A Sacred Sanctuary for Your Yogic Journey Amidst the Red Cliffs and Shorelines of the Varkala coast
There is a unique stillness that only the ocean can provide. In Varkala, where the rugged red cliffs meets the Arabian Sea, your journey into the self begins. At Rishikul Yogshala, we invite you to step away from the noise of the world and find your center in "God's Own Country."
Our 200-Hour Yoga Teacher Training is more than a certification. It is a 24-day metamorphosis. Rooted in the ancient Gurukula system, we treat yoga not as a sequence of movements but as a way of being. Here, you practice under the warmth of the Kerala sun and the shade of swaying palms. You immerse yourself in a multi-style curriculum. We bridge the fiery discipline of Ashtanga Vinyasa with the graceful Hatha yoga. We also work with the restorative Yin Yoga.
Beyond the mat, the salt air carries the wisdom of the ages. You will explore the subtle mechanics of Pranayama, the intricacies of anatomy, and the yoga philosophy. Our sanctuary is a space where students from every corner of the globe become family, sharing a collective quest for clarity and purpose.
Whether you aspire to guide others as a Yoga Alliance Certified instructor or simply wish to deepen your own practice, Varkala offers the perfect shoreline for your soul to rest and reset.
Join us at Rishikul Yogshala Varkala to find your rhythm by the sea and rediscover the priceless gifts that have always lived within you.
Join our global family in Varkala and begin your life as a Certified Yoga Teacher !!
You will connect with a global yoga community through lighthearted laughter yoga sessions, dance, and collective celebrations. Lastly you will also experience the spiritual heart of Varkala through curated excursions.
We use tools like bricks, belts and blankets to help make yoga accessible to all. Following the path of B.K.S. Iyengar, we focus on the fine lines of alignment to make yoga reachable for every body type. This form of yoga aligns the physical, intellectual, mental, and spiritual bodies together. As per guru B.K.S Iyengar, each asana/pose has an optimum line without any deviation. From the foot to the head, from the front to the back, and from the left to the right.
We use the vibrations of specific instruments and tones to create a therapeutic space that settles the nervous system. These sounds help the brain reach deeper theta and delta states. These are essential for emotional release and deep rest. With the sound waves rolling in the background, we help your nervous system let go of built-up stress. It is a meditative practice that restores balance to both the mind and body through the simple power of resonance.
To practice yoga is to seek union. Here at Rishikul Yogshala Kerala, we use it as a holistic tool to relieve disorders and restore balance. We combine traditional asana, pranayama, and meditation with modern science. Our approach is made to support individual health needs. It is a holistic way of looking at wellness. You learn how to help others find relief and balance. We use the mat as a dedicated space for genuine physical and mental recovery.
Teaching is both a science and an art. It requires clear communication and awareness. You will learn the logical side of things. These are things like sequencing and rhythm. You will also learn the subtle skills needed to manage different class sizes and age variations. Learning to lead a class needs both logic in understanding the sequence and a subtle feeling of experiencing the flow and depth of the students. We show you the mechanics of building a sequence while helping you develop the heart to connect with a room full of people. This is a hands-on space where you find your confidence and authentic voice to share with the world.
Sometimes the most powerful thing you can do is absolutely nothing at all. Restorative yoga is just that. This practice is about slowing down and releasing tension with almost no muscular effort. We do this by holding passive stretches for longer periods with the help of bolsters, blocks, belts and blankets. You allow your body to open up naturally. It is a deeply meditative way to calm the nervous system. We allow the muscles to relax and the breath to slow down. It is a restorative pause that calms the nerves and brings your whole being back.
If you are preparing to step into the role of a certified yoga instructor, our 200-hour training in Varkala offers a balanced rhythm. This well-organized schedule is rooted in traditional study. The quiet, mindful practice that you follow at our shala defines a true yogic purpose and life. As an established school in Kerala, we lead you through the physical discipline of asanas alongside focusing on pranayama and meditation. You will also spend your days exploring yoga philosophy, anatomy, and practical teaching methodology. Every hour is designed to give you a genuine experience that stretches far beyond the mat.
| 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 |
At our school in Varkala, the instructors are lifelong students of Yogic Wisdom, Meditation and the ancient practice of yoga. Every person on our faculty understands the Yoga Alliance curriculum at depth. They combine their personal discipline and sincerity with authentic education. They are here to offer guidance with a clear mind and a kind heart. You can be rest assured that your Yoga Teacher Training in Kerala is a safe space for real change and professional growth. Every mentor here is E-RYT certified and brings a vast amount of practical experience to the mat. With backgrounds ranging from six years to many decades in the classroom, they provide the kind of seasoned individual support that helps you find your own voice in this practice.
We welcome any student ready to dive deeper into their practice. To maintain a productive and supportive learning space, please note the following entry guidelines.
You must have reached a minimum of 18 years to enroll in the program.
Basic English is the primary medium of instruction.
Advanced proficiency is not required. If required, a basic familiarity with foundational yoga postures before arrival.
This journey demands a true desire to learn rather than simply earning a professional credential.
Finding a quiet space to recharge is vital after a full day of practice. Our Varkala campus consists of residential wings where we provide simple, bright, and pleasant rooms. These spaces are assigned based on availability and are designed to make your stay as peaceful as possible. You can choose from private or shared stays. You will find a comfortable environment to stay throughout your course.
During your training in Kerala, the food we serve follows traditional Yogic Satvic principles. These meals are fresh and vibrant. They are specifically cooked to heighten your mental focus and physical energy. This diet supports your spiritual growth. It also ensures you feel light and capable on the mat.
Rishikul Yogshala is an internationally celebrated institution, established in 2010. Recognized as one of India's most trusted traditional yoga education institutions, we have over 15 years of experience and have trained 35,000+ students from 65+ countries. Our programs are approved by Yoga Alliance. The immersive experience we offer is perfect for both beginners and seasoned yogis. We aim to balance your spiritual and physical development through a curriculum that is well-rounded. We blend practical techniques with in-depth yogic theory so that you emerge as a confident instructor.
This training is truly life-altering. You will receive individualized guidance and ongoing mentorship. Our guided excursions help you bond with the local culture. Your stay will not only deepen your skills but also leave you inspired for a lifetime of mindful living.
Upon concluding your 200-hour YTTC in Varkala, Kerala you will receive a professional credential that marks your transition from a student to a globally recognized teacher.
Upon completing a 200-hour program in Kerala, participants can submit their credentials to Yoga Alliance or any prominent local federation. This certification confirms that all required hours have been met and the program's educational goals satisfied.
Graduating from an RYS 200 institution (Registered Yoga School formally authorized by Yoga Alliance) makes one fully eligible to enroll as an RYT 200. This title designates the individual as a Registered Yoga Teacher at the initial 200-hour level.
For those wishing to advance their training, undertaking a subsequent 300-hour program after the 200-hour course allows them to qualify for the prestigious RYT 500 status, as recognized by USA's Yoga Alliance.
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.