Deep in the rolling hills of Tennessee’s Cumberland Plateau, the Isha Institute of Inner-sciences has gained a place among TripAdvisor’s Traveler’s Choice 2025 list, ranking it within the top 10% of destinations worldwide.
The recognition comes from traveler reviews rather than industry awards, reflecting visitor-reported experiences rather than promotional campaigns.
Where Silence Becomes Central
Set across 1,400 acres in rural Tennessee, the Isha Institute of Inner-sciences emphasizes quiet retreats in nature. Many visitors report arriving with busy minds and leaving with a greater sense of calm. At its center is the Mahima Dome, a 39,000-square-foot meditation hall noted by visitors for its atmosphere of stillness. “From the moment I arrived, I felt a deep stillness, something rare in our modern lives,” one traveler wrote in a public review.
Unlike wellness resorts with luxury amenities, the Institute offers simple meals and minimally managed trails. The grounds remain closer to natural woodland, and its facilities reflect a focus on meditation and yoga rather than curated retreat experiences. Some visitors said the pared-down setting was part of its appeal.
Ancient Practices in a Modern Setting
The Institute was founded by Sadhguru, also the founder of the non-profit Isha Foundation. His stated intention was to create a space in the West for practicing yoga in a more traditional form, encompassing not only physical postures but also approaches rooted in energy, knowledge, action and devotion. The center in Tennessee parallels the Foundation’s larger campus in Coimbatore, India, with similar teachings adapted for participants in the U.S.
The center draws people with varying levels of experience. While seasoned yoga practitioners attend in-depth programs, many visitors are new to the practice and participate by attending shorter workshops or introductory sessions.
Reports From Visitors
TripAdvisor’s recognition is based entirely on traveler-submitted reviews, which collectively capture a wide range of impressions about the Isha Institute. Many reviews emphasize positive aspects such as the atmosphere of stillness, the natural setting, and the opportunity to step away from routine. Many reviews use words such as ‘peaceful,’ ‘calm,’ or ‘restorative’ to describe the experience.
Several travelers noted that even short stays, such as weekend workshops, left them feeling more centered. Others described more immersive, multi-day programs as offering space for reflection and deeper engagement with yoga practice. A number of reviewers mentioned returning for a second or third visit, pointing to a sense of continuity between experiences.
Not all feedback is about meditation or inner practices. For some, the highlights were the natural surroundings: forested trails, opportunities for walking in solitude, and the chance to experience rural Tennessee away from urban noise. Visitors also observed that the meals provided were simple but aligned with the Institute’s emphasis on balance and health.
At the same time, reviews also acknowledge some practical features of the experience, such as the structured daily schedule, quiet hours, and shared facilities. Guests differed on the structure: some found it helpful, others needed time to adjust. A few reviews noted that logistical details, such as accommodations and meal timings, shaped their overall impression.
A Different Kind of Travel
The Institute’s recognition points to a broader trend in tourism, where travelers increasingly seek immersive experiences rather than conventional sightseeing. Some visitors attend planned programs, while others encounter the center unexpectedly and decide to extend their stay.
“I did an advanced yoga program here for 5 days, it was my most happy, peaceful, fearless, worry less days in my life. Even after so many days it resonates with me. I am sure I will come back ,” one traveler noted in their review. While reviews vary in emphasis, many point to a sense of retreat from daily pressures.
For visitors, the Institute represents one of many evolving models of wellness and experiential travel. In an environment where destinations often emphasize entertainment and curated appearances, this center highlights a different approach, offering structured programs in meditation and yoga within a natural setting in Tennessee.
