Frequently Asked Questions

Location & Transportation

The closest and most convenient airport for you is to fly to New-Delhi. If you are visiting India for the first time then it is better for you to take a flight to Dehradun (city nearby), and from Dehradun is a 30 min drive by car, so you save a hustle.

Delhi airport to Rishikesh by car is a 6 hours journey. We have a transportation package for US$ 150 which will cover your airport pick-up, transfer from Delhi to Rishikesh (by car) and after completion of the course transfer back from Rishikesh to Delhi. One way transportation i.e. Delhi airport to Rishikesh can also be availed for US$ 75. In case, your flight arrives late night and you want to stay overnight in Delhi, airport pick-up cost will be US$ 25 and a reasonably good accommodation at a hotel in Delhi can be arranged for US$ 40 or 50. Our travel arrangements are executed under the supervision of professionals and we are always ready with a back-up plan, in case of emergencies. Another good option is to travel by train (airport to New Delhi train station by car, then by train to Haridwar and from Haridwar to Rishikesh by car). Travel by bus is quite cheap but a bit inconvenient for first time visitors.

Cheap hotels can also be found in Delhi (Main Bazar, Paharganj area) for USD 10~20. From Delhi airport to Paharganj can be reached by airport metro express in less than 20 minutes and it costs less than US$ 2

Yes, it is safe to travel alone to Rishikesh, many tourist does it. It might be a bit challenging to travel by local buses or trains sometimes if you are never been to India before, as its very different from other parts of the world.

Yes, with advanced notice we will arrange transportation for you to Rishikesh directly from the airport, bus or train station. Upon arriving in Rishikesh we will help you with directions for walking a short distance to our school

Food & Accommodation

Food provided at our center is 100% vegetarian, not vegan. You will need to inform us in advance so our chef can prepare food for you especially.

Yes, we will provide you food according to your needs.

There is pure filtered water available for students 24/7, free of charge.

Yes, when you are not at your classes you are free to use cellphone.

Our wireless internet is free and easily accessible, so you can bring your phone or your laptop in order to use it.

Yes, we have AC available for extra charges.

Health & Security

Yes, India hospitals has the same facilities as Western countries, might be not the same brand, but you'll be able to get it here as well.

If you are sick, injured or in need of medical assistance, we will provide you with medical care or take you to a western-style hospital (whichever option is needed). And in this case we will find alternatives for you in order to be able to finish the course.

Any particular vaccination is not required. Bringing mosquito repellants, lotions etc. are recommended.

Rishikesh is a very low-risk of Malaria. So you shouldn' t worry about taking any vaccination, as it's pretty rare at this area.

We have taken extra precautions by hiring a dedicated staff to prepare each and every meal at the school from fresh ingredients. Eating outside of school is pretty safe in the restaurants at Rishikesh. If your stomach is sensitive, you should beware of eating street foods.

About The Course

We accept Max 15 to 20 students in each course .

White color clothes are recommended. Try to avoid black color clothes. Modest dressing is highly recommended.

No, You don' t need to bring your own yoga mat as we provide new yoga mats to each & every student.

No, the course is too intense for pregnant women to complete.

You' ll have some breaks during your daily schedule. Sundays are free days as there is no classes, so you'll have time to discover.

In case of emergency yes, but you' ll have to inform the teacher from the class about it.In case of emergency yes, but you'll have to inform the teacher from the class about it.

Yes, it is possible to attend the Course with your partner.

The Course are suitable for everyone as we committed to teach you from the very root of yoga thru all aspects, so experience are not necessary.

All teachers are qualified Yogis, some are with master degrees of yoga sciences, and some are with MA degrees.

No, all students are coming from different parts of the world, so English are most likely second language of them. The courses are easily understandable and teachers will help you in anything.

There is few book that you' ll have to read during your course. Is your choice to start before your arrival or once you are at the school.

In order to attend the orientation program, one should arrive at least a day before starting of the course. On the first day at 10:30 am the Course will start with yoga ritual. On last day of the course, graduation ceremony takes place and it finishes by 11:30 am, therefore, departure should be planned one day after completion of the course.

Certification

To become a certified yoga teacher, you must successfully complete a yoga teacher training course and show competence in your ability to teach a yoga class. Find out what the suggested minimum requirements for yoga teachers are at: www.yogaalliance.org.The yoga alliance page also lists training programs and yoga schools that meet their minimum standards

Yes, Samadhi Yoga Ashram (RYS 200, 300, 500) is a registered yoga school with Yoga Alliance, USA for providing internationally recognized yoga teacher training certifications in India. All our yoga teacher training graduates can register online at Yoga Alliance® website.

