India GOYoga in Mumbai
Mumbai is one of the places where modern yoga teaching began. The Yoga Institute in Santacruz, founded in 1918 by Shri Yogendra, describes itself as the world's first yoga centre, and Kaivalyadhama opened its Mumbai branch in 1932 and runs a yogic health centre on Marine Drive. Both teach the public, as does the city's school of the Iyengar tradition. For a residential retreat, people leave the city for Govardhan Ecovillage in Palghar district.
Three schools, and who they suit
Mumbai has no yoga district: the three best-known schools sit in different parts of the city and teach in different traditions. All three enrol students for batches and courses; schedules and fees are on their own sites.
The Yoga Institute, Santacruz: the oldest, and the broadest choice
Founded in 1918 by Shri Yogendra, often called the father of the modern yoga renaissance, and still run from its campus in Santacruz, in the city's western suburbs. The programme is the widest in the city: regular asana classes on campus (including women-only batches), weekend classes, a 7-day camp and a 21-day Better Living Course for beginners, and teacher training from a one-month course up to one- and two-year programmes. There is a hostel for students on longer courses.
Kaivalyadhama, Marine Drive: yoga as therapy
The Mumbai branch of Kaivalyadhama, the institute founded by Swami Kuvalayananda at Lonavala, opened in 1932 and moved to its own building on Marine Drive, the Ishwardas Chunilal Yogic Health Centre at 43 Netaji Subhash Road, near the Taraporewala Aquarium. It runs group classes (therapeutic, traditional hatha, pranayama, intensive and weekend), a certificate course in yoga over two months on weekdays or four months at weekends, and Ayurveda and naturopathy treatments alongside. The south Mumbai choice, and the one for anyone coming to yoga for health.
Iyengar Yogashraya: the Iyengar method, in two centres
A division of the Light on Yoga Research Trust that teaches in the tradition of B. K. S. Iyengar. Classes for the general public, children, young adults and people with medical problems run through the week at two centres, Elmac House on Senapati Bapat Marg in Lower Parel and Khatau Buildings opposite the Old Custom House in Fort, and online. Admission is by application through the class schedule on its site.
A residential retreat outside the city
Mumbai's schools are city schools: you come for a class and go home. For days of practice with a place to stay, the best-known option is Govardhan Ecovillage, founded by the ISKCON teacher Radhanath Swami among the Sahyadri hills at Galtare, in Wada taluka of Palghar district. It runs a residential 200-hour yoga teacher training of 24 days rooted in classical hatha yoga, Ayurvedic Panchakarma retreats of 7 to 21 days with daily yoga and sattvic food, and sound-healing courses. Day visits are possible, including a free guided tour; programme dates are announced on its site.
Kaivalyadhama's main campus, where the institute began, is at Lonavala; the Mumbai branch on Marine Drive is its city centre.
Practice beyond the mat
Some of the city's quietest practice is not yoga in the gym sense at all. At the Global Vipassana Pagoda, under the largest pillarless stone dome in the world, anyone can be taught Anapana, the first step of Vipassana, which is simply watching the breath. It takes ten minutes, costs nothing and runs continuously from 10:00 to 18:30 in the north pagoda; the main hall under the dome is kept for people who have completed the ten-day course.
At Banganga Tank, a stone tank of 1127 ringed with steps and small temples on Malabar Hill, early morning is when the water is used rather than looked at. More of this side of the city in meditation in Mumbai.
Before you sign up
A few things to settle before you plan days around a course.
- Classes run on enrolment — All three schools enrol students for batches and courses. Check the schedule on the official site and apply ahead; ask whether a short stay in Mumbai fits a course's start date.
- Pick by part of the city — Santacruz is in the western suburbs, Kaivalyadhama on Marine Drive in the south, Iyengar Yogashraya in Lower Parel and Fort. A daily class is easiest near where you stay; see getting around Mumbai.
- Teacher training is a commitment — Courses at The Yoga Institute run from one month to two years, and the Govardhan Ecovillage training is 24 days residential. Ask about the language of instruction, accommodation and certification before paying.
- Temples are not studios — At the pagoda, Banganga and the city's temples, shoes come off and modest clothing is expected; see temple dress code.
FAQ
Which yoga institute in Mumbai is the oldest?
The Yoga Institute in Santacruz, founded in 1918 by Shri Yogendra; it describes itself as the world's first yoga centre. Kaivalyadhama's Mumbai branch on Marine Drive dates from 1932.
How much does a yoga class cost in Mumbai?
Each school publishes its own fees per course at enrolment on its official site; they are not fixed across the city. Anapana meditation at the Global Vipassana Pagoda is free.
Are there yoga retreats near Mumbai?
Govardhan Ecovillage in Palghar district runs a 24-day residential 200-hour teacher training and Panchakarma retreats of 7 to 21 days with daily yoga. Kaivalyadhama's main campus is at Lonavala.
Are there women-only yoga classes in Mumbai?
Yes. The Yoga Institute in Santacruz runs women-only batches of its regular on-campus asana classes.
Where can I train as a yoga teacher in Mumbai?
The Yoga Institute runs teacher training from a one-month course to two-year programmes; Kaivalyadhama Mumbai offers a certificate course in yoga over two months on weekdays or four at weekends.
Sources (4)
Facts checked: 15 October 2026. Prices and hours are approximate; check locally.
The full catalogue, hidden spots and districts on the map, plus “nearby” mode.
Open in India GO