Monday, March 11, 2019

Inteyoga: Best Budget Yoga Therapy Training in India [Review]

Inteyoga Yoga Therapy Training India

I recently came to know about Swami Krishnananda Yogashala (Inteyoga), a small ashram in Mysore. One of my friends did their yoga therapy course and he loved it.

It's not just an affordable yoga therapy training in India and a Yoga TTC. It's like a one-month intensive retreat, in an ashram setting, and it has excellent reviews (4.5 stars).

Update:  Please note that since October 2020 this school is no longer operating.  However, Kadambari opened her own school, Praguna Yoga Shala, on the outskirts of Mysore.  It has become very popular in just a couple of years.  To join their yoga vacation program you can visit this link.


What can be so special about this yoga therapy training?


Last November, while I was in Mysore, I met this really nice dude. Trev, of Yoga with Trev. He is originally from the UK.

He stayed for a month or so, but then he left to travel and to follow a yoga therapy teacher training course at an ashram somewhere in India.

Mid-January he sent me a message. He was back in Mysore, but just for a couple of days. I got the chance to quickly meet him again.

When I met him I noticed something different.

He had this big smile on his face, and he had lost some weight. I asked him how was his trip and he told me right away about his yoga training.

He was so happy for having completed that yoga therapy TTC. He felt inspired, motivated, connected, and grateful. "Dude, I loved it!" He said.

Trev receiving his yoga therapy course certificate
Trev holding his certificate after completing his Yoga Therapy TTC

We didn't have much time to talk. So I was left intrigued. "What could be so special about this yoga therapy course?" I asked myself.

Coincidentally, just a few days earlier I had received an email from Nathalie, a fellow spiritual seeker that had stumbled upon my blog. She had done the same yoga therapy training at the same ashram in India.

She said in her email, "Very genuine teachers offering genuine trainings at a very reasonable price. Unpretentious place, not into business."

And she added,

"During my training, the group came to realize later on that the Therapy (of the TTC) was actually being "tested" on us more than to be learned through the books. They don't believe in learning by heart."

Nathalie wrote about her experience doing her yoga therapy training in India in her own blog: One Month Hatha Yoga Therapy Training Course in an Ashram of South India.

She did her training in February 2018, at the ashram's previous location.



I had to see it with my own eyes


So I decided to do some research to learn more about this ashram in Mysore and their yoga trainings.

The easiest way was to interview them both, Trev and Nathalie.  I figured we can all learn from their personal experience doing their yoga teacher training course at this ashram.

You can find that interview further below.

I also decided to pay a visit to the ashram myself, just for a day. I wanted to see this ashram with my own eyes, and I also wanted to meet with the two teachers who run all the yoga teacher training courses.


It's much more than a yoga therapy course


While I was at the ashram, walking around, I casually met a few of the students. They were on the last day of their yoga therapy teacher training course (TTC).

None of them had any idea that I was there doing some research to write about the ashram. They thought that I was going to join the next yoga therapy TTC.

So almost right away, without me even asking, they said to me (at different times), "This is more than a yoga TTC, it's a personal transformation program."

Although it was the last day of their training, everybody seemed to be so calm and relaxed. All just happy and peaceful faces.

Yes, that was exactly the same vibe that I got from Trev that day we met again in Mysore.

No wonder Swami Krishnananda Hatha Yoga Vidyapeeth has 4.5 stars reviews on bookyogaretreats.

"The first place I've found in India that they don't make Yoga a business. A peaceful place, great teachers, amazing sattvic vegetarian foods...I'm truly grateful to know them and to be with them for a month. They're so beautiful people with lots of love and compassion.

They do what they teach and they share whatever they have if possible. I'm much more healthy and happy now. I was also inspired to live a simple, peaceful, happy life and to help other people. I know it's never enough to say but thank you so so much my teachers and my friends."

Review by Huong Vu. January 2019. Bookyogaretreats site.

"Its hard to describe how greateful and blessed I feel to have learnt from such a great Teachers! They are a great example what the Yoga is and you see it in every moment.

Also every detail of the schedule is planned accordingly to Yoga, to natural rhythm of the body and to the practices you do. There is even no one random or unnecessary thing. The food is simple and purely Satvic, but also very delicious.

Teachers are extremely knowledgeable, compassionate and treat everyone individually knowing that everyone has got another background experience and another difficulties to work on.

The course is an entire, perfectly designed process where every element serves for taking you deeper to the practice. Absolutely the best Yoga place where I have been (and I have been to few)."

Review by Anna Rutkowska. July 15, 2018. Bookyogaretreats site.

After meeting the teachers and some of the students, and after looking at their pricing, I've come to realize that indeed this is not just a yoga TTC.

It is instead a personal one-month intensive yoga retreat.  It's really not about earning a certificate.  That is simply a plus.

Ok, so now let me share with you in detail what I learned about the ashram, the yoga teachers, their philosophy, and their trainings.


About Swami Krishnananda Yogashala


Swami Krishnananda Yogashala Mysore

Swami Krishnananda Yoga Shala is an ashram located on the outskirts of Mysore, on a quiet and isolated location surrounded by nature.

It is also known as Swami Krishnananda Hatha Yoga Vidyapeeth, Swami Krishnananda InteYoga Ashram, or simply Inteyoga.

Yeah, that's a lot of names! Lol.

Although it is in an isolated location, at the same time it is close to the city. Only 25 min drive from Mysore city center.

