I studied in Abhijna School twice. I like the atmosphere and an organization of a teaching process. It is very intense but perfectly structured so at the end of the course you feel ready to do your own classes. Teachers are great and very helpful. Would love to come back again.

I took the yoga therapy teachers training and it was honestly the most life changing experience. The teachers are incredibly thorough so I had a very good grasp of the material when I left. The things you learn are invaluable as well as the memories you will make. I met people from all over the world, and even though I was alone, I have never felt more at home in my life. If anyone asks me about pursuing this track I always tell them to take this course. It was the single best decision of my life. I highly reccomend this school!

I had an amazing experience doing the Yoga Therapy TTC at Abhijna. The school is reliable, well-run and professional, and Ely is extremely knowledgeable and compassionate as a teacher. The program was challenging in all the right ways and completely transformed my teaching - highly recommended! Plus, Kerala is magical!

Very professional teaching, certificates handed out for those who earn it by hard work and understanding of the material. Wonderful setting and family atmosphere. Great food. Good housing. Recommend!!

Very structured yoga therapy teacher training course. you learn a lot, Ely really takes care of each single person; great handbook. overall, can highly recommend their yoga therapy teacher training

I studied yoga therapy here a few years ago and found the teaching to be first rate. Ely was absolutely wonderful, very thorough and professional and taught in an well-equipped environment. Maheshs teaching of yoga philosophy was also excellent, and the materials provided were more than sufficient. I attended some of the practical exams of his Ashtanga students and found their teaching and corrections to be very impressive. I would (and have!) recommend this school to potential teachers.

I found the course extremely well structured, thorough and fulfilling.The accommodations were fantastic and the proximity to the beautiful beaches was fantastic. Highly recommended!

I had a very nice experience in Abhijna School of Yoga. I studied the Therapeutic Yoga Course and was very useful and interesting. The school staff are very organized and professional. I really enjoyed and learn a lot in Abhijna so I recomend 100%!!

I spent four weeks learning Ashtanga Yoga at Abhijna. Beautiful school and location, met some wonderful people and learnt so much. I went here with very little knowledge of the Ashtanga series and finished with a firm foundation of the series and a true ongoing love for the practice. Teaching was professional, you are expected to work hard and be committed. I felt well informed in my practice, adjustments and advice given when it was needed. I have very fond memories of early morning walks to practice, waking up with the birds, the sun and yoga, I hope to return soon.

You will learn how to teach a real and excellent class. This course opened to me hundreds doors and show me the path of yoga.

My experience was more than I was expected, and even more than I had dreamed!Learn and practice yoga surrounded by the jungle, in a beautiful Shala, with people who became my friends for life and with amazing teachers... everything left a mark on me.I can’t be more grateful about my choice, and if I have the chance, without doubt I recommend it to my friends and everyone who want to live an experience that will be stored in the heart of every person who decide to practice in such a beautiful place. Thanks to Mahesh and specially to Elly for always make me feel like I’m at home.

I visited the school for some guest classes and met the teachers and some of the students. Ely is very professional but also a very warm person with sparkling energy. She cares a lot about the place and her students and one can deffinately see this reflecting in their work. The place itself is dreamy, amazing atmosphere and nature. I am very gratefull to have found this place and probably will return for a teacher training.

I would highly recommend this course to anyone who wishes to increase his/her foundational knowledge and understanding of Yoga, and yoga therapy in particular.Mahesh and Ely are extremely knowledgeable professionals who are able to provide clarity to questions many students have about the practice of Yoga. I enjoyed Mahesh philosophy lectures and his somewhat unconventional approach to the practice.This course requires hard work, commitment and a degree of discipline, but it is quite worth the time and effort.Respectfully,Julio

Thorough, intense and well structured yoga therapy course. I particularly liked Elys style of teaching, her astute observations and honest feedback.

I completed an Ashtanga 200hr TTC with Abhijna School. It was a well run and structured course, and perhaps most importantly for a teacher training course, I left with the feeling and confidence that I could teach. The shalas are beautiful and peaceful, and the food at the cafe was very good. I thoroughly enjoyed my time studying with Mahesh and Ely, and I hope to be able to return in the future.

