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Volunteer-run, vegan, wholefood restaurant that shares meals as a gift, free of charge, to all who wish to eat here. Set in a hut built from local natural materials, the meals are prepared in an off-grid solar-powered kitchen by volunteers from around the world, bringing people together to connect over plant-based food. No reservations are needed. For dietary restrictions, contact at least 3 hours before the meal by phone or WhatsApp. Open Mon-Fri 8:00am-9:30am, Mon-Sun 12:00pm-1:30pm, Mon-Wed 5:30pm-7:00pm, Fri 7:00pm-8:30pm, Sat-Sun 8:30am-10:00am, 5:30pm-7:00pm.
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- Outdoor seating
- Wheelchair accessible
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Last update on 21 May 2026 by Aviram
Update business info -
Added by BadassJB on 09 Nov 2011
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240 Reviews
First Review by vegantommasina
AmeliaLidelleMudge
Points +1065
friday film night w free vegan food!!! - Edit
oh wow i had an amazing time up at sadhana forrest, they played clips about how they started in auroville and how they have new projects all over the world. it truly was such an inspiring evening, and of course to top it off they provide you with a free vegan dinner after watching a likeminded film! we took the bus at 6pm from solar kitchen and we had an amazing time, definitely recommended to all, if you have time take the free shuttle at 4pm from solar kitchen any friday. it’s always a great time and please do make sure you donate!!!!
Read morePros: SO INSPIRING
Guest
Lydia2018
Points +17
Free vegan meals! - Edit
With the exception of Thursday dinner and lunch on the weekends, Sadhana Forest offers three delicious vegan meals a day, open to all and completely free. If you are interested in visiting Sadhana Forest, but don’t have the time to stay as a volunteer, you are most welcome to stop by during mealtimes to enjoy fresh food and good conversations. Most people come on Fridays, when there’s a full tour and a movie showing, or on Saturday evenings, when there’s a potluck dinner at the tea hut down the road. Breakfast is usually porridge (like ragi, millet, or poha) with fresh fruits like pomegranate, papaya, chiku, or guava. Lunch and dinner usually involve some combination or rice, soup, and salad, cooked fresh by volunteers each day. With volunteers from all over the world, and many creative chefs, every meal is something different and exciting. Meals are served in the main hut, where everyone sits together in a circle on the floor, and shares a moment of silence together before eating. It’s a lovely way to pause in your day, connect with new people, and eat food grown and cooked with love and intention.
Read moreUpdated from previous review on 2020-01-17
Pros: Strong community vibe - anyone is welcome, anytime, Caters to dietary needs - raw food
Cons: Food only served at set mealtimes
Guest
Rasika
Points +20
Vegan community - Edit
There is no place like this. Having lovely vegan food with people sitting down in a hut is an experience you shouldn’t miss.
Read moreYou get unlimited food and you get to see how 100s of dishes could washed with just 3 buckets of water!
What a way to save water and support veganism😄
Pros: Happy environment , Delicious vegan food
Guest
quicksandtoy
Points +240
Vegan Utopia! - Edit
This place is a utopia for vegans traveling on a budget!
Read moreSadhana Forest does their best to operate under a gift economy, and part of that is offering free vegan meals to their visitors. This includes breakfast 7 days a week, lunch on all weekdays, and dinner every day except Thursday.
Be aware: the food served is not consistent. It’s cooked by a rotating set of volunteer vegan chefs that cook in bulk for dozens of people. Some days are better than others, but it’s always rich & fulfilling--with seconds and third helpings usually available. And, of course, it’s always vegan! Animal products (and processed foods) are not allowed in Sadhana Forest.
On Friday they also do a public “eco” movie screening night (usually some insightful documentary about veganism or more generally environmentalism) and give a tour of the forest.
If you fall in love, you can live in Sadhana forest. For this, you’d need to volunteer ~30 hours per week in various community projects, most of which goes to planting & nurturing the trees.
Pros: 100% Vegan, 0% Processed Foods, Free!