The ashram was founded in 2014 by Yogacharya Dr. K. Ashutosh, a qualified medical doctor, and Yogacharya Kadambari CP.

Both of them manage the ashram, with the help of volunteer staff, and they are also the teachers for all their yoga therapy trainings.

Yogacharya Kadambari CP.


Yogacharya Kadambari CP

Kadambari CP. started yoga when she was eight years old under the guidance of G. Venkatesh. At that time she was mainly interested in overcoming her asthma symptoms.

Because she was good with asanas her teacher encouraged her to participate in yoga competitions. And so she did.

She won multiple times gold medals at SVYASA and at other locations around India, and internationally. She won in total 92 yoga competitions!

She also did her yoga teacher training course at the Sivananda Ashram in Madurai.

Yoga competitions? Really?

I know many Westerners, including me, have a negative view of yoga competitions. But this is actually a very common practice in India.

Many great yoga teachers start their path, at a young age, thanks to these competitions. It gives them some recognition and name.

Later on, when they reach maturity, they usually leave this world of yoga competitions behind to focus on what really matters.

This has been the case with Yogacharya Venkatesha, and Vinay Kumar, two of the most popular yoga teachers in Mysore that I have also interviewed.

Oh and by the way, to my surprise, when I met Kadambari I realized that she was also a popular yoga teacher in Mysore.

She used to teach a famous back-bending class at the Mandala Yoga Shala. I wasn't expecting that. I had actually heard many times about her.

She taught yoga at Mandala for about seven years.

A dedicated yogini

During the brief time that I met Kadambari, I got the impression of a very sweet and loving yoga teacher.

She speaks softly, she appears very calm, and there doesn't seem to be any trace of arrogance regardless of her achievements in asanas. Actually, she doesn't seem to be interested at all in just body postures.

She seems to me more like a dedicated yogini, interested in sadhana (spiritual practices) and not just in asanas.

She shows lots of respect and appreciation for Dr. Ashutosh. He is a sort of role model and mentor to her.

She met Dr. Ashutosh at the Sivananda Ashram in Madurai during her yoga TTC. She joined him since 2013 and they started Swami Krishnananda Hatha Yoga Vidyapeeth in 2014.

Kadambari said, "For six years now my journey is beautiful."

Before, while she was working as a yoga teacher at the shala in Mysore, she said that it was all about money. But since she met Dr. Ashutosh everything changed.

She wanted to do a diploma course at SVYASA but then she realized that yoga is an experiential science, nothing that a degree can teach.

Yogacharya Dr. K. Ashutosh


Yogacharya Dr. K. Ashutosh

Dr. K. Ashutosh is a disciple of Swami Krishnananda, who was a disciple of Swami Sivananda of Rishikesh. He received mantra diksha (mantra initiation) at the Divine Life Society in Rishikesh.

Besides being a qualified doctor, Dr. K. Ashutosh was also a yoga teacher at the Sivananda Ashrams in India. He taught during their yoga teacher training courses for several years.

He is also affiliated with the Bihar School of Yoga. During our brief meeting, he said that he has been visiting this ashram for the last twenty years.

I actually did an Interview with Dr. Ashutosh to get to know him better and to learn more about Yoga Therapy.

I like his attitude. He is very friendly, welcoming, and also humble. He has a good sense of humor, and although I met him for just a few hours, he still liked to challenge my views.

I was impressed by his knowledge. He can easily quote the scriptures by heart, such as the Patanjali Yoga Sutras and the Hatha Yoga Pradipika. Of course, he is also well-experienced in the practical aspects of yoga.

I will publish that interview in my next blog update. So please make sure you subscribe to my newsletter here to be notified whenever that interview is ready.

Update: the interview is ready and available at Yoga Therapy and its Basis in Ayurveda


Inteyoga Ashram facilities


The ashram facilities are very basic and simple, but it has everything that you might need. They've actually moved to this new location since November 2018.

Inteyoga Ashram facilities

Inteyoga Ashram facilities

Inteyoga Ashram toilets

Inteyoga ashram facilities

Ashram kitchen staff
The beautiful kitchen staff.  Always the most important people at any ashram.

There is one large yoga hall for all the satsangs, lectures, and practical classes.

ashram facilities

Inteyoga ashram yoga hall

Inteyoga ashram yoga hall


They have two large dorms, one for men and the other one for women. They look pretty comfortable to me.  Similar to the dorm I slept in at the Sivananda Ashram in Kerala during my TTC.

ashram male dormitory

ashram male dormitory

ashram female dormitory

ashram female dormitory


There are also several small huts around the ashram that are used during meal times, or for study time.

ashram chillout areas

ashram chillout areas

ashram chillout areas


The yoga style taught at Inteyoga


At Inteyoga they teach classical hatha yoga, based on the main yoga traditions of India including Sivananda Yoga, Satyananda Yoga and also Iyengar yoga.

Their focus is not on body postures but on an integral approach to yoga, with an emphasis on yoga therapy.

So in one way or another at this ashram, besides learning yoga therapy, you'll also practice karma yoga, bhakti yoga, mantra yoga, raja yoga, and yoga nidra.

"Enriching lives with the help of Hatha yoga, practicing the Hatha yoga techniques to achieve Raja Yoga, living the principles of Swami Sivananda Ji, Swami Krishnananda ji Maharaj and fellow great Masters, is the sole aim of this neonatal Yoga Institute ."


