A Practical + Emotional Guide to Beginning Your Yoga Journey at Goa Yogashala
Your yoga journey doesn’t begin when the first class starts.
It begins the moment you land in Goa.
The warm air, the coconut trees, the quiet hum of life on the coast—your first 24 hours set the tone for the transformation ahead. Whether you are arriving from across the world or a neighbouring state in India, those first moments can feel exciting, overwhelming, emotional, and beautiful all at once.
At Goa Yogashala, we know that the journey from airport to ashram is an important part of every student’s story. This blog is a guide to help you understand exactly what to expect—on a practical level and on a deeply personal, emotional level—during your first day in Goa.
1. Landing in Goa: The First Breath of a New Chapter
As you step out of Goa International Airport (Dabolim or MOPA), one thing becomes clear:
You are in a different world now.
The air is more humid, the light softer, and the scent of sea breeze mixes with the earthy smell of tropical trees. Students often describe their first breath in Goa as “the beginning of something important.”
This is when many feelings kick in:
- Excitement
- Nervousness
- Curiosity
- Relief
- A sudden sense of freedom
Your mind knows you’re here for yoga, but your heart also knows you’re here for a reset.
2. Finding Your Way: Airport Pickup & First Impressions
If you have pre-booked your airport pickup with Goa Yogashala, you’ll see a driver holding a placard with your name.
If not, taxis are easily available outside the airport.
The drive to Agonda or our other locations is scenic, peaceful, and the perfect first taste of Goa. You will pass:
- Tall coconut trees
- Colourful Goan houses
- Small chapels
- Quiet beaches
- Local markets and tiny tea stalls
Most students say the drive helps them slowly relax into the idea of being here. It’s the first moment you give yourself permission to pause.
3. Arriving at the School: Welcome to Your New Home
The moment you enter Goa Yogashala, everything shifts.
Students often describe it as:
- “A calming energy that you can’t explain.”
- “I instantly felt safe.”
- “It felt like a home I didn’t know I needed.”
You’ll be welcomed by our team—usually Praveen Ji , or our onsite staff—who guide you through:
- Room check-in
- Wifi access
- Basic orientation
- Meal timings
- The shala layout
You may also hear the soft sound of chanting, a gong from the hall, or the evening breeze moving through the coconut trees.
Many students tell us, “That first moment inside the shala was when my mind started to slow down.”
4. Settling Into Your Room: Your Safe Space
Your room becomes your sanctuary over the next few weeks.
Whether you chose AC or Non-AC private room, you will find:
- Clean bedding
- Fresh towels
- Space for your luggage
- A peaceful view—garden, palms, or open sky
- A private bathroom
- Balcony or sitting area, depending on the room
Most students spend the first 30 minutes:
- Taking a shower
- Sitting on the bed absorbing reality
- Looking out the window with a soft smile
- Messaging family: “I reached safely!”
- Listening to the sound of nature around the property
This is where the nervousness starts to melt.
5. Exploring the Campus: Palm Trees, Yoga Halls & Community Spaces
As you step outside your room, you’ll discover:
- Sunshine Shala, our bright main hall
- Jungle Shala, surrounded by trees
- The meditation spaces
- The café area
- The reception lounge
- Coconut gardens and pathways
Students usually take a slow walk around the property, noticing:
- How peaceful everything feels
- How everyone smiles
- How teachers and staff greet you warmly
- How nature silently supports your journey
The school feels alive—but not overwhelming. It’s a balance many students say they instantly fall in love with.
6. First Meal at the Yogashala: Nourishment Begins
Your first meal at the school café is often a highlight.
It’s simple, healthy, and comforting—just what your body needs after travel. Expect:
- Fresh vegetables
- Lentils
- Rice or roti
- Indian-style curries
- Herbal tea
- Fruit
Most students sit quietly during their first meal, observing others, breathing deeply, and enjoying the comforting silence of the space.
This is when many realize:
“You’re not just here to learn yoga. You’re here to reconnect with yourself.”
7. Meeting Fellow Students: Conversations That Feel Like Destiny
Your batchmates come from:
- Europe
- UK
- USA
- Middle East
- Across India
- Australia
- South America
Most are travelling solo.
Most are nervous.
Most have a story behind why they came.
And somehow, everyone feels connected from the very first evening.
Students usually meet:
- In the dining area
- During tea time
- While walking around the campus
- On the beach during sunset
Conversations often start with:
“Where are you from?”
“Is this your first TTC?”
“When did you arrive?”
Within minutes, strangers turn into friends.
8. The Evening Before Class: Silence, Sunset & Self-Reflection
Your first evening in Goa sets the emotional tone.
Some students go for a beach walk, watching the sun melt into the Arabian Sea. Others sit quietly on their balcony, journaling. Some meditate in the garden. A few simply lie on their bed, absorbing the moment.
This calmness is rare in everyday life—and for many, this is the real beginning of transformation.
You may feel:
- A deep sense of peace
- A little nervousness about the first class
- Gratitude
- A readiness to reset your mind and body
The night in Goa is quiet.
The wind is soft.
And the energy of the school holds you gently.
9. A Good Night’s Rest: Preparing for Your First Morning
Lights out early!
Yoga training begins the next day, usually at 7 AM.
Your first night might feel:
- Peaceful
- A little emotional
- Full of anticipation
Many students say they slept deeper than they expected, thanks to:
- The quiet surroundings
- The sound of the breeze
- The comfort of the room
- The exhaustion from travel
This rest prepares you for the beautiful, intense, powerful days ahead.
10. The Morning After: Your Official Yoga Journey Begins
This sunrise in Goa is special.
You will hear:
- Birds singing
- Teachers preparing the halls
- Soft footsteps on the pathways
- Students quietly gathering for opening ceremony
This is the moment your yoga journey truly begins.
You roll out your mat.
You sit with your breath.
You greet your teacher and your new community.
You feel grounded.
You feel ready.
And suddenly, everything makes sense.
You are exactly where you need to be.
Final Thoughts: The First 24 Hours Are Magical
Your journey from airport to ashram is more than a transition—it’s the start of a transformation.
Students often tell us that those first 24 hours changed them:
- emotionally,
- mentally,
- spiritually,
- and in ways they didn’t expect.
At Goa Yogashala, we want your arrival to feel supported, peaceful, and full of warmth. Because when you begin your journey with the right intention, everything that follows becomes even more meaningful.
Welcome home.
Your yoga story in Goa is just beginning.
