Both Bali and Rishikesh are beautiful places to do yoga teacher training. They both have warm communities, experienced teachers and have a good yoga culture. So, the question is not which is good but which is right for you.
Let us look at both honestly.
What Bali Offers
Bali possesses a very attractive energy. It’s a beautiful place to spend a month, with the tropical climate, the rice fields, the temples and the general laid-back, it’s just a beautiful place! There are many beautiful open air shalas around many yoga schools in Bali and a good wellness culture. Many come to Bali for a retreat, and so it is a training.
But, yoga in Bali is mostly contemporary and internationalised yoga. This tradition is not a custom of the area like it is in India.
What Rishikesh Offers
Yoga is originally from Rishikesh. It is the foothills of the Himalayas, it is the Ganga, the ancient ashramas, the Sanskrit chants in the early morning and it is none other than the source of Yoga. Yoga classes here are not just about practices, it’s about life. You are following a living tradition passed down thousands of years!
Furthermore, there are more classical trained teachers in Rishikesh. That is deeper knowledge that can’t be found in the world.
So which one should you choose?
If you are looking for a happening and comfortable trip with a modern approach to yoga, Bali’s a great option. If you are looking for training that will delve deep, philosophically, spiritually and technically, then Rishikesh is another class altogether.
Rishikesh is also comparatively cheaper than Bali without compromising on quality. You have better teachers, more depth of culture, and a greater sense of the real history of yoga, for a more sensible price. Furthermore, there are numerous Yoga Alliance Yoga Schools in Rishikesh to choose from so you will have plenty of choices and have the opportunity to find a program that suits you best.
