Known for their selfie-friendly beaches and heady nightlife, Goa’s coastal towns are also a paradise for yogis. Whether travelling to India to become a qualified instructor or simply to deepen your practice at the source, you will find internationally certified teacher training programs for an inspiring yoga experience.
Om Yoga Shala, Goa (Photo: Book Yoga Teacher Trainings)
India’s smallest state is defined by its seemingly endless parade of beaches, stretching for over 100 kilometers along the western coast and the sparkling waters of the Arabian Sea. Each village is a colorful and intriguing cultural blend of Hindu and colonial Portuguese influences. While yogis from around the world tend to gravitate towards Rishikesh in the north for an authentic spiritual quest (alcohol and meat is banned in this holy city), the Yoga Teacher Trainings in Goa are no less enriching or authoritative. Goa allows you to work on your downward dog and your tan at the same time, combining dedicated yoga study with an extended tropical getaway.
Between classes, explore North Goa’s bustling beaches, and flea markets, or if you’re in the more peaceful south, enjoy the relaxed boho vibes (‘susegad’ in Portuguese) and secluded coves. Whether you choose the palm-lined sands of Palolem, the hippie haven of Anjuna or the more extroverted Baga or Arambol, Yoga Teacher Trainings are best undertaken in the winter months between November and March, when it’s less humid and not too hot to practice comfortably. Here are five of the best International Yoga Alliance affiliated Yoga Teacher Trainings (YTT) to suit all levels and schedules.
Preksha Yoga Ashram
Photo: Preksha Yoga Ashram, Mandrem
Ideally located in the Junos Vaddo area in Mandrem on the northern coast, just a ten-minute walk to the beach, this 200-hour YTT will offer a comprehensive experience for those wishing to teach hatha yoga or beginning their yoga journey with a gentle, accessible practice. Lodged in charming wooden huts, students will enjoy daily asanas, yogic philosophy, pranayama and meditation sessions. Practice takes place in a spacious, jungle-framed shala… or directly on the beach! The course includes three vegetarian meals daily and personalized advice from a knowledgeable Ayurveda specialist, Dr Suvira Bandekar, who creates detox and dietary plans for the participants. From $1328 / 25 days (200 hours)
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Palm Trees Ayurvedic Heritage
Photo: Palm Tree Ayurveda Heritage
It would be hard to find a more serene location for Yoga Teacher Training than Palm Trees Ayurvedic Heritage resort, ten minutes from Patnem Beach in South Goa. Head teacher Julia Gavin will impart expert guidance in ashtanga or vinyasa flow, with classes on anatomy, philosophy and teaching methodology throughout the day.
To explore in your downtime, take a rickshaw to the busier Palolem Beach, visit the nearby waterfalls or local spice farms, hop on a boat to cruise along the estuary at sunset, or simply revise your sanskrit while lounging in one of the resort’s inviting hammocks. There is also a spa in situ for the ultimate in self-care. From $1644 / 22 days (200 hours).
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Yin Yoga Therapy
Photo: Yin Yoga Therapy
Infinity pool or rooftop lounge? Why choose? Nestled in the hills of Morjim, Pernem, this private jungle shala is the ideal place to dive into two complementary styles of yoga: yin, the restorative, meditative style with deep stretches and minimal movement; and yang, a more dynamic, vinyasa-based sequence. Learning both contrasting styles and combining them makes for a broad and inclusive foundation for your yoga practice. Begin the mornings with energizing yang flow, then enjoy a gentler yin session with hilltop views of Goa in the afternoon. Each cottage has a private terrace, many with stunning views of nearby Ashvem Beach. Three healthy meals are included daily, and the in-house café Chia Seeds is a great spot to revise your course manual. $1896/26 days (200 hours)
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Sarvaguna Yoga
Photo: Sarvaguna Yoga
This 200-hour ‘multi-style’ YTT offers the perfect introduction to a full range of yoga styles, from yin and restorative to hatha and vinyasa (and no fewer than ten different kinds of meditation!). If you’re new to yoga or unsure which style best resonates with you, Sarvaguna gives you a chance to try different things during your 28-day course. Head teachers Dr Keshava Murthy and Shubham Dhumal have devised a traditional and challenging program, instilled with compassion and humor: two daily asana practices, chanting, meditation and more. Enjoy the stunning natural beauty around Agonda Beach, from waterfalls to dolphin watching. $1649 / 28 days
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Shree Hari Yoga (200 hours)
Photo: Shree Hari Yoga
This warm and friendly yoga center in Mandrem is a mere 150 meters (490 feet) from the beach. The day begins at 6.30am and ends with a breathtaking sunset on the rooftop terrace shala. Rishikesh-born Shree Hari Singh Pawali teaches intensive classes running through the ashtanga Primary Series, along with Eastern and Western Anatomy classes and daily pranayama and meditation. Saturday afternoons and Sundays are free to surf or explore the local flea market. The guesthouse offers additional accommodation for students whose family or friends wish to visit during the training. From $1000 / 25 days (200 hours).
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