I attended the 200 hours Ashtanga Vinyasa Yoga TTC at Abhijna in 2018. Mornings spent practicing a rather intense practice were challenging at first and extreme to the body but became special as one got used to the effort, rather enjoying the chirping of birds, playing cats and the experience of intense mind-body focus first thing in the day. With our teachers Mahesh and Ellie, we developed an understanding about the teaching of asana, intricacies of postures, adjustments and how to guide students through a process that is both physically and mentally testing - but one that gets embedded in you if you enjoy it. Evenings spent learning and discussing philosophy, pranayama and anatomy with our teachers Becky and Geuse were most cherished. I loved the meditation sessions at the end of every day especially the sound healing sessions and dance meditations. I was truly grateful for breakfast and lunch at the Cafe - dots of respite in the daily grind. Also, the school has a great collection of books at their library and overall the infrastructure is great with the shalas fully equipped for all kinds of practices. I highly recommend the course if one is looking for jolt of discipline and hard work in their life. It is intense indeed, but Varkala with its ocean, greenery, cafes and most of all - the people you experience everything alongside - all make it truly memorable.

The Yoga therapy program of this school is very well designed , very useful tool to grow in a professional and personal way . School in very clean and logistically super well organized,

Love this school. Cant wait to go back again this year. From the teaching to the students and the atmosphere its an amazing experience.They teach Ashtanga, Hatha or Yoga therapy.

I had a great time here when I went for a few days of yoga retreat. I wanted to improve my yoga practice and also take a break from the routine life. The experience here was exactly what I wanted. Mahesh was the teacher for Ashtanga Vinyasa. His adjustments/corrections were super. I got to learn a lot from him & Elly. I also got to sit in few theory classes which helped me enhance my understanding on yoga and my practice. They have meditation sessions in the evening, which again is very relieving. Personally I used to get bored in meditation before coming here. But here my belief of meditation totally changed. Each day is a different type of meditation which was a great experience. I also got a chance to experience their Yin yoga class. And that was THE BEST relaxing thing Ive ever experienced. It will be incomplete, if I do not mention about the food at the Abhijna Cafe. They have the best tasty as well as healthy food. They have Yoga TTC courses. But one can go for 1-3 weeks of yoga retreat to enhance own practice or to get a break from the routine busy life. The Varkala beach is within 1km distance and easily accessible. Varkala is a not so commercialized place. So if you want less crowd and peaceful beach, this is definitely one for you.

I had the privilege to attended the ashtanga TTC and it was one of the best experiences. The teachers are so open minded and so well informed about so many different things they made sure to go over all details to make sure that we have enough knowledge and skill to flourish. This training not only improved my teaching skills and personal practice, it helped me make positive changes too. The accommodation and Shala’s were beautiful and surrounded by beautiful nature and of course the food was sooo tasty! I sure hope to go again.

Training at Abhijna School of Yoga has been one of the best experiences of my life. Elly and Mahesh are amazing teachers, each in their own way. I did the Hatha Yoga certification with Elly and I cant express how patient, caring and attentive she was. There were times when some of her students were under stress and she was always there to help and talk. While the training was intense, they really give you the tools to learn and absorb every piece of information in a short time. Mahesh is a bit rougher but his philosophy, meditation and pranayama classes are amazing! I really cant thank them enough for my time there and all the knowledge they passed on. Cant wait to go back!

Ive done the Ashtanga TTC in the end of 2017 with them and loved the experience.The teachers are very knowledgeable and create a great environment for learning that Ill take with me for life.The location is also wonderful, Varkala is a calm city and the shalas are pleasant. I highly recommend the school.

I took the hatha yoga course in 2017, it was a very challenging and trasformative experience! When i decided first to enroll i never expected to become a yoga teacher, i wanted to get a good daily pratice for myself. The course was hard, it requiered a big strenght both phisical and mental, but Ely always believed in me and made me explore my inner potential, so in one month i achieved incredible risults, making me feel at easy with teaching .This is very serious yoga ttc, they teach you everithing you need to know to start practicing at good level . I strongly reccomend this course and i am looking forward to come back to continue my learning.

Abhija Yoga SchoolI have attended several of the yoga school examinations. I think the school and the students to be examined on these occasions hold a high grade. They show a clarity in what they do, they show what knowledge they bring from the course. There is also a cohesion, everyone wants to help each other.I have also attended a soundhealing course at Abhija School. It consisted of a theory and a practical part and a compendium included. The course was clear and pedagogically well laid out. And the atmosphere among students and teachers was pleasant. I highly recommend this course if you are interested in soundhealing.

