The Gathering Place

Volunteering at The Gathering Place offers a chance to slow down, reconnect with nature, and be part of a growing eco-community. We’re located inside Sanctity Ferme, a peaceful, regenerative neighborhood surrounded by hills, farms, and clean air. Volunteers get hands-on experience in a real food forest, small-scale farming, kitchen operations, and sustainable living practices.

You’ll learn how we grow fruits, vegetables, and herbs naturally, help with daily farm tasks, assist in our small farm-to-table kitchen, and contribute to maintaining a calm, welcoming environment for guests. It’s a great place for anyone interested in sustainability, community living, creativity, and conscious travel.

In your free time, you can explore nearby hills, enjoy quiet walks, read, journal, or simply slow down. We aim to create a space where volunteers can learn, contribute meaningfully, and leave feeling grounded and inspired.

The Gathering Place is a small, family-run space cared for by me, my family, and close friends. We come from IT backgrounds and are slowly building a community rooted in food, agriculture, natural building, and simple living. We’re learning as we go, and we enjoy having people around who like contributing, sharing ideas, and being part of something that’s growing and evolving.

Volunteers are treated with respect, kindness, and clear communication. We value honesty and a peaceful environment. You’ll be welcomed into our daily rhythm, encouraged to learn with us, and given space to explore your own interests on the farm. We expect sincerity and a willingness to help, and in return you’ll have a supportive, safe, and friendly place to stay while experiencing life close to nature.

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Reviews

5.0
(7 reviews)7

Staff & Host

5.0

Hours & Tasks

4.5

Hostel

5.0

Learning & Fun

5.0
About the experience in: Shoolagiri, India

Brazil

5

After months of travel, the host was a perfect place to slow down. I helped in the kitchen and learned about South Indian cuisine, and I don't have words for this tasty experience. I discovered my love for puttu 😋. Also, Sarath, Pranav, Vishnu, Amma, and Appa were always there making sure of my well-being, and many thanks to Vishnu for being patient and teaching me how to do things ✨🙏🏼

14 days ago

About the experience in: Shoolagiri, India

Georgia

5

My stay at the host was exceptional.🙌🏼 I met so many creative and amazing people, stayed at the farm surrounded by breathtaking Tamil Nadu nature, and had a chance to explore culture via people who are creating it. Whole team is litteraly a family and you feel like part of it. Tasks were easy so had a lots of free time, helped in the kitchen time by time and got to know more about the cuisine, organic living and sustainability. I only could stay little more than two weeks because of time issues but Sarath, Vishnu and Prani with Amma and Appa made this time memorable and valuable💫

3 months ago

About the experience in: Shoolagiri, India

United States

5

Sarath and his family are some of the most hospitable and kind people I’ve ever met. They were very accommodating and made me feel like family for the month. If you want to try some of the best food on the planet on a daily basis, live slowly for a bit, see some really great views, meet good people who are local, and learn a little Malayalam, this is an excellent place. I would absolutely love to come back here, and would recommend it to anyone looking to slow down a bit or take a break from city life or fast travel.
Thanks again, Sarath, Vishnu, Amma, Achan and Django ❤️

6 months ago

About the experience in: Shoolagiri, India

United Kingdom

5

During my stay with Sarath, Vitchu and family, I instantly felt very welcome and part of the family. the host is a cafe situated in community called sanctity farm. SF is a super chill place where you can easily feel at home. While there I got to know some of the staff on the site and everyone was very friendly and welcoming. I have no complaints, it was an amazing environment to be in for 3 weeks. The food is honestly the best food in India maybe even the world hahah. The flavours that hit my tongue were incomparable to anything I’ve ever eaten- adipoli 🤌🏼. I recommend to everyone!

7 months ago


Sarath replied

You will be missed, brother. You are welcome anytime.

About the experience in: Shoolagiri, India

Japan

5

The host is really nice place to stay! Sarath and his family are so warm and treated me like a family member. You can enjoy their local foods, coffee and tea. I made composts to plant tomatoes, chillies, and eggplants. Also, I helped kitchen when they were busy with many guests and post some photos/videos on their instagram. I slept in the tent surrounded by beautiful nature, hearing many bird whispering, which was so comfortable. They also have dogs and walking them to sunset point were amazing! I want to come back here again! Thank you so much!!

8 months ago


Perfect for you if you're looking for

Contact with nature

Rural

Contact with animals

Wilderness