Five Yoga Destinations in India

India is home to numerous scenic destinations that make for top choices for yoga enthusiasts

This World Yoga Day, we take a look at five states in the country that are popular for travellers who like to practice yoga.

Yoga, as both a physical and mental form of fitness is gaining popularity as the stresses of a modern world increase. The practice, originating from the Indian subcontinent, has found takers across the globe. Not only are yoga retreats being availed, some destinations have emerged as yoga centric and particularly popular for the range of styles and courses they offer. Here are five states in India that are home to such destinations, visited by domestic and international tourists widely.

Uttarakhand

In the north Indian state of Uttarakhand, which is nestled in the ranges of the Himalayas, where cold and clean winds blow, yoga is one practice that has become a popular activity to indulge in at some of the places. Rishikesh is one such popularly known destination for yoga and has become somewhat of a space of convergence for yoga enthusiasts from all over the world. It hosts major yoga events and is home to hundreds of schools and ashrams that attract travellers to this scenic hill destination.

#DidYouKnow: #Rishikesh in #Uttarakhand#India?? is The #Yoga /#YogaCapital Of The World .#IncredibleIndiapic.twitter.com/z3q5szpKKQ

— RamNiranjan?? (@ramniranjan187) April 3, 2017

Goa

Sandy beaches, perfect coastline and dreamy waves make for a wonderful backdrop for stretches, asanas and pranayamas. The small state of Goa in south India is one such place that is home to beaches that offer visitors yoga classes and training. Goa is among the most popular destinations for foreign travellers in India and also quite popular with Indians, for whom the diversity of the state makes it an interesting destination. Both the northern and southern parts of the state are home to numerous yoga schools.

Trying #yoga in the good times, but not easy on these rocks lol ????#sunsets#goa#indiapic.twitter.com/sKBmc5V6Mn

— Ruiz Sierra (@djRuizSierra) April 24, 2017

Kerala

A popular state with tourists, Kerala in south India is another spot to head to in India for some yoga. Throughout the lazy backwaters and coconut tree-lined landscapes of the state, one can find various retreats and centres to learn yoga. The city of Thiruvananthapuram in the state is the hub of yoga schools but many smaller locations in the state are also becoming places that yoga enthusiasts visit.

Yoga and Ayurveda in beautiful, lush Kerala pic.twitter.com/qQR8gc00gm

— Shuli Ren (@shuli_ren) April 12, 2017

Himachal Pradesh

Another state in the northern part of India, Himachal Pradesh is increasingly becoming a hub for yoga lovers. It is home to some of the most popular and interesting trekking spots in the country and attracts many visitors in spots such as the Parvati Valley and Dharamshala.Dharamshala and the destinations around it have numerous yoga schools that offer a relaxing and rejuvenating experience amidst tall mountains.

Yoga In Himalayas! || Photo: Anna

( Dharamkot, Dharamshala) pic.twitter.com/VuDUGX4039

— Shravan kapoor (@shravankapoor1) May 24, 2016

Pondicherry

The Union Territory of Pondicherry in south India is another place on the trail for yoga enthusiasts in India. With a French feel to this destination that is also home to a major ashram in the intentional community of Auroville, Pondicherry makes for a refreshing place to head to for some stretches and inner understanding.

Yoga in a quiet garden by the seaside. A stay in #Puducherry could work wonders for many big city folks#Pondicherrypic.twitter.com/Dv7c5fuGVF

— Vikram K Malkani (@VikramKMalkani) December 28, 2015