While I by no means think it is required for a student of yoga to travel to India to understand its principles, it has definitely helped bring many of the concepts to life for me personally. Not the least of which is the principal of non-attachment once you decide to ride in a car in South India!
Two of the most distinct places I have wanted to share with my yoga students are Hampi, in the state of Karnataka, and Kerala, a state wedged between the Western Ghats and the Arabian Sea.
Hampi is filled with the beautiful ruins of the ancient Vijayanagara Empire. Here the tales of Hanuman and the Ramayana come to life, as well as the mythologies of the other gods and goddesses in their depictions on the remains of the palaces and temples throughout the region. See the caves of Badami with its intricate Nataraja carving, hear the musical notes of the columns at the Vittala Temple, see the great stone chariot that houses Garuda, and discover that even Narasimha used a yoga strap to sit comfortably in his asana. You will be awed by the architecture and beauty that fills this area.
In Kerala, you will be wowed by the natural beauty of the state. Kerala is known for its ayurvedic treatments, and in nearly every place we stay you can consult with an ayurvedic doctor, having your pulse read, learning more about your prakruti and vikruti. Enjoy the experience of traditional ayurvedic treatments such as abhyanga, shirodhara, svedana, choornakizhi, and more. Visit the spice farms and tea plantations, and enjoy cooking demos utilizing the spices all while learning more about their ayurvedic properties and benefits. Beyond experiencing ayurveda first hand, discover the effects these treatments, food, and the all-important downtime have on the nervous system. You will feel the rejuvenation of your entire being.
Let a trip to India with Courtney bring the practices of yoga and ayurveda to life and quite likely be a most memorable part of your yoga training!