200 Hr YTT Review: Helen’s Month at Ekattva Yogshala in Rishikesh
Quick summary: This is a first-hand 200 hr YTT review by Helen Becker. A mathematics student from Germany. She completed 200-hour yoga teacher training at Ekattva Yogshala in Rishikesh, India in February 2020. This review covers why she chose the school, location near Parmarth Niketan Ashram, small group size, teachers, weather in January, weekend activities, and what changed after the course.
Her verdict? Small group, dedicated teachers, quiet lane near the Ganges. She would recommend it!
Honest 200 Hr YTT Review. Straight From a Student.
Helen came to Ekattva Yogshala in January 2020 to deepen her yoga practice at its birthplace. She finished in February. A month later, she wrote down what it was really like. No brochure language. Just her experience.
Choosing a school for 200 hours yoga teacher training is hard, especially in Rishikesh. Hundreds of options. Similar promises. If you have planned to join this program at Ekattva Yogshala but want to read an honest YTT review to make right call, this one's for you.
Here's Helen, in her own words!
Why Helen Chose This 200 Hr Yoga Teacher Training
“Everyone who googled once knows there are hundreds of yoga schools in Rishikesh offering a 200h YTTC. I remember having a hard time deciding. For me, most important thing was learning in a small group from dedicated teachers. So I emailed multiple schools. Punam from Ekattva Yogshala was the most helpful and supportive. That was the main reason I registered here.”
A quick takeaway if you're comparing schools - how a school replies to your emails often tells you how it will treat you in person. Helen's choice came down to that. Want to see what the course covers? Check our 200 hour yoga teacher training in Rishikesh page.
Ekattva Yogshala Review: School and Location
“The school I joined is in a small lane very close to Parmarth Niketan Ashram. The market area (where you can buy anything you could possibly need) is a short walk away. But the lane itself is quiet and peaceful. The school is rather small and that goes for the building too. I missed having a space to sit and read other than my room or yoga hall. So in our lunch break, I often went to Ganges or Ashram to study and catch some sun. The Ganga river is very close. Sitting on stairs or beach on a nice day is one of the best, most calming things you can do. Small building, big surroundings. If you like to study outdoors, that works nicely.”
Word on Rishikesh Weather in January
Planning to join our 200-hour yoga teacher training program in winter? Pay attention to Helen’s words here.
“I started in January and wasn't prepared for the cold. On rainy days, rooms were freezing. The school gave us extra blankets and heaters for yoga hall which helped us get through the first week. After that, the weather got a lot better.”
yoga practice session by Ganga in Rishikesh
Pack warm layers. The cold is real. But it passes quickly. For more on timing, read our guide to the best time to visit Rishikesh for yoga.
Teachers and Classes: What Small Group Feels Like
This is the part most people ask about in a YTT review. Fair enough. Teachers make or break the course.
“Before I started, I was worried about the spiritual side. My yoga classes in Germany didn't emphasise it the way. It's common in Western countries. But chanting, Pranayama and everything else came naturally here at Ekattva Yogshala. I actually enjoyed them a lot. I'm convinced that's largely thanks to the guidance of the teachers at this yoga school. Every single teacher was dedicated and took time for every student. Any kind of question was welcome. Because the group was small, we really connected, students and teachers alike. The atmosphere in class felt comfortable and familiar. In 4 weeks, I learned incredible amount. And not just about yoga.”
Notice what she doesn't say? She doesn't say course was easy. She says it felt natural. Because someone was paying attention to her. That's what small batches are for. Learn more about our yoga teachers and approach.
What to Do Around Rishikesh During Your YTT
Rishikesh has plenty to offer outside class. Helen's favourites:
Evening aarti at Parmarth Niketan
“Make sure you experience the aarti. A ritual performed by Parmarth Niketan Ashram every night at the Ganges. The chanting of the Ashram's students creates a magical atmosphere you cannot miss.”
You can read more about the ashram on the official Parmarth Niketan website.
Laxman Jhula and riverside walk
“Thursday afternoons and Sundays are free. A stroll to Laxman Jhula is perfect. There are cafes with amazing food and beautiful views of Ganges. The walk takes you along river and Ganga beach. A wonderful spot to enjoy the afternoon.”
The Beatles ashram
“Another must-see is the so-called Beatles Ashram. It's an abandoned ashram in jungle. Only ten minutes' walk from the school. Beautiful buildings and meditation domes have been recaptured by nature and filled with spiritual graffiti. A truly unique place.” Helen adds while sharing her 200hr YTT review.
Visiting the Beatles Ashram in Rishikesh is a walk in the corridors of history.
Sunday trips
Ekattva Yogshala also arranges two Sunday trips to places that aren't easy to reach on your own.
“I really enjoyed seeing some of outside world after spending so much time inside the school. We went to a meditation cave and a mountain resort. I saw Himalayan peaks for first time. A view I will never forget.”
Planning your trip to Rishikesh for first time. Here’s what international travellers need to know before joining a 200-hour yoga teacher training program.
One Month Later: What Changed After The YTT
Helen wrote the original review a month after finishing. This is the part she says matters most.
“I noticed progress in my yoga practice and changes in my body during the program. But difference really shows only after coming back. I'm so much more aware of my body and my mind. I am more balanced.”
Many students say the same. The real results of a 200 hr YTT at Ekattva Yogshala often show up once you're back in daily life.
Is It Worth It? Helen's Verdict on Her 200 Hr YTT
“If you're thinking about joining a yoga teacher training course, I can only advise you to go for it. You'll get so much out of it.”
Helen Becker on her graduation day at Ekattva Yogshala - February 2020
Her checklist, in short:
Small group with personal attention
Dedicated teachers who welcome every question
A quiet lane close to the Ganges and Parmarth Niketan
Free afternoons. Two Sunday trips. Plenty to explore
Bring warm clothes if you come in January
If you're comparing options, also check that your course is recognised by Yoga Alliance. You can read their standards at yogaalliance.org.
Ready to take the next step? Read our guide on how to choose a school for yoga certification in Rishikesh. Got any queries to ask? Email us at contact@ekattvayogshala.com and ask Punam your questions. Helen did, and it made her decision easy.
Thank you, Helen, for sharing your story.
About the author
Helen Becker is a mathematics student from Germany. She completed her 200-hour YTTC at Ekattva Yogshala in February 2020.
Instagram: @_helenbe
Note: this story was originally published on spiritualpunditz.com in March, 2020 and has been republished here as part of Seeker Stories at Ekattva Yogshala.
