Isha USA
4.5
8:30 AM - 8:00 PM
Monday
8:30 AM - 8:00 PM
Tuesday
8:30 AM - 8:00 PM
Wednesday
8:30 AM - 8:00 PM
Thursday
8:30 AM - 8:00 PM
Friday
8:30 AM - 8:00 PM
Saturday
8:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Sunday
8:00 AM - 8:00 PM
About
The Isha Institute of Inner-sciences is a breathtaking Upper Cumberland retreat offering stress-relief, wellness retreats and outdoor recreation just 45 minutes northwest of Chattanooga and 2hrs southeast of Nashville. The center is a world-class yoga center featuring programs in classical hatha yoga, holistic Ayurvedic rejuvenation, and meditation classes from beginner to advanced levels. A guided tour is offered at 11am daily, followed by several complimentary yoga sessions between 12:15pm and 3pm daily. Hikes to one of many beautiful bluffs or valley waterfalls are available to the public without a fee. Bring a buddy, the Institute requires hiking in groups of 2 adults or more. Make sure to visit Adiyogi: The Abode of Yoga meditation hall. A powerfully energized form inside the Abode heightens the atmosphere for effortless meditation. Longer visits include lodging and vegetarian buffet meals for a fee. Isha Institute is a non-alcoholic, non-smoking, drug-free, pet free campus.
Duration: 2-3 hours
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- LivesmarttravelPiscataway, New Jersey12 contributionsBeautiful and peaceful placeAmazing opportunities to explore spiritual path. It is free for the public to enter and they offer many free yoga/mediation sessions. You may choose to purchase meals at the welcome center or online. Isha Life store has many crafts, clothing and healthy items to purchase.Visited June 2023Traveled with familyWritten September 30, 2023
- Vashti A5 contributionsPowerful Space!This is such a wonderful place! The experience of meditating in the powerful space of Adiyogi: The Abode of Yoga was something that must be experienced. I just dropped into meditation so effortlessly! Being there, surrounded by forest, away from the noise of city life, I was completely rejuvenated in a matter of a few days. I will definitly be coming back.Visited July 2023Traveled with friendsWritten May 29, 2024
- Camila C1 contributionA must place for seekersWow, this is a one of a kind space. I visit multiple times during the year and it’s always so refreshing for the mind and soul. They offer beautiful nature, consecrated spaces, yoga programs and Sadhguru Darshan’s. What a place! ♥️♥️♥️Visited May 2024Traveled soloWritten May 29, 2024
- Elwin G1 contributionCalibrationThe effects of this place became more evident to me after I had left and returned to my regular life. The following aspects were particularly noticeable: 1. *The People*: Being surrounded by Isha volunteers, who are constantly in a state of offering and working towards the well-being of others, was truly grounding. This experience has significantly changed the way I conduct myself at work, and has shown me a more powerful way of existing. 2. *The Consecrated Space*: I am truly grateful for experiencing such a powerful space. My energy levels have significantly increased, my compulsions have depleted, and my mind has become very silent, dramatically increasing my productivity and focus. 3. *Impact of Pranic Food*: It was clear how my system had been internally cleansed, making the experience of my body much more beautiful.Visited April 2024Traveled soloWritten June 5, 2024
- Inspire193033911874 contributionsVolunteer meet 2024Every time I visit Isha, I feel calm and joy. This time I came here for Volunteer meetI like to volunteer and this event gave me the opportunity to meet other volunteers and discuss new ideas on how we can bring Sadhguru's vision to life. We had a great time together, and it also gave me the opportunity to deepen my practices, meditate in Abode and just merge with nature and relax my soul. Thank you for your hospitality, delicious food and a lot of fun.Visited June 2024Traveled with familyWritten June 25, 2024
- Chen RGranbury, Texas2 contributionsUnique and energetic place. Will visit againI recently visited there with my teen for volunteering for a program. As my teen mentioned to one of the visitors there, it was the most unique and inspiring experience. The life there is simple, vibrant, engaging and full of joy. People are friendly and fully committed to whatever they are working on there. It's hard to find such a combination in other places. We will visit again for sure.Visited June 2024Traveled with familyWritten August 3, 2024
- amit j1 contributionIncredible space in this part of the globe!Incredible space in this part of the globe! I have been many times and each time I come out with so much joy and bliss. I have attended programs, volunteered for them, hiked in the bluffs and waterfalls, watched the fireflies and the stars, stared at the pond of lotuses as the fish pop up, relished the delicious food and spent hours in meditation spaces offered there ...Visited July 2024Traveled soloWritten August 3, 2024
