Yoga is the eventual source for complete well being, that releases all tension, stress and anxiety. Yoga is an essential element of day to day life as it can prevent and cure many diseases. India thus is the proud home of various Yoga Institutes that dedicate themselves to teach and aid people to stay healthy. Yoga Institutes in India are established to teach Yoga- the natural science of health. These institutes have eminent instructors or Gurus who guide the students ensuring that they get maximum benefit out of yoga.
Yoga is an ancient practice in India. It helps for betterment of one`s body and mind. Yoga is an exercise process that is also associated with Dhyana or Meditation and Pranayama or proper breathing. India has witnessed many yoga gurus who adopted the art of yoga, which was once deeply established in the heart of India. Now a days Yoga practicing has again become popular by ceaseless effort of many yoga gurus. Different Yoga Institutes in India were established to continue with the study, practice and research on yoga. The yoga institutes are not only confined within the country but they have spread their galore in many other parts of the world so that yoga can gain worldwide popularity.

Yoga education in India has taken a new turn with the advent of the concept of Yoga holidays. At present the Yoga Institutes in India are employing various ways and means to support the notion of yoga holiday. Many of the institutes offer packages including accommodation and opportunity during a holiday which are based on Yoga tours. Thus the visitors get a prospect of spending considerable time with the Yogis as well enjoy a healthy holiday. A yoga holiday also allows the visitor to totally unwind. Separate yoga shala or drop-in centre are used for yoga holidays. Guests can attend classes and get involved in various other activities such as meditation, chanting, karma yoga, walks, and spontaneous gatherings and workshops. The `drop-in` centres or the yoga shala have teachers who are being invited to teach. These institutes or ashrams create an openness of the mind, thus the visitors can get introduced to a specific style of yoga. Each residence in the yoga shalas has four teachers. In addition to that various massage and holistic treatments are offered to relax and experience inner stillness.
There are various Yoga Institutes in India and these renowned institutes are spread all over the country. The oldest known yoga institute is Kaivalyadhama Yoga Institute which was founded by Swami Kuvalayananda in the year 1924. It was established at Lonavala of Maharashtra. Another prominent yoga institutes that is considered to be one of the oldest institutes of Yoga is the Yoga Institute in Santa Cruz, Mumbai. Among all the premier institutes, Patanjali Yogapeeth has achieved reputation all over the country as well as internationally too.
Other foremost yoga institutes in the country have been flourishing in eastern India, Guwahati and Bhubaneshwar. The northern and western regions of the country are abode of yoga institutes. All the Yoga Institutes in India aim for a calm atmosphere and also help in practicing Yoga for a healthy mind and body.
(Last Updated on : 04/03/2010)