Sadhana Forest Pondicherry

🌳 Sadhana Forest, Pondicherry

💰 Entry Fee: Free to visit
🏡 Stay Cost: ₹8,000 for a 2-week volunteer stay
📞 Phone: 0413 267 7682
Rating: 4.0 / 5 (33 reviews)
📍 Address: 1, Sadhana Forest Road, Auroville, Puducherry – 605101, India

A visit to Sadhana Forest is not just an experience — it’s a lesson in sustainability, community living, and how the smallest eco-conscious efforts can spark global change. Located near Auroville, this reforestation and vegan living project is a must-visit for anyone who wants to connect deeply with nature and purpose

Founded in 2003 by Aviram and Yorit Rozin, the project began with a vision to restore the Tropical Dry Evergreen Forest (TDEF) — one of the most endangered forest types in India. Sadhana Forest has now evolved into a global model of sustainable reforestation and lifestyle, with offshoots in Haiti and Kenya as well.

They believe in “sharing, not charity”, and their inclusive living invites people of all backgrounds to volunteer, stay, and learn the eco-way of life.

🗓️ Best Time to Visit

✔ October to March is ideal — the weather is cool and pleasant
✔ Avoid monsoons (June–September) due to coastal humidity
✔ Volunteers are welcome year-round to contribute and learn

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📌 Highlights of Sadhana Forest

✔ Spread across 70 acres of once-degraded land now transformed into thriving forest
✔ Over 29,000+ trees from 160 indigenous species planted
✔ 100% vegan community — all meals are plant-based and organic
✔ Zero-waste lifestyle with innovative reuse, recycle, and composting systems
✔ Sustainable huts made from bamboo, hay, and natural materials
✔ Powered by 5,000-watt solar panels, 16 dry compost toilets, and a greywater system
✔ Weekly free tours, film screenings, and vegan dinners every Friday
✔ Children’s unschooling area promoting creativity and free learning

🚗 How to Reach

✔ From Puducherry Airport: ~10 km via Perengalathur route
✔ From Bus Stand: Regular buses via Tindivanam, approx. 3–4 hrs
✔ From Railway Station: About 10 km — take an auto or book a taxi
✔ By Cab: Hire a private cab from top Pondicherry car rental providers
✔ Located in Auroville, approx. 5–7 km from central Pondicherry

💡 Travel Tips

✔ Carry biodegradable toiletries – Sadhana follows zero-waste practices
✔ Advance contact is recommended if you plan to volunteer/stay
✔ Expect basic facilities — dry toilets, limited power, shared spaces
✔ Follow the community guidelines for a respectful and immersive stay
✔ Join their Friday tour + vegan dinner for a complete experience

🌿 Things to Do at Sadhana Forest

  • Take a guided tour to learn about water harvesting, composting, tree planting
  • Join reforestation drives and dig into real hands-on ecological work
  • Participate in unschooling activities like cooking, painting, building
  • Enjoy solar-powered vegan meals made from locally sourced ingredients
  • Explore the children’s play area, built from recycled tyres
  • Sit for community meetings and knowledge-sharing sessions
  • Visit the Goshala (cow shed), the zero-waste kitchen, and solar huts
  • Join classes and workshops hosted by fellow volunteers

🎥 Friday Open Event

Every Friday, Sadhana Forest hosts an open event:

  • 4:30 PM: Tour of the forest & sustainable infrastructure
  • 6:00 PM: Documentary screening
  • 7:00 PM: Free Vegan Dinner
    No registration required. All are welcome!

🕒Timings

DayTiming
All DaysOpen 24 Hours

Entry Fee: Free to visit for tours and events 
Stay Charges: ₹8,000 for two weeks (includes meals and stay) 

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know before visiting Sadhana Forest Pondicherry

No, visitors are welcome! You can do a day tour or attend the Friday program without staying.
Vegan and organic food — no milk, ghee, curd, or any animal products.
Yes! There’s an active children's program and lots of space to explore and learn.
Yes, by applying in advance. Minimum 2-week stay with basic contribution.
Solar power, dry toilets, shared bamboo huts, common vegan kitchen, and Wi-Fi in limited areas.
Yes! Sadhana Forest accepts donations to support its reforestation and sustainability programs. You can contribute funds, plant trees remotely through their online platform, or donate eco-friendly supplies that support their cause.