When it comes to joining a yoga course in Rishikesh, students not only sign up for a certification but for a holistic experience. This is because, unlike other yoga-centric cities, Rishikesh opens doors to a world of devotion, spirituality, and traditional culture, besides yoga. Hence, from stepping into the city for the course to leaving it post completion, students have the opportunity to discover the best excursions in the city.
That’s right. During YTT programs, many yoga schools organize short weekend trips and outings for students as part of the experience. These programs do not disrupt the students’ disciplined timetable, as they are planned to accommodate free time. Plus, they offer them a chance to explore the city’s invaluable attractions, such as scenic beauty, cultural heritage, communities, and more.
So, if you are planning to join yoga teacher training programs in Rishikesh, the following excursions are waiting for you.
Top 8 Excursions & Visits During a Yoga Course in Rishikesh
The following weekend outings are usually organized by yoga schools, hence making it a hassle-free experience for students.
Arti by the Ganga
The morning and evening Ganga arti are among the most unforgettable moments to watch in Rishikesh. You can witness a large wave of tourists and devotees at popular Ghats, where several priests perform the arti ritual and chanting. Besides, if you end up at the Triveni Ghat, you will also get to see the rituals facing Lord Shiva’s statue in the holy Ganga River.
Temples Visits
Among the other popular attractions in Rishikesh, there are temples located within and around the city’s boundaries. Many of these temples offer a panoramic view of the Himalayas, and the best time to visit them is sunrise. At this time, students get to watch the first rays of the sun coming on the peaks of the Himalayas. The scene is surreal.
Yoga schools in Rishikesh often organize early morning treks to these temples, allowing students to sit in a meditative state for a while, worship, and experience the sacred sunrise.
River Rafting
As river rafting is not a forte of many, only some schools organise such an excursion for students who are interested in adventure. Stepping into the turbulent waters of the River Ganga is a thrilling experience, something entirely different from the YTT curriculum. Hence, students get to balance the calmness of yoga with an adrenaline rush. Also, since such activities require teamwork, they will get to bond with other students.
Nature Walks
Nature walks in the green locations of Rishikesh are a one-of-a-kind experience. Away from the hustle and bustle of the city, students find the opportunity to be one with nature. Forest areas, surrounded by the Himalayas, are perfect places for these outings. Here, students can trek, relax, camp, and even organise early morning walks and yoga sessions.
Away in the fresh air of the Himalayas and nature’s beauty, such visits turn out to be rejuvenating for the students during the regular training sessions.
Beatles Ashram
The Beatles Ashram is another famous attraction of Rishikesh. It gained popularity soon after the Beatles stayed in the ashram of Maharishi Mahesh Yogi in 1968. This English band came to the city to participate in the Transcendental Meditation (TM) training course and stayed in the ashram for a while.
The Beatles Ashram, also called Chaurasi Kutiya, now exhibits quiet meditation huts artistically painted with murals, and is ideal for peaceful meditative sessions. Students can visit this space to experience the power of silence while witnessing the soulful music, art, and history.
Ayurveda Centres
Ayurveda is a significant part of the YTT program curriculum, as a combination of the two helps balance the constitution of the human body. Students pursuing a career in healing through Ayurveda, alongside yoga teaching, must understand its foundational principles and know how it works.
Many yoga schools, therefore, conduct special visits to Ayurveda centres of Rishikesh. Here, students can opt for massages, therapies, and consultations, or discuss the depth of prospects with Ayurvedic doctors.
Cafes & Shopping Market
Students also find weekends to be an excellent opportunity to explore local markets and cafés. During the Yoga Teacher Training (YTT), they are encouraged to eat satvik meals, so they can seek out cafés nearby or further away that offer such options. These places provide a chance for students to connect with other travellers, share experiences, and enjoy the relaxing atmosphere of musical cafés.
Others
Besides the above activities and outings, yoga schools also conduct on-campus Pooja, satsangs, festival celebrations, mantra chanting sessions, and spiritual conversations. Students living in the accommodation provided by yoga schools get to experience these events on a higher level, due to their availability at all times.
These gatherings help deepen the spiritual understanding of the students. They get to clarify their doubts in direct interaction with mentors, know about the experiences of established gurus, and also learn the yoga philosophy at a deeper level.
Wrapping Up
By reading the above excursions, we can say that these experiences not only help students connect with the traditional energy and culture of this spiritual city but also rejuvenate their mind and body at a deeper level. All this and other things make the yoga course in Rishikesh an immersive experience and not just an academic certification.
Authentic schools in Rishikesh, such as Nirvana Yoga School, offer a balance of learning and soulful experiences to students. Trekking, river rafting, Arti by the river Ganga, ashram visits, Ayurvedic treatments, and more are included in their range of activities. These outings ensure that by the time these students are staying in Rishikesh, their journey is not only educational, but holistic and transformative.
If you’re interested in a YTT course in Rishikesh, consider reaching out to these authentic schools to start your yoga journey. Shortlist the best schools, review their websites, and check out their social media handles. Visit the schools in person to explore the curriculum and other course details.
