Yoga in Mysore
In the 1930s T. Krishnamacharya taught yoga in Mysore under the patronage of the Wadiyar royal family. Two of his students changed yoga worldwide: K. Pattabhi Jois, who developed Ashtanga Vinyasa yoga and taught in Mysore for decades, and B.K.S. Iyengar, who later founded Iyengar yoga in Pune. That history is why the city's name became the name of a method.
Today Mysore draws long-stay students who practise Ashtanga six mornings a week, alongside local teachers running affordable Hatha classes for residents. In 2022 the city hosted the main national event for International Day of Yoga on the Mysore Palace grounds.
Where to find classes
- GokulamThe best-known area for Ashtanga shalas, with cafes and rooms for long-stay students.
- Jayalakshmipuram and VontikoppalNext to Gokulam, with more shalas and quieter residential streets.
- Lakshmipuram and SaraswathipuramCentral neighbourhoods with traditional teachers and local classes.
- Kuvempunagar and VijayanagarResidential areas with classes for families, seniors and working people.
- Around Chamundi HillQuieter centres and retreat-style programs on the city's south-east side.
What "Mysore style" means
In a Mysore-style class there is no teacher calling out poses. Each student works through the set Ashtanga sequence at the pace of their own breath, in a shared room, usually before sunrise. The teacher moves around the room, gives individual adjustments, and adds new poses only when a student is ready. Many shalas also hold a weekly led class, where everyone moves together to the teacher's count.
The practice opens with Surya Namaskar A and B and is physically demanding. If you are new to yoga, build a base first with a beginners' or led class. See Surya Namaskar and yoga for beginners.
Types of classes
| Class | Good for |
|---|---|
| Mysore-style Ashtanga | Students who want a daily, self-paced practice with personal adjustments |
| Led Ashtanga | Learning the sequence and the counted breathing |
| Hatha and beginners' classes | Residents and first-timers |
| Pranayama and chanting | Breathing practice and Sanskrit chanting. See pranayama. |
| Philosophy and Sanskrit | Students who want to study texts alongside practice |
| Teacher training | 200 and 300-hour courses. See our teacher training guide. |
Planning a yoga study trip
- Season. October to March has pleasant mornings and is the busiest time. April and May are hot, and the monsoon runs roughly June to September, though classes continue all year.
- Booking. Many shalas register students by the month, and popular ones fill up in peak season. Write to them well before you travel.
- Stay. Most students rent rooms or flats in Gokulam and nearby areas, close enough to walk to an early class.
- Getting there. Mysore is a few hours from Bengaluru by road or train, and Bengaluru's airport has the widest choice of flights.
- Dasara. The city is crowded during Dasara in September or October. Book rooms early if you arrive then.
Tips for choosing a shala or class
- Ask about beginners. Not every shala takes students new to Ashtanga. Ask before you book.
- Check the start time. Mysore-style practice often begins well before sunrise.
- Check training. For teacher training, look for Yoga Alliance registration or Yoga Certification Board (YCB) recognition.
- Mention injuries. Tell the teacher about any injury or health condition before the first class. Read our safety tips.
Yoga in Mysore: common questions
Why is Mysore famous for yoga?
In the 1930s T. Krishnamacharya taught yoga in Mysore under the patronage of the royal family. His students K. Pattabhi Jois and B.K.S. Iyengar went on to shape Ashtanga and Iyengar yoga, and Mysore became the home of the Ashtanga Vinyasa method.
What is Mysore-style Ashtanga?
A way of practising Ashtanga in which each student moves through the set sequence at their own breath and pace in a shared room, while the teacher gives individual help. Classes are usually early in the morning, six days a week.
Can beginners practise yoga in Mysore?
Yes. Some shalas accept beginners, and many local teachers run Hatha and beginners' classes. Tell the teacher you are new and mention any injury or health condition.
Which area of Mysore is best for yoga students?
Gokulam is the best-known area, with many shalas, cafes and rooms for long stays. Jayalakshmipuram and Vontikoppal are quieter, and Lakshmipuram and Saraswathipuram have more local classes.
When is the best time to go to Mysore for yoga?
October to March is the most popular season. April and May are hot and the monsoon brings rain from about June to September, but classes run through the year. Book early for peak season.
How far is Mysore from Bengaluru?
Mysore is a few hours from Bengaluru by road or train, so many Bengaluru students visit for short periods of Ashtanga study.
How can I list my yoga shala in Mysore?
Submit your shala or center through the List your service page. Our team verifies the details and publishes the listing on this page.
Learn before your first class
A little preparation makes your first weeks in any Mysore class easier and safer:
- How to start yoga, a 30-day plan, and yoga for beginners
- Yoga safety tips, especially if you have an injury or health condition
- Pranayama, meditation and mindfulness for the breathing and calm side of yoga
- Goal guides: stress relief, back pain and weight loss
Last updated 24 October 2026.