience community living and explore holistic aspects of life so you’ll feel like you are part of one big family.
You’ll stay in rustic chic beach huts and enjoy 3 wholesome and nutritious meals. There is a community kitchen, a small library, numerous chill-out areas and hammocks hanging everywhere. Read my friend’s full review here.
 Shiva Retreats, Arambol
The best yoga retreat in Arambol, a popular hippie fishing village in North Goa, is Shiva Retreats. They offer budget friendly yoga retreats and professional yoga teacher training courses that cover mutliple style of yoga with a focus on Vinyasa yoga and Acro yoga.
Shiva Yoga School is located just outside Arambol. It’s away from the hectic beach roads so you can relax while also being close to nearby places like the Sweet Lake, hippie market, and sunset drum circles on the beach. At the yoga center you’ll find a clean and modern space to practice yoga and meditation with comfortable onsite accommodation, wholesome restaurant, and an outdoor swimming pool.
I recommend their 7 day healing yoga and wellness retreat because it offers everything you’d want from a Goa yoga holiday. Daily yoga classes, mantra chanting and spiritual practices, excursions and time to enjoy the beautiful beach.
Ashiyana Yoga, Mandrem
Ashiyana means home in Hindi, and that is exactly the feeling that was created at this sanctuary that is set amongst the palm trees on a river behind Mandrem Beach.
Ashiyana is one of the most highly rated yoga retreat centers in Goa, it’s not an ashram, but an eco resort with a variety of different accommodation options. It is a magical place that makes you feel like you are in another world, while also doing yoga just steps from the sea.
They offer a wide range of wellness programs, including Hatha Yoga retreats, Vinyasa Yoga retreats and Iyengar retreats. In addition to yoga, Ashiyana also has detox programs that include yoga classes, massage treatments, Ayurveda consultation and cleansing. They also offer 200 and 300 hour teacher training programs.
Swan Yoga, Assagao
If you’re looking for something with more of an ashram feel, then Swan is the best yoga retreat in Goa for this. Swan Yoga is nestled in the hills of Assagao away from the busy beaches of North Goa, yet close enough to be able to walk to the town of Mapusa and the beach.
The main focus here is traditional Hatha Yoga, chanting and meditation, giving you the full traditional yoga ‘package’. All teachers here hail from India, so it really is the real deal. They will teach you all of the traditional methods of yoga, including the chakras and philosophy.
Accommodations are basic, but eco-friendly and very comfortable. They offer 7-, 12- and 15-day retreats.
Purple Valley Yoga Retreat, Assagao
If you’re an avid Ashtangi then make a beeline for Purple Valley Yoga Retreat in Assago. They have been running Ashtanga retreats for over 15 years and were even listed as one of the best yoga retreats in all India by The Guardian.
Focusing purely on Ashtanga yoga, all the teachers at Purple Valley learned from Sri K.Pattabhi Jois himself, or his grandson Sharat at the world’s first Ashtanga Yoga school in Mysore.
The retreat centre offers comfortable rooms, a swimming pool, massage center and healthy vegetarian meals nestled in lush gardens. It’s renowned for its fabulous Ayurveda treatments and is a haven tucked away in the serene, leafy village of Assago but within an easy drive of lively beaches like Anjuna and Vagator.
You’ll need to be an experienced yogi familiar with the Primary Series to practice at Puplre Valley – There’s no drop ins or short retreats here, they only accept serious practitioners who are dedicated to the Ashtanga practice that can commit to 7, 14 or 28 day retreats.
Best Schools for Yoga Teacher Training in Goa
Many yoga schools and yoga retreats in Goa also offer yoga teacher training courses but there are also places who specifically focus on yoga teacher training in Goa. There’s a variety of different courses of different lengths so make sure you pick the one you need.
If you want to become a certified yoga teacher then you’ll need to do a 200 hour yoga teacher training course which takes between 3 – 4 weeks depending on the course. You’ll have two yoga classes each day and lectures on yoga theory, philosophy, anatomy, teaching methods and practice teaching too.