- Sam C5 contributionsMy favorite spot in the South!They have a massive meditation dome here called Mahima. I discovered this place a long time ago and its been amazing to see how it has grown. The Abode is a great space to sit for some time. They are building a lot right now so things may be a little construction heavy as they grow. Spot is great if you are looking for hiking, yoga programs, mediation, and yoga in general. I have been going for years and have seen that it is volunteer run. Sometimes things don't go as smoothly as these people are just volunteering from my understanding. They make stuff work but sometimes things take a little more time or disorganized. Great combo with Cumberland Caverns that are really close by. Also if you ride motorcycles most of this area has some great stretches for some beautiful riding.Visited December 2023Traveled soloWritten August 4, 2024
- Heavy M2 contributionsIncredible IshaI absolutely loved my time here. The center is located in a plateau and it has beautiful views all around, especially so in Fall colours. There are hikes that one can take starting from Isha, we enjoyed the one by the waterfall. Given its location, the night skies are dark and clear with an abundance of stars visible, it’s a joy. There are spaces dedicated to meditation (such as Abode) and I would highly recommend everyone to be there for some time, it was a wonderful experience for me. Abode is open for public during the day. Oh and I love the food here! There’s something for everyone here, be it a day trip from Nashville or a full fledged yoga program and I would say everyone must take some time to experience all that Isha has to offer!Visited June 2024Traveled with friendsWritten August 7, 2024
- Evgeniya S1 contributionEvery visit brings more balance to my life.I have traveling to the Isha Center many times. The atmosphere there is very conducive for my yoga and meditation practices. Nature is so beautiful. Food is healthy and delicious. Every time I leave, I feel more calm & balanced & healthy. People staying at the Center are very friendly and supportive. I'm going back in September again.Visited June 2024Traveled with familyWritten August 15, 2024
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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4.5
169 reviews
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Santosh J
1 contribution
Nov 2021
When I entered the visitor center, first thing they told is to wear N95 mask (we had only regular one time use surgical mask) which was not mentioned when we called previous day about the visit to the ISHA.
Front desk person told we need to buy N95 mask for $2 otherwise we are not allowed to enter the Aadi yogi shrine. We did purchased and when we went inside we saw that the person in charge was wearing a cloth mask instead of N95, is it fair for the visitors.
The front desk person told there is a free session but we need to go through the Covid test for the same which will cost $20. If it was communicated before we might have completed the Covid test for free before visiting Ashram.
Such a disappointment visiting this place by driving (2 hours) from our hotel and wasted 1 day of our valuable vacation time.
They told most of the tours and places are closed due to the paid planned event.
The front desk person was marketing the apartment / housing project which we felt very expensive which they are planning near ISHA, in the middle of the Forest.
The shop was very expensive and they were selling prasad (Laddu) for the very expensive price.
All the items are very expensive and quality of the products we get in other online outlets are much better then the price they quoted.
The overall experience of visiting ISHA Foundation Tennessee location was not great.
Overall very disappointing visit and not worth it until you are ready to spend good amount of $$.
We asked about if Sadguru is in the location and available to meet and front desk person told he is in the Ashram and he is not sure where and they are not allowed to know,
Front desk person told we need to buy N95 mask for $2 otherwise we are not allowed to enter the Aadi yogi shrine. We did purchased and when we went inside we saw that the person in charge was wearing a cloth mask instead of N95, is it fair for the visitors.
The front desk person told there is a free session but we need to go through the Covid test for the same which will cost $20. If it was communicated before we might have completed the Covid test for free before visiting Ashram.
Such a disappointment visiting this place by driving (2 hours) from our hotel and wasted 1 day of our valuable vacation time.
They told most of the tours and places are closed due to the paid planned event.
The front desk person was marketing the apartment / housing project which we felt very expensive which they are planning near ISHA, in the middle of the Forest.
The shop was very expensive and they were selling prasad (Laddu) for the very expensive price.
All the items are very expensive and quality of the products we get in other online outlets are much better then the price they quoted.
The overall experience of visiting ISHA Foundation Tennessee location was not great.
Overall very disappointing visit and not worth it until you are ready to spend good amount of $$.
