welcome to inner heart yoga & holistic institute
We are based in Oddayam Beach, Varkala, Kerala, the palm-forested south-western state of India, locally dubbed ‘Gods Own Country’. Our training programs are run to the backdrop of a picturesque tropical coastline, a spiritually vibrant area of the world that is thriving with temples, ashrams, meditation and ayurvedic treatment centers.
why study with us?
With so many yoga teacher trainings springing up around India and all over the world, we understand it can be overwhelming to decide which school to study with! You are making a financial investment, as well as dedicating your valuable time, and so it’s important that you can find a program that is right for you.
We are a Yoga Alliance Certified Institution which provides International Certifications at the 200 and 300 Hour Levels for Yoga Teachers Worldwide. Read here why we think you’ll love our programs.
We are a Yoga Alliance Certified Institution which provides International Certifications at the 200 and 300 Hour Levels for Yoga Teachers Worldwide. Read here why we think you’ll love our programs.
Upcoming Programs
To see the full calendar of upcoming workshops and training courses July 2024 - May 2025 click here.
50 HR sound healing
therapist training
UPCOMING COURSES 2024 & 2025
NOVEMBER 2 - 6 • NOV. 28 - DEC. 2 • DEC. 29, 2024 TO JAN. 2, 2025
NOVEMBER 2 - 6 • NOV. 28 - DEC. 2 • DEC. 29, 2024 TO JAN. 2, 2025
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In this Sound Therapist Training Program you learn how to work with individual as well as group sound healing sessions. Sound is one of the most profound methods of healing since ancient times. It is a waveform which moves through and penetrates matter therefore it is not just what we can hear. This is why sound it has the potential to alter every dimension of our being.
Sound Therapy is a healing modality which induces a deep state of relaxation helps reduce levels of stress, anxiety, insomnia, inability to focus, to let go, and many emotional issues. It has also been reported to help reduce mood swings, lowering blood pressure and cholesterol levels, reduce risk of coronary issues as well as help in the process of pain management. Sound therapies can also be used a tool to deepen the quality one’s spiritual practices as well as unleashing the ability for self-healing. Learn how to connect & play more than 20+ different instruments who are based on balancing the elements of fire, water, earth, ether and air. 5 Day Residential Program Inclusive of Twin Shared Room, Breakfast & Lunch. Price: 1050 Euro June & July, 1100 Euro from August onwards. |
COURSES ON 2025
JANUARY 4 - 8TH, 2025 FEBRUARY 4 - 8TH, 2025 MARCH 1ST- 5TH, 2025 MARCH 31ST TO APRIL 4TH, 2024 |
200 HR ayurvedic yoga THERAPY
teacher training
NOVEMBER 7 - 29 • DECEMBER 2 - 28, 2024
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Our Ayurvedic Yoga therapy offers a holistic approach to yoga, helping those who wish to improve their physical health and state of mind through the use yogic practices and ayurvedic principle such as postures, breathing techniques, mudras, diet, relaxation techniques and meditations amongst others.
Gain the knowledge & skills necessary to work intelligently with clients who are living with health challenges, chronic illness or injury as well as aging populations. This course is great for those who wish to deepen their approach as a yoga teacher, practitioner & therapist. It is also great for those who wish to delve into more alignment based, gentle and restorative styles of yoga that can be incorporated into more active classes. Residential Program Inclusive of tuition, twin shared room and food.
Course Fees: 2400 Euro Winter Dates: November 7-29, December 2-28, 2024 & February 8-28, 2025. |
Build your Confidence, expand your range of clients. Connect with ayurvedic principles applied to yogic practices!
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*The yoga therapy components of our 200-Hour Teacher Training on Yoga Therapy follows Inner Heart Yoga & Holistic Institute Standards and is not derived from our status as an RYS® nor RYTs® with Yoga Alliance Registry. Our main sources are based on Ayurvedic principles of Charaka and Sushruta Samhita, the yoga teachings and therapeutic benefits of yoga are derived from Hatha Yoga Pradipika, Gheranda Samhita and Patanjali´s Yoga Sutras.
200 hour ashtanga vinyasa & yin yoga
teacher training
APRIL 6-29, 2025 & SEPTEMBER 1 - 25, 2026
BE strongAshtanga + Yin : A match made in heaven! A combination to help you cover the most essential and fundamental parts of one's practice and teachings.
Arrival Date: July 31st, 2024
Departure: September 26, 2024 Fees Foreign Students: 2200 Euro Fees Indian Nationals: Rs. 165,000. |
BE dynamicLearn this powerful and active yoga practice known as the "Ashtanga Vinyasa Yoga Primary Series".
