Category: Blog

Arhanta Yoga Teacher Training, Khajuraho, Madhya Pradesh, North India – February 2025

I recently had an unforgettable experience learning Classical Hatha Yoga while spending 26 nights in a traditional Indian ashram, deep in the desert of Madhya Pradesh.

The intensive four-week, 200-hour yoga teacher training program followed the traditional Gurukula system, an ancient Indian method where students live, work, and study with their teacher (guru meaning teacher, and kula meaning family). The curriculum covered daily asana practice (steady, comfortable postures that cultivate a balanced state of body and mind), yogic philosophy, pranayama, anatomy, and the discipline required to uphold this lineage of knowledge, passed down by Swami Sivananda and Swami Vivekananda. 100% attendance was mandatory—every element was crucial to the whole experience.

Life at the Ashram

Our accommodations were simple: basic rooms with a ceiling fan, single beds, a mosquito net, and an attached bathroom with only a tap, sink, and bucket—hot water required a walk to the common laundry area. The beds were hard, the rooms cold, and daily cleaning was our responsibility. It was far from a hotel stay, but that was the point.

Eighteen of us, from different parts of the world, arrived as strangers but became close friends over the month. Each morning began at 5:30 am with rooftop meditation overlooking the mountains, in the peaceful rural surroundings of the ashram, located 10 km outside Khajuraho. Cows, peacocks, and the occasional scorpion wandered the grounds, while local staff tended to the rice and vegetable fields. The sunsets were incredible.

We were not allowed to leave the ashram except on Wednesdays—our designated day off. That was our opportunity to take a rickshaw into town, enjoy coffee at a local café, shop for supplies, and explore the stunning 1,000-year-old Chandela temples, commonly known as the “Kama Sutra” temples.

The Yoga Teacher Training Experience

Once a week, we took a sunrise walk through nearby villages, home to buffalo, cows, and curious locals who stared as our group of 18 made its way through their world. The dry, rocky terrain was tricky to navigate in the dark, and avoiding cow dung became an early morning challenge. Being one of the older participants, I was extra mindful not to trip or lag behind. Despite the physical demands, this weekly walk became a treasured moment in an otherwise rigorous six-day schedule.

Learning to teach a 90-minute yoga class was a gradual process. We memorised 26 postures in English and Sanskrit, their benefits, and how to adjust students—all while keeping track of time. Daily three-hour theory classes covered anatomy and yogic philosophy, providing deep insights into both the physical and mental aspects of yoga. Sitting cross-legged on the floor for hours, absorbing complex concepts, and rushing between classes with only 10-minute breaks made for an intense learning experience. Punctuality was non-negotiable.

There was laughter, frustration, and occasional embarrassment as we pushed ourselves beyond our limits. By 8:30 pm, after the evening program—which included ecstatic dance, Kundalini yoga, chanting, and self-study—I was more than ready for lights out. Exhausted, yet fulfilled.

The Mental Challenge

There were moments I wanted to quit. My mind played tricks on me: I’m too old for this. My knees hurt. Why am I doing this to myself? But each morning, I woke up, got dressed, and carried on. The thought of quitting and feeling like a failure was worse than the discomfort.

The training challenged me in unexpected ways. Years of considering myself physically fit meant little when I realised how much I had neglected my mental agility. Learning to memorise, stay mentally resilient, and not crumble under pressure was the real test. Our instructors pushed us hard—some students dropped out. I was completely out of my comfort zone.

I cried in frustration at times, but there was no space to dwell on it—I had to keep moving forward. Over time, I adjusted, accepted, and adapted.

The Food Challenge

The ashram followed a strict vegan North Indian diet, which remained the same every day. Breakfast was bananas and oats with weak cardamom tea. Lunch was potatoes and pea curry, sometimes with eggplant, served with rice, dhal, and chapati—a triple-carb meal, as I called it. Dinner was nearly identical. I lost 5 kg!

By the end of the first week, I knew I had to supplement my meals. On our day off, I bought a kettle and some much-needed supplies—boiled eggs, instant coffee, and chocolate. Absolute heaven! My ultimate luxury was a 90-minute Ayurvedic oil massage followed by a hot shower—the perfect reset.

The Final Push

As the final days arrived, so did the pressure of exams. We were nervous. After all the effort, we desperately wanted to pass and earn our certificates. The assessment consisted of two parts: teaching a 90-minute asana class and a two-hour written exam. Writing by hand for that long was its own challenge—I’ve been typing for 30 years!

But in the end, we all passed with flying colours. The celebrations were emotional—hugs, tears, and overwhelming relief. We had done it.

