Walk into any of the 14 best yoga schools in Mysore at 6 AM and you’ll hear synchronized Ujjayi breathing from practitioners worldwide. The Gokulam area alone houses 8 authorized yoga schools within walking distance of the famous KPJAYI shala, where monthly fees range from 30,000 to 36,100.
Quick Reference: Top Authorized Yoga Schools Mysore
KPJAYI (Original Shala): #235, 8th Cross, 3rd Stage Gokulam | 30,000 first month
Sharath Yoga Centre: Lakshmipuram | 36,100 per month
Registration Period: 3 months advance booking required
Season: October to March (peak season)
Minimum Stay: 1 month commitment
Contact KPJAYI: +91 89517 35062
Best Booking Time: Register exactly 3 months before arrival
Official KPJAYI Authorized Schools in Gokulam
The 3rd Stage Gokulam neighborhood is where Pattabhi Jois established his lineage in 1948. Today, his daughter Saraswathi Jois and granddaughter Sharmila continue teaching at the original KPJAYI shala. Registration opens exactly 3 months before your intended arrival date – not earlier, not later.
KPJAYI fees are 30,000 plus GST for the first month, then 20,000 plus GST for subsequent months. The shala accommodates around 40-50 students per session, with practice times from 6 AM to 10 AM. You must submit your application online and receive written confirmation before traveling to Mysore.
Sharath Yoga Centre Independent Lineage
Since 2019, Sharath Jois (grandson of Pattabhi Jois) operates independently from KPJAYI at his Sharath Yoga Centre in Lakshmipuram. The monthly fee is 36,100, and you can practice for a maximum of 2 months per visit. Important requirement: you need 2 months prior practice with a Sharath-authorized teacher before being accepted.
Sharath’s shala typically has 45-50 students during peak season (January-February). The practice sessions run from 6 AM to 8 AM for the first batch, 8:45 AM to 10:45 AM for the second batch. No beginners are accepted – this is strictly for intermediate to advanced practitioners.
Top Alternative Yoga Schools Near KPJAYI
Yogadarshanam: Located at Gokulam 3rd Stage above SBM Bank, Santhosh Kumar teaches both Hatha and Ashtanga with 25 years experience. Their 200-hour TTC costs around 85,000 including accommodation and meals. The ashram setting on Cauvery River bank offers a peaceful alternative to commercial schools.
- Bharatha Yoga Shala: 25,000/month – Bharat Shetty’s traditional approach
- Nirvana Yoga Shala: 22,000/month – Multi-style training available
- Samyak Yoga: 18,000/month – Riverside ashram location
- Chidananda’s Sachidananda Shala: 20,000/month – Small class sizes (14 max)
Authorization Levels You Should Know
Authorization Level 1 permits teaching Primary Series only. Level 2 authorization allows teaching both Primary and Intermediate Series. Only 47 teachers worldwide hold Certification status – the highest level possible. Most Mysore teachers hold Level 1 authorization after 10-15 years of dedicated practice.
Saraswathi Jois at KPJAYI accepts beginners and has Sharmila introduce new students to the practice. Sharath’s school requires prior experience with authorized teachers. Other Mysore schools typically welcome all levels but expect basic Sun Salutation knowledge.
Registration Strategy for Peak Season
December through February sees the highest demand. For KPJAYI, submit your application exactly 3 months before arrival. For Sharath Yoga Centre, apply 2-3 months in advance. Alternative schools often have same-week availability but still recommend advance booking during peak season.
- October arrival: Register in July
- January arrival: Register in October
- February arrival: Register in November
- March arrival: Register in December
Accommodation Near Authorized Schools
Most yoga schools help arrange accommodation through their networks. Gokulam homestays cost 8,000-15,000 per month for basic rooms. Lakshmipuram offers cheaper options at 5,000-10,000 monthly but requires auto-rickshaw rides (100) to reach Gokulam schools.
The Facebook group “Ashtanga Community in Mysore” is essential for finding last-minute accommodation and connecting with other practitioners. Many students share rooms to reduce costs, especially during peak season when prices increase by 30-40%.
Common Registration Mistakes to Avoid
Never register before the 3-month window opens for KPJAYI – your application will be rejected. Don’t arrive in Mysore without printed confirmation letters. Never practice at multiple schools simultaneously if registered at KPJAYI – this violates their exclusivity agreement and results in expulsion.
Always pay full fees upfront when registering in person. No refunds or date changes are permitted once confirmed. Extensions beyond your approved dates are not granted, so plan your departure flights carefully.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most authentic Ashtanga yoga school in Mysore?
KPJAYI remains the original source where Pattabhi Jois taught, now led by his daughter Saraswathi. Sharath Yoga Centre continues the direct lineage through his grandson. Both maintain traditional teaching methods with minimal modern modifications.
What are the exact monthly fees for top yoga schools in Mysore?
KPJAYI: 30,000 first month, 20,000 subsequent months plus GST. Sharath Yoga Centre: 36,100 per month. Alternative schools range from 18,000-25,000 monthly with accommodation packages available.
Can beginners join the best yoga schools in Mysore?
KPJAYI accepts beginners through Sharmila’s guidance. Sharath Yoga Centre requires 2 months prior authorized teacher training. Most alternative schools welcome beginners but expect basic yoga knowledge and physical fitness.
How far in advance should I register for Mysore yoga schools?
KPJAYI requires exactly 3-month advance registration. Sharath Yoga Centre needs 2-3 months advance booking. Alternative schools often accommodate same-week registration except during peak season (Dec-Feb).
What documents are required for yoga school registration in Mysore?
Valid passport, Indian visa, passport-size photos, completed application form, and full fee payment. Medical clearance may be required for intensive programs. Travel insurance is recommended but not mandatory.
Last Updated: February 2025
Next Update: Peak season enrollment changes