Complete Travel Guide for Yoga Teacher Training in Rishikesh, India

Welcome to Rishikesh, the “Yoga Capital of the World.”

It’s a title the city doesn't take lightly. Nestled in the Himalayan foothills, sliced through by the sacred, emerald-green Ganga, this is more than just a place; it's an energy. It’s where ancient sages meditated, where The Beatles came to find inspiration, and where thousands of seekers like you arrive every year to find their own truth.

But let's be honest: planning a month-long trip to India for a Yoga Teacher Training can feel overwhelming. Visas? Connecting flights? What do I pack?

This guide is here to quiet that noise. As a Yoga Alliance–certified school that has welcomed thousands of international students, we've created the definitive guide to make your journey to us as seamless as your vinyasa flow.

Why Choose Rishikesh for Your Yoga Teacher Training?

Before we get to the "how-to," let's ground ourselves in the "why." Why do students bypass studios in their hometowns to travel 8,000 miles for a Yoga TTC in Rishikesh?

• Spiritual Heritage: This is the source. The philosophy of yoga is embedded in the air, the water, and the culture. You aren't just learning asanas; you're living the eight limbs of yoga in its birthplace.
• Authentic Teachings: Rishikesh is home to generations of yogis, swamis, and gurus. You'll find traditional ashrams and world-class, Yoga Alliance–certified schools (like Raj Yoga Rishikesh) dedicated to preserving the authentic lineage of Hatha, Ashtanga, and Vinyasa yoga.
• A Global Community: You will practice, learn, and grow alongside a diverse family of like-minded souls from every corner of the globe. The connections you make in Rishikesh are, for many, as transformative as the yoga itself.

Visa Information: Your "Permit to Practice"

First, the paperwork. You cannot just show up. You will need a visa, and getting the right one is essential.

Types of Visas for Yoga Students

1. Tourist e-Visa (Recommended): This is the most common, fastest, and easiest option. Most 200-hour, 300-hour, and 500-hour yoga teacher training courses are attended on a tourist visa.
2. Student Visa: This is a long-term visa intended for students enrolled in formal, degree-granting Indian universities. It is not typically required for a 30-day (200-hour) or (300-hour) yoga course.
3. Yoga Visa: While some schools may offer to sponsor a specific "Yoga Visa," it is often a more complex and lengthy process. For 99% of students, the e-Tourist Visa is the correct path.

How to Apply for an Indian e-Visa

This is your single most important link: indianvisaonline.gov.in. Do not use any other third-party site, as they will overcharge you.

1. Go to the official site and click "Apply here for e-visa."
2. Fill out the application. You will need a digital photo (white background), a scan of your passport photo page, and a passport valid for at least 6 months after your arrival.
3. Pay the fee, which varies by country and duration (30-day, 1-year, 5-year).
4. Wait for an email with an "Electronic Travel Authorization" (ETA). This is not the visa.
5. Print your ETA. You must bring a printed copy to the airport. They will stamp the actual visa into your passport upon arrival in India.

Visa Tips & Common Mistakes

• When to Apply: Apply at least 15 days before you travel, but no more than 30 days for the 30-day e-Visa.
• Common Mistakes: Blurry scans, typos in your name or passport number, and using unofficial third-party websites.
• Reference in India: The application will ask for a "Reference in India." You can use the name, address, and phone number of our school, Raj Yoga Rishikesh.

How to Reach Rishikesh (from Anywhere in the World)

Rishikesh doesn't have an international airport, but getting here is a well-worn path. You'll typically fly into a major hub (like Delhi) and then take a short domestic flight, train, or taxi.

By Air (The Fastest Way)

• Nearest Airport: Jolly Grant Airport, Dehradun (Code: DED). It's a small, clean airport just 25 km (about 45 minutes) from Rishikesh.
• How to Book: Book your international flight to Delhi (DEL) and a separate domestic flight from Delhi (DEL) to Dehradun (DED) on airlines like IndiGo or Air India.
• Pro-Tip: Leave at least 3-4 hours between your international landing and domestic departure in Delhi to clear immigration, collect bags, and change terminals.
• From Dehradun Airport (DED) to Rishikesh: Use the official pre-paid taxi counter inside the airport, or let us arrange a stress-free pickup for you. We at Raj Yoga Rishikesh offer a pre-booked airport pickup for all our students.

By Train (The "Classic India" Experience)

• Nearest Station: Haridwar Railway Station (Code: HW), about 25 km (1 hour) from Rishikesh.
• From Delhi: The Shatabdi Express or Jan Shatabdi are the best options (4.5-6 hours). Book an "AC Chair Car" for comfort.
• Booking: The official IRCTC website is tricky. It's easier to use a third-party app like 12Go Asia or MakeMyTrip.

By Road (The Budget-Friendly Way)

• From Delhi: AC Volvo buses run 24/7 from ISBT Kashmiri Gate in Delhi. The journey takes 6-7 hours and is quite comfortable.
• Taxi: A private taxi from Delhi is a good option if you're in a group and takes 5-6 hours.

Weather in Rishikesh: Best Time for Your TTC

Knowing the season is crucial. This is your Rishikesh weather guide for yoga students.

• February - Early May (Spring): This is the best time. Perfect, sunny days (20-30°C) and cool nights.
• May - June (Summer): It gets very hot (35-45°C). Be prepared for the intensity.
• July - August (Monsoon): Incredibly lush and green, but also humid and rainy. Travel can be disrupted.
• September - November (Autumn): This is the other best time. The air is crisp, and the weather is perfect (15-25°C).
• December - January (Winter): Cold! Days are sunny but crisp (10-15°C), but nights and early mornings can drop to 5°C or lower. You will need warm jackets.

What to Pack for Your Yoga Training in India

Pack light. Pack smart. And pack for modesty. You can buy almost anything you forget in the Rishikesh market.

Yoga & Practice Essentials

• Yoga Mat: A lightweight travel mat is perfect. (Though we provide them).
• Yoga Clothes: 3-4 outfits of light, breathable cotton. You can do laundry.
• Reusable Water Bottle: A must-have.

Travel & Clothing

• Modest Attire: This is key. For women: t-shirts (covering shoulders), loose linen/cotton pants, and long skirts. Avoid shorts or tight leggings (unless worn with a long top, or kurti).
• A Scarf/Shawl: The most useful item. Use it to cover your shoulders, as a meditation blanket, or for sun protection.
• Warm Layers: A hoodie and warm socks are essential for cool evenings, even in summer.
• Comfortable Footwear: Good walking sandals and a pair of flip-flops (you'll be taking shoes on/off all day).

Health & Safety

• Basic First-Aid Kit: Band-aids, antiseptic, pain relievers, and any personal prescriptions.
• Stomach Medicine: Bring Imodium or similar, just in case, as your stomach adjusts.
• Mosquito Repellent: Especially for warmer months.

Study & Tech Gear

• Notebook & Pen: You will take so many notes.
• Universal Travel Adaptor: India uses Type C, D, and M.
• Power Bank: For travel days.

Vaccination & Health Guidelines

Disclaimer: We are yoga teachers, not doctors. Please consult your physician or a travel clinic 4-6 weeks before your departure.

• Recommended Vaccinations: Your doctor will likely recommend Tetanus, Hepatitis A, and Typhoid.
• Travel Insurance: This is non-negotiable. Get comprehensive health insurance that covers you in India.
• Ayurvedic Tips: Drink only bottled or filtered water. Stick to cooked vegetarian food for the first few days. Avoid ice in drinks.

Cultural & Etiquette Tips: "How to Be a Yogi"

• Namaste: This greeting (palm-pressed-to-heart) is used for hello, goodbye, and thank you.
• Dress Modestly: We've said it twice because it's that important. It's a sign of respect.
• Remove Your Shoes: Always remove your shoes before entering a temple, a yoga shala, or someone's home.
• "Sattvic" Food: Rishikesh is a "dry" and vegetarian city. You will not find meat or alcohol. Embrace the clean, sattvic (pure) diet.
• Mindful Photography: Always ask permission before taking a photo of a person.
• Use Your Right Hand: Use your right hand to give and receive items, especially food or money.

Money, Internet, and SIM Cards

• Currency: The Indian Rupee (INR). ATMs are everywhere.
• SIM Cards: Getting a local SIM is easy and cheap. Airtel and Jio are the best. You can get one at the Delhi airport or in the Rishikesh market (you'll need your passport and visa).
• Wi-Fi: Wi-Fi is available in all major yoga schools (including ours) and most cafes.

Local Attractions & Weekend Experiences

Your training will be intense, but you'll have some free time.

• Ganga Aarti: A must-see. Every sunset at Parmarth Niketan or Triveni Ghat.
• The Beatles Ashram: Explore the graffiti-covered ruins.
• Kunjapuri Temple: Go for a stunning Himalayan sunrise.
• Neer Waterfall: A beautiful, short hike.
• Rafting: A half-day rafting trip on the Ganga is a fun, thrilling break.

Final Tips for a Peaceful Yoga Journey

You're not just traveling; you're on a pilgrimage.

• Embrace Simplicity: Things may not be as fast or organized as you're used to. This is part of the practice. Breathe.
• Disconnect: Give yourself permission to focus on your practice, not your inbox.
• Trust the Process: Your body will get sore. Your mind will be challenged. It's all part of the transformation. Trust your teachers, and trust yourself.

How We Support You at Raj Yoga Rishikesh

We know this is a big journey. That's why we make it easy. From the moment you enroll, we are here:

• We arrange your airport pickup from Dehradun (DED).
• We provide clean, safe, and comfortable accommodation (with Wi-Fi).
• We serve three healthy, vegetarian sattvic meals per day.
• We provide all your manuals, props, and a supportive community to guide you.

All you have to do is show up.