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If you’re anything like me, you want to keep up your yoga practice even when travelling. Delhi has many terrific yoga studios where visitors can drop in and take classes. Besides being healthy, going to a local yoga studio is a great cultural experience. It gives you a glimpse into everyday life.
I’ve done plenty of yoga classes in Delhi. Before the Covid lockdowns, I used to go to yoga classes 5 days a week. Now I practice a lot at home, but I still like going to a studio whenever I can.
Keep in mind yoga in India is not just about exercise, it’s a way of life. I’m not going to get into the principles of Indian yoga, but don’t be surprised if a yoga class in Delhi is not only about moving from one asana to the next. It will probably include breathing techniques and meditation.
The Best Yoga Classes in South Delhi
Some yoga studios have mats visitors can borrow for a class. If you aren’t travelling with your own yoga mat, make sure you inquire about this before attending a class. Here are my favourite places for yoga classes in South Delhi:
1. The Pink Lotus Academia
This is one of the few yoga studios in Delhi that have early morning, mid morning and evening yoga classes. It’s located in Greater Kailash II and frequented by expats and locals living in the area.
The Pink Lotus Academia has a strong aerial yoga program, and even offers a 50 hour aerial yoga teacher training course.
The concept at this studio is unique, focusing on Indian classical dance and music in addition to yoga. Students can learn kathak dancing, sitar, tabla and Carnatic vocals.
Yoga: Hatha, Vinyasa, aerial, online & in person
Teacher Training: 200 & 500 hour (Yoga Alliance certificate), aerial yoga TTC
Location: E-297, Saral Jyoti Apartment, 80 Feet Road, Greater Kailash II
The Pink Lotus Academia website
2. Sivananda Yoga Vedanta Nataraja Centre
If you are looking for a traditional and classical yoga experience, this is the place for you. There is real focus on yoga as a way of life, not just exercise (which is what classical yoga is all about).
There are morning, afternoon and evening classes. The studio has special sessions for beginner to advanced levels. New students can take open classes (drop in) once they have learned the fundamentals.
Sivananda Yoga was founded by Sri Swami Vishnudevananda, who was a disciple of the well known Sri Swami Sivananda of Rishikesh. There are Sivananda Vedanta centres and ashrams across India – it’s a well respected yoga centre.
Yoga: Hatha, online & in person
Teacher Training: 200 & 500 hour (Yoga Alliance certificate)
Location: A-41, Greater Kailash I, New Delhi
Sivananda Yoga Vendanta Nataraja Centre website
3. Lifeyoga
Lifeyoga is probably Delhi’s most attractive yoga studio. This is the closest you’re going to find to a Western style studio in Delhi. The facilities are excellent: private yoga rooms, showers, change rooms and steam rooms, most of which you won’t find in many Delhi studios.
It’s expensive (by Delhi standards), but it’s located in the diplomatic community, and caters to expats and well to do Delhiites. It’s a fabulous studio, and has classes all day, 7 days a week.
Yoga: Vinyasa, Hatha, Iyengar, aerial, in person
Teacher Training: no
Location: 16/48, Diplomatic Enclave, Malcha Marg, Chanakyapuri, New Delhi
4. Seema Sondhi The Yoga Studio
This is the private studio of yoga guru Seema Sondhi. I really like this studio because it mixes the best of traditional yoga with modern power yoga.
Seema’s classes are a bit longer, 75 minutes, and incorporate challenging sequences with breathing exercises, meditation and chanting. These are well rounded, full body yoga classes.
The studio offers classes in the mornings and evenings.
Yoga: Vinyasa, online & in person
Teacher Training: 300 hour (Yoga Alliance certificate), 100 hour Yin TTC, 100 hour Pre & Post Natal TTC
Location: D-43, Hauz Khas, New Delhi
Seema Sondhi the Yoga Studio website
5. P.A. Yoga Studio
Expats love this yoga studio that is run by Preeti and Anushka, a mother/daughter team. They offer morning classes which focus on Hatha yoga but incorporate elements of Vinyasa and Ashtanga to keep them challenging.
Preeti and Anushka are known for the guidance and attention they give students, regardless of level.
Advanced classes as well as breathing techniques and guided meditation are also available. The location is great for anyone living in South Delhi, it’s right between Hauz Khas and Greater Kailash I.
