Isha Yoga Center: A Guide for Expats Traveling in India
The Isha Yoga Center in Tamil Nadu, India is an incredible place to visit for travelers and spiritual seekers. Check out what makes this destination so special, the best time to visit, what to pack, where to stay, things to do, and many more tips for your journey!
The Isha Yoga Center is in south India on the foothills of the Velliangiri Mountains. It’s near Coimbatore in Tamil Nadu. Isha is a non-profit organization that is known for offering yoga programs and social outreach initiatives around the world.
The Isha Yoga Center was set up in the 1990’s by Sadhguru, who is a world-renowned spiritual leader from India. It’s a hub of spiritual learning and activities, and it’s a truly incredible place to spend a few days or even months.
Whether you consider yourself a spiritual seeker or are simply a traveler wanting to explore India, the Isha Yoga Center is a unique destination in India! There are many expats who come from around the world to visit the center and locals from India as well.
The first time I went to the Isha Yoga Center in 2018, I knew nothing about yoga or Isha! Still, it was an amazing and peaceful experience, and something unlike anything I had ever visited before. Over the years I took a one week yoga course led by Isha and have traveled to the Isha Center countless times. It’s one of my favorite places to visit in India!
This post is meant for first-time visitors or foreigners planning to visit the Isha Yoga Center. It has information on how to travel there and what to expect during your experience.
This post is all about the Isha Yoga Center.
Isha Yoga Center: Tips for Travelers
Best Time to Visit
The best time to visit the Isha Yoga Center is between October – February. The weather is relatively cool and it’s after the monsoon season. It especially gets busy with visitors during holidays like Diwali and Christmas, when people don’t have work and can go.
Monsoon season is July – September and is also a pleasant time to visit the Isha Yoga Center. Expect rain every day, but carry an umbrella and you’ll have no issues. Most of your time will be spent indoors, so the rain will really only affect you when walking between places.
March – June is summer and it can get very hot! It’s still a peaceful time to go, but just be prepared to cope with the heat.
Major Holidays at the Isha Yoga Center
Mahashivratri – There is a huge all-night program that happens for Mahashvratri, which generally falls in February or March each year. Thousands of people come to the center for this event which is absolutely magical! If you are interested in seeing the celebration, it’s a great time to go (but make plans ASAP) or if you would like a more peaceful, relaxed stay then be sure to avoid these dates.
Guru Purnima – Guru Purnima is similarly another significant day at the Isha Yoga Center. Likewise, hundreds of people come to the ashram at this time for special events and to celebrate this day. Guru Purnima typically falls in the beginning of July.
How to Get There
Coimbatore is the closest major city to the Isha Yoga Center. There are many flights and trains you can take to get to Coimbatore.
From Coimbatore, the best option is to get a pre-paid taxi to take you to the Isha Yoga Center. It’s about a 1.5 hour drive and will cost around 1800-2200 INR ($22-27 USD).
There are also buses that run between Coimbatore and Isha, although I have never taken one and I feel the taxi is worth the money and super easy.
If you are staying at the ashram (which I HIGHLY recommend, and more about that later), then you won’t need to worry about transportation once you’re there because everything is within walking distance. Also, there is a welcome center who can help organize cabs for you when needed and some rickshaws available outside the center.
If you are not staying in the Isha Yoga Center, you will need to take a rickshaw or cab to get around the nearby villages and get to and from the center.
How to Stay at the Isha Yoga Center
You HAVE to stay at the Isha Yoga Center accommodations if you are traveling there. It’s not required, but it really is what makes the experience worthwhile.
There are many different types of accommodations offered and you can choose what fits your budget or needs (like AC/non-AC, how many beds, or if you want simple/more luxury). Prices range from 990 INR – 7700 INR ($12-95 USD) per night.
It’s important that you book your accommodation at the Isha Yoga Center in advance because they are often fully booked if you try to wait until the last minute, especially during holidays.
I can’t stress it enough that staying at the center is the best option! You get two free meals per day which is incredibly delicious and nutritious food made daily by volunteers. There is also a large lawn which you can relax in and hang out at night. The accommodations, food hall and lawn are all closed off for outside visitors. You also can go around the center at night after it’s closed for outside guests and it’s a remarkable experience.