Prices range between $700 – $1500. Most Goa YTT’s are residential meaning accommodation and vegetarian meals are included. All the best YTT’s in Goa are approved by Yoga Alliance and you’ll be able to teach yoga around the world.
Many people do this yoga training just to learn more and deepen their own practice – you don’t necessarily have to teach yoga afterwards to make it worthwhile.
If you don’t have so much time and aren’t bothered about becoming a qualified instructor then you could do a 100 hour YTT which will teach you all the basics in 1 – 2 weeks.
Some schools also offer an advanced 300 hour YTT (if you’ve already done your 200 hours) and some do 500 hour YTT’s which combines both into one program.
While yoga teacher training in India is intense and a very different experience to a relaxing yoga holiday you will learn so more about yoga and yourself that it can also be quite transformational.
Here’s some of the best yoga teacher training schools in Goa:
Diya Yoga, Mandrem beach
I did my yoga teacher training in Goa with Diya Yoga at Mandrem beach, one of the most serene beaches in north Goa. What really drew me to this small yoga school was that it is led by women and has several female yoga teachers (a rarity in the male dominated world of yoga in India.)I felt super safe here as a solo female traveler with their friendly and experienced yoga teachers like Meera and Disha.
The 200 hour yoga teacher training course at Diya Yoga is 21 days long and is held just yards away from the beach front. It’s a multi-style training course that covers Hatha, Ashtanga, Vinyasa, Restorative and Yin yoga as well as the foundation of yoga nidra, trauma healing, and OSHO inspired meditations.
You’ll get twice daily yoga asana classes, and also learn about anatomy, alignment, yoga philosophy and teaching methodology. Yoga Alliance accreditation means you’ll be awarded an internationally recognised certificate in yoga teaching upon completion.
Outside of your yoga classes you’ll have some time to take a dip in the warm waters of Arabian sea, or wander the long beach and be dazzled by the beautiful hues of the sunset. The local area also offers affordable massage spas, colourful hippie shops and market stalls, drum circles and regular ecstatic dance events!
Sarvaguna Yoga, Agonda beach
Sarvaguna’s 28 day traditional 200 hour yoga teacher training course is one of the best in Goa because of the experienced and caring Indian yoga teachers. Dr Keshava Murthy is one of the most highly qualified and best yoga teachers in Goa.
Located steps away from serene Agonda beach, this popular multi style training offers twice daily yoga classes with pranayama and meditation in several styles including traditional hatha yoga, vinyasa flow, restorative yoga and yin yoga.
You’ll also learn all about yoga history, yoga philosophy, anatomy, alignment and adjustment and teaching methodology with plenty of practice teaching yoga too.
At the end of the course you’ll leave with a thorough understanding of yoga, the skills to teach others and be eligible to register with Yoga Alliance as a certified yoga teacher.
Sarvaguna Yoga is situated in a beautiful retreat centre full of tropical greenery and an open air yoga shala just steps away from the peaceful Agonda beach in South Goa. Accommodation in colourful beach huts, vegetarian meals and airport transfers are also included in the YTT package.
This 200 hour YTT doesn’t require any previous knowledge and is also great if you just want learn yoga in depth. They also run a 300 hour YTT for advanced practitioners and a popular 100 hour meditation teacher training program.
India Yoga School, Mandrem
India Yoga School is a popular yoga teacher training center in mellow Mandrem which offers multi style YTT’s in just 22 days.
You’ll get to try a wide variety of yoga styles, including Ariel yoga, in the twice daily classes, learn meditation and pranayama (breathing) techniques, enjoy mantra chanting and kirtan singing sessions, and enjoy three healthy vegetarian meals each day.
India Yoga School offers comfortable air conditioned accommodation surrounded by nature overlooking a large outdoor swimming pool perfect for refreshing after class – not many places in goa have pools!
