Rishikesh, India
There is something surreal about practicing yoga in its native land, on the banks of the sacred Ganges River. Known as the birthplace of yoga, Rishikesh, located in northern India, nestled in the foothills of the Himalayas, and running along the Ganges River, has a special sacredness. There are many temples, yoga centers and Ashrams here. There are also a variety of yoga workshops and trainings available here.
Phool Chatti Ashram is a long stay with vegetarian meals and a peaceful atmosphere. Anada is a luxurious health spa resort in the Himalayas. It is famous for its Ayurvedic spa treatments, wellness programs and yoga and meditation sessions. You can also take a trip to Dharmasala which is completely peaceful.
New York, USA
Peace can be found right in your own backyard, without having to cross the Atlantic. The tranquil Rubin Museum of Art is nestled in the heart of New York City's vibrant Chelsea neighborhood. The six-story museum showcases some of the world's most renowned scholars and yoga masters who conduct global yoga conferences.
Most of the talks and classes are free. Modern fields like neuroscience are closely linked to yoga traditions. There are also gift shops selling vintage silks, sculptures, shawls and yoga gifts. Don’t forget to visit Divya’s Kitchen, a Bhakti Yoga center housed in an Ayurvedic restaurant that makes delicious lasagna.
Sedona, Arizona
Sedona is one of the most mystical and beautiful yoga destinations in the United States. It is sacred to Native Americans for spiritual renewal, wellness, and healing. It is said to have four main energy vortexes. There are countless holistic and therapeutic spa treatments available.
Nature lovers can choose from yoga retreats, workshops, retreats, and classes. Check out the annual Sedona Yoga Festival, held March 9-12 and attracting illustrious yoga figures from around the world.
Hariharalaya, Cambodia
Named after the Cambodian interpretation of a deity with characteristics of the Hindu gods Vishnu and Shiva, Hariharalaya dates back to 800-1000 BC, when it was the capital of Vedic Cambodia.
10 km from Siem Reap, there are Hariharalaya Center restaurants that offer vegetarian meals, meditation, and yoga retreats. In addition, there are more than 40 retreats every year for yoga, meditation, and conscious living. The main goal is long-term, not just doing yoga for a few days and then leaving, but to inculcate yoga as a habit and change your lifestyle. Don't expect to find Wi-Fi here, as the village only has electricity.
Pune, India
Pune is the birthplace of India’s most famous yoga legend: BKS Iyengar. He introduced the idea of using props like ropes to help students with limited mobility, making the practice more therapeutic and accessible.
The Ramanani Iyengar Memorial Yoga Institute was founded in the late 18th century. Combine this with a weekend trip to the UNESCO heritage site of the Ajanta caves, with their rock-carved sculptures and monuments. The caves' prayer monasteries are filled with 5th-century AD art.
Bali, Philippines
Eat, Pray, Love has propelled Bali into the wellness consciousness as one of the best yoga destinations, and for good reason. Deeply rooted in ancient Hindu philosophy, it's a hotspot for holistic healers.
A yoga retreat in Ubud, Bali is Bali Silent Retreat Prayer and Meditation and Mandapa, a Ritz Carlton sanctuary (with its own Swami, which combines many yoga disciplines of Hatha, Ashtanga and Kundalini to create its own unique style.)
Mysore, India
While yoga and meditation are said to be around 5,000 years old and Mysore is known as the birthplace of Ashtanga Yoga, the practice of yoga was not very popular among Indians before that.
The king of Mysore appointed Krishnamacharya (the father of modern yoga) to popularize yoga as a health-promoting discipline. He began studying ancient texts at the local library and came across Ashtanga, and from there, yoga was quickly adopted as a challenging exercise style.
Stockbridge, Massachusetts
You don't have to fly to India to deepen your yoga knowledge and practice. The renowned Kripalu Center for Yoga and Health offers meals and a wide range of yoga and wellness activities, and is one of the most comprehensive workshops and retreats in North America.
Nestled in a 150-acre reserve, the campus has more than 700 programs to suit all levels of visitors. Beginners can study here all day, while more advanced practitioners can sign up for teacher training and holistic workshops. Don’t leave without trying one of their Ayurvedic programs.
Shambala Mountain, USA
Shambala Mountain at Red Feather Lakes, Colorado is one of the most relaxing and rejuvenating places in the United States. At 8,000 feet above sea level in the Northern Rockies, about 48 miles northwest of Fort Collins, the 1,500-acre property's alpine setting is well worth the trip.
There are numerous specialized programs along with a variety of meditation and yoga options for a weekend visit. You will walk the approximately 8 mile journey to your destination or head to Dharmakaya. There is a tall stupa where people pray for health, peace, freedom, safety…
Lam Tue (According to Nat Geo)
