Isha Institute of Inner-Sciences III

How Can You Best Experience Isha Institute?

There Are Many Ways To Be In This Serene Space And Enhance Your Life.

• Meditation Programs
• Events & Festivals
• Overnight Stays to Relax & Unwind
• Day Trips & Area Tours
• Hiking & Mountain Biking
• Meditating in Adi Yogi: Abode of Yoga
• Classical Hatha Yoga Programs
• Individual Wellness Retreats
• Weekend Group Getaways

The Institute is open 365 days a year and welcomes visitors from all walks of life.

To arrange your visit, contact info@ishausa.org or call 931-668-1900.

Just a 1.5-hour drive from Nashville and only 45 minutes from Chattanooga, this 1,400-acre classical yoga and meditation center might feel a world away, but it’s close enough for a quick day trip.

Shuttles

We encourage you to make your travel arrangements as soon as possible. There are many options of transportation services to get to the Isha Institute from nearby cities, and back again.

NASHVILLE, TN (2 hours away)

1) Isha Group Shuttles: Airport Shuttles are not available at this time.

2) Groome Transportation: $95 Total for 1 passenger

Groome Transportation offers shuttles to/from the Nashville airport and Manchester, TN about every 2 hours for $35 each way. Register with Groome by calling 1-800-896-9928.

3) Uber App: $95 – $110 Total

Uber taxi service tends to be lower cost than a regular taxi. To book, you will need to download the Uber app on your smartphone with local service. Enter the Isha Institute address (951 Isha Lane, McMinnville, TN 37110) into the app to start your booking.

4) Car Rental:

Booking through Kayak.com tends to have low daily rates.

5) UCHRA: $11 Total for 1 passenger

UCHRA is a state-funded resource which charges $11 per person each way between Nashville Airport and iii. The service is available only on weekdays and you must book your shuttle at least 48 hours in advance (excluding weekends). Note: Shuttle makes multiple stops along the route to pick up/drop off passengers, so travel time is longer. Register by calling 931-473-6652 and asking for the Transportation Department. Please properly cancel your UCHRA shuttle if you decide not to use this tax-funded resource.

UCHRA Shuttle Timings:

Departs Nashville Airport 11 AM – Arrives at Isha by 2 PM

Departs Nashville Airport 4 PM – Arrives at Isha by 7:45 PM

Departs iii at 4:45 AM – Arrives at Nashville Airport by 9:30 AM

Departs iii at 9:45 AM – Arrives at Nashville Airport by 2:30 PM

CHATTANOOGA, TN (1 hour away)

1) Nooga Taxi now only runs between Chattanooga airport and our Isha center direct with no other additional stops.

It offers a 20% discount on the total price / coming or going from Isha center to Chattanooga airport. That is a straight shot trip with no additional stops. No additional passengers fees will be charged. On average each trip may be with a 20% discount around $98 each trip depending on whether they pay by cash or card(3% CCFEE).
Please mention “Isha” to avail the discount.

2) Uber App: approx. $60 Total

Uber taxi service tends to be lower cost than a regular taxi. To book, you will need to download the Uber app on your smartphone with local service. Enter the Isha Institute address (951 Isha Lane, McMinnville, TN 37110) into the app to start your booking.

3) Car Rental:

Booking through Kayak.com tends to have low daily rates.

ATLANTA, GA (3.5 hours away)

1) Groome Transportation to Chattanooga: $45 Total for 1 passenger

Groome Transportation offers regular daily shuttles from Atlanta Airport to the Groome office in Chattanooga. Book by calling (800) 896-9928 , then see above for ways to get from Chattanooga to iii.

2) Car Rental:

Booking through Kayak.com tends to have low daily rates. 855-529-2501 to book.

▵ Isha Institute of Inner-Sciences III (Isha)

Sadhguru is the author and designer of several unique buildings and consecrated spaces at the Isha Yoga Center, which have gained wide attention for their combination of intense sacred power with strikingly innovative eco-friendly aesthetics.

Isha Institute of Inner-sciences, Tennessee, USA

In light of the global pandemic, Isha Institute is not only the safest place to be but, most importantly, offers an exuberant environment to nurture self-exploration and transformation, in a caring and inclusive ambiance. You can choose your preferred housing arrangement, from studios to apartments to individual homes, and craft your life within the sphere of a consecrated or energized space.