Cons: No Menu, Inconsistent Quality, Limited serving/meal times
Guest
annasophieschilling
Points +60
Amazing free food - Edit
So this is something I've never seen before. Three times a day there's a bunch of people gathering in a circle in a bamboo hut. Everyone's served vegan food and after a moment of silence we'd start eating together. It's a beautiful atmosphere, really. You can come by any time, join a free meal and a tour around the forest.
Read moreFood is always different, loads of fruits and veg, all the healthy stuff.
Stop by and enjoy the magic.
Pros: Delicious free food, amazing atmosphere
Guest
liza-zatkina
Points +264
Free food! - Edit
Amazing vegan food!! and its all given as a gift,we didn’t have to pay anything. Everyone was so welcoming and happy to receive me:
Read morePros: Only vegan options, Free, Friendly people
Guest
DolmaRawat
Points +25
Sadhana forest - Edit
The food here is amazing and unlimited and did mention FREE!?
Read moreI had dinner on eco film night on Friday and the sambar rice and the chickpea salad with a three layered desert was amazing.
The volunteers here are so great and amazing...you could literally ask how much you want and they still have a smile on their face.
The most friendly place I've been to. They are also very particular about hygiene and the quality as well..
It's a must visit place for sure...the atmosphere here is electric and it's a great place to know more about veganism and other topics sadhana forest advocates. It's an amazing community with food made with love.
Pros: Free food, Unlimited quantity, Warm people
Guest
SeanAdvaniJohnson
Points +17
Tasty Free Vegan Food! - Edit
I arrived here as a guest and was warmly welcomed and treated to FREE vegan food.
Read moreWe had a fantastic vegetable soup, a beetroot and potato burger, some idlis, and a really nice chutney to top it all off.
Would strongly recommend for the experience of the common hut alone!
Pros: Vegan food, Free food, Awesome setting
Guest
JasmineMarsh
Points +29
Welcome! - Edit
Sadhana forest is a residential reforestation project / vegan community which you can volunteer to join, or you can visit during their meal times to enjoy complimentary vegan organic food, in honour of their gift economy policy!
Read moreDeliciously healthy food with a warm welcome, and educational value.
Guest
OllyGoodwin
Points +25
Most amazing vegan food in the heart of the forest! - Edit
Situated in the middle of a reforestation project. Such an amazing place with beautiful people! Awesome place to socialise and meet people from all over the world and eat amazing vegan food! Will be returning for sure!
Read morePros: All Vegan and organic!
Guest
RajivVarma
Points +20
Best place to go for simple life - Edit
It’s a great experiment for a sustainable future for generations to come.
Read moreOne learns to realise how unfair we treat our planet and how we forgot to enjoy the simple things of life.
For me, sadhana forest is an earthing experience where we connect with nature again.
It’s great to see parents with their children (0—18 years) and let children see how important it is to leave a small ecological footprint.
The vegan whole food experice is a personal highlight, I really like it.
Not everybody is strong enough for this experience, so it’s really important to get a picture first, then only will it be an exceptional vacation/experience/learning adventure.
Pros: Raw life , Wholesome food, Great community life, friends
Cons: Raw life, No junk food
Guest
LorenaBatallas
Points +19
Sadhana Forest - Edit
This place is amazing. The food is delicious and the community is lovely. You will feel at home with their vegan home cooked meals and their friendly family vibe. Absolutely lovely.
Read moreGuest
LuzdeOlano
Points +22
Great food experience - Edit
Venir a Sadhana no es solo sobre comer sano y rico, sino también sobre Vivir una experiencia de hacerlo en comunidad. La sensación es la de estar en una tribu donde todos son bienvenidos. De hecho la comida es gratuita y se come en un círculo donde hay gente de todo el mundo con la que charlar. Los platos son abundantes y super balanceados. Lo mejor de todo es que son sin picante 🌶!! Detalle muy difícil de encontrar en India. Realmente todo está hecho con amor y al finalizar de comer siempre hay alguien dispuesto a mostrarte la comunidad que se dedica a la reforestacion, el tratamiento de aguas contaminadas y la educación no competitiva.
Read moreSi vienen a la India no se pueden perder esta oportunidad.