Yoga: Hatha, online and in person
Teacher Training: no
Location: Ground Floor, Asiad Community Centre, Asiad Village, New Delhi
6. The Yoga Institute Delhi
If you want to experience authentic, classical Indian yoga, this is the centre for you. The Yoga Institute was founded by Shri Yogendra Ji, considered to be the father of modern yoga. This is the oldest yoga centre in the world with branches across India, in Costa Rica, UAE, Hong Kong and France.
The Yoga Institute teaches Hatha yoga, but incorporates elements of other yoga forms so students can benefit from all yoga systems. Student can expect to practice asanas as well as learn about the philosophies of yogic living.
Yoga: classical, in person
Teacher Training: 200 & 500 hour (Yoga Alliance certificate), advanced Pranayama techniques TTC
Location: W-1, Greater Kailash I, New Delhi
The Yoga Institute Delhi website
7. Iyengar Yoga Centre Yogakshema
Technically this studio is in Central Delhi (near Connaught Place), but if you are an Iyengar practitioner you will want to come here. Morning classes are taught by Nivedita Joshi, a disciple of Yogacharya BKS Iyengar.
Nivedita’s story is remarkable. She was stricken with a debilitating spinal condition as a teenager and unable to use her legs or hands. She spent one year doing yoga with BKS Iyengar in Pune and left walking. Ever since she has been sharing and teaching the benefits of Iyengar yoga.
Yoga: Iyengar, online & in person
Teacher Training: yes for students already practicing Iyengar yoga
Location: Plot No. 65-67, Deendayal Upadhyay Marg, Rouse Avenue, New Delhi
Iyengar Yoga Centre Yogakshema website
8. Sri Aurobindo Ashram
Sri Aurobindo Ashram Delhi offers yoga classes to the public every Monday, Wednesday and Friday mornings, 6:30-7:30 am. This information isn’t apparent on their website, but I have a contact at the ashram who let me know about these classes.
Keep in mind this is not a yoga studio, it is one of the most serious ashrams in Delhi. Taking a yoga class here is something few visitors get to do.
Definitely leave the lululemon at home for this one and wear loose, conservative exercise clothes. If you are a spiritual seeker, you will really enjoy a yoga class here.
Yoga: classical, in person
Teacher Training: 200 hour (Yoga Alliance certificate)
Location: Gate No.6, Sri Aurobindo Lane, Sri Aurobindo Marg, New Delhi
Things to Know Before You Take a Yoga Class in Delhi
A yoga class in Delhi may be different than what you’re used to at home. Here’s a few things to keep in mind:
There Will be Pranayama and Yoga Nidra (Breathing Techniques and Meditation)
Yoga classes in Delhi will vary greatly in terms of how traditional they are, but you should expect do breath work and guided meditation in each class.
My first Delhi yoga classes were a bit of shock. They started with 20 minutes of breathing techniques, and I had no idea how to do them. My instructor literally could not believe I had never been taught breath work. To him it was unthinkable that Pranayama (breathing techniques) were not part of every class.
Most Student Don’t Wear Tight Fitting Yoga Clothes
Most Indian yoga students wear t-shirts and track pants to yoga classes. Sure, if you go to a studio that has a lot of foreign students, there will be more lululemon etc., but traditional schools are pretty conservative.
Yoga Teachers are Addressed as Sir or Ma’am
I was a little surprised to hear students in my Delhi classes address our yoga teacher as ‘Sir’. But in India, teachers are very respected, and addressing a teacher formally as Sir or Ma’am is normal.
How Much Do Yoga Classes Cost?
Costs vary depending on the studio. Generally, they are less expensive than in North America and Western Europe. Single classes range from 500 INR – 2000, and most studios offer discounts for class packages and monthly memberships.
South Delhi yoga schools are more expensive than many in other parts of Delhi. I was paying 2000 INR/month for unlimited yoga classes in Noida, a suburb to the east. But just like rent, yoga classes cost more in South Delhi!
The Wrap-up on 8 Best Studios for Yoga Classes in South Delhi
Attending yoga classes while travelling is a fun way to have a culturally immersive experience. This is especially true in India, where yoga is a way of life, not just a way to keep fit. Don’t be surprised if your Delhi yoga class isn’t what you’re used to – this is authentic, Indian yoga!
Looking for More? You Might Also Like…
- Best Ashrams in Delhi for Meditation and Reflection
- 21 Famous and Unique Temples in Delhi: An Insider’s Guide
- 12 Best South Delhi Hotels: Hand Picked by a Local 2024
Don’t forget travel insurance! It’s always a good idea to carry travel insurance just in case something goes wrong. I really like and use SafetyWing