Yoga Therapy / Yoga Teacher Training: Course Overview


Inteyoga offers several yoga teacher training courses that focus on yoga therapy, which they are now opting to call restorative yoga (the reason is explained further below).

I was a bit confused at the beginning.  I thought this would be a training to learn how to teach yoga therapy.  Duh!

It is actually a yoga teacher training course that includes a big foundation on yoga therapy.

So basically you learn bothYou learn about yoga therapy and also about how to teach yoga.

Dr. K. Ashutosh teaches mainly anatomy and philosophy during the trainings, and Kadambari focuses more on yoga asanas.

During our meeting, Kadambari said that Dr. Ashutosh likes to give what the group needs during their TTCs.

Although they have a manual and a curriculum, at the same time every teacher training course is different. She is always learning something new.

These are the current trainings that are included in their bookyogaretreats page.

  • 200-Hour Integrated Restorative Yoga Therapy Teacher Training Course in Mysore, India
  • 300-Hour Integrated Restorative Yoga Therapy Teacher Training Course in Mysore, India
  • 300-Hour Yoga Nidra - Chakra Sadhana - Prana Vidya Intensive Course

200-Hour Integrated Restorative Yoga Therapy Teacher Training Course


The 200-hour yoga therapy teacher training course is a program tailored for beginners.

It focuses on the yogic management of diseases related to the cardiovascular system, digestive system, musculoskeletal system, and respiratory system.

The pranayama practices, it includes different pranayamas such as yogic breathing, nadi shodhana, surya bhedana, ujjayi, brahmari, sitali and sitkari.

After completing this program you will receive a 200-hour Inteyoga certificate. You'll also be eligible to register with Yoga Alliance as a 200 Hour Registered Yoga Teacher (RYT® 200).

⇒ Click here to find out more about this training or to send any enquiry


300-Hour Integrated Restorative Yoga Therapy Teacher Training Course


The 300-hour program is their advanced yoga teacher training course. It is aimed at intermediate practitioners who have previously completed a 200-hour course, either at this ashram or at any other school.

It is a more in-depth and intense training. The daily schedule starts at 4:45 am while at the 200-hour course, it starts at 5:30 am.

The 300 hours course reviews the content of the 200 hours course, and it additionally covers the immune system, endocrine system, and nervous system.

Besides the same pranayamas, the 300-hour training also includes chandra bhedana, omkar, ujjayi and bhastrika pranayamas.

After completing this program you will receive a 300-hour Inteyoga certificate. You'll also be eligible to register with Yoga Alliance as a 300-Hour Registered Yoga Teacher (RYT® 500).

⇒ Click here to find out more about this training or to send any inquiry


Yoga Nidra - Chakra Sadhana - Prana Vidya Intensive Course


This is a special program that they run once a year.

Although they also called this training "300 hours Advanced Yoga Therapy TTC," it is more a personal sadhana (spiritual practice) program, not aimed at obtaining a certificate.

This course focuses on learning mainly experientially (and not only theoretically) yoga nidra, prana vidya, and understanding the chakras and the techniques for their purification and awakening.

"The course will enable the practitioner to learn, imbibe, and practice the scientific art of yogic sleep to help them live life dreamsize."

"This is a unique opportunity to demystify the idea people have about the chakras, learn to relate to them and use sadhana to grow through them."

⇒ Click here to find out more about this training or to send any inquiry


For your information, these are bookyogaretreats affiliate links. If you book a course via these links, you will be supporting me to creating more free content like this, via a small commission, at no extra cost to you or the ashram. Thanks for your support!


The most affordable yoga therapy course in India


One of the highlights of Swami Krishnananda Yogashala is that their trainings are really affordable. They have probably the most affordable yoga therapy teacher training course you can find in India.

At the time of publishing this article, the cost of their programs ranges from 364 US$ (25,500 Rs) to 415 US$ (29,100 Rs)!

The difference is mainly in the number of days. Their special once-a-year course costs 500 US$ (35,000 Rs).

Seriously, it would literally cost me less to stay at their ashram for one month, doing a yoga teacher training course, than to live in Mysore spending only on food and accommodation!

Even if I'd choose their most expensive program!

I honestly see no reason why not to do this training. I have even decided that next time I go back to India I will spend at least one month at Inteyoga following one of their courses.

My only concern is the food. There is nothing wrong with their food, but after all these years traveling around India, my stomach can barely handle ashram food. What to do?


Yoga Therapy or Restorative Yoga?


Now, before we continue further, here is a boring but necessary discussion.

Due to changes in the policies of Yoga Alliance, Inteyoga has opted to remove the words "Yoga Therapy," from their trainings and certifications. Instead, they are now using the words "Restorative Yoga."

The reason Yoga Alliance changed its policy is simple. They are concerned with the use of the term Yoga Therapy, which might be interpreted as a qualified medical professional.

"The terms “yoga therapy,” “yoga therapist,” “therapeutic yoga” and similar terms suggest that the yoga instructor can diagnose and/or treat a mental or physical health condition. Those claims fall within the scope of practice of medicine or other regulated health care professions. Any yoga instructor making these types of claims without an appropriate license risks a charge of the unauthorized practice of medicine."

source: https://www.yogaalliance.org/About_Us/Policies_and_Financials

The point is that Yoga Alliance curricular standards do not cover instruction on how to diagnose or treat any particular health condition.

"The crux of this policy is to avoid misleading the public by creating the wrong impression that an RYS® credential qualifies a yoga teacher training program to offer instruction in treatment or diagnosis of health conditions, or that an RYT® is qualified to treat or diagnose health conditions because they have completed an RYS® program.

