FAQ

Rishikesh is a spiritual destination like no other. Nestled in the foothills of the Himalayas and on the banks of the sacred River Ganga, it has been the cradle of yoga and Ayurveda for centuries. Our centre is the perfect place for those seeking a yoga and Ayurveda retreat in Rishikesh. With its serene environment and spiritual vibrations, Rishikesh provides the ideal setting for self-discovery and healing.

Whichever room you choose, there are many reasons to stay at the Vedic Yoga Centre. Aside from the traditional yoga and ayurveda offered here, you will have access to the following:

1. Holy River Ganga-ji – simply walk down the driveway of the Guest House, and you are only a few steps away from the holy river Ganga.  You can sit by this sacred river at any time due to its proximity to our Retreat Centre.
2. Views of Ma Ganga – if you want picturesque views of Laxman Jhula, then simply walk to the rooftop of our building and take in the breathtaking views of Ganga-ji and the surrounding mountains.
3. Laundry – On the way to the Ganga you will find a small laundry where you can get your clothes washed and ironed for a very reasonable price, if you do not wish to do your own laundry.
4. Ram Jhula is only a 15-minute walk away.
5. Vashishta Gufa – a sacred cave for those seeking deep mediation, only 25 kilometres from Rishikesh.  In this cave the great Sage Vashishta (held to be the son of Lord Brahma, and one of the Seven Great Sages), meditated.
6. Tattwala Baba-ji cave – a sacred place where the Himalayan master has lived and performed austerities.  If you are receptive, you can just sit down and feel the energy, which has the power to make a shift inside you.
7. Dehradun (Jolly Grant) airport – the closest domestic airport which is only 29 kilometres (approximately 50 minutes by car).  You can fly to Dehradun direct from Mumbai, Dehli and many other smaller cities in India.

How do I get to the Vedic Yoga Centre in Rishikesh?

Details of how to get to our Centre from either Delhi or Mumbai airport are shown on our Contact Us page through the following link:  https://vedicyogacentre.org/contacts/

What travel documents do I need to enter India?

You will need a valid passport and, depending on your country of origin, a Visa to enter India.  Even though India now offers “Visa on Arrival” facilities to many countries, we highly recommend you get a 6-month Visa before you travel.  You must request a tourist visa, as a study visa is only applicable to long term studies at appropriately accredited facilities.

What is the address of the Vedic Yoga Centre?

If you are asked by Indian officials where you are staying, you should give the following address:

Vedic Yoga Centre
36 Neelkanth Road,
Laxman Jhula, Rishikesh 249302
UTTARAKHAND, INDIA

Which airport should I arrive at?

Delhi International Airport is the closest airport and provides the easiest access to Rishikesh, and from here you can arrange a flight to Dehradun domestic airport.  However, if you arrive at Mumbai then you need to arrange a connecting flight to Dehradun domestic airport.  From here we can arrange a taxi for you on request for a cost of around 1,500 Indian rupees.  To arrange a taxi please write to us at myvedicyoga@gmail.com

How do I register for a course?

After you have carefully considered all the details of any Course in which you would like to participate, you can click on the side bar of that Course where it says Apply Now.  This means filling out the details of the Application Form and paying a deposit, which you will be prompted to do.

What do the Course fees include?

All courses held on the premises at the Vedic Yoga Centre include tuition, accommodation and meals, except the Beginner Courses which include only tuition and accommodation.  If you would like us to prepare your meals as well, please let know by emailing us at myvedicyoga@gmail.com and we will happy to arrange this, and let you know the fee.

What do Online course fees include?

All online courses include the tuition and a recorded copy of the class (if requested by you).  In addition, Teacher Training Courses include a copy of the Manual, and any other documents that you will be required to read for your Certification.

When should I arrive for a course?

For all Teacher Training Courses you should arrive at least one day before the Course starts to ensure that you have overcome any jetlag from your flight, and you are refreshed for your program.  In any case, all students must be present on the evening before the Course starts.

For all other courses and retreats you should arrive the evening before the course begins.

If I am unable to attend the course, how can I cancel, and do I get a refund?

All deposits paid to the Vedic Yoga Centre are non-refundable but can be used for any other courses you may decide to take later.  For further information on our Cancellation and Refund policies please follow this link:  https://vedicyogacentre.org/refund-and-cancellation-policy/

Can I arrive earlier and stay later than my course dates?

Yes, you are welcome to arrive earlier and stay later.  Please make these arrangements with the Centre at myvedicyoga@gmail.com  at the time of booking your course.  There is a great demand for our rooms, and we would not like you to be disappointed or inconvenienced. You may participate in any of the regular activities/therapies offered by the Centre for the relevant fees/prices.

200 HOUR TEACHER TRAINING

What should I expect from the Course?

This is a foundation course which gives you strength, inspiration and motivation to establish your understanding yoga and your personal practice, and be able to share with others in a fearless way, without stress or tension.