Yes, you'll have to pass a written and a verbal test. The decision will be based by your performance, attendance and behavior.

Yes, our courses are qualified by Yoga Alliance. After registration on the website you' ll be able to teach in any part of the world.

General Questions

Yes, if there is any personal issues, so in case we are able delay the dates of your course. The advance of the course fees are non-refundable, only in the case of emergency students can join us on other schedules

We are accepting credit card payments for booking amounts. Remaining fees can be paid either in cash or by TCs. If you opt for paying your remaining fees by credit card then additional 1.75% will be charged as transaction fee. You can also use your ATM debit cards (Master/Visa/Electron) to withdraw cash in Rishikesh

You don't need to pay extra money as our course fees includes food and accommodation. You' ll be provided a shared room with all the basic amenities like attached bathroom, 24 hours water supply, hot water heater, bathing shower, Wardrobe and so on.

Private Accommodation - Some additional amount for the complete stay

Students should apply for tourist visa as it is easy and granted from indian embassy shortly, purpose of visit in india should be yoga retreat or ayurveda retreats. Students may give our school address as well as contact number as an indian reference. Contact details of Indian embassy in your country can be found. In general, visa expiry date is counted from the day visa is issued. Please verify it with the concerned embassy. Try to apply for your visa at least 2 or 3 weeks before your travel date.

Most of the general items you will need during your stay in India (or their equivalent) can be easily found in the nearby shops around the corner from our yoga school. What we suggest you remember to bring is any specialty item that you can't live without, like a specific personal care item or favorite snack from your country.

Post is just right next to our school 5 m walk. Police station next us as well. So the area is well secured, we have 24/7 security with CCTV cameras.

Weather

  • December-January-February are the coldest month, the temperature gets down to 15-26 C, and we do not provide room heaters, so if you are doing the course during December-early March we recommend you to bring warm clothes.
  • April to August - hot & rainy weather - light cotton clothes are recommended, as the temperature can get even to 40 degrees. September is the ending of the rainy season. Still if you coming during these month umbrella/raincoats are recommended.
  • October to March - weather in Rishikesh varies from pleasant to cold and woolen clothes, jackets etc. are recommended. The temperature is averagely around 32-33 C.

Samadhi Yoga Ashram is registered and certified yoga school with yoga alliance USA, Yoga alliance international and seva samadhi trust. Certified yoga teachers from world peace yoga school are enable to teach and demonstrate yoga in any country around the world as a RYT certified teacher with Yoga alliance USA & Yoga alliance international.

Our 100,200,300,500 hour is multi-style yoga teacher training course(Yoga Therapy,Kundalini etc..) that follows yoga alliance USA standards and graduates from Samadhi Yoga Ashram will be enable to teach classical hatha yoga, ashtanga and vinyasa yoga, yoga philosophy, meditation, pranayama, yoga therapy & anatony as a certified yoga teacher.

We Follow

The 5000 Years Old Yoga Tradition of The Himalayan Masters

The Samadhi Yoga Ashram follows the teachings of generations of Himalayan Masters, Avatars, and great Saints who originate from the ancient cave hermitages of the Himalayas. The lineage of the teaching tradition dates back almost five thousand years, Masters, Avatars, and Saints include Swami Rama and his teacher Bangali Baba who is a direct disciple of Maha Avatar Babaji. This prodigious tradition was practiced without a name and we aptly named it “The Tradition of the Himalayan Masters.”

Yoga Vishnu Panigrahi who is a disciple of Swami Veda Bharati who is, in turn, a disciple of Swami Rama has now devoted his time, energy, and spirituality to encourage and advance the Himalayan Tradition and to bring world peace by consummating Samadhi, which really should be the ultimate goal of human life.

Although Yoga’s roots are closely linked to Hindu culture, Yoga should not be misinterpreted as a religion. The path of the Himalayan tradition is very simple and anyone can practice it irrespective of religion, faith, gender, language, and nationality. Transmission of knowledge involves a close teacher-pupil relationship, which forms a stable foundation that leads to pupils getting liberated from worldly attachments and fulfilling their spiritual destinies.