To avoid that confusion, YAR [Yoga Alliance Registry] has adopted a policy against use of "yoga therapy" or "yoga therapist" terms on its own directory pages, and it is requiring registrations who make such claims in other marketing materials to identify the non-YAR credential they use as a "therapy" qualification."

source: https://www.yogaalliance.org/Yoga_Therapy_FAQ#difference

"While some members of the yoga community have chosen to advertise themselves as offering “yoga therapy” services or training in “yoga therapy” techniques, Yoga Alliance Standards for Registered Yoga Schools do not include any instruction in yoga therapy techniques or other methods of diagnosing or treating a mental or physical injury or illness.

Therefore, no Yoga Alliance Registered Yoga School or Registered Yoga Teacher may rely on or use their RYS, RYT, or YACEP Designations to hold themselves out as qualified to work as a “yoga therapist” or to train others in “yoga therapy” methods."

source: https://www.yogaalliance.org/YogaTherapyPolicy

So they have taken a conservative approach by asking every Registered Yoga School and Registered Yoga Teacher to remove these terms from their marketing materials, or to clearly identify the source of their certification.

This is why Inteyoga mentions in their bookyogaretreats page:

"Students who complete their subsequent trainings are eligible to register with Yoga Alliance as Registered Yoga Teachers (RYT®). The knowledge imparted, if imbibed religiously, can help the successful participants practice as a Restorative yoga teacher and help your student manage their lifestyle disorder and restore their health effectively. The recipient of the certificate does not qualify them to practice as a doctor, healer or yoga therapist."

This affects not only Inteyoga but every single ashram or yoga school in India, and around the world, that has been offering yoga trainings including the words Yoga Therapy.

If they want to continue being Yoga Alliance registered schools, then they will need to adhere to this policy change.

However, we should understand that all these yoga schools will still need to somehow use the terms Yoga Therapy on their websites. Otherwise, how can you find them on Google?


So, will you actually learn yoga therapy?


Now, of course, this doesn't mean that you won't learn yoga therapy at this training. You certainly will, but you won't become a medical professional.

Simply, isn't it? Lol.

Yoga therapy concerns mainly with the use of different yogic techniques with a holistic approach, and lifestyle changes, to improve our health and prevent diseases.

But I guess we should have a more in-depth understanding of what is yoga therapy.

This I think will become more clear in my next blog post where Dr. Ashutosh talks about Yoga Therapy.

So don't forget to subscribe to my newsletter to make sure you won't miss my next update.


Do you need a Yoga Alliance Registered Yoga School certificate?


Also, I should mention that Yoga Alliance is simply an entity that provides a credential, that is internationally recognized, to those teachers and schools that are registered in their directory.

Yoga Alliance registration simply confirms who fulfills and adheres to THEIR standards, which have been defined by themselves.

This registration is good for marketing purposes, and it might be required by insurance companies in some countries. Also, some yoga studios might require you to be a RYT to teach with them.

But by no means, their directory defines which is a good ashram or yoga school, or who provides the best trainings.

Do you see my point?


Yoga Therapy / Yoga Teacher Training: Course Review


Ok, so let's come back to what we really want to talk about: how is the Inteyoga Yoga Therapy Teacher Training Course?

Here is where I get help from Trev and Nathalie.  I really appreciate they have taken the time to share their personal experience with us by answering these questions.

You can express your gratitude by following them on their social media.  Trev: Yoga with Trev and trev1trevNathalie: Ray of Nath and ray_of_nath.

In your own words, what is yoga therapy?


Trev: For me yoga therapy focuses on more individual problems the practitioner may have, from muscular-skeletal problems such as an injury, chronic back pain, or arthritis; to psychosomatic problems such as anxiety or depression.

It can be used alongside modern medicine or as an alternative. A program is tailored to the practitioner.

Nathalie: It is an inner process to push our limits, to release some of our mental and emotional blockages in order to live in harmony within, with ourselves, and with our actions. And this is the base of Yoga: "When you and your actions are in harmony." as Dr. Ashutosh used to tell us.

What is the purpose of this yoga therapy training?


Trev: Yoga therapy is just one module in this training.  It will give the teacher trainee the base knowledge to improve people’s lives and wellbeing, using the tools of yogic lifestyle, pranayama, asana, shatkarmas, yoga nidra, mantra, kirtan, amongst other practices.

Nathalie: I think I responded in the first question. I can easily say that none of us knew what to expect with this training.

It ended up to be an individual and a group therapy. The training was clearly focused on purifying the body and the mind while experiencing a yogic lifestyle rather than studying from the books.

What did you like the most about this yoga therapy TTC?


Trev: I really enjoyed the immersion itself the most. Living a completely yogic lifestyle from day to day. Over the course of the 28 days, I could really feel a positive change in my body and mind.

Stronger, more focused, alert, compassionate, a deeper sense of peace and unconditional love for others and everything.

I also really enjoyed kirtan in the evening.  Some nights it would go wild in a celebration of song and dance.

Nathalie: The program that was integrating a long practice of asanas, pranayamas, karma yoga, philosophy, mantra chanting and kirtan.

And also the place.

To be isolated in an ashram for 28 days, surrounded by beautiful nature was a blessing. It really helped to go deeper within, away from the distractions of the city.

Do you think this yoga therapy knowledge that you’ve learned in your TTC has a practical application?


