If you feel like your yoga practice has hit a plateau or you are tired of just following along with apps and videos, our 100-hour course in Varkala is the perfect next step. Often, casual classes focus only on the physical moves. You are left wondering about the deeper meaning behind the practice. This training is designed to pull back the curtain. We help you discover how yoga can actually change the way you think, breathe, and live.
We understand that life is busy and not everyone can disappear for a full month to finish a 200-hour program. This 100-hour course offers a more manageable way to start. Think of it as the foundational half of your professional education. You spend two weeks with us on the stunning cliffs of Varkala, soaking in the knowledge and perfecting your technique. Whenever you feel ready, ideally within the next 2 years, you can return to complete the second 100-hour phase.
Our 100-hour program in Varkala serves as a gateway to a more conscious way of living. It is designed to strip away the confusion surrounding yoga and give you a clear, practical foundation. Whether you are here to strengthen your own practice or you want to see if teaching is the right path for you, we provide a warm environment tucked away in the tropical beauty of Kerala.
This course is all about building a solid foundation. We have designed it to give you the essential tools and plenty of time to practice without feeling rushed. Since this is the first half of our full 200-hour program, you will be learning the exact same core principles we teach to our professional-level 200 hour Yoga Teacher Training Program participants.
The best part is the flexibility. If you cannot spare a whole month right now, you can finish this 100-hour block in Kerala and return to complete the second half whenever you are ready. It is a great way to fit a deep spiritual journey into a busy life.
Just a quick note on certificates: For this initial part of the course, you will receive a certificate of participation. Once you return to finish the remaining 100 hours later on, you will earn your official 200-hour teaching credential, which is recognized all over the world by Yoga Alliance USA.
You will practice the foundation of yoga movements with an emphasis on safe alignment and synchronized breathing. We show you how these poses improve your physical health and find mental balance.
Learn to use your breath as a tool to change how you feel. These ancient techniques help you wake up your energy when you are tired and find deep relaxation when you are stressed.
Discover how to quiet your thoughts through different guided techniques. These practices are designed to help you find a sense of calm that stays with you even after you leave the mat.
Understand the science behind the movement. We explore how different poses affect your muscles, joints, and internal systems, making your practice safer and more effective for your specific body type.
Experience how traditional Sanskrit sounds can clear your mind and lift your spirits. You will feel the unique vibration of these chants and learn how they help focus your awareness.
Get to the heart of what yoga really means. We explore ancient wisdom and mental focus, showing you how to stay grounded even when life feels busy and overwhelming.
Learning to teach yoga is a big commitment, but it should not feel like a grind. In Varkala, we have built a schedule that feels more like a natural way to live than a list of chores. We balance the sweaty, challenging sessions with plenty of time to just sit back and think.
Your mornings start early, while it is still quiet and cool, and you will move into the physical practice of Asana, followed by deep breathing sessions of Pranayama. We truly believe the real breakthroughs happen when you are not rushing. Our routine gives you the space to let everything sink in, helping you find your own voice and confidence as a guide.
| Time | Activity |
|---|---|
| 05:30 AM - 06:00 AM | Morning Tea |
| 06:15 AM - 07:45 AM | Hatha Yoga |
| 08:00 AM - 09:00 AM | Pranayama And Meditation |
| 09:00 AM - 10:00 AM | Breakfast |
| 10:30 AM - 11:30 AM | Yoga Philosophy |
| 11:45 PM - 12:45 PM | Mantra/ Anatomy/ Ayurveda |
| 01:00 PM - 02:00 PM | Lunch |
| 03:00 PM - 04:00 PM | Anatomy / Adjustment Alignment |
| 04:15 PM - 05:45 PM | Ashtanga Yoga |
| 06:00 PM - 07:00 PM | Meditation / Yoga Nidra |
| 07:00 PM - 08:00 PM | Dinner |
The real heart of our Varkala school is our teaching team. They do not just recite facts from a book. They actually live out the yoga values they teach every day. Every one of our instructors has dedicated their life to this practice, bringing a lot of heart and real-world wisdom into the room. They go way beyond just checking off boxes for a standard curriculum by sharing the personal lessons they have learned over decades on the mat. You will be looked after by people who know that this journey can be a big shift, and they are always ready to offer a helping hand and some encouragement during your time here.
All our guides are highly certified and have deep roots in authentic Indian yoga traditions. They are great at helping you fix your posture and making sense of old, complicated yoga texts without making them sound boring or confusing. They teach in a way that is clear and down-to-earth, giving you the boost you need to stop just copying others and start finding your own style as a teacher.
Our school is open to anyone who wants to learn with a positive and open mind. To make sure the classes are a good fit for everyone, we have just a few basic things we look for in our students.
You need to be at least 18 years old to sign up for this training.
Since we teach everything in English, you will need to be able to understand simple English and speak the language well enough to follow the lessons and chat with your teachers.
You do not have to be an expert or have years of practice under your belt. The 100 hours is a beginners program. So you are most welcome to join if you are a beginner practitioner.
How flexible or strong you are does not matter nearly as much as your attitude. We are looking for people who are truly committed to the full experience.
As an experienced yoga school, we know how much your environment influences your learning. During your 100 Hour Yoga Teacher Training in Kerala, we provide clean, peaceful and comfortable rooms that help you rest, recharge and stay focused on practice.
During your training, we follow a traditional satvic food approach. Meals are fresh, nourishing, and easy to digest. This supports better focus in class, steadier energy through the day, and a lighter body for asana, pranayama, and meditation.
Rishikul Yogshala is known worldwide for providing a genuine yoga education. Since we opened our doors in 2010, we have acted as a bridge, bringing ancient wisdom to people living in the modern world. As a school recognized by Yoga Alliance, we stay true to the roots of yoga while making sure it makes sense for your life today. Our Varkala center is unique because it combines high-level teaching with the peaceful, slow pace of the Kerala coast. It is the perfect setting for anyone looking for a real change.
This foundation in Varkala can be truly life-altering. You will receive individualized guidance and ongoing mentorship. Your stay will not only deepen your skills but also leave you inspired for a lifetime of mindful living.
Upon completing your 100-hour YTTC in Kerala, you receive a recognized foundational certification and a clear pathway toward advanced training.
Just to be clear, this 100-hour training in Varkala is basically the first half of a two-part story. When you finish these first two weeks, we will give you a certificate of participation to celebrate the work you have put in. If you want to become a fully licensed teacher, you will just need to come back and complete the second 100-hour block whenever you have the time.
Once you have both halves under your belt, the full 200 hours, you will get your graduation certificate from Rishikul Yogshala. Since we are a Registered Yoga School (RYS 200), this certificate allows you to register with Yoga Alliance USA. They are the biggest and most respected yoga organization in the world, so having their seal of approval means you can confidently start teaching classes almost anywhere you go.
The closest international airport is Trivandrum International Airport (TRV), approximately 45 km from the school. You can find taxis and local buses for an hour-long trip to the coast. There is also an option to organize a private pickup from the terminal in advance, which is on a paid basis.
The closest station is Varkala Sivagiri (Code: VAK). Tickets can be booked through the IRCTC website or any regional booking counter. If direct trains are not available, many students travel to Trivandrum Central first. From there, Varkala is a short train or cab ride away. Transport options are easily available throughout the day.
Varkala is exceptionally well-linked to the rest of Kerala and neighboring states. Both government-operated and private buses run frequent schedules from nearby cities such as Trivandrum and Kochi. Private cabs are available for hire to transport visitors directly to the school gates. The route is scenic and coastal.