Bodhi Vanam (Awakening Forest) is a serene wellness, retreat space and organic farm nestled in the mountain forest. It’s a non-profit non-religious space for conscious practices.
Surrounded by streams, trees, birdsongs, mist, and silence, it offers a gentle return to what is natural, simple, and essential.
This is a place to slow down,listen inward,heal deeply,and remember how to live in harmony — with yourself, with others, and with the Earth.
Whether you come to rest, to serve, to learn, or to co-create, Bodhi Vanam welcomes you as part of a living ecosystem.
Facilities & Amenities
Practice Spaces
• A dedicated indoor hall for yoga, meditation, and conscious practices
• An open-air platform for outdoor sessions, fire ceremonies, performances, and quiet gatherings
Accommodation
• Few spacious rooms with attached bathrooms (accommodating up to three guests each)
• Few rooms with external bathrooms (accommodating up to two guests each)
Shared Spaces
• Kitchen
• Dining and living area for shared meals and community time
• A small library with a curated selection of conscious living and well-being books
Gallery
Glimpses
Where is Bodhi Vanam ?
This unique land is bordered by fresh mountain streams and waterfalls on both sides, creating a naturally peaceful and rejuvenating environment.
Located at an altitude of 1,270 metres in the Kodaikanal hills of Tamil Nadu, South India, the area enjoys a pleasant year-round climate, with temperatures typically ranging between 18–25°C.
Located with organic farms, international school the Bodhi Zendo Meditation Centre (~10km) nearby, the area combines ancient Siddha herbal alchemy heritage with contemporary conscious communities and learning spaces.
How to Reach ?
Nearest International Airports
- Madurai – approx. 130 km
- Coimbatore – approx. 160 km
- Tiruchirappalli – approx. 200 km
- Bangalore – approx. 470 km
- Chennai – approx. 500 km
By Road
You can come by car/ taxi. Direct overnight sleeper buses are available from Chennai, Bangalore, and Pondicherry to Kodaikanal. Get down at Perumalmalai and take a local taxi or jeep.
Final Access
The last 2 km is a scenic off-road stretch, accessible by 4×4 off road vehicles, motorbike, or on foot for those who enjoy a short walk through nature.
About Founder Ananda
Ananda is the creator and primary caretaker of Bodhi Vanam. After a long search, he found and developed this wild land as a space for conscious living, healing, and inner growth, dedicating his time, resources, and energy to its creation and care.
Ananda serves as an inner guide, gardener and facilitator, supporting people in the journey of awakening, healing, evolving, conscious living and relating – inviting the soul to unfold its natural greatness through awareness, love, presence and embodied practices.
He weaves together inner science with effective tools blending 30 years of experience in yoga, meditation, tantra, psychology, inner science, and nature-based healing practices. Ananda facilitates experiential retreats, trainings, and personal mentoring sessions across Asia and Europe.
Before transitioning into this path, Ananda had professional life with a Master’s degree in Computer Science and over12 years experience as a Software Architect in international organizations. He later chose a simpler life dedicated to service, learning, and heart-centered sharing.
Ananda’s work is grounded in a clear, universal principle: awareness and love are fundamental to living a balanced, meaningful, and free life. His approach is practical, inclusive, non-religious, and accessible to people from diverse cultural backgrounds.