Will I consider myself as a teacher after completing this Course?

You will receive a Certification which says that you are Certified to teach at that level, but our Centre emphasises that you should develop an attitude of being a genuine practitioner so that you can naturally share from your own experience.

I have never done any yoga, and I’m not interested in being a teacher.  Is this course for me?

YES!  This Course teaches you how to build a path to your inner development, and gives you a holistic approach to your total well-being.  Once you start to experience your yoga, it is then up to you whether you want to share this or not.

300 HOUR TEACHER TRAINING

I have done the 200 hour TTC Yoga Alliance USA approved course at another school.  Am I eligible to join your 300-hour Course?

Yes, you can join if you are open-hearted and open-minded.  You should check the Curriculum and schedule as set out in our Website so that you can step into the Course with clarity.

MASTER LEVEL (2000) HOUR YOGA COURSE

Why should I attend the 2000 Hour Yoga Course?

This course is a combination of both yoga and Ayurveda practices and their therapeutical approach to health and wellness.  It offers a systematic and holistic method of practice which identifies ways of combining these two sciences so that they can be applied in both your day-to-day life and in your teachings.

Who is eligible for this Course?

Anyone can join this course.  There is no previous experience required.

Can I join this Course online?

Parts of this Course will be offered online, but you are encouraged to visit our Centre for some of the face-to-face teachings which will complement your online components.  Some components will only be offered at the Centre itself.

After completing this program, what type of Certification will I receive?

Certification is offered only by the Vedic Yoga Centre – it is not a Yoga Alliance USA approved course.  The essential purpose of the course is to demonstrate how all the different elements of yoga and Ayurveda combined can be used in a therapeutic way, so that the two sciences can be used with a holistic approach to health and well-being; and once students have practiced them and felt their combined benefits themselves, they will be in a better position to share from their own genuine experiences.

General weather conditions in India

December, January 
These two are the coldest months of the Year with temperatures from 5-20°C.  Nights are cold but days are pleasant in the sun.  Warm clothing is recommended.

February, March, and April
These months are very comfortable with a lot of sunshine.  For the month of February you should still have some warm clothing, but light clothing is fine for March and April.

May, June
In these summer months, temperature are between 30-40°C all of the time.  It is also humid most of the time, so light clothing is recommended.

July – August
This is the monsoon time which brings the temperature down a bit thanks to the rain, but it is still very humid.  Light clothing with rain gear is recommended. 

September, October, and November
As the monsoon slows down, temperatures stay between 32 and 35°C, but nights become pleasant in September.  During October and November, the weather stays mild.  Light clothing for September and October but moderately warm clothing for November is recommended.

What should I pack?

1. You should pack lightly – one suitcase and one carry-on backpack is adequate for most people. Determine for yourself the kind of clothing you will wear both to yoga classes and all the other activities and studies you will participate in.
2. Make sure that your clothing is modest, comfortable, and appropriate for the weather conditions. It is always useful to have some cold weather clothing for sudden cool changes.  In any case, clothing is easily available locally at very reasonable prices.
3. During Winter, bring adequate thermal underwear and a winter jacket, warm socks and other items you may need.
4. Bring appropriate shoes for walking in the forest.
5. Bring an umbrella and raincoat in the rainy season.
6. Bring your own personal requirements such as toiletries, hygiene requirements, medications, vitamins etc. that you specifically require. Many of these products are available locally.
7. Make sure that you have all the adaptors, chargers and batteries etc. required for your phone, computer, camera etc. and any other technological equipment you require.
8. Bring a notebook and pen to take notes during lectures, although these are also available locally.
9. Have a re-usable water bottle for drinking water.
10. You can do your own laundry or take your washing to a nearby laundry where clothes are washed for a small fee.

ACCOMMODATION

Do you allow smoking in the rooms?

Alcohol, smoking, the use of drugs, and loud music are all strictly prohibited – not just in the rooms, but anywhere on the site.

Do the rooms have separate beds so that I can share a room with a friend?

We have five (5) rooms with two single beds each, all other rooms have double beds which CANNOT be separated.  All the rooms with single beds are facing back towards the hills.

Are all the rooms the same?

We have different categories of rooms – standard and deluxe.  Please check out our Accommodation page for the differences in price and facilities.  All rooms have an attached bathroom with hot and cold running water, a shower and a Western-style toilet.

Do all the rooms have air conditioning?

We have only four (4) rooms with Reverse Cycle Air Conditioning (both heating and cooling).  However, all rooms have ceiling fans.  You can rent a heater from us for a fee if you need one.

Do all the rooms have views?

We have a total of twelve (12) rooms that face the Ganga, but only a few of these have direct views to the Ganga itself.  We have six (6) rooms that face the back, towards the hills.

Do all the rooms have access to WiFi?

Wi-Fi is available in all the common areas on site, but not in every room.  Some rooms have been specifically designed in this way to allow the participants to remain undisturbed in their rooms, but still be able to contact their family and friends when they wish.

