One of the most pertinent questions about yoga teacher training is where you will complete your training. Most often students choose Asian destinations for undergoing yoga teacher training and particularly India which is where yoga originated. Moreover, India has many destinations like Goa, Kerala, Rishikesh, and Mysore that attract hundreds of aspiring yogis and yoginis from across the world who travel to each of these places every year to learn the authentic and traditional forms of yoga.
If you love a tropical climate and are looking to seek spirituality amidst the turquoise waters of the Arabian sea and sandy beaches, then Goa is a good option. Besides, we give you several other reasons as to why you should choose to complete your yoga teacher training in Goa. Let’s dive in!
1. Alluring Tropical Climate
Goa is a state in the Western part of India and boasts of long, unending coastlines that stretch along the Arabian Sea. Several beautiful beaches ranging from the coastlines of the Palolem to the popular Baga beach line the Goan landscape are counted among the finest beaches in Asia. If these beaches seem too crowded for your taste, then you can head to the laid-back and tranquil fishing hamlets of Agonda. Some of the beach stretches along the 106 km long coastline of Goa are the beaches of Majorda, Turtle beach, Patnem, and Colva in South Goa to the more touristy beaches of Anjuna, Calangute, and Mandrem in north Goa. You can swim in the waters of Goa as these waters are not freezing cold like those of North America and Europe. You can enjoy a swim or simply relax at the beachside shacks lined along some of these Goan beaches.
Furthermore, the tropical spice plantations of Goa fill the air with a unique scent. The woody aroma, the verdant terrace fields, activities like bird watching, and the actual sight of tropical trees of Cashew Nuts, Betel nuts, Star fruit, and other spices in these lush green plantations bring you closer to nature and spirituality.
Such indulgent surroundings replete with beautiful beaches and verdant countryside offer an ambient environment for your yoga teacher training in Goa.
2. Experienced Yoga Instructors
Goa is a watering hole for pursuing all kinds of yoga practices and you will find many yoga studios, Ashrams and Yoga Shalas here. These yoga schools offer various levels of yoga teacher training in Goa and cater to diverse needs such as the beginner friendly 100 Hour Yoga TTC, the foundational 200 Hour Yoga TTC and the advanced 300 Hour and 500 Hour Yoga TTC in different yoga styles.Besides the Hatha Yoga and Ashtanga Vinyasa style, other forms such as Yin Immersion courses, Yoga Adjustments Teacher Training courses and such other niche skills are also taught. These yoga schools are helmed by experienced yoga teachers who have graduated from renowned yoga institutions and have several years of experience teaching yoga. The yoga instructors offer all the necessary skills and support for your yoga teacher training in Goa and partner with you in providing an exceptional and comprehensive Yoga TTC experience.
3. Blend of Traditional and Modern Yoga Practises
Although Goa is a reveller’s paradise and has a contemporary feel to it, it’s also a place for learning all kinds of yoga practices. Your yoga teacher training in Goa can be a blend of traditional and contemporary yoga practices based on your preferences. As an aspiring yoga teacher, if you are looking to train in the traditional Hatha Yoga, Ashtanga Yoga or Vinyasa Flow Yoga, Goa has many well established yoga shalas, yoga studios and even Ashrams offering authentic and traditional yoga practises as part of their comprehensive yoga TTC programs. Learn different authentic yoga practises of Shatkarmas, Yoga Nidra, traditional asana practises, stress relieving age-old pranayama and meditation practises as well as understand the deep meaning of life through the timeless teachings of the Vedas, Sutras of Patanjali and the holy Bhagavad Gita. Understand Trishana of the traditional flowing movements of Ashtanga Vinyasa as you try to achieve a perfect sync between your breath, movement and focus.
Traditional yoga practises aside, there is a bohemian yoga culture in Goa where you are inundated with different contemporary forms of yoga. So, alternatively, you can complete your yoga teacher training in Goa that would also include modern-day yoga interventions and include contemporary styles such as Yin Yoga, Hot Yoga, Power Yoga , Restorative Yoga and even Forrest Yoga. Choose a yoga form that best serves your personality and ability and Goa will cater to your yoga needs in the best possible way.
