So, you have been dreaming of doing your 200-Hour Yoga Teacher Training in India. You have looked at glossy websites, compared dates, maybe even watched endless Instagram reels of yogis in Rishikesh or Goa. But deep inside, you are craving something real, something that is not about leggings, resorts, or certificates on the wall.
That is where the journey truly begins: not with packing a suitcase, but with preparing your mind, body, and heart for a turning point. At Akshara Yoga School, a modern ashram in rural India, we see it every very often: our students arrive stressed, distracted, or unsure, and leave more grounded than they ever imagined.
This is your friendly mentor’s guide to preparing for your 200-hour Hatha Yoga TTC in India, so you don’t just survive the training, but actually transform through it.
Preparing Your Mind
First things first: yoga teacher training is not a holiday.
It s not about poolside lounging, sightseeings or checking boxes for social media. It is about going inward, meeting yourself without filters, and letting the practice change you from the inside out.
To prepare, practice letting go of expectations. India is magical, yes! BUT it Is also raw, noisy, unpredictable, and sometimes uncomfortable. And that Is exactly what makes it so transformative.
If you arrive with an open mind, willing to adapt, willing to listen, willing to learn, you WIll discover that the real gift of a YTTC IS NOT just knowledge of asanas. It is learning how to live yoga every single day.
Preparing Your Body
You do not need to be an Instagram model to join a Hatha teacher training in India. But a little preparation goes a long way.
- Start practicing yoga regularly (even 15 minutes a day).
- Build some stamina with walking or gentle exercise.
- Adjust your sleep cycle to earlier mornings, ashram life starts with the sunrise.
- Slowly reduce heavy, processed foods and shift toward a sattvic diet (clean, vegetarian, light).
This way, your body will not be in shock when you step into daily practice, and you will enjoy the journey instead of struggling through it.
Preparing for the Environment
At Akshara, we are not in the middle of a tourist town. We are on a sustainable farm in rural India, surrounded by rice fields, mango orchards, and jungle life. That means you will hear birds at dawn, not traffic. You will eat vegetables straight from the farm, not supermarket shelves.
For many students, especially solo female travelers, this setting feels safe, grounding, and supportive. Because we work with small groups (often even one-to-one), you are never lost in a crowd. You are seen, cared for, and guided through every step.
If you are preparing to come, understand this: it is not a resort. It is a modern ashram lifestyle: simple, authentic, and deeply human.
Preparing Your Practicalities
Yes, the boring stuff matters too and it can make your arrival much smoother.
- Travel: We do not offer pickup from Delhi directly, but do not worry, we will guide you in arranging transport. We do offer pickups from nearby domestic airports and train stations, so you are never stranded.
- Health: Bring a reusable water bottle with a filter, stay hydrated, and trust your body’s limits. India is safe if you respect your digestion and adapt slowly.
- Payment/Deposit: Make sure your transfers are arranged in advance. Keep screenshots and confirmations handy so you travel with peace of mind.
When your basics are in place, you can focus on the real reason you came: yoga.
Packing Checklist 🧳
Here’s your mentor-approved list (print this or save it for later):
- Clothing: Modest yoga outfits, light layers for hot days, a warm jacket for cool mornings of December, a scarf or shawl.
- Essentials: Yoga mat (if you prefer your own), water bottle with filter (if you do not want to drink from our RO water), journal, an alarm if you want to detox from mobile phone.
- Self-Care: Natural toiletries, sunscreen, mosquito repellent, reusable menstrual products (if applicable).
- Mindset Items: Patience, openness, a sense of humor, these will be tested more than your flexibility.
Remember: pack light. You don’t need “stuff” to transform.
Food & Lifestyle
At Akshara, we follow a sattvic diet: simple, clean vegetarian food that nourishes without burdening the body. Think fresh vegetables, dals, chapatis, rice, fruit, herbal teas. No meat, alcohol, or processed foods.
Why? Because yoga is not just about what you do on the mat. It is about what you put into your body. Sattvic food keeps you light, balanced, and ready for practice.
Meals are farm-to-table, shared in community. For many students, this becomes one of the most healing parts of the journey.
What Makes Akshara Different
In India, you’ll find hundreds of yoga schools. Many are crowded, commercial, and designed for tourism.
Akshara is different.
- We are a modern ashram in the rural india, not a resort.
- Our groups are small, sometimes just one or two people, which means you receive personal attention.
- We live close to nature: rice fields, jungle, farm animals, and fresh food.
- We teach yoga as a holistic tradition, not just physical postures.
You come here not to escape life, but to reconnect with it.
From Preparation to Transformation
So, how do you really prepare for a 200-hour Yoga TTC in India?
By being open. By bringing your whole self. By trusting the process.
Yes, pack your mat and your clothes. Yes, get your visa and flights in order. But most of all: prepare to be surprised. Because what you think you are coming for and what you actually receive are often very different.
And that difference? That is the transformation.
If you feel ready to take this step, join us at Akshara Yoga School. Apply for our 200-Hour Teacher Training Course. Or, if you want to dip your toes first, try our 80-Hour Yoga Foundation Course or an 7-Day Yoga Vacation
This isn’t just a course. It’s a turning point in your life.
FAQs
What should I pack for a yoga TTC in India?
Light, modest yoga clothes, layers for different weather, a shawl, water bottle with filter, and natural toiletries.
Is India safe for solo female travelers?
Yes! Especially in small ashrams like Akshara. Our rural setting, small groups, and community environment make safety and care a priority.
Do I need previous yoga experience?
No. Our Yoga TTC is designed for beginners and intermediate students. What matters is curiosity and commitment.
What is a sattvic diet?
Sattvic means “pure, balanced, harmonious.” It is a vegetarian diet of fresh, natural foods that support clarity, energy, and peace of mind.
How do I travel from Delhi to Akshara Yoga School?
We will help you arrange transport from Delhi. Once you are closer, we provide pickups from nearby airports and train stations.