Trev: Yes absolutely.

The TTC is very in-depth. Dr. Ashutosh has been in the medical profession for many years.

He talks about why particular practices are good for particular problems.  Also why particular pranayama practices are good and why some should not be practiced by certain individuals, depending on the problem.

Nathalie: Absolutely! I believe that some knowledge is now registered in my unconscious mind and some in my conscious mind :)

After any training, you have to continue the discipline of putting into practice what you have learned.

For me, the asana sequence we used to practice every day during the training has become a part of my morning sadhana which used to be only dedicated meditation.

And because of this training, I can share some knowledge about yoga in my meditation retreats.

Who do you think this yoga therapy training is for?


Trev: I think this training course is for anyone who is open to receiving this knowledge.

Nathalie: I would say it is as suitable for a beginner in yoga as much as for someone that has taken a TTC before, or even someone that is already teaching asana classes.

Most importantly, their trainings are for serious people that are ready to work on themselves, rigorously.

It is not a vacation, but a deep healing camp to learn about yourself through the discipline of yoga in an authentic and traditional way.

Why should anybody follow a yoga therapy training?


Trev: if the teacher is open to improving people’s lives through the practice, then I highly recommend it.

Nathalie: I think my answer to the previous question can apply to this question as well:
To live an experience that you cannot acquire through books! An experience that will stay with you for a long time.

How was the quality of the teaching?


Trev: The standard of teaching is very high.

As I mentioned above, Dr. Ashutosh is a medical professional.  He has extensive knowledge of physiology, anatomy, Ayurveda.

He is able to recite the Hatha Yoga Pradipika, as well as the Yoga Sutras, from memory, and he knows how to implement them (yogic lifestyle) into everyday life, which outside the ashram can be a challenge for everyone.

The asana classes are taught by a yoga gold medalist. She certainly puts you through your paces with strengthening.

She has a very calming voice also.  Kadambari is always happy to assist with any questions or queries you may have, with a welcoming smile.

Nathalie: The two teachers gave their whole hearts into this training. They are absolutely devoted and very intuitive in their teachings (especially Dr. Ashutosh).

And this is what makes this place special and authentic. They are not business oriented. They share their knowledge and their experiences to see us grow.

Why at this ashram (Inteyoga)?


Trev: It is cost friendly, and the level of instruction that is taught, in my opinion, is one of the best, if not the best out there.

Nathalie: I have only done two TTC's, but from my research and other word of mouth, this training seems to give an authentic ashram/yogic experience that focuses intensely on YOU, on your inner work rather than focusing on earning a TTC certificate.

What was the daily schedule like?


Trev: Early morning wake up to the bell sounds! Time for Shatkarmas! Followed by meditation, although this time wasn’t strictly called meditation.

Tea, fruit, a short break, and asana class. Brunch, karma yoga, lecture, tea break, lecture, mantra class/asana, dinner and kirtan in the evening.

Nathalie: It was crazy intense with almost no break. Our longest break was used to do karma yoga!

And during our 28 days, we didn't have one full single day off. But they surprised us along the way by giving us half a morning off :)

The pace was hard at the beginning but then we started to get used to it.

What is the difference between this training and the yoga TTC at the Sivananda ashram?


Trev: I have not visited any Sivananda ashram although I practice and teach Sivananda. Inteyoga teaches under the umbrella of ‘The divine life society’ created by Swami Sivananda.

The Dr is a disciple in the lineage of Sivananda. The asana class is integrated from many styles including Sivananda

Nathalie: I haven't done the TTC at Sivananda but a few Indian students in our group did. They were finding this training quite hard from a personal point of view.

Dr. Ashutosh was pushing us hard by moment. For the "technical part" of view of the asanas, bandhas, and pranayama they knew the theory, but we were practicing some exercises longer than what they were used to (eg. 20 min. of Kapalbhati!).

They were feeling more comfortable, but I think it was still challenging for them.

How did you find out about this training?


Trev: I found out about this training through a friend who had attended the training previously, and stayed for several months as a karma yogi.

Originally I had planned to stay at the Neyyar Dam Sivananda ashram in Kerala, but instead opted for Inteyoga and I’m very glad I did this.

Nathalie: From a friend that heard about it from an Indian friend :)

We particularly liked that it was accessible in terms of price, and to know that we would do the trainings with other Indians instead of being only with Western people.

How big are the groups during the TTC?


Trev: my group was very large, with around 50 people, but I felt the instruction was not compromised by this.

Nathalie: We were about thirty people. I would say almost half women, half men, and one-third Indian with a very interesting background in yoga.

How are the facilities of the ashram and the accommodation provided?


Trev: My group was the first group at the newly built ashram, as they had to move location.  It was built in just 10 days!

The doctor stressed his apologies because certain small things were not finished, but it had everything that was needed.

If you go in winter I would recommend taking an extra blanket, as nights and early mornings can get a little chilly.

Nathalie: We were staying in dormitories (men and women separate) of about six beds.

The place was very clean and well-kept by us during the Karma Yoga, and also by the volunteer staff.

Again, the place was perfectly isolated in nature where we were able to go for short walks during our short breaks. Very peaceful and quiet place, away from the traffic and any disturbances of the city.

Please note that Nathalie did her training at the ashram's previous location, in Feb 2018.

What did you think of the food?


Trev: The food is sattvic and mostly vegan. Some might say basic, but it’s good. Tasty and healthy. As each day progresses it seems to get better.