MEALS

What kind of food is included with the courses?

The following is a sample of the type of meals we offer:

Breakfast: 
Fruit, porridge, yoghurt, chai/Indian breakfast (paratha – potato-filled pancake/idli – rice and dahl flour muffin/dosa – rice and dahl pancake filled with a potato mix/vegetable pakhora – vegetable mix fried in oil with dahl paste).

Lunch:
Traditional thali including rice, dahl, vegetables, salad and chapattis.  Herbal tea is provided.

Dinner:
Lighter meal of soup/pancakes and chai/herbal tea.

Please note that all meals will be served in the traditional Indian style, on low tables with cushions on the floor for seating.  The meals are based on the ancient science of Ayurveda to ensure health and wellness from the food.

What if I have special dietary needs?

If you have any specific dietary requirements please let us know before you arrive by emailing us at myvedicyoga@gmail.com

PANCHAKARMA (DE-TOX PROGRAM)

What is the minimum time that a detox program should be done?

The minimum time should be two weeks in order to feel some benefit from the program – it is the minimum time before you will begin to see a result.

What is the first step in Panchakarma?

The first step in the Panchakarma program is diagnosis by a qualified Ayurvedic doctor.  After a diagnosis and identification of your body nature, the recommendations of the doctor for therapy, treatment and diet will be undertaken by our therapists.

Who is eligible for the Panchakarma program?

You must not do Panchakarma if you are pregnant, nor if you have had any recent surgery or advanced cardiac problems.  At the time of enquiry, you should let us know any pre-existing conditions that you have.

Are the prescribed Ayurvedic medicines included in the cost?

The cost of the program does not include any prescribed medications.  If necessary, the Centre can arrange to find them for you, but you must pay for them separately.

MASSAGE & THERAPY COURSE

What should I expect from the Ayurveda Massage & Therapy Course?

This Course gives you a fundamental understanding and the applications of Ayurveda therapy.  You will learn about its meaning, the various therapies for finding alignment along with the applications of the herbs or spices to maintain your day-to-day health.  You will be able to take care of yourself and able to help others.

Can I join this Course for one week at a time or should I do the whole of the Course at the one time?

Yes, you can join for just one week if you wish, and come back from time to time for additional weeks, but it is most beneficial when you take the course as a whole as it follows systematically through the whole process.

Can I combine the Panchakarma two-week program with one week of Ayurveda Massage & Therapy for self-development?

Yes, you can.

Are the Panchakarma and Massage & Therapy Courses linked with the yoga practices?

Yes, they are.

Can you combine the Ayurveda therapies with the yoga therapies?

Yes, you can but you have to specify in your enquiry that this is what you are looking for.  The combination includes traditional yoga therapies (NOT under the umbrella of Yoga Alliance USA).

What is the purpose of the Sacred Walks?

The mountains of the Himalayas are inspirational places because they are recharged with spiritual vibrations, and spiritual seekers have visited these places throughout the ages for their inner awakening.  The essential purpose is to inspire and motivate you to redirect your awareness to its source – which is within you.

How should I prepare myself for one of these walks?

These preparations are set out in the General Information about the Walks, and you can see the details by following this link https://vedicyogacentre.org/travel-general/.  Look for the heading “How to Prepare Yourself Physically and Mentally”.

What should I bring on one of these Walks?

Please follow this link for a list of items that will be helpful for your trip:  https://vedicyogacentre.org/travel-general/.   Look for the heading “We recommend Carrying the following items”.   It is always useful to have some dried fruit and nuts with you on these trips as they are a great source of protein and natural sugars and will keep you from being hungry.

What should I do if I suffer from travel sickness?

If you know you suffer from travel sickness, or if you are unsure, please bring appropriate medication with you – if you do not have any with you, the Centre can arrange this on request (but these will be allopathic NOT Ayurvedic medicines).  You should take these before you leave on your trip, and have adequate supplies for during your trip if needed.

Should I read up on history and significance of the places we are visiting?

Yes, you can read about the history and spiritual significance of the area if you have the interest, but our suggestion is that you remain open-hearted and open-minded so that you can be receptive to the silent (non-verbal) teachings of the Himalayas when you are there.

ANY QUESTIONS WE DIDN’T ANSWER?  Write to us at myvedicyoga@gmail.com

Registration

Email a copy of your flight details, passport and visa to:  myvedicyoga@gmail.com and complete the Application Form by following the Apply Now link, which includes payment of your deposit.

The Centre welcomes those people who wish to dedicate some time for themselves and who according to their inner requirements can participate in what is on offer by the Centre.  It is a perfect place for those seeking their physical, mental and spiritual balance, or who are simply looking for regenerating themselves in solitude.  The Centre provides a committed atmosphere so that they can experience their holistic health.  

Anyone coming for a self-retreat should be open-hearted and open-minded, and be of what is being offered at the Centre and are able to adjust themselves to the different visiting groups and programs being offered.