Amazing experience, amazing location and dedicated teachers. I did the Yoga therapy after completing my Hatha training a few years ago elsewhere and learnt a lot about adapting yoga to suit individuals. Thank you Ely, Mahesh, Anil and his wonderful family who run the cafe.

It was very nice to attend one of the ttc. Mahesh and Elly very supportive for students. Cafe is very nice food is super tasty. Accomadation is simple. Good. Better than Going to mysoor. Nearby beach is very good. Cource was succesfful. They pay attention for each person

I completed my 200hrs Ashtanga Vinyasa yoga teacher training at Abhijana in November 2016. It’s a very well structured, thorough, and intense teacher training and is suitable for serious practitioners on a look out for a top notch training with highly experienced and dedicated teachers. Your day is packed with practice, practical sessions (alignment & adjustment), philosophy, & meditation (also great Ayurvedic food prepared daily at the school’s café)!Mahesh is a sincere & passionate teacher and his adjustments are some of the best I have experienced in the 5 years of me doing yoga. Our batch was a mix of beginners and experienced students and while I was able to strengthen and improve my practice, I even saw the beginners learn and grow at a great pace. By the end of the course, Mahesh made sure each and every one of us were confident and ready to take a class! This is an intense course, which if you open your heart to the experience will give you so much in return.We also had a chance to do a few combined sessions with the hatha/therapy ttc students (Hatha and Therapy ttc is conducted by Ellie) and while Mahesh has a more direct style, Ellie is soft, but by no means an easy teacher. It’s a great experience to learn from both of them.I must also mention that the teachers and the staff at Abhijana are also very caring and concerned of the well-being of its students. I ended up spraining my neck and Ellie went out of her way to help me out and connected me with a local therapist. Anil at the café is your go to guy for everything and is very kind & helpful! Thank you all so much for such an incredible experience! I would love to practice again at Abhijana, and recommend it highly!!

My teacher training experience in Abhijna School was definitely perfect and met my all expectations. Mahesh and Ely are professional trainers in teaching both philosophy, asana methodology, how to teach/adjust, pranayama and meditation. It was really an intense and disciplined course. The balance of cirruculum between philosophy/pranayama and asanas/teaching methodology was perfect. Trainers gave us time for asking them consultancy whenever we needed. And also they gave precise and on-time feedbacks. I can now confidently say I am a yoga teacher and do yoga sessions for people in different levels. The location of shala and houses (accomodation rooms) were great, it was just 5 minutes walk distance to the ocean. And also breakfast and lunch in Abhijna Cafe were delicious and healthy. I cant wait for attending another teacher training course in Abhijna School :) I definitely recommend this school to students who want to deepen their practise, learn how to teach yoga and go deeper into their true self.

I had the luck to have Mahesh as teacher during my YTT in Ashtanga Vinyasa Yoga (still back in Mysore in February 2012) and got to know Ely as well. The whole month with them was an amazing experience and so I decided to stay on for another month for the Hatha Yoga Teacher Training.Theyre great teachers and really personalize your needs in a perfect way to make you learn and grow. Beside that, theyre wonderful humans.Thank you so much for everything and I really hope to meet again! Om Shanti

I attended a 200HATA course with Ely and Maesh last february and feel so thankful about it!A great mix of professionalism and good vibes!Accommodating, attentive and experienced teachers, well equipped yoga halls, well organized and interesting materials and philosophy lessons.Teachers were always ready for Indepth answers, advices on the practice or good reading suggestions.Great location 2 steps away from the Ocean, comfortable and clean accommodation, super delicious ayurvedic food and a nice and friendly staff!I will be back in one month for for a yoga therapy course!

I completed my 200hrs YTT in Yoga Therapy at Abhjina School of Yoga, and I cannot recommended enough. The content of the course and material are fantastic, the yoga shala is great and it is super well equipped. Mahesh and Ely are very knowledgeable in their fields and dedicated teacher, together they make a perfect team. I left my YTT feeling ready to teach, inspirited by the subjects we studied and the knowledge shared during the course. Thank You Ely and Mahesh!