It strengthens the body, increases internal fire helping you become more determined in life. You will learn this classical approach to yoga in the traditional way as taught by Sri K. Pattabi Jois and T. Krishnamacharya. While Ashtanga Yoga focuses on muscle training, it develops physical strength and rejuvenates the body, making it stronger, toned, more flexible and controlled. Learn to become an excellent teacher with this dynamic style of yoga. |
BE stillPair this wonderful practice with the soft and Gentle approach of Yin Yoga which is a slow-paced style of yoga were asanas are held for longer periods of time than in other styles. The purpose: to stretch and target both the deep connective tissues between the muscles, and the fascia throughout the body.
The practice helps increase circulation in the joints and improve flexibility, reduce stress, improve sleep and relaxation as well as increase a meditative state in life. While ashtanga works on the yang or active aspect, yin yoga will help you balance the soft or yin aspect. |
200 hr vinyasa flow & hatha YOGA teacher training
november 7-29, 2024
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200 hour TTC vinyasa flow: connection with spirit
February 9 - 28, 2025
build up the foundations
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learn to observeIf you are lifting your arms up, to become fully aware that you are lifting your arms up, observe and feel every inch of it.
Bring your undivided attention, your awareness without judgement, without modification. In yoga, the body, breath and the mind are all united. It is slow motion, like a dance, leading from one posture to another, from one breath to another. |
experience vinyasa krama:
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The 200 Hour Vinyasa Flow Yoga Teacher Training Program provides yoga teachers the skills & knowledge necessary to work intelligently with students from all backgrounds & ages who wish to undergo a vinyasa flow practice that is safe and progressive allowing the practitioner to connect at a deeper level with his/her own self.
200 hour yin yoga & meditation teacher training
NOVEMBER 7 - 28, 2024
BE SOFT
Arrival Date: TBA
Departure: TBA Fees Foreign Students: 2400 Euro Fees Indian Nationals: Rs. 145,000. |
BE KIND This unique signature training program includes the physical, spiritual, philosophical, mental and energetic aspects of yin yoga.
Training includes the asanas, pranayamas, teaching techniques, anatomical and traditional chinese medicine aspects of the practice. Training also includes an in-depth meditative approach to yoga. |
BE STILLYin Yoga is a slow-paced style of yoga were we hold asanas for longer periods of time than in other styles in order to stretch and target both the deep connective tissues between the muscles, and the fascia throughout the body. The practice helps increase circulation in the joints and improve flexibility, reduce stress, improve sleep and relaxation as well as increase a meditative state in life.
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a little more about varkala
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Our Institution is open to students from all walks of life!
The weather averages between 76 to 84 F (24-29 C). In the months of June and July we expect some rain, so we suggest you bring a light raincoat or umbrella. After the rains there is always sunshine and nature feels even more alive. Come to paradise! Varkala is the hidden Jewel of India. We hope to see you soon! Varkala is a tranquil coastal town which offers a serene escape with its dramatic cliffs and pristine beaches like Odayam, Varkala beach, Edava & Papanassam. |
The town's relaxed atmosphere is perfect for yoga, sunsets with pranayama or meditation, walking along the shore, kayaking in the backwaters and even surfing. It is a renowned destination for ayurvedic and holistic treatments and rejuvenation centers.
In the season, visitors can enjoy amazing festivals and cultural events. The local community blends traditional Kerala culture with modern influences and visitors can enjoy fresh seafood and coconut based dishes at vibrant restaurants. Emphasizing health and safety, varkala is ideal for those seeking relaxation, wellness and a touch of adventure! |
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Our yoga teacher training immersions and programs
are designed for those who wish to undergo a unique experience where you cultivate yourself & learn to be a yoga teacher who is thoroughly equipped with the skills necessary to share the knowledge of yoga with the world. Our graduates teach all around the world, and they continue to help lakhs of people everyday! |
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A Day at inner heart
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Start at early morning with a two-hour yoga asana practice in the yoga style of your chosen Teacher Training or Immersion Program (Ashtanga, Hatha, Yin, Vinyasa Flow, Restorative, Trapeze, or Yoga Therapy) followed by a hearty breakfast by the ocean.
Head to asana methodology classes & teaching practicums from mid morning am to 1.30 pm.
Come for lunch at the ocean view restaurant for a vegetarian meal followed by study time. Social time at 4.15 pm for tea break. Classes resume at 4.30 pm with pranayama, anatomy & yoga philosophy.
Close the day from 6 -7 pm with a different meditation, yoga Nidra or group sound healing session.
