As an aspiring yoga teacher looking for a yoga teacher training course, you might be scouting different yoga programs at destinations globally recognised for their yoga training. India is one such place where spirituality intertwines with mysticism. Places like Goa, Rishikesh, Kerala and Mysore are popular destinations for pursuing yoga teacher training courses in India. However, Goa in particular has become a favourite amongst International yoga students due to various factors that we are going to explore in this blog.
Let’s delve into why the coastal Indian state of Goa draws in yoga students from across the globe.
Goa – A place where spirituality closely attunes into mother nature
Contrary to the popular notion, Goa is not simply a trance party place on some beachy destination where you will indulge in delectable sea-food. There is this spiritual side of Goa closely associated with modern yoga practices and alternative ways of healing. Practices such as Ayurveda, Pranic healing, meditation, dance healing and other forms of spiritual activities are practised in Goa filling the participants with a sense of purpose, energy and a profound sense of zen. Such deeply spiritual practices done amidst the lush landscapes of Goa makes the place an ideal destination where the east meets the west. As an international traveller and an aspiring yoga teacher in Goa, you will get ample opportunities to tune into your spiritual self.
Goa offers a surreal experience where yoga students perform yoga in the open air where they can truly connect with mother nature. Students can truly tune into the surrounding natural beauty of Goa as they immerse in deep yoga asanas and other yogic practices. The pristine blue waters of the Arabian sea, the swaying coconut trees and the vast stretches of sandy beaches can heal your body, mind and soul. This intertwining of yogic spirituality with mother nature makes Goa a magnet for international students who are looking for a truly authentic yet holistic experience of yoga.
Goa has a vast coastline with several beautiful beaches
As an aspiring yoga teacher in Goa, we bet you will be enamoured by the vast stretches of coastline lined with many beautiful beaches of North and South Goa. The beaches of South Goa such as Colva, Majorda and Agonda are pristine getaways where the atmosphere is more tranquil and incredibly relaxing for spiritual practices like yoga.
North Goa beaches like Anjuna, Candolim and Calangute are more known for their night-life, delectable food, shopping and beachy shacks where you can unwind and relax.
Furthermore, the sea water in Goa is pleasant enough for a relaxing swim unlike the freezing waters of North America and Europe.
The residential yoga programs like the yoga teacher trainings are conducted at the most amazing spaces in Goa. Some of the yogashalas offer open-air fully-equipped spaces where students can enjoy soul-feeding views of the vast expanses of the Arabian sea as they perform intense asanas.
These beachy spaces can also help you unwind after a gruelling day of a Yoga TTC in Goa. You can stroll on these sandy beaches, watch the stunning sunrises and sunsets or simply immerse in a mindful meditation by the beach.
All kinds of yoga practised in Goa
Goa is a hub for all kinds of yoga teacher training. As an aspiring yoga teacher in Goa, you can choose between a plethora of styles for pursuing your yoga ttc. From the traditional practices of Hatha Yoga and Ashtanga Yoga to the more contemporary Yin and Restorative Yoga, Goa offers a platter of courses in yoga.
Furthermore, if you are looking to add more variety and skills to your yoga ttc program, Goa offers a number of options like yoga retreats, one-time drop-in class, workshops and other yoga events to help you gain the right skills and an all round perspective in yoga.
Get trained under seasoned yoga teachers
Whether you want to train in the dynamic pulse of Ashtanga Vinyasa or the serene stretches of traditional Hatha Yoga, there are best yoga teachers in Goa who have several years of experience teaching yoga. From the most foundational 100 hours Yoga TTC to the most advanced 300 hour and 500 hour Yoga TTCs, the yoga schools and yoga shalas in Goa have seasoned and internationally acclaimed yoga instructors that are capable of handling any kind of yoga training requirements.
Besides, the Yoga Alliance certified yoga teachers in Goa ensure that your yoga training albeit intense in learning is made simple for you and that you complete your yoga sojourn in Goa with ease, fun and laughter.
Goa offers accommodation suitable to all kinds of budget
Since Goa is a popular tourist destination in India, it offers a range of accommodation options that suit the needs of all kinds of travellers. As an international yoga student enrolled in a yoga ttc in Goa, in all probability, your accommodation will be taken care of by the yoga school. These yoga schools, yoga ashrams and wellness resorts in Goa that offer affordable and comfortable stay options as part of their yoga ttc package.
However, if your fees do not include accommodation, then worry not as Goa is dotted with innumerable stay options ranging from dorms, Airbnb to plush five-star hotels. As an international student of yoga especially from Europe, UK or the US, you will find that most stays in Goa are affordable yet replete with all kinds of amenities.
Goan food is well-suited to the palette of international travellers
As an international yoga student, you might be wary of spicy Indian food. But, unlike other parts of India, Goa offers a variety of cuisines to cater to the influx of foreign travellers. Hence, from Continental to Mediterranean cuisine and the healthy, organic Indian cuisine, Goa caters to all kinds of taste buds. The food uses fresh produce of local Indian spices and locally grown vegetables, coconuts and daily catch of sea-food. The food prices are quite reasonable with meal prices ranging from 3 Euros to 10 Euros in an average Goan sit-out restaurant.
Besides, since meals are often also a part of your yoga ttc package in Goa, care is taken to include the specific requirements and needs of international yoga students and gluten-free, vegan and other options are made available accordingly. The yoga facility serves healthy, organic meals which are mostly vegetarian. However, some fish and chicken is also included on request.
Goa boasts of a rich cultural Heritage
Goa was incorporated as an Indian state only in 1961. For a major part of its history, the coastal state of Goa was ruled by the Portuguese who left an indelible mark of their presence in the architecture, food , customs and traditions of Goa. This makes Goa culturally diverse with a strong mix of colonial history and local Indian culture.
As an international yoga student, your yoga sojourn in Goa perfectly bodes well with a trip to the majestic, ornate temples of the region. Besides, these uniquely architectured temples are magnificent examples of a bygone era reminiscent of Goa’s rich cultural history.
Besides, due to its colonial past, Goa is dotted with many magnificent churches. As part of your yoga teacher training in Goa, your cultural excursions may include paying a visit to the many famed churches of Goa such as the Basilica of Bom Jesus.
Furthermore, as an international yoga student, if you happen to visit Goa in the months of February and March, you wouldn’t want to miss the Goa Carnival, a cultural fest of massive proportions that draws people from diverse walks of life. From tourists, travellers to spiritual seekers, this grandiose event serves as a major attraction for people who want to experience the local cultures and traditions upclose.
This unique combination of Christianity and Hindu culture makes Goa an attractive destination for international yoga students who are looking for a wholesome yet unique yoga experience.
Locals are friendly and receptive to tourists
Goa is a popular tourist destination for local Indian travellers. International travellers are also drawn to this beachy destination owing to its affable hospitality and natural beauty. Tourism is a livelihood of many locals here who are friendly and receptive to outsiders. As an international traveller, you can find your way around by speaking English as most locals are familiar with the language.
Goa is well connected to other major Indian cities
Goa is well connected to major Indian cities of Delhi, Bangalore, Mumbai, Chennai and others. An international traveller, you can either fly to Delhi or Mumbai and then take a connecting flight to Goa. Some airlines like Qatar Airways directly flies international travellers to Goa via Doha. This ease of travelling is yet another reason for choosing Goa as a destination for your yoga teacher training.
The Bottomline
The beauty and serenity of Goa coupled with a well-entrenched yoga culture serve as a magnet to international yoga students. Plus, the rich cultural heritage, delectable food , affordable stay options coupled with friendly hospitality make Goa a compelling destination for yoga teacher training.