Nathalie: We were receiving two meals a day for lunch and dinner. Breakfast was usually two pieces of papaya.

As it is mostly the case in any ashrams, the food was quite repetitive, with rice twice a day prepared in a slightly different way from one day to another.

The portions were big and we could even go for another service if we wanted to.

To eat mostly the same thing every day is also part of the inner work, by watching our constant reactions to everything during the day. I was surprised to still enjoy the rice until the very last day.

We had some surprises along the way with Kadambari. She cooked for us on some special occasions.

The training was hard but the teachers were sensitive enough to feel when we needed a break or something to cheer us up!

What do you think has been the impact of this training in your life and in your yoga practice or sadhana?


Trev: This training I feel took me deeper into yoga itself.

Not just standing on the mat, practicing asana. I gained a deeper insight into Ayurveda. The shatkarma techniques I learned (kunjal, sutra neti, LSP) are superb, and diet now has significant importance to me.

In my own practice, I’m doing a lot more limbering and strengthening, to complement with my asanas, and artistic yoga is beautiful (when I can remember the sequence..)

I also think about having gained this knowledge and the impact on other people’s lives. This gives me a deep sense of gratitude and I’m fulfilling the purpose of helping others. Swami Sivananda said simply “Do good, be good.”

Generally, I feel like I’ve had an upgrade. Trevor 2.0 ready to take on the world… The journey continues. Hari Om tat sat. 🙏


["Trevor 2.0" Love it! I had to include that photo. Lol]

Nathalie: It had a big impact because prior to this training, my sadhana was "only" meditation.

Now, since the training one year ago, I've included the series of asanas learned during the training to my morning sadhana.  And it also provided me with a base to teach a daily asana session during my meditation retreats.


Swami Krishnananda Yoga Shala (Inteyoga) contact details


Address:
Swami Krishnananda Hatha Yoga Vidyapeeth,
21/6 Devalapura,
Mysore, Karnataka
Google Maps Link
Phone:  +91 99996 64367,  +91 9113527224

The easiest way to contact them, for any inquiries or reservations, is via their bookyogaretreats page: Swami Krishnananda Yogashala.

To be able to send an inquiry you need to select one of their available programs.


Before you pack your bags


Don't forget to check my detailed India Packing List for Yogis. You'll find every single item that you might need to pack to practice yoga at any Indian ashram, or simply just to travel around.

If you would like other YTT recommendations then you can visit my list of the 10 Best Yoga Teacher Training Courses in India.  This is my own personal selection of some of the best yoga TTC all around India.

If you are interested in visiting other ashrams in India then you can visit my Guide to the Best Ashrams in India: My Personal Experience (UPDATED 2019).

Please don't hesitate to share this article with your friends and with whomever you think is searching for an excellent but affordable yoga therapy training India.

Now, let me know what you think about Swami Krishnananda Yogashala. Have you completed any of their programs at their ashram in Mysore? Or at their previous location?

Please don't hesitate to share your experience in the comment section below. Thank you!

Best Yoga Therapy TTC India

25 comments:

  1. Wow Marco! You did a great job assembling the interviews along with your on-site research to talk about InteYoga I am looking forward to reading the interview with Sir, Dr. Ashutosh. Keep on your great work sharing the best ressources to help us into the path of our Yoga Sadhana.

    I am sending my best wishes of happiness to Dr Ashutosh and Kadembari with their upcoming trainings; and blessings of inner transformation and spiritual growth to their future students.

    Hari Om Tat Sat

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you Nathalie for your positive feedback, and for sharing your experiences 😊! Now I need to start working on that interview... lots of work ahead, but good-fun-positive work 😉

      Delete
  2. Just to say hello to two of my favorite people here travelling Asia, Marco and Nath :D Nice article brother!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hello brother Ceran!!!! Thanks for stopping by to say "Hello." 😁 Take care brother 🕉✌️

      Delete
    2. Bonjour Ceran! That's so sweet of you taking the time to say hello! Hope our path will cross again!

      Delete
  3. Thank you for this article dear Marco, such a great one - and so funny to read the side commentaries, ha. Have been looking up restorative/ yoga as therapy modalities in recent times, might just find myself in one of these courses :)

    Thank you again ! Enjoy these beautiful places you're in, and see you somewhere sometime soon - safe travels, happy journey.

    Alyssa

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Aly! Hope to see you soon, who knows, maybe we meet in the near future in this ashram. Jessica seems interested as well and I'm planning to go there whenever I'm back in India. No idea when that's gonna happen though :-P

      Delete
  4. Marco, thanks for writing this article. I had been researching places that offer YTTC for a while. Nothing seemed to speak to me, until I came across this place from your article. I am totally signing up for a course later this year! Namaste and thanks!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Oh I'm so happy to hear that Mel. I'm sure you will enjoy the course. Whenever you do it please come back here and let us know how was your experience. All the best.

      Delete
    2. Dear Marco. Hope you are doing well. Just want to inform you that the course for 7/2/2020 is full , even if they show on bookyogaretrets page there is still
      availability. I am really sad bcs of this. I was dreaming to go there. Do you know if there is any other way for the registration? Wish you all the best. Thanks. Namaste

      Delete
    3. Hi Helena, oh I'm so sorry to hear that, but I'm not surprise since they have gotten really really popular. Did you get in touch with them? If they told you is full I guess there is not much you can do, but maybe just send them an inquiry and ask them if they have any other options for you. Good luck!

