Choose Rishikesh for a deep, traditional spiritual YTT and lower costs; choose Goa for a relaxed beach-based YTT with more modern styles and social life.
Greetings, fellow traveler!
If you have aspirations to improve your yoga practice, with the possibility of sharing it down the road, you may have heard about India. It is the birthplace of yoga, so setting on a journey to India for your yoga teacher training can be a transformative experience. But with so many wonderful places to consider, how do you choose?
Of course, the two most popular and well-known places for yoga teacher training in India are Rishikesh and Goa. Each of these destinations has its own unique vibe. What feels good to one student may not resonate with another, so let's sit down together with a cup of chai (or a fresh coconut) and figure out which one of these fantastic and unique destinations is the ideal placement for you.
Goa and Rishikesh are India’s two most popular yoga destinations — people compare them to choose between Goa’s relaxed beaches and Rishikesh’s traditional spiritual setting.
India is special to every yogi. It is a land that combines ancient traditions with modern, vibrant spirituality. People travel across the world with the hopes of learning this rich culture and obtaining their Yoga Alliance-certified TTC.
Among all the options available, Rishikesh and Goa have turned out to be the two most popular locations for this experience. Rishikesh is in the foothills of the Himalayas and has an atmosphere enhanced by its many traditional aspects; this makes Rishikesh a spiritual locus.
Goa is a more laid-back, tropical environment that feels a tad more modern and lighthearted. The decision usually comes down to the meaning of the experience to you: a quiet, contemplative pilgrimage, as opposed to a pilgrimage that is balanced with fun. Let us take a closer look at what each location has to offer.
For full course details, see our 200 hour yoga teacher training in Rishikesh and 200 hour yoga teacher training in Goa.Rishikesh is called the yoga capital of the world — it offers a traditional, spiritual setting by the Ganges with experienced teachers and authentic ashram life.
When you think of Rishikesh, you can feel the gentle energy of the place; it almost pulls us in through spirituality. Rishikesh is in northern India, in the state of Uttarakhand, which lies right on the sacred Ganges River with the massive Himalayas behind it.
If you want dates and syllabus, visit the Rishikesh 200 hour YTT or explore our Rishikesh yoga retreats.Rishikesh is called the "Yoga Capital of the World," and it is not without reason; it has a rich spiritual past. The air has vibrational differences in it, dangling from the peacefulness of temple bells to the chanting of prayers and the fast-moving current of the Ganga River.
Your yoga teacher training here often feels immersive and disciplined, with a strong focus on practice and philosophy. You will be surrounded by ashrams, temples, and a community supporting and encouraging you towards a deeper, more traditional way of living. If you are seeking to experience the ancient roots of yoga, this is the place to be.
Life in Rishikesh is simple and dedicated. The town is vegetarian and alcohol-free, which allows you to start fresh in a pure, sattvic environment ideal for your practice. You will mostly be inside your ashram or school, solely focusing on your studies, but when you can step out, you may want to explore the local markets, walk across the iconic Laxman Jhula bridge, or meditate peacefully by the river. The atmosphere will encourage reflection and a monastic lifestyle, which can be what you need to be present and dive deeper into your work.
You will have access to courses that are emphasized in traditional styles of yoga such as Hatha and Ashtanga. The majority of your teachers will most likely be experienced gurus, or swamis, who have dedicated their lives to yoga and philosophy. The teachers bring a depth of understanding of the scriptures, discipline, and alignment to their classes.
In addition to the asanas (poses), you will learn about meditation, pranayama (systematic breathing), and ancient philosophy—often from instructors who have historically passed down their knowledge through the years.
Goa is ideal for yoga teacher training if you want a relaxed beach atmosphere, modern comforts, and an international yoga community in a coastal setting.
See upcoming dates and inclusions for the Goa 200 hour YTT or try a short Goa yoga retreat.
Now let's take a journey to the sunny beaches of Goa. These renowned beaches along the west coast of India could not be that different from Rishikesh. The spiritual journey here is not as quiet and contemplative—the sound of crashing waves, the feeling of sand between your toes, or bumper-to-bumper traffic on a scooter.
Now imagine at sunrise, starting each day having waves of the Arabian Sea in a yogic sun salutation; your mat is probably no more than a few steps away from the sandy shores of the beach!
The ambiance is lively, casual, and creative. It is a space that encourages you to cultivate your yoga experience alongside an easy-going, holiday-like lifestyle. It has a spirit that is open, free, and easy-going, which makes it easy to meet people from around the world.
Goa is a good balance for in-depth yoga study and leisure. Even though your time will be filled with classes, you will have the chance to go out to cafes, markets, or the beach. Goa has a lively and multicultural atmosphere, unlike Rishikesh, which has a more traditional atmosphere. You may expect to meet a combination of international students, instructors, and travelers creating a truly global community. This is a great option to choose for your yoga practice if you have in mind to explore your balance and learn in a more casual, resort-style atmosphere.
