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Rishikesh, India
There is something surreal about practicing yoga in its homeland, on the banks of the sacred Ganges River. Known as the cradle of yoga tradition, located in northern India, nestled at the foot of the Himalayas, and running along the Ganges River, Rishikesh possesses a special sacredness. It is home to numerous temples, yoga centers, and ashrams. In addition, a wide range of yoga workshops and training programs are held here.
The Phool Chatti Ashram program offers extended vegetarian meals and a peaceful, tranquil atmosphere. The luxurious wellness spa resort, Anada, is located in the Himalayas and is renowned for its Ayurvedic spa treatments, wellness programs, and yoga and meditation sessions. You can also take a trip to the completely tranquil Dharmasala.
New York, USA
Peace can be found right within you, without having to cross the Atlantic. The tranquil Rubin Museum of Art is nestled in the vibrant Chelsea neighborhood of New York City. The six-story museum showcases some of the world's most renowned scholars and yoga masters, who conduct global yoga workshops.
Most of the talks and sessions here are free. Modern fields like neuroscience are closely linked to the yoga tradition. There are also gift shops selling vintage silk with sculptures, shawls, and yoga-related gifts. Don't forget to visit Divya's Kitchen, a center of Bhakti Yoga located in an Ayurvedic restaurant, where they transform simple lasagna into a culinary delight.
Sedona, Arizona
Sedona is one of the most wonderful and mystical yoga destinations in the United States. Native Americans held it sacred for spiritual renewal, wellness, and healing. The site is believed to have four major energy vortices. There are countless therapeutic and holistic spa treatments available.
Nature lovers can choose to participate in yoga sessions, workshops, yoga courses, and classes. Check out the annual Sedona Yoga Festival, held from March 9-12, which attracts renowned 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, dating from 800-1000 BC, was the capital of Vedic Cambodia.
Located 10 km from Siem Reap, this village features the Hariharalaya Center, offering vegetarian meals, meditation, and mindfulness yoga. Additionally, there are over 40 retreats annually focusing on yoga, meditation, and mindful living. The main goal is long-term commitment, not just a few days of yoga practice, but to deeply ingrain yoga as a lifestyle-changing habit. 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, thus making 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 sculptures and monuments carved from stone. The caves' prayer monasteries are filled with 5th-century AD art.
Bali, Philippines
Eat, Pray, Love has brought Bali into the wellness scene as one of the best yoga destinations, and not without reason. Deeply rooted in ancient Hindu philosophy, it's a hot spot for holistic healers.
A yoga retreat in Ubud, Bali is the Bali Silent Retreat Prayer and Meditation, and Mandapa, a Ritz Carlton sanctuary (which has its own Swami, incorporating various Hatha, Ashtanga, and Kundalini yoga styles to create its own unique approach).
Mysore, India
While yoga and meditation are believed to have existed for the past 5,000 years, and Mysore is known as the birthplace of Ashtanga Yoga, the practice of yoga was not very popular among Indians before that time.
The king of Mysore appointed Krishnamacharya (the father of modern yoga) to spread yoga as a health-promoting discipline. He began studying ancient texts at the local library and traveled through Ashtanga, and from there, yoga was quickly adopted as a challenging style of exercise.
Stockbridge, Massachusetts
You don't need to fly to India to enhance your yoga knowledge and practice. The renowned Kripalu Yoga and Wellness Center offers meals and a range of yoga and wellness activities, making it one of the most comprehensive workshops and retreats in North America.
Nestled within a 150-acre sanctuary, the campus boasts over 700 programs catering to the goals of all visitor levels. Beginners can study here all day. More experienced practitioners can enroll in teacher training and comprehensive workshops. Don't leave without trying one of their Ayurvedic programs.
Mount Shambala, USA
Mount Shambala in Red Feather Lakes, Colorado, is one of the most relaxing and rejuvenating places in America. Located approximately 2,600 meters above sea level in the North Rockies, about 48 miles northwest of Fort Collins, the high mountain scenery of this 600-hectare retreat is well worth the trip.
There are numerous specialized programs along with a range of meditation and yoga options for a weekend visit. You'll walk approximately 8 miles to reach the destination or go to Dharmakaya. There's a tall tower where people pray for health, peace, freedom, tranquility, and more.
Lam Tue (According to Nat Geo)