Everyday is different! It is filled with new challenges and opportunities for self-growth!
Fridays we enjoy meditating at sunset by the ocean!
About Us
Inner Heart Yoga and Holistic Institute is born of more than 20 years of teaching and learning. Inner heart is the result of the experience and the need to expand Yoga to a deeper, holistic level. Located in Odayam Beach, the institute
provides the students a calm, serene & quiet place to study & meditate away from pollution and fast-paced city life. Our location allows students in many ways including the easy access from any part of the world. The closest airports to Varkala are Thiruvanathapuram (TRV) and Kochi (COK), which are easily reachable by taxi & train.
Our school is equipped with two stunning yoga studios or yoga shalas, nestled among luscious tropical vegetation, open to the sounds of nature 100 meters from the beach.
Inner Heart Yoga also boasts a sound healing as well as a therapy room where both students and visitors alike can experience a variety of therapies during their stay.
We also provide housing accommodation to yoga students and yoga retreat participants.
provides the students a calm, serene & quiet place to study & meditate away from pollution and fast-paced city life. Our location allows students in many ways including the easy access from any part of the world. The closest airports to Varkala are Thiruvanathapuram (TRV) and Kochi (COK), which are easily reachable by taxi & train.
Our school is equipped with two stunning yoga studios or yoga shalas, nestled among luscious tropical vegetation, open to the sounds of nature 100 meters from the beach.
Inner Heart Yoga also boasts a sound healing as well as a therapy room where both students and visitors alike can experience a variety of therapies during their stay.
We also provide housing accommodation to yoga students and yoga retreat participants.
The Location
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The Yoga Shala is set in virgin surroundings. Kerala is the greenest part of India and much so is Varkala as the south west monsoon starts here. The Yoga shala is nestled in between coconut and banana plantations.
Varkala is characterized by wide, clean roads and friendly people who always welcome you. Accommodation is 5 min walking from the Shala and the ocean is 10 min walking from the accommodation. The transit time from the international airport to the Yoga Shala is just one hour when compared to Rishikesh (9H) & Mysore (5H). We are located around 700 M from the ocean. The Shala is also easily accessible to many restaurants, hotels and guest houses, fruits stores, convenience stores and supermarkets.
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Featured Program: 200 Hour Yin Yoga & Meditation TTC - NOVEMBER 7 - 28, 2024
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Connect with your Yin Force - the force of creativity and source of stillness.
The Yin Yoga & Meditation Teacher Course is divided into two essential parts where the student develops into a competent teacher: 1. Yin Yoga Techniques: you will learn how to structure and teach beginners, intermediate and advanced yin yoga practices thus helping you cater a wide range of clients. 2. Meditation Techniques: Learn to teach and safely guide meditations. 
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ABOUT THE FACULTY
Ellie Ruales is the main teacher and the lead trainer for the 200 & 300 Hour Teacher Trainings at the Institute. The students spend almost 150+ hours with the main teacher on the chosen course. We we feel the relationship between the main teacher and the student has to undergo a special bonding. Ellie has been training students from around the globe for the last 10 years in different styles of yoga. Her main interests include ayurveda, yoga, sacred geometry, sound and vibrational healing, tcm as well as kalaripayattu martial arts. She is passionate about teaching and helping students develop their skills and overcome their fears. |
200 houR TANTRA YOGA, YANTRA & MANTRA
teacher training
JUNE 30 TO JULY 20, 2025
SURRENDERDelve into this intense 21-Day exploration of inner most self: the spiritual path of Tantra. This course emphasizes the importance of meditation, mindfulness, and spiritual practices to help individuals connect with their inner selves and the divine.
Through these practices we can achieve a deeper understanding of ourselves, our purpose in life, and our connection to the universe. Ultimately, the goal of tantra is to achieve spiritual awareness and liberation from suffering.
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Self - rEalizeBy embodying qualities such as compassion, love, and wisdom, practitioners can bring about positive transformations in their lives and become more connected to the divine. Harness the power of the mind and energy centers in order enter into the a path that promotes purity, clarity, and self-realization.
Learn practices such as meditation, visualization, construction of yantras, chanting of mantras and breathwork, all aimed at purifying the mind and body and connecting with higher spiritual principles.
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transformThese practices help cultivate inner peace, self-awareness, and a deep sense of connection to the universe.
One of the key qualities of Tantra is its focus on love and compassion. In Tantra we see that true spiritual growth and enlightenment can only be achieved through a deep sense of love and compassion for oneself and others. This outlook fosters empathy, understanding, and a sense of unity and interconnectedness with all living beings.
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