Yoga has its origins during the Vedic period. Patanjali, also called the Father of Yoga, systematized the science of Yoga by describing a series of postures or Asanas. There are several Yoga Ashrams in India offering complete series of Yogic exercises for all round benefit of the body, mind and soul. The famous Yoga Ashrams in India are:

Gurudev Siddhapeeth

Gurudev Siddhapeeth is located at Ganeshpuri in thane district of Maharashtra. You can attend Yoga classes here for you're all round development. The Siddha Yoga intensive classes are a one to two day retreats offering you a means of receiving shaktipat or spiritual awakening. The Hatha Yoga classes are for physical well being, which are held from early morning to evening under the guidance of qualified teachers.

Purple Valley Yoga Center

Purple Valley Yoga Centre is situated in North Goa, on the Western coast of India. It has two institutes, namely, Purple Valley Drop-in Center and Purple Valley Retreat. At Purple Valley Drop-in Center, you can attend Yoga classes taught by professional Yoga teachers seven days a week without prior booking. You can attend the specialized Ashtanga Yoga classes or the general Hatha Yoga classes. Purple Valley Retreat is located in Assagao 2 km from Mapusa amidst the lush vegetation of teak, palm and banana trees. There is provision for accommodation of 30 students at a time who are taught the Yogic teachings of Shri T. Krishnamacharya.

Sivananda Yoga Center

The Yoga Ashrams of the Sivananda Yoga Organization are spread all around the world. Sivananda Yoga Vedanta Center is a nonprofit organization founded by Swami Vishnu-Devananda to spread the teachings of Vedanta worldwide. These Ashrams are open all year round and are equipped with all the contemporary facilities so that one can stay there comfortably till their heart desires. All the ashram follows the similar schedule of 2 daily Yoga classes, 2 daily meditations / satsangs and 2 vegetarian meals daily.

Yoga Niketan Ashram

Yoga Niketan Ashram is located at Rishikesh in Uttranachal. Yoga classes are taught in a traditional Indian teaching style. You need to stay for a minimum period of 15 days and attendance at the morning and evening yoga and meditation classes is compulsory. Those not staying on the ashram are also welcome to attend classes and can also use the library.

Yoga Study Centre

Yoga Study Centre is located at Rishikesh in Uttranachal. Bramacharya Rudra Dev, a senior Iyengar teacher, conducts daily classes at the centre. Twenty-day intensive classes are held three times a year during February, April and September. The centre is closed from mid-December to mid-January and in the months of March, May and June.