Cairo Murillo, a 37-year-old yoga teacher and surfer from Brazil, arrived in Mysore, India, last July with plans for a brief visit to several yoga schools. However, captivated by the city’s charm, he extended his stay to nearly three months. During his time in Mysore, Murillo immersed himself in yoga practice with his guru, attended Vedanta philosophy classes, explored historic sites, and enjoyed the city’s extensive vegetarian cuisine. “Mysore is a culturally vibrant and historically rich city,” Murillo says, “strengthening my yoga practice with senior gurus.”
Ichitaka Kimura, a 52-year-old doctor from Tokyo, also spent five transformative months in Mysore. He recalls the daily yoga practices, friendships formed, and the joys of cooking Indian vegetarian meals. “Trying flavorful Indian dishes and learning to cook dal was a whole new cultural experience,” he shares. Kimura embraced the local lifestyle, particularly enjoying the organic, vegetarian food.
Mysore, officially known as Mysuru, has a long history with yoga, home to some of India’s most senior gurus and renowned yogashalas. The city’s association with yoga dates back to the patronage of Mysore royalty who promoted the practice. Maharaja Krishnaraja Wodeyar IV invited yoga scholar Tirumalai Krishnamacharya to Mysore in the 1920s, leading to the development of modern yoga styles such as Ashtanga and Vinyasa.
Acharya Vinay Kumar of Prana Vashya Yoga School notes, “International practitioners come to Mysore for its traditional approach to yoga, seeking Vedic knowledge and enhancing their asana practice.” The city’s appeal lies in its authenticity and commitment to traditional yoga practices, attracting serious practitioners from around the world.
The yoga season in Mysore runs from August to March, with senior gurus often traveling abroad during the summer. The city’s quiet neighborhoods, such as Gokulam and Lakshmipuram, offer a serene environment for yoga practice. Visitors can also enjoy curated experiences like sound healing, Kalaripayattu training, and Ayurvedic treatments.
Wei Li, a Chinese-American who discovered Ashtanga yoga in the U.S., has returned to Mysore multiple times. “I fell in love with the pleasant weather, pink sunsets, and the community of female practitioners,” she says. Many international visitors, including women with young children, find Mysore welcoming and safe.
The rise in yoga tourism has influenced Mysore’s local culture, cuisine, and economy. Businesses like Chakra House Cafe cater to the needs of yoga students, offering nutritious meals and a relaxing atmosphere. “Yoga tourism has transformed Mysore,” says chef and entrepreneur D. Rajesh. The city, with its pink sunsets and peaceful routines, offers a pilgrimage-like experience for yoga practitioners worldwide.
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