Coming to Sadhana Forest is not only a about eating, its a new experience by itself. The place is located in the middle of a Forest where people live in Community and dedicate their lifes to reforestation. The food is super balanced and colourful, and not spicy at all. Great for kids and adults that cannot handle hot food. The meal is eaten in a circle where you can speak with people from all over the World. After eating you can enjoy the Forest and learn how they live in an enviroment that respects and takes care of the nature.
If you are in India this is a must you cant miss.
Pros: No es picante 😄 super abundante, Not spicy and balanced vengan food , Puedes repetir cuantas veces quieras
Cons: Necesitas Google map para llegar, O un mapa que te guíe
Guest
SahanaRao712
Points +17
Volunteer at Sadhana Forest - Edit
I had heard about Sadhana first from a group of friends who stayed here for 2 weeks and I had been wanting to volunteer here ever since. So obviously, this was the first thing on my to-do list after quitting my desk job. I must admit I was skeptical at first, what with the vegan lifestyle and living in huts and working sevas that start at 5am. But all of the skepticism dissipated in the first few hours of being here. The vibe of the forest instantly envelops you in a warm welcoming way that makes you enjoy the littlest of joys. The work you do is highly fulfilling - knowing you put in effort for the food you eat and water you take a shower in and so on. The community is filled with wonderful people who are equally adept at carrying on silly conversations that have you in splits and at intellectual discourses about any topic under the sun. The mud pool is a huge win. Taking a dip after a day of sweating and working is as relaxing and joyful as only a few things in this world. Being in Sadhana is not only an immensely pleasurable experience but it heals your mind and soul. If you had to be anywhere to volunteer in India, this project that they modestly refer to as a indigenous reforestation project is one you definitely want to get into! Additionally, being so close to the ocean never hurt anyone :D
Read morePros: An enlightening and fulfilling volunteer experienc, All the friendly cats, dogs and cows , Warm, happy and amazing community of like minded p
Cons: None, None, None
Guest
TilaBittencourt
Points +18
Much more than a meal - Edit
Sadhana Forest is a vegan community that welcomes everyone that wants to enjoy a delicious hearty vegan meal for free. It's not a restaurant, there is no menu, you basically share a non processed meal prepared by the volunteers after a moment of silence. There are 3 meals daily which change everyday but always take in consideration all the nutrients for a healthy diet. The food is delicious, the forest is gorgeous and the people are amazing. On top of that you have the chance to experience and understand a bit more of this wonderful project. :)
Read morePros: It's free!, It's 100% non processed vegan, mostly organic, Amazing environment
Guest
bindindiebelle
Points +17
Homely food and great communal atmosphere - Edit
Sadhanna forest is a great place to stay either on the long term or simply for a quick stop meal.
Read moreI was astounded by the welcoming nature of the establishment, where food is cooked and served by volunteers from across the world and everyone is made to feel an integral part of the community, even if it’s just a one stop meal.
Because of it’s inviting nature, the people who visit are incredibly diverse, so there is always someone to relate and chat to while taking part in this unique experience.
Unlike most places to eat, everyone sits on cushions in the main hut in a large circle. People introduce themselves and then after a guided moment of silence, everyone begins the feast!
I would definitely recommend visiting this place, for the gorgeous setting, friendly people and extraordinary communal atmosphere.
Pros: Community feel, Friendly volunteers, Very welcoming
Guest
AmanGoyal
Points +13
Stayed for a week - Edit
Stayed here for a week. Such a beautiful place to stay. I must have stayed longer if there was no time constraints. Loved the place. Friendly staff, It more feels like family here.
Read moreI would suggest everyone to visit this place once. I am sure you will keep on extending your stay.
Pros: Vegan food, Eco friendly place, Amazing place
Cons: No lights in dormitory, Middle of forest
Guest
ShitalRasal
Points +19
My Experience at Sadhana Forest - Edit
Very healthy breakfast comprising of fruits and millet.
Read moreVery tasty lunch and dinner comprising of salad, brown rice, dal and subji.
All the food served here is unprocessed, without sugar ( jaggery is used in stead of sugar).