They also do a yoga entrepreneurship workshop which will help you learn how to market yourself as a yoga teacher or start running your own retreats once qualified.
If you book through the link below you can get a free online yoga training course, exclusive yoga music playlist access, a copy of the Bhagavad Gita, and help booking your flights and transfers
Kashish Yoga, near Palolem Beach
Kashish Yoga run one of the most diverse, comprehensive and best value yoga trainings in Goa. This course will teach you so many different styles of yoga including hatha, ashtanga, vinyasa, aerial, yin and even SUP and acro yoga.
You’ll also learn all about meditation, pranayama, yoga philosophy, anatomy, physiology from a diverse range of both Indian and international yoga teachers. You’ll get plenty of practice to home your teaching skills and an insight into the Ayurvedic and yogic lifestyle.
This popular yoga school is located in a quiet area with open air yoga shalas and swimming pool, near to Palolem beach in South Goa.
Accommodation in cute bamboo cottages, vegetarian sattvic meals and an airport pickup are all included and the course is approved by Yoga Alliance.
A 30 day advanced 300 hour hatha, vinyasa and ashtanga yoga teacher training course is also available.
Kranti Yoga, Patnem Beach
Kranti Yoga has been running one of the most popular yoga teacher training courses in Goa for over 10 years down on the beautiful and peaceful Patnem beach in South Goa.
Kranti focuses on Ashtanga and Vinyasa yoga and you can earn your 200 hour YTTC in only 22 days here. There are 2 campuses, one is on the beach with an ocean view shala!
Accommodation and food are included and the rooms here are some of the nicest I’ve seen in the area, some rooms even have ocean views, plus the food is delicious.
My Mini Goa Travel Guide
I hope you’ve found my insights and recommendations useful, here’s a few more essential travel tips that you’ll need to plan your trip to Goa.
Best Time to Visit Goa
Goa is a very seasonal destination, the tourist season runs from October till May and coincides with the best (coolest and driest) weather. During the monsoon season (June – October )a lot of places including beach shacks shut down.
The best time to visit Goa for yoga is from Dec – April in the dry, cool (by Indian standards) season. This is also the peak tourist season when all the yoga centers, parties, markets and restaurants will be open.
Most yoga retreats in Goa are only open from October/November to April/May because outside of these times it’s often too hot or too rainy for practicing yoga so most schools close during summer and monsoon. Some Goa yoga schools also move to their centres in the cooler mountains over the warmer months too.
Getting to Goa
Goa now has two airports! The old Goa international airport (GOI) is located at Dabolim roughly in the middle of the state while the new Mopa Airport (GOX) is located in the far north of Goa.
In the peak season time there are some direct charter flights from the UK, Europe and Russia to Goa’s international airport. There are also buses and trains that connect Goa with the rest of India – the main train station in goa is Margao (Madgaon) in South Goa.
Goa is also well connected with most major Indian cites like Mumbai and Delhi. If there’s no direct flight you can fly into Mumbai or Delhi and connect to a domestic flight from there.
There’s no Uber allowed in Goa so ask your retreat center if they can provide airport transfers, if not, the pre paid government taxis offer easy transportation from the airport.
Public transport is limited so the best way to get around is by taxi or motorbike. If you rent a scooter or motorbike make sure you wear a helmet and carry your international driving license to avoid getting in trouble with the police.
Visas for India
To visit Goa, India nearly all foreigners (apart from citizens of Bhutan, Nepal and the Maldives) must apply for an Indian visa before travelling.
An E-Visa is available to 156 nationalities including the USA, Australia, New Zealand and many European countries, which makes the process easier but remember that you still need to apply online before you travel to India. Get your e-visa here.
Other things to do in Goa
Aside from practicing yoga and enjoying the beaches there are plenty of other interesting places to visit and things to do in Goa. If you want to see Goa’s forts and churches and learn more about the unique culture and history of Goa then you’ll need to explore beyond the beaches.
