About India Yoga Ashram
A sacred space where nature, stillness, and mindful living come together beautifully.
Teaching
India Yoga Ashram (IYA)
India Yoga Ashram isn't just a place to practice yoga physically and therapeutically. It's a space to grow, heal, and truly bring you home to yourself. It's more than just practice — we learn a complete yoga lifestyle, where students feel comfortable, supported, confident, and always connected.
Home to the peaceful teachings of Patanjali, IYA is a space where nature, stillness, and mindful living come together beautifully. Surrounded by green hills, fresh Himalayan air, and the gentle sounds of the sacred Ganga River.
Here, you don't just practice yoga. You live it. And you become part of a global family of like-minded souls who share an immense amount of knowledge in traditional yoga, Ayurveda, and spiritual sciences.
Founded in the sacred city of Rishikesh — the Yoga Capital of the World — IYA sits close to the banks of the holy Ganga River, surrounded by lush green hills and the peaceful energy of the Himalayas. This is the birthplace of yoga, where ancient sages meditated and passed down timeless knowledge. When you practice here, you are part of a lineage that stretches back thousands of years.
Our classes are small and intimate by design. We believe real learning happens in a space where your teacher truly knows you — your strengths, your struggles, and your unique path. Every student receives personalised guidance and daily one-to-one mentoring whenever needed.
Whether you come for a weekend or a month, whether you are on your first yoga retreat or your tenth, IYA will meet you exactly where you are. Our goal is simple: to help you leave feeling more whole, more peaceful, and more alive than when you arrived.
Our Family Spirit
We practice with sincerity and joy. We hold space for each other's growth.
Global Community
Students from 12+ countries arrive as visitors and often take IYA home as their second home.
Vision & Values
At India Yoga Ashram — it's more than just movement. It's a way of living with authenticity, balance, and deep connection to your true self.
Balance
Finding equilibrium between effort and ease, body and mind, tradition and modernity.
Mindfulness
Cultivating present-moment awareness as the foundation of all practice and daily life.
Connection
Building meaningful bonds with ourselves, our community, and the natural world around us.
Authenticity
Honouring the ancient wisdom of yoga in its truest form, without compromise or dilution.
Seva (Service)
We offer our teachings as an act of service — from a place of love, not transaction.
Ahimsa (Non-Violence)
Every thought, word, and action at IYA flows from the yogic principle of non-harm and compassion.
Satsang (Community)
We gather together in truth. The sangha (community) is our greatest teacher and our greatest joy.
Svadhyaya (Self-Study)
We encourage each student to turn inward — to observe, question, and understand the nature of their own being.
Learn From Dedicated Masters
Sagar Khanduri
Sagar Khanduri — Ashtanga & Pranayama Teacher
Born and raised in the spiritual atmosphere of Rishikesh, Sagar Ji is a deeply committed teacher to the science that forms the foundation of Yoga. He has spent decades studying the ancient philosophies that form the foundation of Yoga. With over 25 years of dedicated yoga experience, his journey began as a teenager exploring yoga not only as a physical discipline but as a complete science of life.
- Purity of intention and connection with the inner self
- Genuine way of experiencing daily life through yoga
- Physical and mental mastery through Pranayama
- Areas of expertise: Yogic philosophy, Pranayama, ancient texts
"Yoga is not limited to the mat. It is the art of living with balance, wisdom, and compassion."
Sumit Khanduri
Sumit Khanduri — Ashtanga, Hatha, Yin & Pranayama
Deeply committed to the holistic practice of yoga, Sumit brings a balanced and mindful approach to his teaching. Over three years of dedicated instruction, he has cultivated a teaching style that embraces both the dynamic, foundational energy of Ashtanga and Hatha, as well as the deep, restorative stillness of Yin yoga. Recognising that true practice extends far beyond physical postures, he seamlessly weaves Pranayama and meditation into every session. For Sumit, the journey of yoga is about exploring the intricate connection between breath, body, and mind to achieve a profound sense of inner peace and awareness.
- Finding harmony by balancing active physical disciplines with deep, restorative practices
- Cultivating mental clarity and focused awareness through dedicated meditation
- Harnessing the vital life force and connecting the mind and body through Pranayama
- Areas of expertise: Ashtanga, Hatha, Yin Yoga, Pranayama, and Meditation
"Yoga is the journey of finding stillness within the movement, and carrying that peace from the mat into our daily lives."
Manju Mehra
Manju Mehra — Pranayama, Meditation & Mindfulness
Manju Ji is the co-founder of India Yoga Ashram and contributes extensively to the curriculum, teacher training and student well-being. Through Asana, Pranayama, and Ashtanga Yoga, Manju Ji's teaching style focuses on breath meditation and wellness.
