interested in staying at an Ashram for a month or so

Kenj

I am starting a year long trek to SE Asia, New Zealand, and South America in September by myself. The first leg of my journey will be in either India or Bangkok. I really wanted to start my journey at an Ashram focusing on meditation and yoga and getting myself in order for the rest of the year. Since I am by myself, I was wondering whether it would be better to fly into Bangkok and make my way to India once I'm already near there hopefully picking up advice along the way, or should I just try to fly to India first and find an ashram from there? Any suggestions about anything I just mentioned?? Ashrams people recommend? Places to go? Safe places to stay? Open to any and all information..
Thanks,
Kendra

anandi

Definitely just fly to India and go directly to Rishikesh... the yoga capital of India (and some say, the world). There you will find yourself in a peaceful little yoga town full of ashrams and yoga people. There are many ashrams to choose from which differ in their style of yoga, or a different guru, philosophy, etc. I've spent 3 years in India... many times in ashrams... and I know you definitely don't need to book anything in advance. Rishikesh is very safe, except for the waterfall that everybody goes to a few kilometres north of Laxman Jhula, don't ever go there alone...but it's ok to go with other people. Rishikesh is generally very safe but better you don't go alone at night anywhere in India. Going to Rishikesh is best when it is not monsoon, and not the winter months either... too cold. From Feb-May is ok... then getting way too hot and from September to November is good too... Summer months you can learn yoga, meditate and learn tibetan buddhism where the Dalai Lama lives in Dharamsala... up north in the mountains, so it's much cooler. not sure about Dec-Jan in Rishikesh, at that time it's better to go south to the Sivananda Ashram in Kerala... or even just hang out and do yoga in a small place like Arambol, Goa... lots more suggestions if you need, just pm me.

Kenj

thank you so much for all of the advice.. that's great information and when more questions come up I'll be in touch. I really appreciate your help!

anar

i second anandi's recommendation of the sivananda ashram in ponmudi, nayyar dam, kerala - beauiful, clean, friendly - they have teacher-training courses in yoga there as well (if it's of interest to you). good luck!