Places For Meditation and Yoga
"Rishikesh, which translates as 'Land of Rishis or Yogis,' could be considered the capital of yoga and meditation in India. There are many ashrams along the banks of the holy river Ganga. Most are low-budget, offering no-frills accommodations and a fairly strict daily vegetarian diet (complete avoidance of eggs, meat, garlic, onions, intoxicants, cigarettes, etc.). All have wonderful tranquil locations -- quite and peaceful, perfect for contemplation and meditation. These are excellent places to learn and practice yoga from skilled exponents of the art.

Some of the Ashrams offering yoga and meditation classes in the Rishikesh area are the Yoga Study Centre (91-1364-243-1196), Yoga Niketan Ashram (91-1364-243-0227), Parmarth Niketan Ashram, and Sri Ved Niketan Ashram (91-1364-243-3537). Courses range from a week to a month and include daily yoga and meditation classes, satsangs (devotional gatherings), and bhajans (hymns). There is limited space so you must book in advance. There is an annual event (International Yoga Week) held at Parmarth Niketan Ashram every February/March, which would be an excellent introduction to the various yoga styles.