Goa is one of the top locations in India for yoga teacher training. Traditionally, it does not have a history of association with yoga. But due to its popularity as an international tourist spot, many schools have mushroomed for yoga teacher training in Goa. Today, it attracts students from all over India as well as the world to learn yoga and get yoga teacher training. While Rishikesh and Mysore still hold the top spots for this, Goa is the most popular upcoming location for YTTCs. But before you venture out for your yoga teacher training course in Goa, you need to be ready. Given below is all you need to know and prepare for your yoga TTC Goa.
Advantages of Yoga Teacher Training in Goa
If you are still wondering if you made the right decision about choosing yoga teacher training in Goa, rest assured. Here are some of the reasons why this would be the best decision for you:
- The yoga schools in Goa are some of the best in not only India but in the whole world. Because they are newer, they were built keeping in mind the global standards of yoga schools right from the beginning.
- Goa is one of the most accessible places in India to foreigners just as it is to Indians. It is well-connected with transport and communication systems.
- The geography and climate of the region suit pretty much everybody and do not cause any health problems.
- A higher frequency of internationally acclaimed teachers come to provide yoga teacher training in Goa. Thus, the quality of education is also quite high.
- Goa also receives students from a large number of places in the world. Thus, here, you will be exposed to more new ideas and cultures than anywhere else.
How to Get There
Flying in is the easiest way to get to Goa from anywhere. Goa International Airport is the most central and well-connected one. It is in Dabolim. Most international flights will land here. You can also come in by train if you are coming from another city. Tivim is the most well-known train station in North Goa. Vasco da Gama is the major one in Central Goa, while Madgaon is the biggest in South Goa. You also have the option of taking a train to Mumbai, which is greater in number, and coming in from there. You can also take a bus from closer distances. Kadamba Bus Terminus is the most important bus station in Goa. It is in Panaji, the state capital.
Once in Goa, you can commute by bus, auto-rickshaws, four-wheeler taxis, motorbike taxis, or rental scooters or bikes. For the last option, you will need an international driving license. Most yoga schools should provide a pick-up option if you are flying in. For international students, make sure your passport is valid for at least 6 months from the date of arrival. You can apply for a tourist visa or an eVisa, depending on the length of your trip and your country.
When to Go
The best time for yoga teacher training in Goa is end-October to mid-March. The weather is pleasant, cool, and sunny at this time. Being a coastal state, it will not get too cold in the winter. But the summers do get hot and humid. That is why most yoga training Goa schools remain open in the autumn-winter-spring period only. The bigger schools for yoga teacher training in Goa do remain open all year round.
Living Facilities in Goa
Goa is a fairly economical place to live in. Food and accommodation costs are always within budget. Most students will prefer to avail themselves of the food and lodging facilities of the yoga school they enrolled in. In that case, you will either get private, two-person, three-person, or dormitory rooms, depending on the school. These can be AC or non-AC rooms. If you book early, you might get early bird discounts. The food will be vegetarian and healthy.
If you seek accommodations outside, you will have many cheap options too. There are many shacks, villas, guesthouses, and holiday homes as well as Airbnb options. On the higher end, you will find luxury hotels and resorts too. The general cuisine in Goa has both Portuguese and South Indian influences. It is mostly non-vegetarian and often seafood-based, but you will find many vegetarian options too.
Excursions
When you come for yoga teacher training in Goa, you may want to visit some popular tourist destinations too. Goa beaches are the most popular spots to visit. Candolim, Palolem, Calangute, etc are some popular beaches. But if you want undisturbed spots, visit Anjuna or Mandrem. There are also many wildlife sanctuaries in and around the Western Ghats. Some examples are Bhagwan Mahavir Wildlife Sanctuary, Bondla Wildlife Sanctuary, Cotigao Wildlife Sanctuary, and the Sakrebailu Elephant Camp. The Ganden Tibetan Monastery, the Lamgao Buddhist Caves, and the Bom Jesus Basilica are of religious importance. There are many historical churches to visit in Goa. Other than that, architectural destinations like Braganza House and markets like the Anjuna Flea Market or the Saturday Night Market are popular.
Choosing the Right School for Yoga Teacher Training in Goa
Perhaps the most important decision is choosing the right school for yoga teacher training in Goa. There are many schools that will claim to provide the best yoga teacher training in Goa. But use your own wit and discretion here. Consider the reputation, curriculum, yoga style, teachers, and general facilities of the school when choosing. If you want international-grade yoga teacher training in Goa, definitely check out Trataka Yoga School.