Planning Your Visit to Isha Institute

Meditators are invited to come as guests or volunteers. All are encouraged to fully participate in the daily schedule of the center, which includes morning practices beginning with guru pooja at 5:30am and evening practices and meditation beginning at 6:20pm. In-between, guests can spend the day with quiet walks in nature—hiking forested trails to bluff overlooks and climbing down to creeks and waterfalls in the valley. Center guests can participate in daily work and activities as you choose, including gardening, cooking, and helping with chores.

Volunteers participate in construction work, administrative tasks, and other projects as scheduled. Volunteer projects are generally scheduled from 8am-noon and 1-5pm. All visits to the Center are an opportunity to deepen and enhance the spiritual process, as well as to review and improve upon your daily practices.

Arranging your stay…

Your visit can be arranged through the main office by contacting Karen at 931-668-1900, or through e-mail at iiis@ishafoundation.org. Overnight stays at the Isha Institute of Inner Sciences are currently limited to Isha meditators.

Guest Registration:

• We request a donation of $15/day for overnight stays with meals to cover the maintenance of the Center. (Children under age 5 are free. Age 5-10 is $10. Age 15 and over is $15.)
• Longer stays of a week or more at the Institute are currently limited due to lodging and dining limitations. Please inquire through the main office for an application.
• Please do not bring dogs, cats, or other pets with you to the yoga center. For those with pets, there are options to stay nearby at local hotels, campsites and parks. Please inquire through the main office for more information.

Packing your bags…

Check the local weather before you come.

In general, it is recommended that all visitors to the Isha Institute bring the following items:

Sleeping Bag & Pillow
Bath Towel
Meditation blanket or cushion
Toiletries (shampoo, soap, toothpaste etc.)
Hiking Boots
Long Pants
Long-sleeved Shirts
Rain Jacket, Parka, or Umbrella
Small Flashlight
Sunglasses
Hat (seasonal)
Sunscreen (seasonal)
Bug Spray (seasonal)
Water Bottle

Getting here…

Travel directions by car are available through the main office. The airport is just under 2hrs. from IIIS depending on traffic.  The Center does not have the resources to offer airport transport service, however we can help you find a ride with another participant or volunteer as available.  (Rental cars tend to be more affordable than group airport shuttles.) 

Exploring the surroundings…

The Isha Institute of Inner Sciences is located in a spectacular natural environment on the South Cumberland Plateau. There are many national parks and historic landmarks in the area including the South Cumberland State Park, Cumberland Mountain State Park, Fall Creek Falls State Park, and Cumberland Caverns. Several of these parks sit along 300 miles of breathtaking hiking trails on the Cumberland Trail.