      Delete
  5. Marco I have gone through the whole post. The job you are doing for people are just can’t express in words. Keep it up.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you Sunanda for taking the time to write just to give me some positive feedback. It really motivates me to keep sharing my journey with the world. Thank you! 😊🙏🙏🙏

      Delete
  6. Cool, thanks for this, you're one of the only reviews for this place out there. Got to know it from someone I met in India, I'll be joining next month.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks to you Pieter, I'm happy to know that you've found this review helpful. I hope you will enjoy your teacher training with them.

      Delete
  7. Thank you so much for your blog Marco! It's amazingly helpful. Will try to join this course, I've contacted them through your link. Look like one of the best Hatha yoga TTC in India.

    ReplyDelete
  8. Just a note, well warning, if it can be helpful to anyone. The recommendation of a friend and your blog post convinced me to join Inteyoga but for a different course still going on at the moment, the 300h ATTC on yoga nidra-chakra sadhana-prana vidya. Few of us actually left during the course, including two students who previously did the 300h restorative yoga ttc and who were delighted about it. From my perspective the way this ATTC is delivered is quite dangerous, especially from a psychological perspective. There is so much to say about it, but in a nutshell, the energy was extremely negative, heavy and depressing and the practices were borderline black magic. Full silence was one of the many strict rules and the only time speech was officially allowed was to dive straight into topics like suicide and sharing in public our personal experiences of situations like humiliation and anger... People bursting into tears and no psychological management whatsoever after that. The teacher would just say "next", ie. next person to come on the stage and share his pain.
    Many people were young, vulnerable and following blindly anything the teacher would say... That included intense pranayama classes consisting in daily 700 kaphalabati, Nadi sodhana combining kumbhaka and maha banda, just to quote a few. When I told the teacher I was suffocating in pranayama classes, he laughed and said "it's normal, most students are suffocating like you. My master only taught me those techniques after 20 years of practice" When I questioned why we were then taught those techniques only after 3 days, he had nothing to reply...
    What was particularly worrying was that some people had never done any ttc before and others were quite new to yoga. Actually the school never asked what was our experience with yoga, it looks like they accept anyone (like many TTC nowadays but at least these other TTCs don't get into dangerous tantric practices and intense sadhana that normally require years of preparation).
    I did quite a few yoga courses and TTCs over the last 10 years but I never felt so unsafe. This course is said to be still experimental and it looked like we were 60 guinea pigs on a strange experiment.
    I just wish from all my heart that students will not come out with any damage. Some are still there and counting the days to get their certificate which, by the way, is not a Yoga Alliance certificate (not clearly stated on their website).
    It was difficult to write this review as they are many beautiful devoted people running the place, yet there is a limit to what yoga teachers can do on people for the sake of yoga business nowadays.

    ReplyDelete
  9. Namah shivaya Dear

    I’ve read a few times your review and as a participant of that same ATTC I’d like to ask you some things, with a fully open hearted attitude.
    What do you mean when you talk about yoga business?
    Why you talk about yoga teachers -doing things on people-?
    Did your read the description of the ATTC course on their website before signing in?
    Did you fully read the registration form they gave to every student on the first day, asking about previous experiences on yoga + asking if we have/have had any physical issues?
    Did you read/sign the code of conduct before starting the course?

    I deeply respect your perspective and feelings and I’d love to invite you to try to read that same experience from another point of view and see how it sounds to your heart.
    I was there during the same course in February/March 2020, and I’ve been there before for about 5 months as a volunteer and as a student attaining a 300hrs YTTC + the ATTC in June 2019 and I can’t remember a single time being asked or pushed to do something I didn’t wanted to do. I actually really appreciate the open approach of the teachers and staff, their aim to let everyone express themselves and naturally deal with their personal view of truth. Of course I’ve sometimes “pushed” or “blocked” myself, inside and outside the Ashram to be true, but only because I wasn’t able to properly listen to my body and mind.
    Inteyoga it is not a certificates factory, this is absolutely true, and I wonder why Yoga can’t be open to anyone, without limitations. Why the “results” should depend on people’s previous experiences instead of upon people’s approach and attitude? What actually is Yoga Alliance? Do you know if they “check” and how they select the affiliated schools?
    The only dangerous thing I see here it is the lack of importance given to Yoga itself, to what it really means, where it comes from and what to do with it.
    I don’t know if I can exactly understand and put in words the whole meaning of Yoga but I’m pretty sure that it is more about overcoming conceptual boundaries, stop feeding our/other’s fears, accepting and trusting life for how it manifests itself, with love and humility, as much as we can.
    Personally I find absolutely fine to see people leaving courses for whatever reason they have, as much as seeing them struggling to consciously challenge themselves, it is quite rare to have the opportunity of doing it together with other motivated people in a quiet environment, enjoying powerful techniques.
    I don’t think that a silence from your teacher only means that there is no answer to your questions, I actually find it an high form of respect and love, a way to give space and time to let unfold what sometimes we would not be able to -see- even if told, and it can be a really good tool to watch which plan of existence or mood we are on, where our questions comes from, developing a better sense of what we really need, as an important aspect of the psychological support you’ve talked about.
    I remember Dr Ashutosh and Kadambari spending most of their time working, listening and being present for the students, and trusting them more than students usually trust themselves. Yes, this could sound scary, OR making us asking ourselves why can’t we trust the teachers we have chosen? Why can’t we really enjoy whatever they are offering us, starting from freedom?
    How can we judge or design what a teacher should share with us, the way he/she should help us recognizing the path or the obstacles on it?
    It sounds like choosing a spicy chilly to eat and blaming it because it burns in our mouth.
    I wish I will meet you again soon, why not at Inteyoga, I’d love to be there sharing with you a glass of milk at the right moment, just in case you want to give chilly an opportunity to become an ally.

