Beyond Rishikesh, You Can Now Consider Going for a Yoga Retreat at These 5 Places in India

Rishikesh, known to be the 'Yoga capital of the world', surely attracts a lot of travellers throughout the year. But let me tell you that it isn't the only place in India where you can experience a blissful yoga retreat.

The influx of tourists seeking solace by the Ganges might make you want to go to a calmer, less crowded place with a similar experience. Here are some offbeat destinations perfect for yoga retreats that you should visit this International Yoga Day.

Dharamshala, Himachal Pradesh

Also known as the “Little Lhasa of India'' - Dharamshala is home to His Holiness, The 14th Dalai Lama. With a picturesque view of the Kangra Valley and Dhauladhar range, this small Himalayan town is a perfect destination to rejuvenate your mind, body, and soul with tranquil Yoga Retreats.

Dharamkot village, located at a distance of about 30 minutes from Dharamshala has multiple yoga and meditation centers. Here's a list of some of the best yoga retreats in and around Dharamshala. However, you can always explore more on your own.

1. Sarvaguna Yoga Retreat

2. Aranya Yoga Ashram

3. Himalaya Shanti Ashram

Kerala

What better place to connect with yourself through the vedic practice of yoga than “God’s Own Country”. Kerala is also the land of Ayurveda which makes it an ideal destination for a wellness vacation.

Along with yoga, you can also reap benefits from the ayurvedic richness that this place has to offer. Don’t forget to add Kerala to your bucket list for mindful retreats while exploring the magical backwaters. Here's a list of retreats you can try:

1. Kailvayam Wellness Retreat

2. Reminiscence Health Retreat

3. Agnihotra Yoga

Goa

Yeah, you read that right! Goa has a lot more to offer than techno parties and casinos. Waking up to its pristine beaches and Western Ghats range of mountains, you can experience a different level of serenity. Lately, Goa is gaining popularity for its yoga retreats and wellness centers.

Less crowded beaches in North and South Goa gives you the perfect ambiance to practice yoga and dive deeper into yourself. Other than beaches, Goa is blessed with lush rain-forests and palm trees around every corner. So, plan an unconventional vacation to Goa and explore its Yoga retreats this International Yoga Day. Here are some places you can try:

1. Little Cove Yoga Holiday Retreat, Cola (South Goa)

2. Ashiyana Mandrem, (North Goa)

3. Yoga Magic Eco Retreat, Anjuna (North Goa)

Bihar

Home to one of the most important Buddhist pilgrimage sites - Bodh Gaya, Bihar is known for its modern schools of Yoga. The Bihar School of Yoga is the most prominent one among many others. It was founded by Shri Swami Satyananda. From modern yoga techniques to ancient branches of yoga, you can get it all in Bihar. So, if you are looking for a spiritual holiday to summon your inner zen, Bihar is the place for you. Visit this link to know more about Yoga in Bihar.

Gokarna

One of the less explored destinations for yoga enthusiasts, Gokarna is turning out to be a promising location for mindful retreats and meditation centers in the South. Even if you are not looking for a Yoga-centric vacation, the calmness of the beaches and the cool breeze with some meditation will give you enough bliss. However, you can also enroll in short-term retreats for a rejuvenating experience. Here’s a list of places you can try:

1. Shree Hari Yoga Center

2. Shanti Yoga School

3. Gokarna Yoga School

We always tend to seek peace and relaxation from our vacations. So how about a vacation aimed at that along with physical and mental well-being! With International Yoga Day right around the corner, plan a wellness vacation at these offbeat places with your family or friends.

If you have experienced a similar wellness vacation or have offbeat yoga retreats suggestions, pen down your experience and share it with a larger community here.