Students Testimonials

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Our students post about Vedic Yoga Academy on their Instagram profile.

Thank you for guiding each breath with such grace & presence. Thank you again for taking me into this journey of deep meditation. Grateful to be on this Path of self discovery.

with you.. namaste…

– Swati Verma

student meditation training experience instagram post

I discovered Vedic Yoga Academy completely by chance. As it was my first time in India, I was looking for an authentic place where I could explore myself while deepening my knowledge of yoga. From the very first moment I met Rahul, I felt at home. He supported me throughout my entire journey, always present and ready to listen. His teachings were deeply meaningful to me, and this training became a true life experience, one that I know I will return to.

Alongside him, the other teachers also played an important role, making the journey feel lighter and inspiring my passion more and more each day. Their dedication and the love they put into everything they do made this experience truly unforgettable.

I will carry all of this with me with great gratitude and joy.

(Yoga Teacher Training in Rishikesh)

Lea from Italy (December 2025)

I am deeply grateful for my experience at Vedic Yoga Academy. What I gained went far beyond the physical aspects of yoga asanas, such as strength and flexibility. I came to realize that my previous understanding of yoga was limited. Now, I see yoga as an all-encompassing union of mind, body, knowledge, truth, wisdom, nature, and the divine.

On a personal level, during the month I spent at the school, I learned to let go of the past and not be guided by fear. I understood that nothing is permanent, and that the body has an incredible ability to return to balance and health.

Beyond the teachings, everything about the experience was exceptional, the friendships I formed, the delicious and nourishing food, the incredible teachers, and the overall organization of the academy. The communication was excellent, and the team provided constant support with everything, from coordinating transportation to genuinely caring for each student’s well-being.

I truly could not have asked for a better experience. Thank you, Vedic Yoga Academy!

Nora from USA (February 2026)

(Yoga Teacher Training in Rishikesh) Google Review

testimonials of yoga teacher trainning india student

I had a wonderful experience at Vedic Yoga Academy. I completed the month-long Meditation Teacher Training with Rahul, and it was exactly what I was personally looking for in a program, to deepen my own practice rather than focus on teaching, and to give myself the space to turn inward.

Our group was small and intimate, which made the experience even more special. Rahul’s heartfelt teachings were both authentic and personal, offering wisdom and insights I could never have gained from a book or on my own. He patiently answered all my questions and even recommended a book for me to continue my learning.

The accommodations were simple but clean and appropriate for the area, and I had everything I needed to feel comfortable. Akshi is located on the quieter side of the Ganga, offering a more secluded and peaceful environment, yet it’s still close enough to reach Tapovan by foot or a short taxi ride.

With so many ashrams and programs to choose from, it can feel overwhelming, but in the end, it’s less about the program itself and more about connecting with the energy and rich culture that Rishikesh has to offer. 🙂

Nina from the USA (September 2025)

(Meditation Teacher Training in Rishikesh) Google Review

student testimonials after meditation teacher training in Rishikesh

Angi Brugueras

6 years ago

This is a good example that it is possible to cross physical and virtual borders!

Doing this Online Yoga Nidra Course has been truly enriching, encouraging, inspiring and healing for me.

The design of the course, Elli and Rahul's vocation, passion, dedication, way of teaching and transmitting, have made me surrender and open up completely from the first moment. Feeling cared and accompanied at all times.

During the course I have not only learned a lot through their teachings, also through my colleagues and myself thanks to their excellent guidance.
Also I've learned a lot about myself, I've accessed parts of my being that I didn't even know existed. I've experienced what it is to cleanse and heal the body and beyond. I have cried and laughed of love and happiness. My creativity has increased and I am experiencing various effects and changes not only physically also in my daily life.

Dear Rahul and Elli, you have opened a new door and way of understanding the path of yoga and life on me.

I feel lucky to meet you, to be part of this family and to walk this path alone togheter.

Thank you for your love, care, dedication and teachings.

See you in the following online and real life courses! Looking foward to continue deepening, learning and sharing by your side.

Angi

Mila Pusteblume

6 years ago

A truly wonderful experience

I joined the yoga teacher training in Nepal with Rahul and Elli in March 2020 and it has been an incredible experience! The holistic approach of the training did not only provide a perfectly structured day but also a safe space where you really had the capacity and security to concentrate on yourself and get to know yourself better. Since there were only two teachers and the group was rather small everything was very personal and very close, whenever emotions arose there were people there who would listen and accept. The daily structure was well thought trough, the morning classes were preparation for the afternoon classes and everything was embedded in philosophy and anatomy classes which I particularly enjoyed. The asana classes provided a good overview and included the right amount of challenging and relaxing parts for me personally. The daily meditation was also very interesting, since we learned a variety of different meditation techniques which gave me the opportunity to find out which techniques worked well for me and which didn’t.

What made this teacher training so special was the location, as well. There was nothing but nature around us which was beautiful and peaceful and took away a lot of opportunities to get distracted. Also, the family which owns the place is nothing but wonderful, they were so supportive and nice and the home cooked food was very, very delicious.