The Takeaway

I left with a deep sense of achievement—and an equal sense of relief that it was finally over! This yoga teacher training experience was life-changing, pushing me to confront my limits, overcome doubts, and build resilience.

The worlds of yoga and travel have collided to create two distinct yet complementary experiences: yoga retreats and yoga tours. While both offer opportunities for personal growth and rejuvenation, they cater to different types of travellers and have unique focuses for both yoga teachers and students.

A yoga retreat is an immersive experience centered entirely around yoga and wellness. It’s a dedicated period of time for introspection, personal growth, and deepening your yoga practice. Retreats typically take place in serene, secluded locations, allowing participants to fully disconnect from their daily lives and immerse themselves in the yoga experience. Daily yoga classes, meditation sessions, and healthy meals are the core elements of a retreat. Some retreats may also offer additional wellness activities such as spa treatments, workshops, or nature hikes, but the primary focus remains on yoga.

On the other hand, a yoga tour combines the transformative power of a retreat with the adventure of travel. It’s a holistic wellness journey that blends daily yoga sessions with sightseeing, cultural exploration, and other enriching activities. Yoga tours typically visit multiple destinations, allowing participants to experience a variety of cultures and landscapes. While they often include a dedicated retreat component with intensive yoga practice, the overall experience is more diverse. Tours usually include comprehensive travel arrangements, such as flights, accommodations, and transportation, making it a convenient and hassle-free option for travellers – students and teachers alike.

As a yoga teacher, understanding the differences between retreats and tours is essential for creating a successful and fulfilling experience for your students. Tailor your teaching style and class structure to match the overall vibe and itinerary of the trip. For example, on a yoga tour, you might incorporate more dynamic and energising practices to complement the day’s activities. On a retreat, you can focus on deeper, restorative practices to promote relaxation and introspection.

Ultimately, the goal of both yoga retreats and yoga tours is to provide a transformative experience that nourishes the body, mind, and spirit. By carefully considering the needs and desires of your students, you can create a truly unforgettable journey.

Attention Yoga Teachers

If you are an established Yoga Teacher looking to grow your business by offering Yoga retreats and tours, then we’re here to support you. Stop wasting your valuable time and energy on arranging the travel for your students and outsource this to the travel industry professionals. All of this frees you up to focus on what you do best – teach yoga whilst travelling, growing your business brand and forging stronger relationships with your students. Register your interest with us today.

Explore Our Yoga Tours

All our yoga tours travel to a variety of beautiful destinations around the world. We stay in top quality hotels and retreat centres. All our yoga tours are professionally organised, planned with safety and responsible tourism in mind by travel industry professionals. View our available Yoga Tours here.

Teaching yoga on a tour to an exotic destination is a dream come true for many teachers. The opportunity to share your passion for yoga in new and inspiring settings is undeniably thrilling. However, it’s essential to remember that your students are on holidays, and their energy levels and needs will likely differ from those of your regular studio class. To ensure a fulfilling experience for both you and your students, careful planning is key for your yoga tour.

Understanding the Impact of Travel

Travel can be exhausting. Long flights, bumpy bus rides, and jet lag can leave students feeling drained and disoriented. It’s crucial to consider this when planning your yoga classes. Instead of jumping straight into a vigorous vinyasa flow, opt for gentler practices that promote relaxation and rejuvenation. A restorative or yin yoga class can be particularly beneficial after a long day of travel.

Additionally, students are often eager to explore their new surroundings. They may be more distracted than usual and less focused on their yoga practice. To accommodate this, consider incorporating elements of mindfulness and meditation into your classes. These practices can help students ground themselves and find inner peace amidst the excitement of travel.

Adapting Your Teaching Style on a Yoga Tour

Every yoga tour is unique, and the needs of your students may change from day to day. Be prepared to adapt your teaching style based on the group’s energy levels and the itinerary. For example, if a day involves a strenuous hike, a gentle yin yoga class in the evening would be ideal. On days with more leisure time, you might offer a dynamic vinyasa flow to invigorate the body.

Open communication with your students is essential. Encourage them to share their experiences and how they’re feeling. This feedback can help you tailor your classes to meet their specific needs. For instance, if you notice that many students are feeling jet-lagged, you could offer an early morning meditation or pranayama class to help them adjust to the new time zone.

Incorporating Local Culture

One of the most enriching aspects of a yoga tour is the opportunity to immerse yourself in a new culture. Consider incorporating elements of the local culture into your yoga practice. This could involve using local music, learning about traditional yoga practices from the region, or incorporating local flora and fauna into your teaching. By connecting your students with the local environment, you can create a truly unforgettable yoga experience.