If you are unable to stay at the center or prefer to stay in a nearby hotel, you can find various hotel options nearby. You will still be allowed to visit the Isha Yoga Center during opening hours and they have some shops and cafes where you can purchase food.
Things to do at the Isha Yoga Center
There are SO many things to do at the Isha Yoga Center, even for people who are not familiar with yoga!
Dhyanalinga
This is one of the main attractions at the Isha Yoga Center. It is a huge, dome structure with a linga (an ellipsoid shape that can hold the most energy according to yogic science) in the center. The Dhyanalinga is a consecrated space where you can sit and meditate. Even if you don’t typically practice meditation, you can still sit and you’ll feel the powerful atmosphere of the space.
Throughout the day and during certain occasions, there are different offerings and music played which can be a great time to sit. Before entering, they play an audio recording to share information about the space and then have ten minute sessions where you can leave once you hear the bell, or sit as long as you’d like.
Linga Bhairavi
Linga Bhairavi is a powerful energy form consecrated by Sadhguru. It is a Goddess and a representation of the divine feminine energy. Visitors can sit in the Linga Bhairavi temple for a powerful experience.
You can also join in for an Aarti which is a special prayer and offering to the Goddess. There are options for you to pay for different offerings and rituals.
This is a very powerful space and we even had a wedding ceremony here! It’s my favorite place to go in Isha.
Theerthakund
The Suryakund and Chandrakund are pools of energized water which you can dip in. They are separated for males and females and it’s a really powerful experience.
You pay a small fee to dip in the pools. The men’s is open and one of the first places you will see when you enter the Isha Yoga Center. The women’s is completely private. They will give you simple clothing to wear and you have to have a quick rinse shower before you can enter. While there, you can dip your head underwater and spend time soaking in the energies.
Isha shops & cafes
There are several shops and cafes near the entrance and inside the Isha Yoga center. They have a lot of high-quality items like health products, food, medicine, home decor, books, clothes, and more. I could honestly spend all my money at the shops here!
They also have cafes where you can get snacks, meals, tea, coffee and juices. It’s a great place to enjoy a rest during the day.
Adiyogi Statue
The Adiyogi is a stunning and huge statue outside the Isha Yoga Center. It’s 112 feet tall and represents Adiyogi, meaning the first yogi. It holds the world record for the largest bust structure and is really remarkable to see.
It is a short walk to get there with many cafes and small shops along the way. You can also ride in a bullock cart or horses for a fun experience, especially if you have kids. The area surrounding the Adiyogi is open and is a great place to relax and hang out.
Programs and Workshops
There are daily yoga sessions offered at the Isha Yoga Center for all visitors and guests. They also have more in-depth programs that range from a few days to several months.
“Inner Engineering” is one of the most popular introductory courses and is perfect for people with little or no background in yoga or meditation. You learn a simple yet powerful 21 minute practice that can be done daily.There are also yoga teacher training courses and volunteer opportunities for travelers wanting to stay for a longer period of time. You can learn more about the different upcoming Isha programs and decide what is best for you.
What to Wear
Think modesty and comfort! It’s best to wear pants and a shirt which covers the shoulders (and is not low-cut for women). You will also want to wear clothes that are comfortable to sit in, since visiting the main attractions mostly involve sitting and experiencing the energies.
I generally wear a loose-fitting top and comfortable pants or jeans. Try to avoid tight-fitting clothing, or if you are wearing yoga pants for example, wear a longer shirt/top. You can also wear long dresses or skirts that you are comfortable sitting in.
Wear shoes that are easy to get on and off. You will not be able to enter any of the spaces with shoes. There is a shoe check-in near the entrance if you’d like to go around the center without them, otherwise there are places outside each area to keep your shoes.For more details on what to include in your suitcase, check out this ultimate India packing list!
You might also want to bring a small bag to carry your phone/money, and a yoga mat if that suits you.
Nearby Destinations in India
Coimbatore
Coimbatore is a vibrant and bustling city in Tamil Nadu. You can enjoy delicious south Indian food, shop in the markets or visit the botanical gardens. If you’re traveling with kids, Kovai Kondattam is a water park which makes for the perfect stop. There are also famous temples like Marudhamalai and Perur Pateeswarar which are stunning.
Siruvani Waterfalls
The Siruvani Waterfalls is a 30 minute – 1 hour drive from the Isha Yoga Center. It’s a beautiful scenic spot surrounded by dense forests. Enjoy a small trek to see the waterfalls and soak in the natural beauty. It’s towards Kerala and perfect for nature-lovers or people wanting to get away from city life.