In a nutshell: this training was exactly what I needed and wanted and even though I learned not to have too many expectations the ones I had were excelled. I will never forget this enriching time and I´m really looking forward to share what I learned.

Sebastiano Vizzardi

6 years ago

It is much more than just an academy, it's a wonderful nest.
Elliji and Rahulji are humble and generous, moved by great passion and dedication. They have a natural ability to share their deep knowledge, which can only have an immediate hold on their students.
I am honored to had the opportunity to attend twice at their teacher training programs (200h & 300h) and I will keep on following them as teachers and as human beings. Namaste!

Brynja Bjarnadottir

6 years ago

Mira Held

6 years ago

In March, I completed the 200-hour Yoga Teacher Training with Rahul and Elli together with a friend. It was a fantastic experience from start to finish, and I'm extremely happy that I chose this yoga school. The entire 3.5 weeks are taught exclusively by Elli and Rahul, which means the entire training is very personal and individually tailored. Rahul and Elli complement each other very well in their approach and teaching style. They are very different, but their content is perfectly coordinated. The entire training is very thorough and well-founded, and I always felt like I was in good hands. I learned a lot, and even though I originally started the training just for myself, the two of them made me want to teach.
Our course took place in Pokhara, Nepal. We stayed at a wonderful family-run accommodation, which provided a very conducive atmosphere for me to fully concentrate on the course. The food and accommodations were excellent. The view of the Himalayas is breathtaking.
Regardless of whether you have extensive experience with yoga (or as a teacher) or are just beginning to explore yoga, I'm sure everyone will benefit from the training with Elli and Rahul. I can recommend it without reservation.

Stefanie Klassen

6 years ago

I did the 200hr yoga teacher training in March 2020 and it was incredible! Rahul and Elli are such beautiful and passionate teachers with a very deep knowledge about yoga! I feel very blessed that I had the opportunity to learn
and grow with them together! It was a really interesting, challenging and eye-opening experience. I really recommend this place from my heart if you're looking for a wonderful teacher training!

Oester Ride

6 years ago

The yoga teacher training was absolutely fantastic.
The teachers are incredibly good and knowledgeable. I learned so much through Rahul and Elli. They both are very dedicated and understand the human body and nature in an inspiring way.

Marjorie Bebiot

6 years ago

After doing our 200 hour training with Rahul in Rishikesh last year, we decided to continue the 300 hour program with him and Elli in Pokhara this year and we do not regret it.

Rahul and Elli are so passionate and dedicated in what they do, they were always there with us throughout the day. We were able to share many moments with them to discuss our doubts and questions whenever we felt the need.

They are truly compatible in their approach: a man from India and a woman from Europe. This allowed us to fully understand the origins of yoga in India but also to be able to adapt it to our Western way of life. The perfect balance between wise stories and scientific facts around yoga! Everyone will recognize themselves in their field of expertise I'm sure 😉

From the start of the training they placed emphasis on group cohesion and the desire to create a family environment between us. We were in a small group (11 students) which facilitated discussions very quickly. For our part, we felt supported by everyone and we were able to share our differences to learn from each other. The complementarity of the group was incredible.

Also, they mixed people who were doing 200-hour and 300-hour training. At the beginning, we were a little reluctant about this diversity because we were afraid of not progressing and of being bored, the courses were still fresh in our minds. Eventually we understood that reviewing was necessary to deepen understanding and we were able to consolidate our knowledge base.

The real interest of this training is the traditional and holistic approach that they bring. And hats off… It’s so rare these days to find this kind of course. We see the proliferation of “commercial” yoga schools everywhere and little by little the real schools are disappearing. We can say that they are real yogis who know what they are talking about! They cultivate and transmit the true values of yoga.

At the end of the training they really encouraged us to teach and we felt more confident, all we have to do now is take action 😉
We are also always in contact with them for any possible questions. This is a privilege that many schools do not offer.

Not forgetting the just perfect place and the ideal food to practice. We couldn't ask for a better experience, isolated from the hustle and bustle of the city and with a breathtaking panorama. Well, just prepare yourself to be self-sufficient for a month, there's no question of going to a nearby store if you've forgotten your toothpaste or something... you'll have to make friends if you want someone to help you out 😉

For us, this experience was not a simple yoga training but a school of life that we will remember for a long time!

Once again thank you Rahul and Elli: what a magnificent team you make together.

Om Santi Santi Santi

MATT & MJ

Students Journey

My Yoga Journey in the Himalayas

My Breathwork Journal – Learning to Breathe Again

Student Reviews & testimonials

a woman student who gave us beautiful review

Angi

Zuzana

Maria

There are experiences that should be part of the life path of all human beings, and this is undoubtedly one of them. If Yoga is for me the key that opens the doors of my search, my inner world and my spiritual path, this formation has become the lighthouse that illuminates this path. I had no doubt at the time, the crush was instantaneous through social networks, and the reality has been better than any dream. The love, passion, care and complete dedication that all members of the training put into it are felt from the first moment and to the smallest detail.