4. Opportunity to Connect With People From Diverse Backgrounds
Your yoga teacher training in Goa will offer you an opportunity to connect with individuals from diverse backgrounds. Since Goa has a bohemian feel to it, it’s quite likely that you will come in contact with some nonconformist individuals. However, we suggest you share ideas and experiences with other yoga TTC participants including some free-spirited souls.
A Yoga TTC is simply a stepping stone in the world of professional yoga and building connections and networking plays a significant role in nurturing your yoga teaching career. Besides, this would help you not only gain a wider and much deeper perspective on yoga and life in general but also help foster life-long connections with like-minded individuals.
5. Ease of Connectivity and Traveller Safety
Goa is a preferred destination of choice for both tourists as well as aspiring yoga teachers. Goa is connected with all the major cities in India like Mumbai, Chennai, Bangalore, Delhi etc. As an international traveller, you can fly into either Mumbai or Delhi and then take a connecting flight to Goa. Alternatively, some airlines like Qatar Airways directly fly into Goa from Doha.
Each year especially in the winter months, this tropical state is thronged by Indian visitors as well as foreigners who revel at the beachside parties, explore the many ancient architectural marvels or simply relax and soak amidst the pristine coastlines.
Goa is a safe place for a solo traveller and as such has a low crime rate. Things like access to basic education, rich culture, influence of the erstwhile Portuguese colonisation and tourism offering employment opportunities are some of the reasons that Goa is preferred by even solo travellers. Besides, there is regular patrolling by Goan police in the beach areas that are frequented by people all round the year. Infact, Goa Police has even formed bands of lady police officers called Pink Patrols for the safety of women who patrol the coastlines regularly.
6. Plethora of Reasonably Priced Food Options
Goan cuisine is greatly influenced by a rich heritage of ancient Indian Hindu culture and the erstwhile Portuguese culture. Besides, the tropical climate greatly influences the food choices with coconuts and seafood abundantly available along with fresh produce of local spices and vegetables. You will find a range of food choices from vegetarian, vegan to non-vegetarian options on the menu of restaurants in Goa.
Besides, as an aspiring yogi, if you plan to complete your yoga teacher training in Goa, the yoga schools also accommodate dietary choices and specific food requirements of its Yoga TTC participants. Although the food served is predominantly vegetarian, some chicken and fish is also included as per request.
Furthermore, due to the influx of international tourists, many restaurants and eating outlets serve a variety of cuisines and vegan options at reasonable prices ranging from 3 Euros to 10 Euros for a meal.
7. Friendly and Receptive Locals
Goa is a popular tourist destination amongst domestic Indian travellers as well as foreigners. Tourism in Goa is flourishing leaps and bounds by each passing year and now accounts for a sizable revenue for this tropical state. The Goan locals are welcoming and friendly folk and many of them earn their livelihood from tourist related activities. As a foreigner who plans to pursue your yoga teacher training in Goa, you will still be able to find your way around outside your yoga facility as most locals work around tourism and are familiar with the spoken English language.
8. Opportunity to Explore the Rich Culture
Your yoga teacher training in Goa would be incomplete without exploring the rich Goan culture. Utilise your outdoor excursion trips and breaks on weekends to explore the colonial past and the Indian local culture.
The Portuguese had a big influence on Goan heritage, food and architecture as they ruled Goa for about 450 years.
Explore the beautiful Goan churches such as the Basilica of Bom Jesus, the Shree Mangueshi temple, and other places representing a diverse mix of Christianity and Hinduism cultural landscape.
Closing Thoughts
Goa offers a unique blend of verdant nature, rich heritage, delectable food and most significantly comprehensive yet diverse yoga teacher training that are helmed by experienced instructors. Your yoga teacher training in Goa stands to truly benefit you as you deepen your yoga practice and empower yourself to positively impact others’ lives.
