Why Is Rishikesh a Hub Of Learning Yoga?

 

 

Rishikesh is one of the most beautiful and scenic locations situated in the laps of Himalayas in the state or province of Uttarakhand. Literally, it means the 'hair strand of a yogi' which signifies the importance of the city as a home of yogis since centuries. The practice of yoga, the divinity associated with this land and the influence of River Ganga on lives of people has contributed to make it a 'Capital of Yoga' for the world at large. Last few decades have seen fast development with many centers imparting Rishikesh yoga teacher training courses (YTTCs) mushrooming here. It is also the place where International Day of Yoga is conducted annually.

While many of the Rishikesh YTTCs are quite old, many of these have been set up in past few decades. These centers are the prime destinations for people from other countries to learn yoga in order to become teachers. Most of the yoga training centres in Rishikesh are run by young people who have put in hard practice of doing yoga asanas during their learning phases and have become teachers over a period of time. The main organization which certifies these yoga trainers and their yoga schools is the Yoga Alliance. If you learn from an affiliated school, under any regularized program of doing yoga, you get the certificate of a Yoga Teacher.

So, when you have the plans to become a certified yoga teacher and want to learn yoga, Rishikesh is the place to come to. The people are generally welcoming in nature and since it is now a hub of foreign tourists, the local economy has adjusted to cater to their needs.

Good number of rooms are available. Some of the spacious yoga centers have in-house rooms, others make arrangements with other accommodation facilities to provide rooms for stay. These rooms are of different price range and have different types of facilities. There are not luxurious but are rather simple units with the only luxuries being the air conditioner or the WiFi facility. Cleanliness and hygiene specially taken care of while providing room accommodation and meals.

The meals are generally simple and vegetarian. Non-vegetarian food is not available in Rishikesh, so you will have to control the taste buds during the stay. Food is generally cooked in same manner as it is cooked in Indian households, though some places also offer dishes of other countries. Therefore, it is healthy and hygienic place to live.

Many a scenic locations provide the opportunity to move around during free time and appreciate nature in full bloom. Mountains, lush green landscape dotted with dense trees, diverse flora and fauna and River Ganges flowing right through the city are some of the natural landforms that lend this place a unique natural ambience.

The weather conditions of this city is another major reason for it becoming a top yoga hub. During summers, the weather is pleasant and relatively cool which is perfect for yoga. During winters, it is cold but is warm with bright sunlight in afternoons. There is no pollution here. Fresh pleasant air flowing all through the day and all times of the year makes it good for wellness activities. All these conditions allow yoga classes in Rishikesh to be conducted in health-giving environment.

Besides these, there are top class medical facilities available with many good doctors, private clinics and hospitals around. One of the topmost medical institutions in India, AIIMS, is also located in Rishikesh.

Crime rates are very low and the law and order situation is pretty good. Police are sensitized of the fact that Rishikesh is a hub of yoga learners and have religious sanctity towards it. So, they work round to clock to ensure that residents, tourists and yoga learners have an amicable and safe environment all around the city. 

Video: Some of the main Rishikesh centres for learning yoga are given in following video: