Yoga FAQs: Starlim India - Rishikesh
Travel to Rishikesh
Airport
The Nearest international Airport is IGI airport, New Delhi
The Nearest domestic airport is Dehradun (DED) Airport
• You need to arrive at IGI airport, New Delhi. Please be aware that once you leave the building after arrival you will not get back inside. If you think you missed your taxi if you still have to change money be aware of this as public phones and foreign exchange are inside!
· The fastest and easiest way to reach Rishikesh is a flight from Delhi to Dehradun airport (DED) Airport transfer on request
Since we have a tie-up with the local transporter, you can ask us if you need airport transfer for our school and our team will be happily assisting you.
From IGI- New Delhi Airport
This may be the more expensive option but also the most convenient and for first time visitor to India probably the best way to get here. We can arrange the pick up for you and a round trip Delhi - Rishikesh return will cost $130 or $70 single way. This price will decrease should we be able to pair you up with someone else arriving roughly at the same time. Drive time is 6 to 8 hours.
Meeting point at the IGI New Delhi airport
· Pillar No. 17 outside Exit No. 6
· Driver will carry a sign/placard with your name on it.
From Dehradun (DED) Airport
From Dehradun airport to our Centre In Rishikesh is one hour drive and can be avail at $15 or $28 for both way transfer. This price will decrease should we be able to pair you up with someone else arriving roughly at the same time. Drive time is one hour approx.
Meeting point at Dehradun (DED) Airport
Dehradun is a small domestic airport with one exit only, our driver will be there at your scheduled time of arrival.
• We will share the Driver number and whatsapp number while sending you confirmation of airport transfer in advance through email.
• Please don't hire any other car/taxi without calling us. Don't trust strangers...they might pretend to call us on your behalf and would tell you that your taxi is stuck somewhere etc. and might offer you other options which might not be good.
The Nearest domestic airport is Dehradun (DED) Airport
• You need to arrive at IGI airport, New Delhi. Please be aware that once you leave the building after arrival you will not get back inside. If you think you missed your taxi if you still have to change money be aware of this as public phones and foreign exchange are inside!
· The fastest and easiest way to reach Rishikesh is a flight from Delhi to Dehradun airport (DED) Airport transfer on request
Since we have a tie-up with the local transporter, you can ask us if you need airport transfer for our school and our team will be happily assisting you.
This may be the more expensive option but also the most convenient and for first time visitor to India probably the best way to get here. We can arrange the pick up for you and a round trip Delhi - Rishikesh return will cost $130 or $70 single way. This price will decrease should we be able to pair you up with someone else arriving roughly at the same time. Drive time is 6 to 8 hours.
Meeting point at the IGI New Delhi airport
· Pillar No. 17 outside Exit No. 6
· Driver will carry a sign/placard with your name on it.
From Dehradun (DED) Airport
From Dehradun airport to our Centre In Rishikesh is one hour drive and can be avail at $15 or $28 for both way transfer. This price will decrease should we be able to pair you up with someone else arriving roughly at the same time. Drive time is one hour approx.
Meeting point at Dehradun (DED) Airport
Dehradun is a small domestic airport with one exit only, our driver will be there at your scheduled time of arrival.
• We will share the Driver number and whatsapp number while sending you confirmation of airport transfer in advance through email.
• Please don't hire any other car/taxi without calling us. Don't trust strangers...they might pretend to call us on your behalf and would tell you that your taxi is stuck somewhere etc. and might offer you other options which might not be good.
Train
You can also get a train to Haridwar which will take approximately 5-7 hours depending on the service you use. Fares vary from about 600 to 1200 rupees depending on the comfort you wish to travel in. Once in Haridwar, you will still need to take a taxi to get to Rishikesh. We can organize taxi pickups, which costs approx. USD 20, for you as long as you let us know your arrival time a few days ahead of time.
You can also use local transport TUCK TUCK which may take between 250 Rs to 350 Rs (3.50 USD to 4.75 USD )or maybe less if you can negotiate. Please see an image of TUCK TUCK how it looks.
• Please note from Indira Gandhi International airport(IGI airport) to New Delhi Or Old Delhi railway station will again take approx one and half hour to reach the Railway station (Depending on Delhi Traffic for that particular day). Hence keep this timing in your hand. But one good thing about reaching the railway station is that we have an underground Metro service which is very nice and often used by overseas travelers.
• If you are at the Terminal 3, then use the subway at the Arrival to enter the Delhi Airport metro station, but if you are at Terminal 2, Catch the free Shuttle (bus service ) outside the Arrivals for Aerocity metro station.
• Buy your Tickets from Airport express line for New Delhi Metro station for Rs 60/$0.94 at the ticket counter and will reach in 40 minutes time. Board the Train towards the New Delhi Metro station’s Direction (There is proper signage anyway!). New Delhi Metro station exit gate is in the same premise of New Delhi railway station. List of trains which is suitable for you, one is in the morning and express service with meals another two is night train where you can sleep overnight and reach in the morning.
You can also use local transport TUCK TUCK which may take between 250 Rs to 350 Rs (3.50 USD to 4.75 USD )or maybe less if you can negotiate. Please see an image of TUCK TUCK how it looks.
• Please note from Indira Gandhi International airport(IGI airport) to New Delhi Or Old Delhi railway station will again take approx one and half hour to reach the Railway station (Depending on Delhi Traffic for that particular day). Hence keep this timing in your hand. But one good thing about reaching the railway station is that we have an underground Metro service which is very nice and often used by overseas travelers.
• If you are at the Terminal 3, then use the subway at the Arrival to enter the Delhi Airport metro station, but if you are at Terminal 2, Catch the free Shuttle (bus service ) outside the Arrivals for Aerocity metro station.
• Buy your Tickets from Airport express line for New Delhi Metro station for Rs 60/$0.94 at the ticket counter and will reach in 40 minutes time. Board the Train towards the New Delhi Metro station’s Direction (There is proper signage anyway!). New Delhi Metro station exit gate is in the same premise of New Delhi railway station. List of trains which is suitable for you, one is in the morning and express service with meals another two is night train where you can sleep overnight and reach in the morning.
Bus
This is certainly the cheapest way to get here and may cost you as little as 500 rupees from Delhi. The travel time is estimated at 7 hours but it may take 10.
The Bus services from New Delhi starts from ISBT( Inter State Bus Terminal ) Kashmiri gate.
You can book an online ticket from government website at https://utconline.uk.gov.in/, please note you need to register first to log in.
Please do not take any other private service for the bus as that will take too much time.
It’s not mandatory to book online ticket for bus, there are frequent Bus service from ISBT- Kashmiri Gate which doesn't require pre-online booking, but generally those are not so comfortable like Volvo Air Conditioner bus, and are simple bus without Air-conditioned at a cheap price between 300 INR to 4000 INR ($ 4 USD to $ 6.00 USD) .
From Indira Gandhi International airport to ISBT( Inter State Bus Terminal ) Kashmiri gate will be 30 KM at least and it will take approx one and half hour to reach the bus terminal. (Depending on Delhi Traffic for that particular day) so keep this timing in your hand, also you need to hire a private taxi which may cost you at least 12 USD.
The AC chair car in Bus will cost you approx 12 to 15 USD (Please note here in India AC chair car Bus is called VOLVO bus)
You can also try Volvo air-conditioned bus ticket without pre-online booking at the ticket counter, depending on availability and your luck.
Most air conditioner busses are overnight buses and tend to be a lot more of a rocky ride than the taxi and would certainly not be advisable for people that get easily travel sick. Once the bus drops you in Rishikesh you will still have to get transportation to us in Ram Jhula and although not expensive may be more hustle than you want as it will be unlikely to get a TUCK TUCK to take you all the way to us so you will have to walk the last 2km. You probably be able to get a porter to help you with your luggage but do not count on this.
You can book an online ticket from government website at https://utconline.uk.gov.in/, please note you need to register first to log in.
Please do not take any other private service for the bus as that will take too much time.
It’s not mandatory to book online ticket for bus, there are frequent Bus service from ISBT- Kashmiri Gate which doesn't require pre-online booking, but generally those are not so comfortable like Volvo Air Conditioner bus, and are simple bus without Air-conditioned at a cheap price between 300 INR to 4000 INR ($ 4 USD to $ 6.00 USD) .
From Indira Gandhi International airport to ISBT( Inter State Bus Terminal ) Kashmiri gate will be 30 KM at least and it will take approx one and half hour to reach the bus terminal. (Depending on Delhi Traffic for that particular day) so keep this timing in your hand, also you need to hire a private taxi which may cost you at least 12 USD.
The AC chair car in Bus will cost you approx 12 to 15 USD (Please note here in India AC chair car Bus is called VOLVO bus)
You can also try Volvo air-conditioned bus ticket without pre-online booking at the ticket counter, depending on availability and your luck.
Most air conditioner busses are overnight buses and tend to be a lot more of a rocky ride than the taxi and would certainly not be advisable for people that get easily travel sick. Once the bus drops you in Rishikesh you will still have to get transportation to us in Ram Jhula and although not expensive may be more hustle than you want as it will be unlikely to get a TUCK TUCK to take you all the way to us so you will have to walk the last 2km. You probably be able to get a porter to help you with your luggage but do not count on this.
Certification and accreditation
Our all centers are certified Yoga School by Yoga Alliance and Registered Yoga school from Yoga Alliance USA (RYS). Yoga Alliance is internationally recognized as a certifying organization for both schools and teachers; hence your teacher training certificate will also be recognized internationally.
You can check out a list of all the represented countries here:
https://www.yogaalliance.org/Geographicallisting?Type=Teacher
Can I qualify to teach in the UK or Australia?
Yes! The Yoga Alliance USA is recognized all over the world.
Note: however that registering as a member with Yoga Alliance USA does not register you as a member of Yoga Alliance UK/AU.
How can I register as a teacher in Yoga Alliance directory?
For the Yoga Alliance accreditation, you can go here and follow their instructions:
https://www.yogaalliance.org/Credentialing/HowToRegister
Can I switch my course dates?
We are generally fine with switching with the course as long as our school has the seat availability for a particular course, and is valid for one year.
Things to Do
What to Bring ?
Enough clothes for a week (or two) so that you don’t need to wash it and send it to laundry in the very first week. Your night clothes should have pajamas and tops which can also be comfortably worn while going for morning walks/nature walk or breakfast.
Think shoes! If you want to trek and even if you don’t take something along that is comfortable to trek in with you. India is Flip Flop country so you can always get those here. Sandals and chappals if you want to do any sort of water-related activities on our Sunday outings with the rest of the school and staff.
Electronics (laptop, tablets, and cameras) Don’t forget to take along the chargers or batteries of the electronic gadgets which are being carried. Since India has 240 watts voltage supply hence please do not forget to bring your own adaptor for gadgets A backpack (meant for backpacking and hiking and tracking). The ground in India isn’t always paved and smooth, so it’s not as friendly to luggage bags with wheels like western and European country A headlamp or flashlight and a small torch and a water bottle.
Any necessary medicine prescribed by your doctor. Many people bring basic first-aid (band-aids, antibacterial cream, etc). We also recommend bringing diarrhea medicine in case you eat food outside accidentally drink unfiltered/tap water. All of our food and vegetables are washed and cooked with purified water, so you won’t have to worry about getting sick during your daily meals.
Feminine hygiene products, if required. Please keep more sets of undergarments /socks as you may not be able to wash them frequently or get them washed while training Please keep all the basic items of Toiletries which you use regularly like – toothpaste, toothbrush, soap, Bug spray, hand sanitizer, shampoo, face wash, body lotion, shaving kit, deodorants, perfumes (Sunscreen lotions, or cold creams depending on climatic condition) etc. Although all the basic toiletries can be purchased here in the local market unless you are not particular of any brand.
Nail Cutter with an additional features for cutting fruits, opening seals or caps, castile soap (biodegradable all-purpose soap), mosquito net, musical instrument (if you play one or any other item like poi), mp3 player, speakers, tarot cards, shewee, water purification tablets/drops if you intend to go trekking, Hot water bottle if you arrive between November and February, in case of small cuts or blisters you may wish to bring plasters and antiseptic balm/spray/cream, things like tea tree oil may be useful too, alarm clock (unless you use your mobile), adaptor plug, anti-diarrhea medication, travel towels, 1st Aid kit, torch (we do have power cuts in India a bit more frequently than in the west and the streets are not as well lit at night as you are used to also you want to be able to escape the experience of stepping into the cow droppings).
Your camera, laptop specially if you are a TTC aspirant, then you may have to write longer assignments during your course, USB stick for file sharing, external hard drive with movies are always a good choice if you are likely to miss your home entertainment. Spectacles or contact lenses – If one wears glasses or lenses then an alternate set should be kept
Think shoes! If you want to trek and even if you don’t take something along that is comfortable to trek in with you. India is Flip Flop country so you can always get those here. Sandals and chappals if you want to do any sort of water-related activities on our Sunday outings with the rest of the school and staff.
Electronics (laptop, tablets, and cameras) Don’t forget to take along the chargers or batteries of the electronic gadgets which are being carried. Since India has 240 watts voltage supply hence please do not forget to bring your own adaptor for gadgets A backpack (meant for backpacking and hiking and tracking). The ground in India isn’t always paved and smooth, so it’s not as friendly to luggage bags with wheels like western and European country A headlamp or flashlight and a small torch and a water bottle.
Feminine hygiene products, if required. Please keep more sets of undergarments /socks as you may not be able to wash them frequently or get them washed while training Please keep all the basic items of Toiletries which you use regularly like – toothpaste, toothbrush, soap, Bug spray, hand sanitizer, shampoo, face wash, body lotion, shaving kit, deodorants, perfumes (Sunscreen lotions, or cold creams depending on climatic condition) etc. Although all the basic toiletries can be purchased here in the local market unless you are not particular of any brand.
Nail Cutter with an additional features for cutting fruits, opening seals or caps, castile soap (biodegradable all-purpose soap), mosquito net, musical instrument (if you play one or any other item like poi), mp3 player, speakers, tarot cards, shewee, water purification tablets/drops if you intend to go trekking, Hot water bottle if you arrive between November and February, in case of small cuts or blisters you may wish to bring plasters and antiseptic balm/spray/cream, things like tea tree oil may be useful too, alarm clock (unless you use your mobile), adaptor plug, anti-diarrhea medication, travel towels, 1st Aid kit, torch (we do have power cuts in India a bit more frequently than in the west and the streets are not as well lit at night as you are used to also you want to be able to escape the experience of stepping into the cow droppings).
Your camera, laptop specially if you are a TTC aspirant, then you may have to write longer assignments during your course, USB stick for file sharing, external hard drive with movies are always a good choice if you are likely to miss your home entertainment. Spectacles or contact lenses – If one wears glasses or lenses then an alternate set should be kept
What not to Bring
Do NOT bring books, you can buy all the yoga books really cheap in town! So make sure to leave space in your bag for them.
Yoga mat, we have plenty of mats for you to borrow, avoid extra luggage unless you are not very particular about your own yoga mat
Things We Do Not Provide
Toilet paper but you can buy it around the corner at 20-25 rupees a roll.
Drinks and food outside assigned meal times but there are plenty of corner shops and restaurants less than 5 minutes away.
Yoga mat, we have plenty of mats for you to borrow, avoid extra luggage unless you are not very particular about your own yoga mat
Things We Do Not Provide
Toilet paper but you can buy it around the corner at 20-25 rupees a roll.
Drinks and food outside assigned meal times but there are plenty of corner shops and restaurants less than 5 minutes away.
How much money should I carry for TTC?
Do not carry extra money during your training. You will not have time to go out from school from your busy schedule of training and we will recommend carrying between 200 to 400 USD for outdoor activities or emergency and Indian currency less than 10000 INR. An ATM card that doesn’t charge / reimburses international fees is safe to carry. Remind you we don’t have lockers to keep your valuable, although you have your private room with your set of lock and key. You can also keep your valuables with the owner of the school.
Is there a dress code?
We give freedom what you want to wear but at the same time we expect to respect local culture, Indian culture doesn’t encourage the exposed and revealing dress, try to select the dress which covers your knees and shoulders, specially to walk around this beautiful city in and visit the local temples For Asana class you should choose yoga wear that hugs your body shape, for easy movement and has enough stretch. Course and Curriculum
Eligibility to apply for Teacher Training Course?
Yoga learning is not restricted by academics, caste, race, sex or age, however, we expect participants to be open-minded and an appetite for learning. Our faculty is well versed at balancing varying skill levels. We have come across with few students with no experience and simply a decent willpower taking the course parallel to the students with more than a decade of experience.
Minimum age to apply for Teacher Training Course/Retreat?
There is no age barrier and we came across with students at the age of 50+ also has learned the Yoga and made a success. The myth about yoga is taken more as physical exercise and activity whereas the fact is that it should be considered as a spiritual elevation of someone who practices this holistic science for the self-realization.
How Do I reserve my Spot?
You can apply online through the school website. Alternatively, you can also write us at support@starlim.org mentioning the course/batch/center etc. Once we receive the application and we accept, we send you a confirmation email and you can secure your space by paying the non-refundable deposit which may vary from 20% to 40% depending on school through online payment and is also applied towards your full tuition fee which includes food & accommodation as well.
When should I pay the remaining tuition payment?
Please pay the remainder of your course fee upon arrival at a reception in USD, CAD, Euro, GBP or INR. Traveler's check is also accepted. If you pay the fee with your credit card then 4% transaction fee will be applicable. ATM’s are freely available no more than 5-10 minutes walk from all our center. Some students, however, prefer to bring cash and exchange it at the reception!
If you want to pay the remaining fee online through Paypal before your arrival then 4.5% transaction fee will apply.
You may not need money in order to be fed and watered by us but undoubtedly you will want to explore the town, have the occasional meal out and of course, go shopping so do budget for this. A cup of chai comes between 5 - 20 rupees, meals in restaurants vary but start around 100 rupees, juices and lassies are on average 70 rupees, you can buy a skirt for 150 - 350 rupee easily and a yoga mat bag will be around 150 rupees as well just to give you an indication.
If you want to pay the remaining fee online through Paypal before your arrival then 4.5% transaction fee will apply.
You may not need money in order to be fed and watered by us but undoubtedly you will want to explore the town, have the occasional meal out and of course, go shopping so do budget for this. A cup of chai comes between 5 - 20 rupees, meals in restaurants vary but start around 100 rupees, juices and lassies are on average 70 rupees, you can buy a skirt for 150 - 350 rupee easily and a yoga mat bag will be around 150 rupees as well just to give you an indication.
What should someone study before joining the course?
This can be a personal choice and in general, it isn’t compulsory to prepare and study beforehand. Although if someone like to learn in advance to our course they can consider reading Bhagavad Geeta, Yog Sutra, Asana –Pranayama- Mudra-Bandha published by Bihar School of Yoga
What exams do I need to pass in order to graduate?
The course curriculum will have syllabus as per the guideline set by Yoga Alliance and have teaching methodology which will skill a trainee to conduct a class and at the end of each course student have to pass and need to teach their Yoga session, also each subject will have either a written or oral examination.
Certification and accreditation
Our all centers are certified Yoga School by Yoga Alliance and Registered Yoga school from Yoga Alliance USA (RYS). Yoga Alliance is internationally recognized as a certifying organization for both schools and teachers; hence your teacher training certificate will also be recognized internationally. You can check out a list of all the represented countries here: https://www.yogaalliance.org/Geographicallisting?Type=Teacher
Can I qualify to teach in the UK or Australia?
Yes! The Yoga Alliance USA is recognized all over the world. Note: however that registering as a member with Yoga Alliance USA does not register you as a member of Yoga Alliance UK/AU.
How Do I reserve my Spot?
You can apply online through the school website. Alternatively, you can also write us at support@starlim.org mentioning the course/batch/center etc. Once we receive the application and we accept, we send you a confirmation email and you can secure your space by paying the non-refundable deposit which may vary from 20% to 40% depending on school through online payment and is also applied towards your full tuition fee which includes food & accommodation as well.
Can I switch my course dates?
We are generally fine with switching with the course as long as our school has the seat availability for a particular course, and is valid for one year.
Food
Our Food
We try our best to provide varying food while providing you with a mostly vegetarian/sattvic diet. However it is hard to please everyone and
eating for longer weeks in the same place you may wish to go out and experience something new once in awhile. If you do please let reception
know at least the night before if you are not going to dine with us so no food gets wasted. Also please be aware that eating out will increase your
chances of getting sick. It is most likely unavoidable but make sure you do your best to stay save and make sure to use hand sanitizers when you
go out.
Are the meals unlimited or portioned?
We serve three meals and are ultimated
I an vegan, lactose-intolerent, or have allergies?
If you are strict vegan then on special requests and/or allergies, we can prepare meals per your choice. Since vegetarian food in India consist of
large part of milk products and are common in the culture of our food – so while our meals are vegetarian and many student takes vegan diet
and exclude side dishes that contain dairy
Eggs and meats are not provided. One needs to coordinate with our chef to exclude certain food items (e.g. milk products, honey etc.) from their diet.
Eggs and meats are not provided. One needs to coordinate with our chef to exclude certain food items (e.g. milk products, honey etc.) from their diet.
Visa - Indian Tourist Visa
Electronic Visa
The easiest way is to get a visa is E-Visa, ( Electronic visa) which can be applied online at official website of Indian government at https://indianvisaonline.gov.in/evisa/tvoa.html and maximum duration of stay is sixty days(60 days)
Please apply for a Tourist visa only! Purpose of your visit to India should be travel or tourism (yoga and ayurveda retreats in Rishikesh, visiting TAJ in Agra etc.). An invitation letter is not required for a tourist visa. Please do not mention that you will be joining a yoga course on your visa application form to avoid any complication. You cannot get a study or yoga visa by registering for our course.
In the application form of the tourist visa the purpose of visiting India is asked, here you can mention “traveling” or “stay at retreat ashram” as purpose. Please do not mention the words “study” or “course” in your visa application as that might trigger the embassy to reject your tourist visa application and ask you to apply for a student visa.
Please apply for a Tourist visa only! Purpose of your visit to India should be travel or tourism (yoga and ayurveda retreats in Rishikesh, visiting TAJ in Agra etc.). An invitation letter is not required for a tourist visa. Please do not mention that you will be joining a yoga course on your visa application form to avoid any complication. You cannot get a study or yoga visa by registering for our course.
In the application form of the tourist visa the purpose of visiting India is asked, here you can mention “traveling” or “stay at retreat ashram” as purpose. Please do not mention the words “study” or “course” in your visa application as that might trigger the embassy to reject your tourist visa application and ask you to apply for a student visa.
Visa Duration for Regular visa
Apply for your visa about a month prior to your departure. Your Visa will be valid as of the day of issue! For most countries, a basic tourist Visa will get you a Visa that is valid for 6 months but does check with the Indian embassy in your country.
Travel to Rishikesh takes by taxi about 6 hours and sometimes 8 from IGI Airport(this is India time is flexible and very relative) and if you arrive at night and wish to stay in Delhi before you travel up to us please be mindful that you ought to arrive at least one day (24 hours) prior to your course start day! Orientation and the pooja/opening ceremony is an important part for you as well as us and we really would like you to be there. Accommodation with us is free of charge 1 days prior to your course start so make use of this option.
Upon departure please be aware that your graduation ceremony happens literally on your last course day and will last till approximately 9 pm. After 4/8 weeks you will undoubtedly have become attached to your fellow students and you will regret if you have to leave in a hurry. Again we offer free accommodation for this additional night.
All our retreat participant can also arrive in one day advance to enjoy complimentary stay and meals so that they can start fresh from the next day to start their respective retreat
Health & Safety
Is our Location / Locality is safe?
Our major centers are located in the Indian state Uttarakhand which is also called as DEV BHOOMI( Land of God) and this place has a spiritual connection as per Indian mythology as every year millions of pilgrim visit this land for various holy rituals across the globe. One of the greatest reason is the Holy river Ganges flow through this state and among pilgrim the significance of this river is highest and also worshipped as Mother Ganges.
Although India sometimes has a bad reputation at the same time Indian culture is based on the rule of ATITHI DEVO BHAVA which means Guest is the form of GOD
Gomukh is a snout of the Gangotri Glacier, from where Bhagirathi River originates, is one of the primary sources of the Ganges River and because of this holy aroma of this land this land is safe and often treated as most visited area across world traveler and specially those who look forward to spirituality and yoga teaching
The local people here are very welcoming and friendly, and full of innocence as compare to Indian metro city crowd.
This land is surely a nice and safe place for both man and women and even for solo women traveler and can be an unforgettable moment for that enthusiast who looks India as a land of mythology, spirituality, and human relation.
Although India sometimes has a bad reputation at the same time Indian culture is based on the rule of ATITHI DEVO BHAVA which means Guest is the form of GOD
Gomukh is a snout of the Gangotri Glacier, from where Bhagirathi River originates, is one of the primary sources of the Ganges River and because of this holy aroma of this land this land is safe and often treated as most visited area across world traveler and specially those who look forward to spirituality and yoga teaching
The local people here are very welcoming and friendly, and full of innocence as compare to Indian metro city crowd.
This land is surely a nice and safe place for both man and women and even for solo women traveler and can be an unforgettable moment for that enthusiast who looks India as a land of mythology, spirituality, and human relation.
Is our centers prone to mosquitoes?
We don’t have mosquitoes because of neat and clean locality of all our centers, but as we are located in foothills of Himalaya hence some time it’s there in summer and is less of a problem in the colder months (and you will generally be wearing more layers as well). You should be fine with regularly applied bug repellant.
Do I need to have any vaccines before I plan for yoga Training/Retreat?
We are not officially medical professionals (in the western sense of the word), so you should exercise and do your own research as well before deciding whether or not to get vaccines. Please also check with your doctor as well.
Accommodation
What will be the accommodation facility?
Your room with en-suite bathroom, 3 meals a day, filtered water any time you need it, your course book, yoga mat, neti pot, pen, and notebook. You can also book massages and travel through us and generally asked us anything.
Will our room will be cleaned every day like a hotel?
Sorry, we don’t have daily turn down facility of rooms and its student and participant’s duty to clean their own room as a part of KARMA YOGA. Our accommodation is neat and clean with all standard facility like clean bed mattress /bed sheet/blanket and quilt /towels/doormats.
Where can I wash my clothes, do we have a laundry facility?
You can wash your basic clothes in your washroom and can line dry inside the campus/rooftop, professional laundry can be facilitated on an additional nominal charge
Can I share a room with a friend or partner who is a non-participant for TTC or Retreat?
If there is a situation you are coming to participate in any of our programs and any of your friends or partner is coming along with you then we are fine with it if you want to share your room, please contact us to find out more about our discount for sharing a room as well.
Can I arrive a few days early at our school/retreat center?
Yes, you can but you need to inform us in advance as we need to confirm you the availability! There will be an additional cost for accommodation for students outside of our actual course dates and will be 25 USD which will also include your three meals
What will be the internet quality and facility?
Our most of the centers have wifi internet facility, although the internet/power providers at hills are not very stable and reliable some time and we have experienced a bad signal and poor connectivity and chances are a disconnection of the internet for a few hours. Alternatively, you can also get the local sim card with internet data which runs with mobile connectivity with unlimited local calling facility which is very cost effective. This way you will be in touch with your relatives and friends specially if you are for longer days.
Do I need an air conditioner during summer?
Although the summer at our school is never higher that you need air conditioner and the temperature will be maximum 30 degree Celsius in pick summer due to surrounded Himalaya Mountain and River Ganges flowing through this holy city and normal ceiling fan makes it comfortable stay during peak , Although we prefer and encourage our student to have a yogic lifestyle and to be away with machine luxury and sedentary lifestyle
Clothing As Per Seasons
Rishikesh Seasons
Winter: Bring layers and many of them! Go all the way from simple t-shirt/ tank top to heavy woolen jumper. The temperatures may not seem low on paper but do remember you will be in a place without the comfort of central heating or feather duvets and you will take your meals in the cafeteria which may be outdoors. You will want clothing to stay warm indoors and out it might even be good to get some yoga socks so you don’t have to practice bare feet.
Spring: The layer principle still applies but a hoodie and long trousers or skirt will be enough to get you through the cooler times of spring. During evening practice the yoga hall will already start to get pretty warm by the end of March so make sure to pack light yoga gear and again think in layers.
Summer: Thin cotton clothes or really anything that lets air though so try and stay away from synthetics. As this is India you can’t just strip off but within your yoga home spaghetti tops/ tank tops and ¾ length legwear are not unreasonable. Do be mindful thought that when venturing into town it is appropriate to cover shoulders (scarf all the way) and knees ideally. Also be aware that you can’t just swim in the Ganga in a bathing suit! So pack something that you don’t mind getting soaked in our holy river.
Monsoon: Well it will get wet and humid so make sure to have footwear that reflects this for starters. Once the roads become rivers bare in mind that they aren’t as clean as what you may be used to at home so you may wish to have closed shoes with you as well as flip-flops. Clothing wise the same as for summer but if you have a raincoat or small umbrella you may want to pack this too.
Spring: The layer principle still applies but a hoodie and long trousers or skirt will be enough to get you through the cooler times of spring. During evening practice the yoga hall will already start to get pretty warm by the end of March so make sure to pack light yoga gear and again think in layers.
Summer: Thin cotton clothes or really anything that lets air though so try and stay away from synthetics. As this is India you can’t just strip off but within your yoga home spaghetti tops/ tank tops and ¾ length legwear are not unreasonable. Do be mindful thought that when venturing into town it is appropriate to cover shoulders (scarf all the way) and knees ideally. Also be aware that you can’t just swim in the Ganga in a bathing suit! So pack something that you don’t mind getting soaked in our holy river.
Monsoon: Well it will get wet and humid so make sure to have footwear that reflects this for starters. Once the roads become rivers bare in mind that they aren’t as clean as what you may be used to at home so you may wish to have closed shoes with you as well as flip-flops. Clothing wise the same as for summer but if you have a raincoat or small umbrella you may want to pack this too.
Shopping At Rishikesh
In Ram Jhula and Laxman Jhula, you can get pretty lost in buying just about everything yoga. Books (which are a worthwhile purchase as many of them are not available outside of India or if they are they come with a stupidly huge price tag here you can get most books for around 250 rupees), yoga mats, yoga mat bags, clothing, CD’s, singing bowls, gems, jewelry to name but a few.
Things You Can Expect From Us
We are there for you and any queries you may have pretty much 24/7.
If we do not know the answer to your question we will try and get it for you as soon as we can or point you to the right person.
We will give 100% teaching you and being there to support you.
The daily schedule, these may change depending on the season and any improvements that may have been implemented.
Undoubtedly everyone's journey is different and everyone comes with different expectations but if you keep an open mind and try not to be too focused on what is written on a piece of paper but take in all the experience, talk to your teachers and the staff you will take so much with you from this.
We will take on board any feedback you may have
If we do not know the answer to your question we will try and get it for you as soon as we can or point you to the right person.
We will give 100% teaching you and being there to support you.
The daily schedule, these may change depending on the season and any improvements that may have been implemented.
Undoubtedly everyone's journey is different and everyone comes with different expectations but if you keep an open mind and try not to be too focused on what is written on a piece of paper but take in all the experience, talk to your teachers and the staff you will take so much with you from this.
We will take on board any feedback you may have
Things We Will Expect From You
That you try to give us your 100% as well.
That you attend all class without fail unless you are ill.
That you show dedication to your studies and let us know if anything is amiss with you or if you have any trouble understanding some parts of it.
We are not yet mind readers so please ensure to always come and find us and talk to us if you feel something is amiss.
That you attend all class without fail unless you are ill.
That you show dedication to your studies and let us know if anything is amiss with you or if you have any trouble understanding some parts of it.
We are not yet mind readers so please ensure to always come and find us and talk to us if you feel something is amiss.