The short answer
Anandashram: what visitors should know first
Visit if you want a quiet, reflective hour rather than a sight. It is open to visitors of any faith, so dress modestly, keep your voice low and follow the ashram's rules.
History and context
The story behind Anandashram
Wikipedia says Swami Ramdas and Mother Krishnabai established the ashram in 1931, after an initial ashram was inaugurated on 3 June 1928.
Useful facts
Anandashram facts at a glance
- Location
- Kanhangad, Kasaragod district
- Faith
- Spiritual, open to all
- Founders
- Swami Ramdas and Mother Krishnabai
- Visitor note
- Dress modestly; ask before photography
- Founded
- 1931, with an earlier ashram opened 1928
Why it matters
Why Anandashram is worth your time
Anandashram is one of the best-known spiritual centres on this coast. Swami Ramdas's inaugural address spoke of universal love and service based on a vision of divinity in all beings, and the ashram has kept to the principle of free access regardless of denomination, creed or caste.
For a traveller, this means a rare chance to see a living place of practice, rather than a monument. The simple routines, chanting and free meals tell you more about Kerala's devotional life than a museum would, if you visit with respect.
Highlights
What not to miss
- 01
Chanting practice
Visitors may hear the ashram's central chant, 'Om Sri Ram Jai Ram Jai Jai Ram'.
- 02
Open to all
Access is described as free regardless of creed or caste.
- 03
Meditation spaces
Quiet spaces are available without any mandatory participation.
Plan your visit
How to experience it
Come in the morning and treat the visit as a quiet one. Wikipedia describes the ashram as founded by Swami Ramdas and Mother Krishnabai in 1931, though an earlier ashram was inaugurated on 3 June 1928, with a central practice of chanting 'Om Sri Ram Jai Ram Jai Jai Ram'. Visitors are free to sit in the meditation spaces without taking part in organised programmes.
Dress modestly, remove shoes where asked, keep phones silent and ask before photographing. If you wish to eat there, check whether meals are offered at the time of your visit and follow the ashram's etiquette.
The ashram stands close to Nityanandashram and Guruvanam, so those with spiritual interests can combine them on one drive. For other visitors it is a calm stop between Bekal and Kanhangad's fort.
Plan with confidence
Visit as a guest, not a spectator.
- Dress modestly
- Remove shoes where asked
- Silence your phone
- Confirm meal and accommodation arrangements first
Know before you go
Timing, access and comfort
- Area
- Kanhangad, about 5 km from the town centre on NH 66
- Time needed
- 1 to 1.5 hours
- Best time
- Morning; any dry season
- Walking level
- Easy
- Senior comfort
- The grounds are mostly level, with shaded paths and a meditation space, and benches are available in places. It suits older visitors well, as there is little climbing. Footwear comes off at prayer areas.
- Tickets and access
- Wikipedia notes free access regardless of creed, with free vegetarian meals and limited-period accommodation. Confirm current arrangements, hours and any donation customs with the ashram before you go.
Best for
Plan it with
Plan the practical part
Hotels near Anandashram
Staying close keeps journeys short — useful for early starts and for anyone who tires quickly.
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Travelling with parents?
The grounds are mostly level, with shaded paths and a meditation space, and benches are available in places. It suits older visitors well, as there is little climbing. Footwear comes off at prayer areas.
Raahzo can arrange an arrival or day companion who handles tickets, queues and pacing, and keeps the family updated.
See concierge supportFAQs
Is Anandashram open to visitors?
Wikipedia says it is open to all regardless of creed, but confirm current arrangements locally.
Are meals available?
Wikipedia notes free vegetarian meals, but confirm availability and etiquette before you go.
How far is it from Kanhangad?
About 5 km from the town centre, roughly 15 minutes by auto from the station.
Sources and further reading
Timings, fees and access rules change. Recheck with the official source before you travel.