    With love and respect.

    Ylenia B

    ReplyDelete
  10. I was thinking about attending the training but I don't know know. I believe in everybody having their own experience and opinion. I question a school that all feedback is positive and when the only different feedback gets questioned in a passive aggressive way, is not a good sign.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I understand, it can be confusing reading different opinions about the same courses. But that is completely normal. We are all different and we view our personal experiences through our own glasses. Some people love one teacher, other people hates that same teacher. Who is right?

      Take your time and listen to your gut. I suggest you read again Ylenia's feedback, who was there for five months. You could also visit my blog What is the BEST Yoga Teacher Training in India? My TOP 10 List for other options. But take your time, do your research and listen to your heart. Good luck ;-)

      Delete
  11. Dear Ylenia,

    First let me reply to your questions.

    What do you mean when you talk about yoga business? Delivering yoga alliance certificates, training yoga teachers in one month and eventually making money with yoga... a recurring subject nowadays but it's not the point of my review.

    Why you talk about yoga teachers -doing things on people-? Getting into unsafe territory with advanced pranayama and psychological talks.

    Did your read the description of the ATTC course on their website before signing in? Yes

    Did you fully read the registration form they gave to every student on the first day, asking about previous experiences on yoga + asking if we have/have had any physical issues? Yes

    Did you read/sign the code of conduct before starting the course? Yes

    Why the “results” should depend on people’s previous experiences instead of upon people’s approach and attitude? I totally agree but in this case an individualized approach is needed. You cannot dive straight into advanced practices if not ready (first yoga was something taught personally actually)

    What actually is Yoga Alliance? Do you know if they “check” and how they select the affiliated schools? As far as I know, they don't check properly.

    ReplyDelete
  12. So with fully open heart... As said in my review, it was not pleasurable at all to write it. I was remembering the beautiful people at Inteyoga and the support given at all times (always with smiles) by Kadambari, Asish and the karma yogis to whom I am still deeply grateful.
    There were only good feelings on the human side. Anyone who reads please keep this in mind. My intention was not to hurt anyone but to give a honest feedback as it might guide someone in their decision to join a course. Anyway my final advice would be to listen to your gut, whatever you read here... (by the way, talking about gut the food was absolutely delicious!).

    I am nobody to judge a teacher as you said, especially if I am in the position of the student. Devotion is one of the main yoga path. Yet, yoga also encompasses all dimensions of human life and we cannot put aside the discrimination faculty in the name of devotion.

    What happens when we see things that don't seem right? Should we just remain silent and accept ?

    Sometimes there is a limit to what we can accept, especially when we question a practice (pranayama here) and no answer is given. The teacher might have had his own reasons and maybe he just didn't know (which is absolutely fine). There is no need to defend such an attitude with spiritual principles though. Then we fall into delusive attachment to the teacher.

    Pranayama practices have to be handled very carefully and this is constantly repeated in the texts and by teachers. Pranayama can cure many diseases but can also lead to diseases when done incorrectly (they may not manifest immediately but in the long term). Suffocating in the kumbhakas is a clear sign of wrong practice and this was not addressed although the teacher was aware. That was one of my concerns, especially because some students were new to yoga and led into very advanced pranayama.

    You are right, yoga is something that should be open to anyone but if there is no limitation to admission there should be limitation in practices and some techniques should not be taught, at least in a 60 people group setting.

    My second concern was about the psychological side. Let's be honest... being in silence for days and suddenly breaking it with no notice initating a group talk about suicide is a quite brutal and disturbing. Especially after long meditations and strong purification practices, we are very open and vulnerable.

    All the other reasons for which I left were purely personal, sometimes we just don't fit and you are an example that all is relative and most people had a great experience at Inteyoga.

    Sincere apologies if I didn't express myself in an appropriate manner in my previous post. It was not my intention to denigrate the school or anyone and I hope this second post brings more constructive feedback on this specific ATTC course. Thanks Ylenia for bringing this up.

    I'd be happy to discuss all this with you in person over "a cup of milk" to soothe any tension caused by my review.
    Meanwhile, be well and take care.

    ReplyDelete
  13. Dear Céline, dear Ylenia

    Thank you so much for taking the time to share your personal experiences here. This is really valuable and helpful for others that are searching for a yoga TTC in India.

    To all, we must remember that at the end each person will have their own personal experience and perspective. It is very difficult to be objective. What one person loves, another person hates. Like Céline says, listen to your gut. Don't forget to read my other blog How to Find the BEST Yoga Teacher Training in India for YOU.

    And if you have done your training at Inteyoga, please feel free to share your personal experience here. Thank you.

    ReplyDelete
  14. Dear Marco,

    I'm earnestly looking forward to do a TTC program with Inteyoga but I'm unable to reach them through their website (which is going through updation) or the numbers shared here. It would really mean a lot if you have any alternate means of reaching the ashram.

    Thank you.
    Warmly,
    Sree

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi Sree, I’m very sorry I haven’t updated this yet. They are permanently closed. But Kadambari is running her own programs at the moment. You con contact her via on FB. https://www.facebook.com/kadambari.mysore

      Delete