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, tune 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, to host, to co-create or to support, Bodhi Vanam welcomes you as part of a living ecosystem.
Bodhi Vanam is a registered non-profit foundation !
Our Intention
Live with Love & Awareness
Bring presence into the ordinary moments: how we nourish ourselves, meet another person, tend the land and respond to life. Let practice find its way into everything we do.
Our Vision
People & Nature flourishing together
We envision a sanctuary where the land grows richer in life and people grow in understanding, compassion and inner freedom—a place whose lessons travel home with everyone who comes.
Our Mission
Tend the land. Offer practice. Grow together
We care for the forest and organic farm, offer personal and guided practice, host retreats, and welcome shared learning and service. Through these conscious actions, we give our intention roots and our vision room to grow.
Who thrives here ?
- People who enjoy simple living and nature.
- People drawn to meditation, yoga, self-inquiry and conscious living.
- People who take responsibility for their physical, emotional and mental well-being.
- Those open to learning and growth.
- Those willing to contribute through meaningful service.
Before applying, pause with these invitations. If this way of living resonates with you, we would love to hear what draws you here.
Our Values and Culture
Take care of yourself
Make time for nourishing food, rest and regular practice. Listen to your needs, take responsibility for your well-being and seek support when inner challenges arise.
Take care of relationships
Speak honestly and kindly. Listen to learn. Offer appreciation and constructive feedback, and ask with curiosity when you do not understand.
Take care of the space
Bring your attention to the task in your hands. Honour commitments, use water and other resources thoughtfully, and care for shared spaces as a gift to those who come after you.
Glimpses
Comfortable Facilities
Space to turn inward
A practice hall for yoga, meditation, breathwork and conscious gatherings. An outdoor platform for open events, fire ceremonies and star gazing. A small library of conscious living books, outdoor sitting areas and space for quiet reflection.
A place to Rest
Shared rooms for two people and camping platforms for tents. Mattresses, pillows, bedsheets and blankets are provided. Bathrooms, toilets and a washing machine support everyday living. Wi-Fi and power backup are available
Nourishing Food made with care.
Wholesome vegetarian meals with millets, brown or black rice, organic cold-pressed oils, seasonal fruit and vegetables, and herbal infusions.
Healing forest
Serene Forest, mountain streams, fresh air, fresh water, fruits forest, herbal garden, wild flora and fauna surround daily life.
Gallery
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.
Meet Ananda
Founder · Gardener · Caretaker · Facilitator
Ananda dreamed of a place where the forest could be a teacher, daily life could become a practice, and people could find the space to listen inwardly and grow together.
After a long search, that dream took root as Bodhi Vanam. He continues to nurture it with his hands in the earth as a gardener, caretaker and facilitator.
His journey has led him from a career in Software Architecture to a life devoted to inner exploration, service and conscious living. Drawing on three decades of yoga, tantra, zen, healing modalities and embodiment practices, he offers retreats and personal mentoring in an inclusive, non-religious spirit.