I had the pleasure to stay long term at abhijna first I started with a 200 Hour Hatha Yoga and then moved to Ashtanga and last Yoga Therapy.Each course gave me the tools I was looking for to cover a broad range of classes. Ely and Mahesh went out of their way to make me feel welcome, I never thought it would be possible for me to learn so much during my stay.I particularly enjoyed mahesh’s philosophy which helped me question spo many aspwcts if my life. I loved Ellie’s Asana methodology classes and her kindness. They are both eve knowledgeable teachers.The courses were not only rewarding but also challenging, looking back this experience made me a strong teacher as I had come form previous trainings feeling I was not ready to teach, I felt a spark Lit up and I am now very confident and love teaching!! Hoping to come back for more sooon!!!

When it comes to doing a yoga teacher training in India, Abhijna is one of the best!There are alot of schools in India that are poor quality, and alot of schools will give you certification just because you have paid, without actually challenging you.Abhijna is neither of these. Abhijna is challenging and demanding Yoga Teacher Training and they have 2 of the best teachers in the business. Mahesh is a disciplined, knowledgeable Yogi who is known to be a bit of a hard-ass and he will push you to your limits physically, mentally, and intellectually. Eli is a kind, compassionate teacher who is extremely knowledgeable in Anatomy and Ayurvedic Philosophy.They make a great team.Abhijna is located in a very nice part of India, it is located in a clean, high-end neighborhood with a few different places you can go sight-seeing. A beautiful cliff beach with plenty of surfing, a Kali Temple, a shrine to a famous Yogi, and an ancient Hanuman Temple are all within a fairly close distance to Abhijna. Most people in Kerala are well educated and speak english.The food and water in Kerala are clean and you can drink from the tap without getting sick. Only 1 person got sick from the food in the time I was there, and he ate at restaurant on the beach.This is very important to consider when taking your teacher training. You can go to Delhi, Rishikesh, or Goa, but how much of your trip are you going to spend sick in bed after drinking a glass of tap water or eating some food from the street? Alot of the food/water in India is toxic to foreigners. This is not the case in most of Kerala.Abhijna provides home cooked traditional Kerala style food as part of there Ayurveda diet. Kerala is the birthplace of Ayurveda, and the food served by Abhijna is not only delicious and lovingly cooked, but also very safe to eat. After 1 month of eating the Ayurvedic Diet Abhijna provides, I was feeling very strong, fit, and healthy.The Cafe is also equipped with a beautiful sound healing room, the sound healings Ive had there were among some of the most amazing experiences of my life. I highly recommend booking one while you are there! It is a very unique treatment I have not seen anywhere else.Also, there is a library with lots of books on yoga for you to enjoy during your stay.As far as the course itself - It is demanding. It can be hard to concentrate on a teacher training when you just arrived in beautiful Kerala, but it is very important that you study and keep up with homework. Students who think they can spend all there time at the Beach will be failed and the teachers will not put up with slackers. This is not a pay to pass program.Yoga Philosophy with Mahesh was a life-changing experience for me. He is among one of the brightest teachers and his no-nonsense strict style of teaching the mysteries of yoga will mold you into a powerful and knowledgeable Yoga teacher both on and off the mat.The rooms were very clean and spacious.The rules and terms on the website of this school must be followed. There was 1 day students left banana peels on the floor and Mahesh had us all lined up ready to fail us. If you do not agree to the terms on the website do not go.This school is a philosophy heavy school. Not as much focus is given on Anatomy. They give you the tools to figure it out yourself.Be prepared for a fantastic but also challenging experience. This is worth the money and trip, Kerala is beautiful and you should not book a return ticket until youve explored a week or 2 after the TTC is over.This school has world class Teachers, it is very credible, and many of the students who have left from my program are now full-time teachers and changing lives big-time. They WILL mold you into a great teacher if you let them.

I have immense respect for Mahesh and Elly and the Abhinjha school of yoga. They teach with great knowledge, discipline and structure. I found the Therapy training intense but exceptionally thorough, leaving me confident with what I was able to teach afterwards. I also enjoyed the combination of Meditation and Pranyama every afternoon with Mahesh.

