A land swathed in every hue imaginable, India is the most vibrant country in the world. Its culture is as vibrant as its landscapes are colorful. From the Himalayan mountains, down the Ganges River, through market-packed cities, to pastoral coastal villages, India is a land overflowing with sights and sounds. Notwithstanding these sensory delights, India has a rich mystical feel; for centuries, it has attracted yogis and spiritual seekers alike. As the birthplace of yoga, India offers countless retreat opportunities and training programs in every corner of this soul-stirring country.
One of the most popular destinations for yogis, Rishikesh, lies at the foothills of the Himalayas in northern India along the banks of the sacred Ganges River. For good reason, Rishikesh is often called the “yoga capital of the world.” The city is renowned for its yoga retreats, teacher training programs, ashrams, and meditation centers, all beautifully situated amongst forested hills carpeted by lush vegetation.
Travel south to Goa, to where India’s coast meets the teal blue waters of the Arabian Sea, and you’ll find spice plantations, 16th-century churches and lush valleys tucked into the tropical landscape. Wander around Varanasi, a holy city of winding streets teeming with over 2,000 temples, or witness the grandeur of the Taj Mahal at sunrise in Uttar Pradesh. No matter what corner of this awe-inspiring country you choose to explore, it will prove to be one of the most extraordinary journeys of a lifetime.