We asked about if Sadguru is in the location and available to meet and front desk person told he is in the Ashram and he is not sure where and they are not allowed to know,
Written April 22, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
heidi F
Clearwater, FL6 contributions
Apr 2021 • Solo
I was treated better by Priceline. After making my flight to Nashville I was totally shocked to find out that there were zero rental cars at the airport. I called and emailed Isha several times. I tried to change my fight to either Atlanta or Chattanooga but was not able to after 4 hours on the phone with airlines. I made a tremendous effort to go to surya kriya, however it wasn’t going to work without a car. I was shocked again by Isha to receive an email, no phone call to assist my in any way. The response was brief and to the point that I was only due 50% even though the pandemic related travel industry in reduction of rental cars was to blame. Alamo, and Priceline was very helpful and apologetic and I got a full refund from Priceline for the car, lost $100 for my flight and $500 from Isha. Both United and Priceline fully refunded my money and ISHA did not. In 30 year of doing retreats I have never had anyone act so weird as Isha. In my experience, everyone is more kinder and more compassionate about during covid
Written April 22, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Objective Observer
1 contribution
Feb 2022
I visited in Feb. 2022. Visti was terrible. False advertisement on having a meal or doing a free yoga session or walking around.
As a combat veteran visiting for the first time with my son who is also a vet we were given a cold and don't care welcome. It seems as though they have a secret society or club that one have to belong to in order to get to enjoy the amenities. I was told we cannot walk around because of covid. They were only a few visitors at the time. The mountain top was very open and we were wearing a masks. Only the Shiva temple and the shopping area we can see.
Drove 4 hours thru fog, rain and cold to be disrespected was terrible. Had to wear the mask that was sold from their supply. What we had was not accepted in the temple. Inside, worshippers covered with whatever.
Maybe its the weather so I hope to visit in summer when the Sadhguru drops by.
As a combat veteran visiting for the first time with my son who is also a vet we were given a cold and don't care welcome. It seems as though they have a secret society or club that one have to belong to in order to get to enjoy the amenities. I was told we cannot walk around because of covid. They were only a few visitors at the time. The mountain top was very open and we were wearing a masks. Only the Shiva temple and the shopping area we can see.
Drove 4 hours thru fog, rain and cold to be disrespected was terrible. Had to wear the mask that was sold from their supply. What we had was not accepted in the temple. Inside, worshippers covered with whatever.
Maybe its the weather so I hope to visit in summer when the Sadhguru drops by.
Written April 21, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
SC0508
11 contributions
Aug 2022
We had a very lovely day at Isha. I was concerned because the website made it seem as if they were very strict about covid tests and mask wearing and that you had to reserve everything in advance. In fact, the reception was much warmer and easier to manage We could have done everything onsite. There were no tests and mask wearing aligned with state protocols. Adiyogi is wonderful, the volunteers are very kind and helpful. I wish the classes were spaced further apart but the one we attended was very good. Lunch was ok, I don't think the volunteers understood Indian food but they did their best. Some activities were cancelled due to retreat programs and rain but it still made for a very nice day. Also, plan to visit the store. It is very nice.
Written September 6, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Heavy M
2 contributions
Jun 2024 • Friends
I absolutely loved my time here. The center is located in a plateau and it has beautiful views all around, especially so in Fall colours. There are hikes that one can take starting from Isha, we enjoyed the one by the waterfall. Given its location, the night skies are dark and clear with an abundance of stars visible, it’s a joy. There are spaces dedicated to meditation (such as Abode) and I would highly recommend everyone to be there for some time, it was a wonderful experience for me. Abode is open for public during the day. Oh and I love the food here!
There’s something for everyone here, be it a day trip from Nashville or a full fledged yoga program and I would say everyone must take some time to experience all that Isha has to offer!
There’s something for everyone here, be it a day trip from Nashville or a full fledged yoga program and I would say everyone must take some time to experience all that Isha has to offer!
Written August 7, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Elwin G
1 contribution
Apr 2024 • Solo
The effects of this place became more evident to me after I had left and returned to my regular life. The following aspects were particularly noticeable:
1. *The People*: Being surrounded by Isha volunteers, who are constantly in a state of offering and working towards the well-being of others, was truly grounding. This experience has significantly changed the way I conduct myself at work, and has shown me a more powerful way of existing.
