As a yoga teacher, I’ve spent a fair share of my time seeking out some of the best spots in the world to enjoy it, but sometimes it seems there are just too many places to choose from.

If you’re looking to travel on a specific yoga getaway, or just head somewhere where you can practise your Warrior during downtime, I’ve rounded up four of the best countries to visit in order to do so. Namaste. 

Photo by Jared Rice on Unsplash

Sri Lanka

Perhaps not the first place you think of when someone mentions the ‘Y’ word, but Sri Lanka is so serene, it’s not hard to see why this country is proud of its yoga offerings. The forests, scenery, and ancient sites are home to some of the best yoga retreats on the planet, where everything just oozes bliss and simplicity.

Although Sri Lanka has been known for its shaky past, Ben Groundwater advises on his blog, the north of Sri Lanka is quickly becoming a more desirable place to travel. It even boasts a temple where a Buddha himself is meant to have visited.

India

Where better to start than the birthplace of yoga itself. You can even go on a yoga pilgrimage in India, crazy, right? Rishikesh is coined as the actual ‘birthplace’ – a very spiritual town alongside the Ganges River in the Himalayan Mountains. There’s also Mysuru, and Pune, which are yoga hotspots. If, you enjoy the peace and quiet to practise yoga, but still want to explore when you have a bit of extra time, India is a great place to start. Don’t forget to pack all your yoga travel essentials!

Photo by Eneko Uruñuela on Unsplash

Indonesia 

Bali, in particular, prides itself on an amazing yoga offering. It’s almost considered a dream destination for those of us who practice it.

As it’s fast becoming pretty westernized, it’s best to head to either the coastal spots of Canggu or inland to Ubud. Surfer town Canggu has the best of both worlds – adventure and relaxation. If it’s chill-out time you’re seeking, Ubud is probably more preferable. With glass studios overlooking the lush green rainforests, private lessons, and an all-round zen vibe, you can head straight to the pool after an early-morning session to fully unwind.

Photo by Jon Flobrant on Unsplash

Thailand 

Keeping in with the Eastern Asia theme, Thailand is a fantastic place to visit, especially if you want to do your morning Downward Facing Dog on a beach.

Although they’re renowned for their party/tourist-vibe, the Thai islands are a very popular destination for those seeking some solitude, too. Head to Tonsai Beach, near Krabi, where you’ll find tiny studios in the jungle. You can even discover some new forms of yoga, too, as this place, in particular, is famed for its yin yoga, which consists of more intense stretching and slower moves.

If you’d rather be away from the coast, retreat to the mountains, where you’ll enjoy serenity and calm overlooking the world. What could be better?