Vinyasa Yoga Academy FAQs

The closest and most convenient airport for you is to fly to New-Delhi. If you are visiting India for the first time then it is better for you to take a flight to Dehradun (city nearby), and from Dehradun is a 30 min drive by car, so you save a hustle.

Delhi airport to Rishikesh by car is a 6 hours journey. We have a transportation package for US$ 150 which will cover your airport pick-up, transfer from Delhi to Rishikesh (by car) and after completion of the course transfer back from Rishikesh to Delhi. One way transportation i.e. Delhi airport to Rishikesh can also be availed for US$ 85. In case, your flight arrives late night and you want to stay overnight in Delhi, airport pick-up cost will be US$ 25 and a reasonably good accommodation at a hotel in Delhi can be arranged for US$ 40 or 50. Our travel arrangements are executed under the supervision of professionals and we are always ready with a back-up plan, in case of emergencies. Another good option is to travel by train (airport to New Delhi train station by car, then by train to Haridwar and from Haridwar to Rishikesh by car). Travel by bus is quite cheap but a bit inconvenient for first time visitors.

Cheap hotels can also be found in Delhi (Main Bazar, Paharganj area) for USD 10~20. From Delhi airport to Paharganj can be reached by airport metro express in less than 20 minutes and it costs less than US$ 2

Yes, it is safe to travel alone to Rishikesh, many tourists do it. It might be a bit challenging to travel by local buses or trains sometimes if you are never been to India before, as it's very different from other parts of the world.

Yes, with advanced notice we will arrange transportation for you to Rishikesh directly from the airport, bus, or train station. Upon arriving in Rishikesh we will help you with directions for walking a short distance to our school.

Food provided at our center is 100% vegetarian, not vegan. You will need to inform us in advance so our chef can prepare food for you especially.

Yes, we will provide you food according to your needs.

There is pure filtered water available for students 24/7, free of charge.

Yes, when you are not at your classes you are free to use cellphone.

Our wireless internet is free and easily accessible, so you can bring your phone or your laptop in order to use it.

Yes, we have AC available for extra charges.

Yes, India hospitals has the same facilities as Western countries, might be not the same brand, but you'll be able to get it here as well.

If you are sick, injured or in need of medical assistance, we will provide you with medical care or take you to a western-style hospital (whichever option is needed). And in this case we will find alternatives for you in order to be able to finish the course.

Any particular vaccination is not required. Bringing mosquito repellants, lotions etc. are recommended.

Rishikesh is a very low-risk area for Malaria. So you shouldn't worry about taking any vaccination, as it's pretty rare at this area.

We have taken extra precautions by hiring a dedicated staff to prepare each and every meal at the school from fresh ingredients. Eating outside of school is pretty safe in the restaurants at Rishikesh. If your stomach is sensitive, you should beware of eating street foods.

We accept 15 to 20 students in each course of Yoga Teacher Training.

White color clothes are recommended. Try to avoid black color clothes. Modest dressing is highly recommended.

We are not providing new yoga mats, the mats are used so if it's convenient for you, feel free to borrow one. Otherwise please bring your own one. If you don't have enough space at your luggage, is also fine, as there is plenty of shops nearby where you can find yoga mats to purchase easily and in a good price.

No, the course is too intense for pregnant women to complete.

You'll have some breaks during your daily schedule. Sundays are free days as there are no classes, so you'll have time to discover.

In case of emergency yes, but you'll have to inform the teacher from the class about it.

Yes, it is possible to attend the Teacher Training Course with your partner.

The YTTC are suitable for everyone as we are committed to teach you from the very root of yoga through all aspects, so experience is not necessary.

All teachers are qualified Yogis, some are with master degrees of yoga sciences, and some are with MA degrees.

No, all students are coming from different parts of the world, so English is most likely the second language for them. The courses are easily understandable and teachers will help you in anything.

There are a few books that you'll have to read during your course. It is your choice to start before your arrival or once you are at the school.

In order to attend the orientation program, one should arrive at least a day before starting of the course. On the first day at 10 am the Course will start with yoga ritual. On last day of the course, graduation ceremony takes place and it finishes by 7 p.m., therefore, departure should be planned one day after completion of the course.

To become a certified yoga teacher, you must successfully complete a yoga teacher training course and show competence in your ability to teach a yoga class. Find out what the suggested minimum requirements for yoga teachers are at: www.yogaalliance.org. The yoga alliance page also lists training programs and yoga schools that meet their minimum standards.

Yes, Vinyasa Yoga Academy (RYS 200, 300, 500) is a registered yoga school with Yoga Alliance, USA for providing internationally recognized yoga teacher training certifications in India. All our yoga teacher training graduates can register online at Yoga Alliance® website.

Yes, you'll have to pass a written and a verbal test. The decision will be based on your performance, attendance and behavior.

Yes, our courses are qualified by Yoga Alliance. After registration on the website you'll be able to teach in any part of the world.

You should apply strictly for a TOURIST VISA and purpose of your visit to India should be travel or tourism (yoga and Ayurveda retreats in Rishikesh, visiting TAJ in Agra etc.). Invitation letter is not required for tourist visa. Please DO NOT mention about joining a yoga course on your visa application form to avoid any complication. You CANNOT get study or yoga visa by registering for our course. Contact details of Indian embassy in your country can be found here. In general, visa expiry date is counted from the day visa is issued. Please verify it with the concerned embassy. Try to apply for your visa at least 2 or 3 weeks before your travel date.

Most of the general items you will need during your stay in India (or their equivalent) can be easily found in the nearby shops around the corner from our yoga school. What we suggest you remember to bring is any specialty item that you can't live without, like a specific personal care item or favorite snack from your country.

Post is just right next to our school — a 5-minute walk. Police station is next to us as well. So the area is well secured; we have 24/7 security with CCTV cameras.

Yes, if there are any personal issues, we are able to delay the dates of your course. The advance of the course fees are non-refundable; only in the case of emergency can students join us on other schedules.

We are accepting credit card payments for booking amounts. Remaining fees can be paid either in cash or by TCs. If you opt for paying your remaining fees by credit card then additional 3% will be charged as transaction fee. You can also use your ATM debit cards (Master/Visa/Electron) to withdraw cash in Rishikesh.

You don't need to pay extra money as our course fees include food and accommodation. You'll be provided a shared room with all the basic amenities like attached bathroom, 24 hours water supply, hot water heater, bathing shower, wardrobe and so on.

Private accommodation is available for an additional USD 300 for the complete stay.

• December – January – February: Coldest months; temperature can drop to 15–26°C. We do not provide room heaters, so if you are doing the course during December – early March we recommend you to bring warm clothes.
• April to August: Hot and rainy weather. Light cotton clothes are recommended as the temperature can reach 40°C. September marks the end of the rainy season — umbrella / raincoats are still recommended.
• October to March: Weather varies from pleasant to cold. Woolen clothes and jackets are recommended. The average temperature is around 32–33°C.