- Specialist in Pranayama and Meditation techniques
- Creates a deeply nurturing and safe learning environment
- Known for her warmth, presence, and compassionate guidance
Accommodation at the Ashram
Simple, clean, and peaceful rooms designed to support rest, reflection, and your daily yoga practice.
Private Rooms
Comfortable rooms with mountain or garden views, hot water & attached bathroom.
Shared Rooms
Well-maintained shared dormitories for community living and connection.
Mountain Views
Himalayan and Ganga River views perfect for morning meditation & reflection.
Yoga Hall & Garden
Purpose-built yoga shala, meditation garden and peaceful community spaces.
Food at the Ashram
At India Yoga Ashram we believe that you are what you eat. Our food is light, fresh, and plant-based — carefully chosen to support digestion, energy balance, and mental clarity.
Our Sattvic Kitchen
- 100% vegetarian sattvic meals daily
- Fresh, locally sourced ingredients
- Herbal teas & detox drinks included
- Vegan & gluten-free options available
- Ayurvedic dietary principles followed
Daily Meal Schedule
Morning Nourishment
- Herbal tea, seasonal vegetables, dal, fresh salad
Hearty Midday Meal
- Rice, seasonal vegetables, dal / roti, chutney
Afternoon Refreshment
- Herbal / Tulsi tea & light seasonal snacks
Evening Lightness
- Light soup / khichdi for easy digestion
Ashram Guidelines
- Maintain silence during morning meditation hours (5–7 AM)
- Dress modestly and respectfully within ashram premises
- No alcohol, tobacco, or non-vegetarian food on ashram grounds
- Attend sessions punctually — yoga begins with discipline
- Respect all teachers, fellow students, and ashram staff
- Keep your personal space and shared areas clean
- Electronic devices on silent mode during classes
- Lights out by 10:00 PM to support early morning practice
- Practice ahimsa (non-violence) in thought, word, and deed
- Inform teachers of any physical limitations or injuries
The Spirit of the Ashram
"India Yoga Ashram is a living experiment in yogic consciousness. We believe the conduct we maintain outside the yoga mat is equally — if not more — important than the practice on it."
Our code of conduct is not a set of rules imposed from outside — it is an invitation to step into a more conscious, compassionate way of living. Every guideline flows naturally from the yogic principle of Ahimsa (non-harm).
"Come with an open
heart, leave with a transformed spirit."
— Sagar Khanduri, Founder
Frequently Asked Questions
Absolutely not! We welcome complete beginners with open arms. Our teachers are experienced in guiding students of all levels — from first-timers to advanced practitioners.
Retreat prices typically include accommodation, three sattvic meals per day, all yoga and meditation sessions, pranayama classes, and any scheduled excursions.
You can book directly through our Book Now page or contact us via email or WhatsApp. An advance booking deposit is required to secure your spot.
Comfortable, modest yoga clothing; a light shawl for meditation; personal toiletries; any medications; a journal. We provide yoga mats, props, and all necessary practice equipment.
Our food is 100% vegetarian and sattvic. We can accommodate vegan, gluten-free, and dairy-free with advance notice. Please mention dietary needs at the time of booking.
Yes! We offer both online and offline monthly yoga classes. Visit our Monthly Classes page for details and registration.
All our classes are taught in English. Some sessions may include Sanskrit terminology for mantras and postures, but everything is clearly explained. We welcome students from all backgrounds.
We keep our groups intentionally small — typically 6 to 15 students per retreat — to ensure every student receives personalised attention and real transformation.
Yes, we provide Wi-Fi in common areas. However, we gently encourage students to disconnect from devices during practice hours and evening satsang to fully benefit from the retreat experience.
Yes! We are happy to accommodate early arrivals and extended stays subject to availability. Please mention this at the time of booking so we can arrange everything smoothly for you.
Rishikesh is beautiful year-round. The most popular seasons are February–April (cool, clear weather) and September–November (post-monsoon freshness). We do welcome students in all seasons, each offering its own unique energy.
Absolutely — and many of our students come alone! IYA's community spirit means you will quickly feel at home. Many lifelong friendships are formed here. Solo travellers consistently tell us it is one of the most welcoming places they have ever visited.
India Yoga Ashram is approximately 5 km from Rishikesh Railway Station (Haridwar) and about 25 km from Haridwar Junction. We can arrange pickup on request. The nearest airport is Jolly Grant Airport, Dehradun (approximately 35 km).
Ready to Experience
Ashram Life?
Come as a guest, leave as family. Book your stay at India Yoga Ashram and discover the transformative power of authentic yoga in Rishikesh.