Elly and mahesh went out of their way to welcome me for thé 300hour advanced ashtanga teachers training when i was thé only one. I really appréciated their professionnel approach and the complimentary qualities of both of them as teachers. The general ambiance of thé abhijna school and varkala was, for me, perfect for an intense yoga teacher training course. Thanks for a life changing expérience:)

Amazing life changing experience!I completed my Ashtanga Vinyasa YTTC in 2016 here at Abhijina..I thought I knew what I doing and had a pretty good idea about this yoga stuff before starting my training, but I was completely blown away and humbled upon starting the program. What I witness were 2 spectacular teachers whom have dedicated everything to this place. They have created a highly constructive environment that strives to make you the absolute best verison of yourself. Is it intense? Yes. Is it strict? Yes. But these are not negative things. I have attended other YTTC in India, and while they were okay. The fact is the end result at Abhijina is just so much more rewarding!

Ten stars out of 5I completed the Yoga Therapy course at The Abhijna School of Yoga in February 2017 and can strongly recommend the course to anyone serious about learning how to use asana, pranayama, meditation, yoga nidra, mudras, and diet in support of better health. The course approaches yoga therapy from an ayurvedic perspective and provides a wealth of information - from an excellent manual to multiple books (philosophy, mudra, asana and pranayama, sequencing, meditation, etc - more than you have time to read and digest!). Ely is caring, exceptionally knowledgable, and one of the most gifted teachers - of any subject - I have ever had the pleasure of learning from. And she is delightful and she is strict! You will learn more than you thought possible, but come prepared to immerse yourself and work. And the food at the cafe is the BEST! THank you Ely and Mahesh!

Took me a 7 months to write this review, because i was aware it can be subjective, but here it is... I did a Hatha Yoga course at Abhijna School and qualified in March 2017.Its a very disciplined and professional course. Mahesh and Elly work truly hard and you dont feel ripped off. They have an amazing knowledge, sometimes too conceptual for modern western minds.However, I found that the school, course and teachers were lacking human aspect. There was no compassion, kindness, sympathy.The school suits more ashtanga types of people (dont want to categorize)..But its great for pushing boundries and not great if you want to step back, observe, listen to your body. Its a boot camp that take your body and mind to the extremes.Yoga for me is different from what i have learnt there. Its an act of giving, love, kindness to yourself and others..The other thing i felt strongly about is that there was class favourites and it made it visible to others. If you are a gentle person, you should think twice before entering this course.I dont think i became a stronger person, and i dont think that the challenge suited me.I however, still practice yoga, still enjoy it, but in a completely different way from the way i learnt it.Hope that helps.

Highly recommended for all who truly want to learn.

A great experience that has transformed my way of seeing and living life. Mahesh and Ely very good teachers, a place to meet the Discipline

I did my Ashtanga vinyasa Yoga 200h course here. And the truth is that I came away very happy, they have a well structured program, where you have to dedicate to what you are going to study and learn. They are based mostly on practice and on what you come out made a great yoga teacher. Thank you Ellie for your support. Thanks Mahesh for teach me and share your knowledge with us. And thanks for the rest of the teachers !!! And to Anil for his great service. Adequate facilities, both the shala full of energy and the house. Library and restaurant / cafe

We did the Ashtanga course and it was an amazing experience.We work hard and study a lot but we also enjoy a lot with the people we met sharing experiences on the beach and the cliff.We loved the school. The facilities, the store full of interesting books, the cafe where we practiced in our spare time, the super cozy house .... Everything very well organized.I remember the palm path from the house to the shala longingly and hope to be able to return one day.Thank you so much for everything Ellie, Mahesh! And Anil, who was always there to help when needed ...I hope we meet again sometime.

The experience at abhijna school of yoga was very special. I remember it very fondly. It was a demanding and very well structured course for me, focusing mainly on the practical part, enabling you to have security before a class. Mahesh, Elly and the entire team are people 100% dedicated to yoga and with the clear objective of spreading and expanding this great art.Regarding school, everything seemed positive to me, but something that I loved was the environment. The area where it is located is spectacular. Very close to the sea and with an exuberant nature. We really enjoyed practicing before sunrise and feeling how nature was waking up.I recommend 100% the school, the teachers, the environment and the local people

I went to Abhijna School of yoga for yoga therapy training. It was an incredible experience, an intense challenging course, but with the necessary elements to enter the wonderful world of yoga. The teachers are the perfect guides in this process and the collaborators complement a beautiful experience in this school. Due to all that, I stayed in the hatha yoga course, deepening the knowledge already acquired, improving practice and growing in this beautiful discipline, in the best place.