International Yoga Day- 5 Renowned Yoga Centers To Visit In India

Yoga has always been an integral part of Indian culture with number of historical institutes practicing and teaching it. These yoga schools offer a combination of in-depth courses and flexible drop-in classes. Here's a list that talks about the most famous yoga schools in the country:

* Ramamani Iyengar Memorial Yoga Institute, Pune

This renowned Institute attracts serious students of yoga from all over the world. It conducts regular classes in Iyengar Yoga (a form of Hatha Yoga which focuses on postures) for all levels. Special classes are also held for women, children, and those with medical problems. As the Institute emphasizes the in-depth study of yoga, students are also required to have substantial prior experience in practicing Iyengar Yoga.

* Ashtanga Institute, Mysore

Located in Mysore and run by descendents of the revered guru Sri Krishna Pattabhi Jois, who'd been teaching yoga there since the 1930's before his death in 2009, the Ashtanga Institute offers ongoing intensive ashtanga yoga classes throughout the year. The classes are for serious students only, and places are much sought after. It's necessary to apply at least two months in advance.

* Krishnamacharya Yoga Mandiram, Chennai

Krishnamcharya has not just disciples but a yoga institute on his name in Chennai. This school was found by T K S Desikachar Krishnamacharya's son in 1976. Krishnamacharya yoga mandiram based in Chennai mainly emphasis on viniyoga, ashtanga yoga and yoga therapies for people. Yoga enthusiasts can learn different forms of yoga from this Krishnamacharya's (the father of modern yoga) yog kendra. Non-residential Pilgrimage of Sound Vedic Chanting, Heart of Yoga, and Pranayama (breathing) courses are offered for international students twice a year. A special International Teacher Training Program is offered as well.

* Bihar School of Yoga, Munger

The Bihar School of Yoga ashram was founded in 1964 by Swami Satyananda Saraswati. It's a very old-school place that teaches a full yogic lifestyle. Satyananda Yoga incorporates traditional postures, breathing, and meditation. At the sprawling Bihar School, yoga is a lifestyle not a practice, and karma yoga is given precedence over asana. So alongside classes expect hours of work (service) – including gardening, kitchen work and toilet cleaning – supplemented by cold showers and a simple diet.The institute has many ongoing yoga projects in collaboration with prestigious hospitals and medical organizations and is popular as a hub for yoga seekers.

* Parmarth Niketan, Rishikesh

Parmarth Niketan, with its stunning mountain setting in the holy town of Rishikesh, is a wonderfully spiritual place to study yoga. The ashram is equipped with 1,000 rooms on its eight acre campus. It runs an extensive program of beginner yoga, Vedic heritage and spirituality, and teacher training courses. Daily classes are also open to visitors. A popular attraction is the week long international Yoga Festival that's held at the ashram every March.