2. *The Consecrated Space*: I am truly grateful for experiencing such a powerful space. My energy levels have significantly increased, my compulsions have depleted, and my mind has become very silent, dramatically increasing my productivity and focus.
3. *Impact of Pranic Food*: It was clear how my system had been internally cleansed, making the experience of my body much more beautiful.
1. *The People*: Being surrounded by Isha volunteers, who are constantly in a state of offering and working towards the well-being of others, was truly grounding. This experience has significantly changed the way I conduct myself at work, and has shown me a more powerful way of existing.
2. *The Consecrated Space*: I am truly grateful for experiencing such a powerful space. My energy levels have significantly increased, my compulsions have depleted, and my mind has become very silent, dramatically increasing my productivity and focus.
3. *Impact of Pranic Food*: It was clear how my system had been internally cleansed, making the experience of my body much more beautiful.
Written June 6, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
teresahughes65
Mobile, AL99 contributions
Jul 2024 • Couples
My husband and I went for one night to check out Isha and decide whether to make a future visit for one of their programs. We were sorely disappointed in the way their ownership treats people. The volunteers were great. The pictures on their website of accommodations do not match their rooms. We literally had a queen bed, a single bed, one nightstand, and a small table. We paid more for the larger suite, but the second room was completely bare. Not a picture on a wall, a lamp, or any extra furniture in either room. The food was good, but meager. We found the website to be lacking in information. They tout themselves as a world class yoga center, which made me think that if they didn’t have any classes (which they didn’t), there would at least be a place to do yoga on my own (which there wasn’t). The Adiyogi (Abode of Yoga) is a very special building. The grounds are very peaceful. I understand why people like to go there. We, however, felt taken advantage of. I would never again pay the kind of money we paid for an unfurnished room and meager meals. $160. The institution is “non-profit” making an awful lot of profit. You see it in the million dollar buildings they’re putting up. I’m glad they’re there for others, especially Hindus, but count me out.
Written July 31, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Sam C
5 contributions
Dec 2023 • Solo
They have a massive meditation dome here called Mahima. I discovered this place a long time ago and its been amazing to see how it has grown. The Abode is a great space to sit for some time. They are building a lot right now so things may be a little construction heavy as they grow.
Spot is great if you are looking for hiking, yoga programs, mediation, and yoga in general. I have been going for years and have seen that it is volunteer run. Sometimes things don't go as smoothly as these people are just volunteering from my understanding. They make stuff work but sometimes things take a little more time or disorganized.
Great combo with Cumberland Caverns that are really close by. Also if you ride motorcycles most of this area has some great stretches for some beautiful riding.
Spot is great if you are looking for hiking, yoga programs, mediation, and yoga in general. I have been going for years and have seen that it is volunteer run. Sometimes things don't go as smoothly as these people are just volunteering from my understanding. They make stuff work but sometimes things take a little more time or disorganized.
Great combo with Cumberland Caverns that are really close by. Also if you ride motorcycles most of this area has some great stretches for some beautiful riding.
Written August 4, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Livesmarttravel
Piscataway, NJ12 contributions
Jun 2023 • Family
Amazing opportunities to explore spiritual path. It is free for the public to enter and they offer many free yoga/mediation sessions. You may choose to purchase meals at the welcome center or online. Isha Life store has many crafts, clothing and healthy items to purchase.
Written September 30, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Vashti A
5 contributions
Jul 2023 • Friends
This is such a wonderful place! The experience of meditating in the powerful space of Adiyogi: The Abode of Yoga was something that must be experienced. I just dropped into meditation so effortlessly! Being there, surrounded by forest, away from the noise of city life, I was completely rejuvenated in a matter of a few days. I will definitly be coming back.
Written May 29, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Greetings, can you please provide the link and/or phone number where i could get more details about the camp. I am interested (highly)
Written June 8, 2023
Carole A
Palm Coast, Florida
Where do you keep your suitcase in the dorm? I was told to bring a blanket because it gets chilly in the mountains. Is one blanket enough?
Written March 13, 2023
Carole A
Palm Coast, Florida
I will be coming in May for BSP and would like to know how cold it gets in the evening in the dorms and the hall the program is held in. The Mahamia? Also, would you recommend staying 2 extra days, one before and one after the program? Would you recommend taking Uber from Chattanooga Airport?