Goa generally has a wider range of styles offered at yoga schools than Rishikesh. You will see not only traditional Hatha and Ashtanga studios, but also Vinyasa, Yin, Aerial, and Acro Yoga. The instructors are also made up of both highly skilled Indian teachers and international yogis who have decided to make Goa their home.
Teaching style tends to be more contemporary, with an emphasis on creative sequencing, alignment, and a more playful style of practice. The community in Goa offers excellent networking and connection-making opportunities, if you are up for one because it is less spiritual and more cooperative.
Choose Goa if you prefer a relaxed coastal vibe, and Rishikesh if you want a traditional spiritual setting — both offer quality yoga teacher training.
To help assist you in visualizing the differences, here is a quick side-by-side comparison.
| Feature | Rishikesh | Goa |
|---|---|---|
| Location | Himalayan foothills, on the Ganges River | West coast, on the Arabian Sea |
| Cost | Generally more affordable | More expensive |
| Lifestyle | Traditional, spiritual, and simple | Relaxed, modern, and social |
| Yoga Styles | Hatha, Ashtanga, Traditional | Hatha, Vinyasa, Ashtanga, Yin |
| Crowd | Pilgrims, spiritual seekers, backpackers | International travelers, yogis, party-goers |
| Weather | Cooler (can be cold in winter) | Hot and humid (perfect in winter) |
| Food | Strictly vegetarian and alcohol-free | Wide variety of cuisines, incl. seafood |
So now the real question: which is right for you? The answer really lies in your personality, your goals, and your budget.
Both places offer a powerful avenue to becoming a certified yoga instructor. What is most important is finding the atmosphere that is conducive to your own personal development.
Still unsure? Read our guide to yoga teacher training costs or compare 200 vs 300 vs 500 hour YTT.
In Goa we offer beginner to advanced yoga teacher training courses, with peaceful beach surroundings, comfortable stays, and guidance from experienced teachers.
We trust in the transformative capabilities of a genuinely balanced approach to yoga. So, our courses in Goa are deliberately conceived in a way that you will enjoy an immersive, authentic learning experience whilst taking time to play and to recharge in an absolutely stunning, beachside setting. Our courses extend across multiple levels, all levels of practitioner.
You may want to participate in one of our amazing yoga retreats in Goa for those looking for a bit of a mini experience before diving into a full training. For those contemplating the spiritual path of Rishikesh, we also offer our Yoga Teacher Training in Rishikesh programs for a different experience as well.
Looking for an intensive? Check the Goa 300 hour YTT or start small with a 200 hour YTT in Goa.
Both Goa and Rishikesh are excellent places for yoga teacher training. Your choice depends on whether you want the calm of the beaches or the depth of a traditional spiritual setting — either way, you’ll gain valuable learning and growth.
Regardless of whether you choose the spiritual, mountain serenity of Rishikesh or the vivacious, beachside energy of Goa, a yoga teacher training in India is a truly life-changing experience. Rishikesh provides a solid dive into the roots of yoga, and Goa a refreshing, modern, balanced approach. The "best" experience really comes down to which location resonates most with the life experience you envision and your personal goals.
We sincerely hope that this guide provides direction. If Goa seems like the ideal setting, we would be happy to accompany you on your journey.
Explore courses in Goa and Rishikesh to find your best fit.
Neither is "better," as it really comes down to personal preference. Rishikesh is more suitable for someone looking for a more traditional, spiritual, and disciplined learning environment. Goa is more appropriate for someone who wants a more relaxed, modern, social learning environment with more variety of yoga styles and focus on studies while also facilitating personal rejuvenation.
Yes, in general Rishikesh is cheaper than Goa. Living costs, accommodation, and the yoga teacher training costs are generally lower in Rishikesh, since it's an older, more traditional economy that isn't focused on tourism (like Goa, which acts like a resort town).(YTT cost guide)
Absolutely. Both Goa and Rishikesh accept beginners into their 200-hour yoga teacher training certification programs. They are both, by design, meant to give a strong foundation, regardless of your previous experience. What is important is that you have a passion for learning, and you are committed to the practice. (Beginner-friendly 200H in Goa)
Certainly, provided the school you select is a Registered Yoga School (RYS) through the Yoga Alliance, the certification you obtain will be accepted worldwide. There are many RYS schools in both Goa and Rishikesh, so ensure that you review their RYS certification prior to booking.
The optimal time for yoga teacher training in both locations is during the dry and cool season.
Goa: The best time is October through March during sunny and mild weather.
Rishikesh: The best time is from September through November and again from February through May, during dry, mild, and pleasant weather. The rainy or monsoon season (June-August) and extremely cold winter months in Rishikesh are not recommended.