Balancing Exploration and Practice as a Yoga Teacher

While yoga is undoubtedly a central part of your tour, it’s essential to allow ample time for exploration and cultural immersion. Consider scheduling classes in the morning or evening to maximise daylight hours for sightseeing. This approach will ensure that everyone has the chance to experience the best of both worlds.

By carefully planning your yoga classes and being flexible in your approach, you can create a transformative experience for your students that combines the physical and mental benefits of yoga with the joy of discovering new places.

Attention Yoga Teachers

If you are an established Yoga Teacher looking to grow your business by offering Yoga retreats and tours, then we’re here to support you.
Check out our choice of Yoga Tours to stunning destinations around the globe.

Stop wasting your valuable time and energy on arranging the travel for your students and outsource this to the travel industry professionals.

All of this frees you up to focus on what you do best – teach yoga whilst travelling, growing your business brand and forging stronger relationships with your students. Register your interest with us today.

When you feel that pull, it’s up to you to plan your trip… or trust a travel company to do the heavy lifting for you!

Deciding where to invest your travel dollars is never a small decision… Once you have chosen your destination, you then start wondering whether to invest your time into lengthy online research or take booking a spot with a Tour company and travel with a group.

Nothing’s more overwhelming than planning a day-by-day itinerary to a country you’ve never visited before, knowing it may just be your only chance to experience a very special place… and where even the simplest actions, like getting transportation or finding breakfast, can feel like huge question marks.

After years of running small group adventures, we are pretty sure of a couple of things:

1. The best way to see a country usually is with a travel group unless you speak the language or have local connections.
2. Group travel is more immersive, not less
3. You’ll actually have a more authentic, local experience than if you were to go on your own.
4. Traveling through an experienced company, that employs local guides, have better odds of overcoming language barriers and avoiding tourist traps.
5. If you’re a foodie, a well-planned small group adventure will ensure you’re getting authentic food – most restaurants in highly-travelled areas are notorious for not serving legitimate  local cuisine.
6. When you take a group adventure virtually all those stressors are erased. And should you run into a mishap (like a delayed flight, a misplaced bag, or unexpected closure) you know you have experts in your corner to handle it for you.
7. You can’t out-plan a group adventure itinerary…at least not on your first visit to a country!
8. At the Yoga Department, we’ve been doing this for a long time. Every adventure itinerary is based on extensive planning, local relationships, and lots of experience.
9. You’ll get an itinerary that’s perfectly balanced: neither overbooked nor boring, With the perfect blend of nature, spirituality, culture, cuisines, good old-fashioned fun, and of course, yoga.
10. Hotels – We know the hotels and put in extensive research in choosing the best for our groups in terms of ambience, quality of food, location and most importantly hygiene.

Cast your mind back 3,000 years ago to ancient India and you will see that there were no overweight people as there we no supermarkets, fast food joints, or refrigeration.

There were no inflexible people as everyone sat on the floor and did manual work. Just getting around required physical effort, there were no cars or electric scooters.

So, why did the yogis create Yoga if it was not for losing weight or gaining flexibility?

What the yogis understood is that the body/mind are not two separate entities, but two sides of the same coin. What is done with the body impacts the mind, and what happens in the mind impacts the body.

Yoga Made Our Lives Much Easier

While modern technology has made our lives much easier and general living more convenient, the stresses facing humans (food, shelter, money, and relationships) have not changed.

The emotional blueprint today is exactly the same as in times past and each individual still experiences a battle between feelings of hope, optimism, and love, and those of doubt, and insecurity.

As the world spins around us, the goal of Yoga is to find our center so that we are able to maintain mental balance and not get crushed in the overwhelming challenges that are out of our control, e.g., the Russian/Ukraine war, rapidly rising inflation, loved ones dying, etc.

The yogis created a system that addresses our needs on all levels: Asana for creating a healthy and mobile body. Meditation is to learn how to control our minds, and Pranayama (breath work) is the tool to link the body and mind together.

The practice of authentic Yoga is like a recipe and if the instructions are not followed the meal ends up a bit of a mess.

You need the right ingredients, in the right amount, cooked with the right technique to make a healthy meal.

The parts of Yoga (Asana, Pranayama, and Meditation) are synergistic – a combined effect greater than the sum of their separate effects.

Happiness is not the endless pursuit of pleasant experiences,  but a way of being that results from cultivating a benevolent mind, emotional balance, inner freedom, inner peace, and wisdom. Each of these qualities is a skill that can be enhanced through the practice of Yoga.

Are you an established and successful yoga business, looking at running a Yoga retreat with your student overseas? If so, you may like to consider using a Professional Tour Operator or Travel Agent to help you.