The Ashram follows a holistic path of Yoga embracing Karma Yoga, Bhakti Yoga, Jana Yoga, Raja Yoga, Kundalini Yoga, and Tantra Yoga. The message of a Himalayan Master is “To get freedom from all fears, be aware of the reality within.” Be spontaneous in your approach and let yourself become the instrument to impart pure spirituality without any religious or cultural convictions.

Agastya Muni - Ancient Vedic Sage and Author of Rig Veda

Agastya Muni

(Author of some verses of Rig Veda)

Patanjali - Father of Yoga and Author of Yoga Sutras

Patanjali

(4th Century BC)

Siddha Bhogar - Ancient Tamil Siddhar and Yoga Master

Siddha Bhogar

(550 BC)

Mahavatar Babaji - Immortal Himalayan Yogi

Mahavatar Babaji

(30 Nov 203 AD still alive in Himalayas)

Guru Vishnu - Founder of Samadhi Yoga Ashram Rishikesh

Guru Vishnu

(1974 birth and now lives in Rishikesh)

Swami Veda Bharati - Himalayan Yoga Tradition Master

Swami Veda Bharati

(1933 - 2015)

Swami Rama - Founder of Himalayan Institute

Swami Rama

(1925 - 1996)

Bengali Baba - Great Himalayan Yogi and Disciple Sage

Bengali Baba

(A Great Himalayan Yogi Disciple Sage)

All Reviews Of Us From Students

What Students Says About Samadhi Yoga Ashram

Student Testimonials at Samadhi Yoga Ashram
Hannah from Germany - Yoga Student Review at Samadhi Yoga Ashram

Hannah

Germany

I attended the 300 hour Kundalini Teachers Training course in January 2025. I have attended several other training programs over my 26 years of practicing yoga. This experience was the BEST! The Ashram was really fun, and the food was great. The training was the most excellent curriculum I have experienced thus far, the teachers were enthusiastic, heart centered and brilliant. Rishikesh is the most mystical place I have ever been held by the Himalayan mountains and the energetic greatness of the Ganges River. The town people were the kindest souls, the food in town was great too. I also loved the eco system of people and animals all existing together in such peace. My wife and I had such a beautiful experience, we feel that the friends we made in the program will likely be lifelong. We are already looking at our calendar to see when we can go back and finish the 500 hour program. My only request would be that they create a 1000 hour opportunity for those who want to continue on and on. Our daily practice is deeper than ever as are the gifts that come with a string Sadhana.

Olga Benko from Australia - Yoga Student Review at Samadhi Yoga Ashram

Olga Benko

Australia

Kundalini called me, as well as many others. Choosing a school, I saw the website of the Samadhi Yoga Ashram and a photo of Hari Priya and realized that I needed to go to this place. I had no idea what is Kundalini, and I did not expect the awakening of energy, I just followed my inner voice. I am very pleased with the training and grateful to all the Gurus for the knowledge and invaluable experience gained during the training. I got a lot more than I expected. During the practice, I found answers to my personal questions, as did everyone who was trained. I watched how I changed and how the people around me changed. We have undergone a colossal transformation, we have changed, we have become stronger, more confident, calmer, happier. I am grateful to the universe for this opportunity and wish all the best to the Ashram and all the Gurus. I will definitely return to Rishakesh. Namaste

Pauline from Japan - Yoga Student Review at Samadhi Yoga Ashram

Pauline

Japan

I have just completed by YTT200 training here. I will definitely miss here so much and in fact I don't want to leave and go back to my home country... It is my first time to India and I am coming here alone. There isn't any other student of the same nationality as me, but we are close friends now. I am glad that this yoga school is situated on this side of the river bank where it is more tranquil and suitable for study than the touristy centre on the opposite side. Food at ashram is so homey and in appropriate level of taste (not heavy like outside's and not bland), because the kitchen also cooks for the Guru's family who also lives here. With family members around, it feels not like a conventional/ business-driven school but experiencing local culture. Classes are well-organised and we learnt so much within a short span of time. It is out of my expectation that how focused we could learn yoga in such a way. Teachers speak good english and are serious in tackling our problems and make us improved quickly. Excursions offered by the school are fun and safe too (although we don't have much day off given the tight schedule of an intensive course). I would definitely love to visit India again, and if I do, I must come back and visit the school and the Guru's family. It can be said as my second home. I had such an amazing mind-changing journey and found my inner peace together with teaching techniques that I would definitely polish further in my yogi journey.