Ooty
Ooty is a beautiful hill station that is a 4 hour drive from the Isha Yoga Center. It’s a popular destination for tourists because of its stunning nature and scenery. There are also tea gardens and a lake which are worth spending time at. Ooty is a great destination for travelers looking to enjoy time in nature!
For more ideas on where to travel, check out these 7 incredible places to visit in South India!
FAQ’s and Tips for the Isha Yoga Center
What are the fees?
There are no Isha Yoga Center fees for visitors. You can enter the ashram for free and similarly see the Adiyogi statue at no cost. It’s open from 6am – 8pm for guests.
You will need to pay a small fee if you wish to dip in one of the Theerthakunds (energized pools), and if you want to buy anything at the shops or cafes inside.
For visitors staying at the center in the Isha accommodations, you have to pay for the accommodation which includes two meals per day. If you are joining a program or training, you will also have to pay a fee depending on what you are doing.
How do I reserve a stay in the Isha Yoga Center?
You will need to make a request for accommodation by emailing them or calling. You can also submit an online request for a stay, then you will receive an email from Isha if it’s approved or not. If you are a foreigner, you will need to submit your visa and passport information.
Couples are not allowed to stay together unless you are married. The Isha volunteers are very helpful in providing information, answering questions, and are quick about getting back to you via email.
What food is provided with the accommodations?
The most amazing food you will ever have! And it’s a very unique experience dining at Isha. The food is made fresh from volunteers daily. There are 2 timings in the morning and 2 timings in the evening for meals.
You will not know the menu or what’s being served ahead of time. When you enter the food hall, there will be mats and plates in lines. There are rows of females and males (they don’t mix). Volunteers will serve the food on your plate and there is a huge variety! You can signal yes or no if you don’t want something. They will also come around and offer second servings or get you more of something if you’d like.
It is a silent meal and you don’t talk the entire time you are in the hall. Before eating, everyone says a prayer together and then you can begin. There are no utensils, so you eat only with your hand. When you are done, you can get up and wash your plate, then leave the hall. If you are unable to sit on the ground, they have tables as well.
The food and dining experience was one of the most surprising (and honestly uncomfortable) parts about staying at the Isha Yoga Center. But now that I have gone several times, it is something I really look forward to. It’s so delicious and made with love, also nutritious so you feel great. I even ended up buying the Isha cookbook to try some of the recipes at home.
Is the Isha Yoga Center good for solo travelers?
YES! If you are a solo traveler, Isha is an ideal place for you to visit. Especially as being a solo female traveler can sometimes have its challenges, Isha is a very easy and comfortable place to be. There are also many foreigners who visit and stay at the center. It’s super safe and you’ll feel at ease spending your time there.
How do I know about the daily schedule and things to do?
It is very easy to understand what events are happening throughout the day once you reach the center. If you are staying at the Isha accommodation, you will be given a daily schedule that shows all of the events and hours of spaces, including food timings.
For outside visitors, it is open from 6am – 8pm. You can request a copy of the schedule or look online.
Where can I store valuables?
Bags are not allowed into the consecrated spaces, especially if it’s a busy time. There are free counters to check-in your belongings and you’ll get a numbered token to collect it when you need.
How can I pay for things there?
You can use cash, cards, or online payments like GPay or PayTM. There is also an ATM near the entrance of the Isha Yoga Center.
What are some of the rules of Isha Yoga Center?
The biggest rule you will probably encounter is that photos are not allowed! If you try to take your phone out at the center to take a photo, there’s a good chance a security staff or volunteer will ask you to keep it away. While of course you want to capture the experience, it’s a great reminder to enjoy the moment and where you are without thinking about your phone!
Although it’s probably obvious, there is also a zero tolerance policy for alcohol or other substances. It’s a spiritual center, so be respectful of that.
What should I bring?
Aside from comfortable and modest clothing, try to pack light! You will need to bring toiletries and any medications you require. You can also bring a yoga mat, towel, umbrella, toilet paper, sunscreen, and mosquito spray if they suit your needs. Bring a refillable water bottle too as there are many spots to refill with safe drinking water.
This post was all about the Isha Yoga Center in Coimbatore.