Many Yoga Teachers around the world are now acting as travel agents and making their own bookings to run overseas retreats in countries such as Bali, Sri Lanka, and India.

This can be risky business and would be handled better on your behalf by a Tour Operator.

10 Main Reasons to Outsource Yoga Retreat

If you wish to arrange an overseas retreat for your students, here are 10 top reasons to outsource to a Tour Operator or Travel Agent.

1. Expertise in Tour Management:

Tour operators specialize in planning and managing tours, including logistics, accommodations, and activities. They have the experience and knowledge to handle complex travel arrangements efficiently.

2. Focus on Teaching:

Yoga teachers can concentrate on their core expertise—teaching yoga—without the added burden of organizing and managing travel logistics. This allows them to provide a better yoga experience to participants.

3. Time and Stress Savings:

Planning and executing overseas yoga retreats can be time-consuming and stressful. Outsourcing to a tour operator frees up the teacher’s time and reduces stress, enabling them to focus on teaching and self-care.

4. Reduced Financial Risk:

Tour operators often have established relationships with travel providers and can negotiate better deals on accommodations, transportation, and activities. This can help minimize financial risks and improve profit margins.

5. Access to Resources:

Tour operators have access to a network of local guides, translators, and experts, enhancing the quality of the retreat experience. They can also provide emergency support and assistance.

6. Marketing and Promotion:

Tour operators may have established marketing channels and a broader reach to attract participants. They can help fill retreats and ensure a steady stream of attendees.

7. Professionalism and Credibility:

Partnering with a reputable tour operator can enhance the professionalism and credibility of the yoga retreat, instilling confidence in potential participants.

8. Legal and Regulatory Compliance:

Tour operators are well-versed in legal and regulatory requirements for international travel, helping to ensure compliance with visa, insurance, and safety regulations.

9. Customization:

Tour operators can work closely with yoga teachers to customize retreat itineraries to align with their teaching style and goals, ensuring a unique and tailored experienc.

10. Scalability:

Outsourcing allows yoga teachers to scale their retreats more easily by tapping into the resources and expertise of tour operators, accommodating larger groups if desired.

While outsourcing has its advantages, it’s essential for yoga teachers to choose a reputable tour operator with a proven track record and shared values. Clear communication between the yoga teacher, students, and tour operator is key to creating successful and harmonious yoga retreats and tours.

What is Yoga?

For many people ‘yoga’ is thought of as a class you do that lasts about an hour, in which you perform postures (asanas). It is supposed to make you feel relaxed, happier, stronger, healthier, and more flexible.

And yes that is part of it, but yoga is also so much more than just that…

Yoga is not about having a capable and flexible body to do complicated postures.

So what is yoga for me?

• It is about being aware of whatever I do, including a yoga posture
• It brings together body, mind, and breath.
• It is about accepting feelings, thoughts, emotions, fears, judgments, and pain
• It is about listening to my body when it talks to me through tension or fatigue and giving the body what it needs when it does
• It is the practice of quieting the mind
• It is about enjoying strength and flexibility, physically, emotionally, and mentally
• It is being present when there is pain, allowing it fully without running away,
• It is about being present with happiness, without the fear of losing it; fully embracing it, knowing that that too shall pass.
• It is about seeing/realizing that we are all made of the same substance
• It is about understanding the impermanence of life and change

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10 Reasons to Outsource your Yoga Retreat to a Tour Operator

If you are an established Yoga studio or teacher looking to expand your business and offers through travel.  We’re here to support you.

You can choose one of our Yoga Tours to market to your students.

This enables you to travel for free, to stunning destinations around the globe, without spending valuable time and energy on travel arranging. It is a win win for everyone because of great service, ease of booking, and fully supported travel for students.

By becoming a Member of The Yoga Department, you can choose one of our Yoga Tours to market to your students. Enabling you to travel for free, to stunning destinations around the globe, without spending valuable time and energy on the travel arranging.

So how does Yoga Teachers Event work?

All our members are offered 1 free spot on a Yoga tour if they refer 12 + students. For example, our North India Spiritual & Yoga Journey costs $4895 pp twin share, then this is free to the member, once 12 of their students have booked and confirmed a spot on the tour. The other great incentive for our yoga teachers is that they are paid to teach on the tour!  plus they are paid commissions and receive  a FREE international flight ticket!

So, Yoga Teachers choose a Yoga Tour they wish to travel and teach on and start promoting.

We honor the value our Yoga Teacher members provide and offer on our organized Yoga Tours.

If you are interested in becoming a member, simply pay the once off $39 fee and start promoting a Yoga tour of your choice to travel for free!