“The Question Is Not About The Volume Of What You Do; The Willingness With Which You Breathe, And Walk And Live, That Makes You A Volunteer.”

-Sadhguru

There are many opportunities to contribute to iii. Anyone can visit the Institute for their own personal, spiritual growth and participate in various volunteer activities including programs and events.

Volunteering at Isha Institute of Inner-sciences includes various activities ranging from meal preparation to gardening, and center maintenance activities. Volunteers also can offer their unique skills on projects to beautify or create special features for the campus.

If you are interested in volunteering for any length of time, please fill the volunteering interest form here.

▵ Do I need to make a reservation before I visit?
Yes. It helps us to plan, and helps make your check-in process faster!  For day visits, please call ahead 24 hours in advance so we can inform you of any changes in the daily schedule.  For overnight stays, please call ahead to check availability of accommodations.  Drop-ins are also welcome to visit, but accommodations will be subject to availability.

▵ What is the cost to stay overnight?
Isha Institute offers two types of accommodation: private studios, and Deluxe Suites for visitors to the center. Accommodations include two vegetarian meals and a snack per day.

Private Studios are each like a one-room apartment with its own bathroom; a couple or a family can stay together. Studios tend to book up on weekends so advance notice is needed from visitors planning to rent a studio.

Deluxe Rooms & Suites are larger private bedroom or suites perched on a forested bluff overlooking the picturesque mountain valley below. Retreat in the quiet of the surrounding forest; relax on the back terrace and take-in a breathtaking sunset, or close your eyes and enjoy the cool rush of the nearby waterfall. With more amenities, for individuals, couples, or families with children 14 yrs or older, some Deluxe Rooms & Suites feature a fireplace and/or a balcony, and each has a private bath.

Please check the Isha Stay website at https://ishastay.herokuapp.com/search for more on availability and pricing options for Studios and Suites.

▵ What is the maximum number of days I can stay?
Any number of days, as a guest, with accommodation charges. If you wish to stay for more than 7 days, please contact Isha Institute for an application form.

▵ What are the check-in/check-out times?
Check in time is 3pm. If you arrive earlier than scheduled, we cannot guarantee that your room will be available until 3pm. Check out time is 12pm.

▵ What is the timing for meals?
Brunch: 10 am-11 am
Dinner:  7 pm-8 pm

▵ What is appropriate attire?
Support the spiritual focus of the ashram by not wearing tight-fitting or revealing clothing, including short-shorts, tank tops, etc.  Simple, loose-fitting clothes, in good condition, are appropriate. Women: Full-length pants or capris are appropriate.  Men: Pants or long shorts (knee-length) are appropriate. Shoes are removed when entering all buildings and rooms including sleeping areas.  Many paths are gravel or earth – comfortable shoes with a rugged sole are recommended.

▵ What should I bring with me to the center?
Weather on the mountain where Isha Institute is situated can fluctuate. Please be prepared for wet weather and cool nights. Click here for local weather updates on the mountain.  Below are some suggested items to pack :

• Flashlight
• Towel (if staying in the semi-private lodges)
• Toiletries
• Hiking or Tennis Shoes
• Comfortable Clothing
• Rain Jacket or Umbrella
• Bug Spray (during the warmer months)
• Warm jacket or coat (even through the summer months, evenings may be quite cool).

▵ What forms of payment do you accept?
Cash, checks and credit cards (Visa, MasterCard, Discover, American Express) are all accepted at the Isha Institute.

▵ What is your cancellation policy?
There is a 10% cancellation fee for stays, and no fee for transferring.  The cancellation policy for a program fee will vary depending on the program.

▵ Do you have internet access? Can I check my e-mail?
Due to limited bandwidth at the Isha Institute, Wi-Fi is only available to guests who absolutely require it for work purposes.  In such situations, the Wi-Fi fee is $5/day.  For those who simply wish to check email or stay in touch with family, there are 3 public computers available on the campus.

