My AYM experience fully exceeded my expectations for a 200-yoga teacher training program in Rishikesh, India.
The accommodations: Clean, new, home-y and spacious rooms. The yoga hall has a priceless view of the hills of Rishikesh.
The food: A tasty variety of Indian food. Be prepared for lots of rice, chapati, lentils and daal. As long as you like Indian food, you will be happy and healthy while you are here.
The location: Just outside the town of Tapovan, which is on the outskirts of downtown Rishikesh. It is a 10-minute walk down a hill to shops and lots of dining. A great "get-away feel" in the hills instead of being in the center of town, which is perfect for an awesome yogi vibe.
The company: A diverse group from all over the world looking to learn yoga, have fun, and enjoy the sights and sounds of Rishikesh.
Most importantly, the yoga: Thoughtful and creative teachers who care about the needs of the students. It is a strenuous program of 4+ hours of yoga/day and 4+ hours of classroom lecture/day.
Dependent on the experience you are looking for, the following could be challenging to you:
-It felt more like a social ashram than a quiet, peaceful and meditative experience. It could be dependent on your group, but something to consider.
-You should like Indian food because at least six days a week, that is what is served in the kitchen for breakfast, lunch and dinner.
-You are not directly in town, but could be challenging to those that want to be in the "heart of the city-center."
-The accommodations were nicer than expected, with a high-end hostel feel (private bath or shared with just one other person, washing machine on-site, and shared dining area). However, warm water for showers was limited, wifi came and went and the power shortages that are typical in India happened regularly.
All in all – an amazing place with great people, food and yoga.