Montserrat from Russia - Yoga Student Review at Samadhi Yoga Ashram

Montserrat

Russia

I had an amazing experience in SYA! The stuff became my family during my stay and I learn so much from them. Yogi Vishnu Panigrahi is such a beautiful being and so genuine! By spontaneity I met him and he brought me to this beautiful place! Which was on of my greatest experience here in Rishikesh! The teachers are dedicated and the food during my stay was marvellous! p.s they have hot water to shower with and all is super clean! Thank you! SYA for this time! Until next time! Namaste.

Melina from Italy - Yoga Student Review at Samadhi Yoga Ashram

Melina

Italy

I completed the 300 hour kundalini yoga teacher training. This was offered by many different instructors providing their insight and knowledge in many different areas [asana practice, kundalini theory + practice, pranayama, anatomy, ayurveda, etc.]. Each instructor had a deep understanding of their subject and it was the perfect combination of class materials/content and practices to allow you to truly embody your practice. Would love to attend an in-person program one day.

Jessica from Greece - Yoga Student Review at Samadhi Yoga Ashram

Jessica

Greece

The first thing you should know about Samadhi Yoga Ashram is that it goes by several names. So if you’re like me and you spend hours or days researching and comparing different yoga schools, you may be surprised to find that they are actually all under one roof. The three that are connected are Samadhi Yoga Ashram, World Peace Yoga School, and Kundalini Yoga Ashram. So if you’re looking for a kundalini specific program, you’ll likely end up here. So whichever school you choose, you will still be in the same building studing the same curriculum with the same people who booked with other schools. I just wanted to make that clear so there’s no confusion. Whichever path you take to get here, it’s definitely worth it! The second thing you should know is, I highly recommend you bring your cash with you to pay for the balance of your tuition when you arrive. I thought I could just come and use ATMs but I was sadly mistaken. Most of the time you can only get up to $100 US per day from an ATM. The second thing to note is that most of the ATMs run out of cash before you can even get money out. The other option is to take money out down the street at a jewelry store that was actually very legit and safe, but they do charge extra fees from 5% to 12%. If you want to pay with your card at the ashram you’ll have to pay an additional 18% on top of your balance of your tuition. This proved to be a very difficult part of the stay and I would definitely recommend making it easy for yourself and bringing your money with you. It really should not have been as hard as it was, is but it is what is it. Now onto the fun stuff! The team here is really amazing! The teachers are first class! They’re very intelligent and I feel like I was learning from some of the top people in the industry! There were times when I felt like I was in college level classes. The team here and the teachers really cannot be compared to anything else. You will not get this type of experience doing a destination style yoga teacher training or online course. These people are teaching year-round and they know their stuff. Some of these teachers have doctorate degrees. Everybody that took the classes were very impressed and felt we got so much value for what we paid to be here. Most of us never wanted to leave! Also living the Ashram experience, is an experience all of it’s own! It’s kind of like living in a hippie commune on a college campus. That’s the best way I can describe! You eat together, you sleep at the same time, you take your classes together, and you become very bonded with your classmates. Honestly that part of the experience was one of the best parts! Even the difficulties added to the experience. You may not have hot water all the time, electricity goes off often, and it was very cold when I was here, but I wouldn’t trade anything for the experience I had! Every hardship was worth it in the end. This experience was very transformative for me. I came here for two months and did the 200 and 300 hour Kundalini courses and I booked with Samadhi Yoga Ashram. I would highly recommend coming here for your yoga teacher training. You’ll get more than you bargained for and you'll come back home as a different person! You can’t beat the value for this experience! Highly recommended!