Check out Goa’s capital Panaji/Panjim to explore the colourful Latin quarter of Fontainhas and the wedding cake like whitewashed Church of the Immaculate Conception. Then head to Old Goa, a UNESCO world heritage site with historic Portuguese churches.
There’s also some impressive colourful Hindu temples and lush spice plantations where you can learn about the amazing medicinal qualities of the plants. Hire a taxi for the day or take this churches, temples and spice plantations tourÂ
You could also head to Mollem National Park and take a refreshing dip in the cool waters under Dudhsagar Waterfall – one of the highest in India. For more info on Goa check out my complete Goa Travel Guide
What to wear in Goa
Goa is one of the most westernised states in India so you won’t need to cover up or dress as conservatively as you would in other parts of India but don’t forget that it is still India.
Pack light, breezy clothes for the warm, tropical weather. In winter, you’ll need a shawl for the cooler evenings. Tight fitting yoga wear is generally acceptable and it’s fine to wear a bikini on the beach (if you don’t mind a few stares.) For more on what to pack check out my yoga retreat packing list.
Make sure yourtravel insurance covers you for all the activities you plan to do on your Goa yoga holiday and for any unavoidable cancellations or illness.
If you’re visiting Goa then why not see more of India too – check out my ultimate India backpacking route for ideas and tips.
Even though there’s so many places to practice yoga in Goa I also spend a lot of time in beautiful, spiritual places with great yoga. I have been lucky to spend a lot of time in Bali and the island of Koh Phangan in Thailand – both are also some of the best places in the world for yoga, so you might want to check out my other yoga blogs:
- Best Yoga Retreats in India
- My Guide to Yoga Teacher Training in India
- Best Yoga Retreats in Goa
- A Guide to Yoga Teacher Training in Goa
- Top Yoga Retreats in Rishikesh
- My Guide to Yoga Teacher Training in Rishikesh
- Best Yoga and Ayurveda Retreats in Kerala
- Top Yoga Retreats in Koh Phangan, Thailand
- Best Yoga Teacher Training Courses in Koh Phangan, Thailand
- Best Yoga Retreats in Bali, Indonesia
- A Guide to Yoga Teacher Training in Bali, Indonesia.
- The Complete Guide to Yoga Teacher Training Abroad
19 comments
I can relate, this are the best places to retreat in Goa. Ashtak is my prefered one.
Thanks – glad you liked the post 🙂
Your article is beneficial for us and those who are searching for yoga teacher training. I appreciate your great efforts in writing this blog. Keep it up and try to give us update regularly.
i love to read this post. Thank you for this nice post.
Yoga is an ancient science concerned with developing a holistic, healthy and harmonious way of living. It offers benefits that make the body stronger and healthier and calm the mind. I like your post. Thanks for sharing.
Nice Blog!!! Thanks for sharing the useful information about the yoga meditation places. I hope your shared information is too helpful for the visitor who want to wish to find out the best yoga places.
Thank you 🙂
Hii,
It offers benefits that make the body stronger and healthier and calm the mind. I like your post. The useful information about the yoga meditation places.
Thanks for sharing.
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Hi
Thanks for sharing. This is very useful. I recently completed my 200 hour yoga teacher training in Goa from Ek Omkar Yoga School. I will definitely try other Schools.
Love
Emily
Hi Emily,
Glad you liked the post and had a good experience with your yoga teacher training. Thanks for your recommendation 🙂
Hi Anna, I love this post. Its very interesting and I must surely try this experience.
Thanks Agness! As India is the birthplace of yoga it’s certainly a good place to try it 🙂
Great post! Thanks for sharing this amazing post.
Such a wonderful blog. Keep it up Anna!
Cheers!!
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This is very really unique helpful information. keep it up. Thank you so much!
Nice a experience with Yoga Guru !
Thanks for this admiration information your blog is very useful and helpful.
Readable, Knowledgeable post about Yoga!