The training is complete and very well designed, but I will not deceive you, It is hard and demanding. It puts your whole life upside down and leaving the comfort zone squeezes. But with patience, faith and surrender soon begin to reap the rewards. The benefits and also the physical and internal changes are soon felt and made visible. As it is inside it is outside.

I can never finish thanking the immense and endless ocean of wisdom and knowledge that all teachers deliver in each class; they awaken your consciousness, your inner wisdom. The inexhaustible fountain that resides within you.

I would like to highlight in a special way the Yoga philosophy classes with the teacher Rahul Ji, his being, his wisdom, his mastery, his teachings and stories; the generosity, closeness and enjoyment with which he teaches his classes. The talent and ability to know how to connect with the energy of the group and with each of us. All this has been for me like a dawn, a breath of fresh air full of inexhaustible knowledge for the soul.

Another point I want to highlight and thank is the fellowship, giving and receiving the best of you and your colleagues; trust, cordiality, teamwork, respect, humility, acceptance and the embrace of the changes we all experience. Strong bonds and friendships are created. We become all (classmates, teachers and all members of the formation) into a family, a family for life. Coming to India, to a culture different from yours, welcomes you and marks you. Coming to this teacher training changes you.

Thank you to all team members for taking care of us so well and beautifully and for making it possible to experience this training and life experience! Thank you to all the teachers for giving us so much knowledge and wisdom! Thank you, colleagues, for everything we have shared and lived!

Thank you all! May the Light of our heart illuminate the world. Namaste

– Angi Brugueras (Spain)

India Yoga teacher training | April 2018

I wasn’t new to yoga before going to YTT in Nepal, but my goal was not to become a yoga teacher…

I have to admit, I went to Nepal with a lot of attitude, reservations, fear and doubt… but I’ll never forget the day I met Rahul….quiet, calm, with a gentle smile on his face, looking right through me. Oh dear, what is he thinking, I kept asking myself ☺ I have to say, I haven’t met many people like him in my life ( despite having travelled a fair bit ). Peaceful, calm energy shining around him, despite his young age, he speaks the wisdom of a wise, old man.

There are many positives I can start naming about the course, in fact, everything about it was great, from the organizational point of view to the quality and knowledge of other teachers as well.

But what I appreciate the most, is that, I really started to see, that they really wanted us to look at yoga practice as to what it is for them, a devotional, transformative practice, not just to focus on the physical aspect and leave the room with nothing more than a sweaty back. That the physical is meant to be the doorway to something more…

And the reason I’ve stayed practicing after the course, was thanks to that spiritual emphasis of the practice. It’s not so easy to explain – because it’s not like Rahul said to me, ok, now go and do this or that, now believe in this, be vegetarian, be a better person, etc. No…..It’s just…he IS that person. And when I was around him, I changed. Not in a way, ok, I’m gonna be a yogi now and do these things to check them off the list…I never imagined to be a yoga teacher. I have gone through two Master degrees in Economics and International business and was on a completely different path…But I started practicing more and through the physical, I started to change. Be more patient, learn to slow down and prioritize, doing things that make me happy rather than fulfilling someone else’s dreams…I’m learning to let go of “things” that I no longer need, be grateful for everyday things, for being here…

It’s Rahul’s dedication and consistency that he’s devoting to teaching and to his practice, that’s given me the inspiration throughout the practice, being in his presence, just listening to his stories during philosophy classes, I was inspired to be a better person, I was inspired to make changes, I was inspired to continue what I gained here and pass it on.

Thank you, my beloved teacher and dear friend Rahul, hope to meet again.

– Zuzana Belakova (UK)

Nepal Yoga teacher training | October 2017

I believe that when one decides to go on a teacher training or a yoga retreat, they are searching for something at that moment in time. I wasn’t sure what I was searching for, so I went in with no expectations. This training was more than I could have ever imagined and I am taking with me so much valuable knowledge and lessons for life.

I was taught by four wonderfully special teachers: Rahul, Elli and Sandeep. Each teacher is so authentic in their way of teaching and so dedicated to sharing the knowledge. You can really feel their love when they talk, when they move and when you look at them. This month was one of the best months of my life and I am eternally grateful to have shared it with people whose passion and dedication shines through.

Sometimes authenticity is an issue with yoga training, because there are so many of them nowadays. But I can truly say without hesitation that this training was authentic and true in every aspect. Any person will be lucky to be provided with teachings of this quality, but also to spend time in the warmth of these people.

My advice for students going on a course or retreat with Vedic Yoga Academy is to allow yourself to be open. Open your heart and your mind and create space for new information to come in and for the love and nurturing of new wonderful people to flow. We are all human, we are all the same and we are all capable of love and understanding. These teachers will be there for you no matter what and will never judge.

Being vulnerable is beautiful and it’s actually one of our greatest strengths.

Just enjoy. Namaste

– Maria Arnaoutaki (Greece)

Nepal Yoga teacher training | April 2018