▵ Will my cell phone work at the center?
Cellular service is often inconsistent on the campus, except for those with Verizon as their provider.  Isha’s landline phone is available to update your family about arrival and travel, but long conversations may not be possible.

▵ Do you provide transportation to and from nearby airports?
Isha shuttles are available directly to and from Nashville (and sometimes Chattanooga) airport on program weekends. If your timings don’t match up with our shuttles, there are several other options.

▵ What can I do while I’m there?
The Isha Institute offers a variety of programs, activities and energized spaces that provide opportunities and methods to increase and attain physical, mental and spiritual wellbeing.  It is a unique space created for the purpose of allowing human beings to deepen their life experience and to reach their ultimate potential.

Programs

Activities

Energized Spaces

Two powerful meditation spaces are the main features for most visitors to the Isha Institute.

• Mahima, which means grace, is an awe-inspiring 39,000 sq ft domed meditation hall and home to many of the programs offered at the Institute.

• The Adi Yogi: Abode of Yoga, is a powerfully energized space that anyone can make use of towards his or her wellbeing.

Daily Schedule

Visitors can also enjoy many nearby attractions:

Cumberland Caverns

Fall Creek Falls State Park

Canoeing/Kayaking on the nearby Collins River

Chattanooga Aquarium

Creative Discovery Museum for Kids – Chattanooga

▵ Is there a charge to visit for the day?
There is no fee for a day visit.  Day visitors are asked to pay for meals, $10 per adult and $5 per child (age 7-13), payable at the Welcome Center desk when you check in.  Learn more about day visits here.

▵ Do you offer activities for children?

Isha Institute offers a variety of activities for children.  Yoga Sessions include:

• Upa Yoga (7 yrs+)
• Aumkar (7 yrs+)
• Isha Kriya (12 yrs+)
• Other programs (14 yrs+)

Each year Isha Institute offers the Isha Summer Program for Children which offers a unique possibility for every child to experience a joyful blossoming of his or her natural potential.

Children are always welcome to sit quietly in meditation spaces like Adiyogi: The Abode of Yoga. Children may also explore the gardens and hiking trails when accompanied by an adult.

Note: Children under age 14 need to be accompanied by an adult at all times while on campus

▵ Can I bring my pet(s)?
Pets are not allowed on the premises.

▵ How do I get there?
Isha Institute is located on Isha Lane, which intersects with Tennessee Highway 8.  The Institute is approximately 16 miles from the center of the town of McMinnville, Tennessee.  There is a large “Isha Institute of Inner Sciences” sign at the front of the entrance to the property on route 8.

Here is a map with directions from major cities to Isha Institute.  Please look up your directions online and bring them with you, as many GPS systems give incorrect or outdated directions to our location.

▵ I want to take a program at Isha Institute. How do I do that?
Programs at Isha Institute are categorized by beginner and advanced.

Beginner Programs

Advanced Programs  Please note that advanced programs require certain prerequisites.

Other Offerings/Processes:

Visitors can participate in offerings and special processes at the Adi Yogi, Abode of Yoga.

Isha’s flagship program Inner Engineering is offered online and qualifies you to take advanced programs at Isha Institute.

You can also look specifically for a program with no prerequisites or start meditating today with Isha Kriya.

▵ I want to take an Isha program near me. How do I do that?
Isha Foundation USA offers yoga and meditation programs in many major cities throughout the US and Canada.  A list of scheduled programs is here, and a list of city centers where programs are offered is here.  For those who wish to take a program in any of Isha’s other city centers around the globe, please visit our global website, www.IshaYoga.org.

▵ Is Isha Institute a non-smoking environment?
Smoking or oral tobacco products, electronic cigarettes and other similar devices of any kind are not allowed on the campus.

Isha Institute of Inner-sciences (USA)
951 Isha Lane,
McMinnville, TN – 37110, USA
Telephone: 931-668-1900
Email: info@ishausa.org

“Time well spent here doing the Inner Engineering retreat. True enlightenment on yoga. You won’t regret a visit to this magical place with heavenly brilliant people.”– Joe Hale.

“This place can literally be life changing – there are millions of people that can attest to that.”– Eric Einstein

▵ Isha Institute of Inner-Sciences III (Isha)