Tsvetelina from Bulgarian - Yoga Student Review at Samadhi Yoga Ashram

Tsvetelina

Bulgarian

I truly love my stay in Samadhi Yoga Ashram. It was a life time transfomational experience for me and The best school of life, wisdom, love I have attended in my life. I came for YTTC Kundalini Yoga training with 200 hours looking to find where my path was guiding me. After I have completed one month of training, I knew my direction and have decided to stay and continue with YTTC 300 hours of Kundalini Yoga training. The training itself is absolutely transformational and amazingly enriching with morning Sadhana with Guruji Vishnu, Kundalini kriyas,Hatha yoga,Mantras, etc.. The quality, the knowledge, the experience, the disposition and the care of all the teachers were exceptional. The life wisdom, strength, the love of Guruji Vushnu were blessing. We were leaded by having them as example of what is to be so wise and in the same time so humble, so loving, so simple and so strong. You simply feel accepted, supported, empowered and loved the way you are. The group I stay with were such a loving people, with the same vibes of kindness between us, positive mind, shared values.., just as true friends and family. The food was great. There was cleanliness, variety, organization. The staff in the dining area were gorgeous and accommodating, and the staff in the rest of the Ashram were gentle, understanding, meeting your request if there was any in the closest for you way. We celebrated all together - teachers, students, and the rest of the people in the Ashram as family. We spent time together in a spiritual practices and in festive celebrations. Ashram is positioned in a central( with shops and restaurants area) ,but calm and queit area surrounded by Himalayas and Ghanga river. The landscapes are stunning and you feel the power of the energy. I am deeply grateful to the Universe,to Guruji Vishnu, to all my teachers and my friends there for been part of that journey together.

Natalia from England - Yoga Student Review at Samadhi Yoga Ashram

Natalia

England

I chose back Samadhi Yoga School to complete the 500 YTT because I felt I could truly immerse myself in the true and authentic Himalayan yogi tradition. I experienced a wonderful journey of personal development and self discovery that is never going to stop. My personal experience at the school has been completely fulfilling, and even though I was miles away from the teachers and colleagues the community created has made me feel part of the family. I truly recommend studying with Vishnu ji to get a deeper understanding of the true traditions and the techniques that every yogi and yogini should get access to. The teachings come from real love and understanding of the philosophy of yoga. Your life will change when attending a course with them. Shanti, shanti, shanti

Anna Müller from Germany - Yoga Student Review at Samadhi Yoga Ashram

Anna Müller

Germany

I came to Samadhi Yoga Ashram searching for peace and deeper meaning in my practice—and I found so much more. The teachers are incredibly knowledgeable and kind, blending traditional yogic wisdom with practical application. The location near the Ganga is serene, and the daily routine was grounding. I now feel confident teaching yoga and living more mindfully. Highly recommended for anyone looking to deepen their spiritual path.

Lucas from Australia - Yoga Student Review at Samadhi Yoga Ashram

Lucas

Australia

The 300-hour TTC at Samadhi Yoga Ashram was intense in the best way possible. The depth of the philosophy, pranayama, and meditation sessions really pushed me beyond the physical. It’s a full immersion into the yogic lifestyle, supported by a warm and knowledgeable staff. Rishikesh itself is a spiritual haven, and the ashram environment made it easy to stay focused. I'm grateful for the personal transformation this training offered.

Martinez from Colombia - Yoga Student Review at Samadhi Yoga Ashram

Martinez

Colombia

I had some hesitation traveling to India alone, but from the moment I arrived, the staff at Samadhi Yoga Ashram made me feel like family. The course content was rich and well-structured, with great emphasis on philosophy, anatomy, and teaching methodology. I especially loved the morning meditations and evening kirtans. I leave not only with a certification, but with a more open heart and calm mind.

Nathaniel from Canada - Yoga Student Review at Samadhi Yoga Ashram

Nathaniel

Canada

Completing the 500-hour TTC was one of the most physically and mentally demanding things I’ve ever done—but also the most fulfilling. The curriculum is rigorous, and the teachers expect full dedication, but they are compassionate and supportive every step of the way. Samadhi Yoga Ashram has a beautiful balance of discipline and community. I’m going home not only as a certified yoga teacher, but as a more grounded human being.

Committed To Providing The Best

Learn From Best Yoga Gurus In Rishikesh

Yogi Vishnu Panigrahi - Ashram Founder at Samadhi Yoga Ashram

Yogi Vishnu Panigrahi

Ashram Founder

Yogi Praveen Ji - Kundalini and Swara Yoga Teacher

Yogi Praveen Ji

Kundalini & Swara Yoga

Swami Shiv Ji - Vedanta Philosophy Teacher

Swami Shiv Ji

Vedanta Philosophy

Dr. Hemlata Ji - Specialist Yoga Teacher and Therapist

Dr. Hemlata Ji

Specialist Teacher & Therapist

Dr. Devyani Ji - Ayurveda and Diet Consultant

Dr. Devyani Ji

Ayurveda & Diet Consultant

Yogi Siddha Ji - Sound Healing and Meditation Teacher

Yogi Siddha Ji

Sound Healing & Meditation

Dr. Sanjeev Ji - Advanced Pranayama Teacher

Dr. Sanjeev Ji

Advanced Pranayama

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