Written March 13, 2023
Is the food served, hot cooked food? I went to an Isha one day inner engineering retreat in Chicago in February, several years ago. I'm from Arizona (so I was extra cold) :-). It was snowing outside. Everything served was cold food. The only warm thing served was the tea. I'm just curious if that's standard or they serve hot cooked food as well.
Written May 30, 2022
Are there any kids yoga programs this year? My son is 8 year old and we would love to enroll him in the program.
Written May 25, 2022
Hi how old do you have to be to volunteer and live there? I am a single mother my child is 15 years old but is very mature for her age she can sit in total silance all day long and when needed she can meditate ect I want to volunteer and want her to also or to at least come with me if she's not aloud to volunteer herself. I want to show her that there are many different ways of life we live in the UK we have the money to travel to India to were you are can you let me know if it's ok to bring her and if we can give ourselves to volunteer any way you need xx
Written January 27, 2021
Marymimac
Mexico City, Mexico
Cuánto cuesta una estancia corta en Isha Tenesse
Written November 29, 2020
I'm posting few questions here, as this info was not present or unclear on the website nor did the volunteers seem to know accurate info.
1. What is the min-max capacity of the inner engineering retreat program?
2. Until when do you keep enrollment open?
3. Is it tied to the number of rooms that are open/available?
4. Speaking of rooms, how many semi-private (men/women separately), private and deluxe studios does your center have?
5. I'm keen on knowing answers to number 2, 3, 4 specifically, because:
a. I was asked/given the option to upgrade to a private studio (for a 80$ fee/night, and btw 4 nights instead of 3, even though i planned on leaving the night the retreat ends). I could not make that choice because I'd like to see the difference between semi private and private studio. All the website had was just the a thumbnail, the verbal desc from the volunteer is vague. ( Btw I'm open to semi private)
b. When I enquired if I could make that decision upon arrival, they said the private rooms might be booked by then.
c. Why cant this be first come- first serve basis? Also lets say u have accomodation for 80 people and only 20 showed up for the program, the semi private would not be that "semi private" anyway, so why pay that extra 320 $ ahead of time, without knowing if the rooms will really be booked or not.
I understand this is being run by volunteers, but quality/accuracy of the right information will attract more crowd and makes things easy for those are coming to relax at this center. (Life gives us challenges anyway, why make 'booking for isha retreat' be another one in a already busy/crazy life)
Written August 23, 2019
Isha Volunteer
McMinnville, Tennessee
Good Evening,
Our lodging accommodates for multiple programs and events most weekends, as well as guests visiting for personal retreats, volunteers supporting programs and events etc. Our Inner Engineering Retreat is only one factor of many affecting our lodge vacancy. Our semi-private lodges rarely have more than 1 or 2 open beds in a room during a weekend. In general, they are full to capacity Fri-Mon.
The Inner Engineering Retreat in particular is capped at ~100 people. There are many factors that influence the size of a particular program, including the program format/components themselves, staffing, food preparation, etc. Accommodations are not the primary factor.
Program registration closes online once a program reaches capacity. In general, our programs reach capacity well in advance of the program date. We have very few cancellations, so we don't wait list our programs. Since we offer our primary programs monthly, we refer unfulfilled registration requests to the next available dates, which are rarely more than 3-4 weeks away.
If studios are open, we also allow our weekend guests to book them online until 24 hrs before and on-the-spot in person, so if you wait to book on arrival, the room type you want may no longer be available. This information is accurate. We don't hold reservations without payment, so we are, in fact, functioning on a first-come first-serve basis.
Written August 25, 2019
Namaskar . I’m planning to visit your ashram for 3 days . 28 August , 29 August , 30 August &31st checkout . I’m coming from India & on a business visit to USA .
Kindly guide me the booking process- nearest airport- airport to ashram transport & other essential requirements - terms conditions
I’ll be interested in booking a private basic room for myself .
Written August 14, 2019
Closest airport (international) is in Nashville an hour and a half drive from McMinnville. We do have a local airport that may have small planes come in from there. Also there are only 2 hotels in McMinnville. An American best and a local one I believe called the McMinnville inn
Written August 22, 2019
There are 3 airports you can choose from but none are close enough to cab.
1) Nashville TN (one plus hours to isha)
2) Chattanooga TN (one plus hours to isha)
3) Atlanta GA (two plus hours to isha)
Further there are shuttle services available from Nashville TN. please search in google for "isha iii shuttle" and the first link should give you more details.
Written July 10, 2019
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