Every Saturday evening there is potluck at tea hut in Sadhana Forest where anyone can visit and taste different kinds of vegan food.
For the visitor all the meals and also potluck on Saturday is free.
Pros: Nature at it's best., Loving and compassionate people , Tasty Vegan food
Guest
CaixiaHuang
Points +15
Amazing Vegan Food - Edit
I am living in Sadhana Forest with my five year old daughter. We’ll stay here for at least another 11 months partly because of the vegan and organic food here as I know how important food is for a child’s development. Anyone is welcome to join us freely.
Read morePros: So connected to nature , Healthy food, Eco-friendly lifestyle
Guest
HuangRandy
Points +17
This is the lifestyle - Edit
來到這裡，蔬食飲食、學習共享付出、和大自然一起自然生活。
Read more原來生活就是如此簡單。
Come here -Sadhana Forest ！
Life is easy and purely vegan. You can learn how to support, appreciate and share with everyone. You can enjoy nature and everything!
Guest
Adelepcd
Points +16
Enjoy a vegan meal - Edit
You can come to Sadhana Forest to enjoy a free vegan meal with all the community! There is only good vibes, and sometimes music! It’s a beautiful place where you can meet a lot of nice people, and the meal is made with love!
Read moreGuest
OlgaMontoya
Points +18
Yummy Vegan Food at no cost - Edit
The food is delicious, cooked fresh for every meal with local, non processed and organic ingredients by volunteers from all over the world, so chances are that you will get different types of cuisines during the same meal and all of this free of charge !!!!
Read moreGuest
ShubhenduDasgupta
Points +16
Amazing vegan food - Edit
I'm amazed to see the gifts that this place gives to anyone who comes as a visitor or a volunteer, one of them being a great variety of non-processed foods.
Read moreGuest
AuréliaFontaine
Points +11
Join the Forest for a meal ! - Edit
You are welcome to join Sadhana Forest for a free vegan meal at any time and enjoy the proximity of nature as well as meeting the volunteers for a great experience !
Read morePros: Great food, Amazing volunteers, Nice vibe
Guest
Hortensephp
Points +11
Des plats délicieux - Edit
C'était la première fois que je mangeais des plats végan et j'ai vraiment apprécié. Vous pouvez venir goûter des repas quand vous voulez et gratuitement. Sadhana forest est un lieu idéal pour partager les valeurs autour du véganisme.
Read morePros: Très bon, Super équipe, Bon pour l'environnement
Cons: Parfois trop de féculents
Guest
LorenzoMirandola
Points +13
Delicious vegan food - Edit
I spent a few weeks in Sadhana Forest while volunteering in the reforestation project and doing other activities. One of the best part of the day was sitting all together to share a meal, at least sixty people eating together delicious southern indian dishes along with other specialities. I highly recommend checking out the place if you're in the area, it's free based on gift economy. You're welcome to share a meal, the volunteers will be happy to tell you more about the place.
Read morePros: Eccellent food, As many seconds and thirds as you want, All the bananas your heart desires
Guest
Traveller3492
Points +20
A fully sustainable, off the grid lifestyle - Edit
A group of kind, welcoming people, living a simple life in nature.
Read moreGreat place for raising one's consciousness and going back to basics; educating oneself about ecology, and of course living fully vegan!
Planting trees, cooking over a wood stove, cutting firewood. Important work on restoring an almost-extinct piece of indigenous tropical forest in India.
Some things that are nice about Sadhana Forest, are that it's neither connected to the Tamil Nadu power grid, nor water supply or sewage. Energy independence is achieved through solar power, and the place uses local well water which is purified for drinking. This also means that waste is processed or reused locally.
I recommend it to anyone wishing to feel close to nature, and to live without cruelty to animals. Giving Sadhana Forest a couple weeks is absolutely worth it. One thing to keep in mind: This is a place where often you work hard before 12 noon! Part of living a simple life.
Bonus: try a free indian sweet at the chai hut. or stop by for a generous saturday night meal.
Pros: Solar power sustainability, Veganism, Living in nature
Cons: 5:15 am wakeup call every morning
Guest
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