For many learning yoga is about going back to your roots and that is India. However, in India too there are numerous cities to choose from for your next yoga retreat. Goa is a popular choice. Better known as the land of beaches, Goa has much more to offer than just yoga.
Well, here is a list of 5 reasons to book your next yoga retreat in Goa.
1. Yoga centers –
Goa is home to a large number of yoga retreat centers spread across different parts of the state, stretching from north to south. Mandrem Beach, Patnem Beach, Cola (Canacona) Beach, Assagao, Anjuna Beach, Colva Beach, Verla Canca and Ashvem Beach are just a few.
They offer a range of programs from beginner to advanced levels, as well as yoga teacher training certifications and walk-in yoga classes. Most of the centers are open from October to May, since it is the high season; however, you will also find centers that you can go to throughout the year.
While some of the centers have state-of-the-art facilities, there are others that have embraced eco-friendly practices with hardwood floors, thatched roofs, and clay tiles. In addition to their yoga classes, the packages also include relaxing Ayurvedic massages, chanting, and meditation.
2. Relaxed pace of life –
Goa is not so much about a grind. You won’t find people rushing to work from 9 to 5 here; The economy in Goa is based more on tourism and that includes renting houses, bicycles and restaurants. People are known to be “Susegad”. This laid-back attitude that pushes you to enjoy life to the fullest can really help you unwind from the stress of your mundane life.
3. Flea markets –
If you have not seen the markets in Goa, you have surely missed out on an important part of Goan culture. You can smell the strong aroma of spices and herbs even before you enter. The flea markets in Anjuna and Calangute are also a place to shop for interesting clothing and jewelry items. You can also shop at the Mapusa and Panjim markets for some of the authentic Goan sweet dishes. There is also a vibrant craft market.
Take notes. These markets are open on specific days.
4.Recreational activities –
Along with its natural beauty, Goa is also steeped in history. It has a large number of churches and it is not uncommon to see the tall, white structure at almost every crossroads. There are many museums in Old Goa that display important relics from the colonial era.
Adventure seekers can enjoy exciting water sports such as banana boating and parasailing at Baga, Candolim, Colva beach and Vagator beach, paragliding at Arambol, kayaking, jet skiing, snorkeling at Bogmalo beach and scuba diving. The locals also organize fishing trips in Baga, Calangute and Candolim that you can be a part of. You can book a dolphin watching tour and maybe get a chance to swim with them.
5. Recover in kind –
Yoga is all about healing the body from within and nature can have a therapeutic effect. Goa is an idyllic place with its blue beaches and thick green blanket. Most of the yoga retreat centers are located in the middle of palm groves with accommodations overlooking the sea. You can also book yourself for various nature trails: tours of spice plantations, wildlife sanctuaries and visits to the national park (Mollem National Park), bird watching. If you really want to see nature at its best, you can take a trip to Dudhsagar waterfall. You can really detox and pamper yourself while learning some yoga in the middle of nature.
So, take your next Goa yoga retreat and promise yourself a humbling and inspiring experience.
