Disclaimer: The author was invited to experience this stay as part of a paid partnership. However, the article is completely unbiased and honestly written, to offer valuable travel information to our readers. Read about our editorial policies.
Our first trip to Jacob And Klooster Farmstay was so enriching that we couldn’t wait to visit it a second time. I wonder whether it was the lush greenery that encapsulated the farmhouse, or the warmth of the friendly hosts (Shammy & Charlotte), or if it was the immersive activities that took us back.
But altogether, it gave us a chance to fully immerse ourselves in the charm of farm life. Further, its proximity to the city, undeniably made it the perfect weekend stay near Chennai.
Here are 10 fun activities we highly recommend at Jacob & Klooster Farmstay in Chennai.
Contents
1. Relax In An Earthy Container Room
Jacob & Klooster Farmstay houses two cozy container rooms offering breathtaking views of the verdant farmland. Crafted in a rustic-chic style, it blends modern comforts and countryside flavors.
While one room features a double-bed (ideal for couples), the other has bunk beds perfect for a family with kids. We preferred the room with bunk beds for an adventurous stay amidst nature.
Equipped with all essentials including an air conditioner, a cozy sofa, a fully functional kitchenette with a mini fridge, spacious wardrobes, a modern bathroom, story books, and indoor games, the stay made for a comfortable vacation amidst endless greenery.
However, the main highlight was its wide 10 ft. wraparound porch that featured a romantic wooden swing and coffee tables. Overlooking the banana plantation, we spent hours sipping coffee, watching the sunset, musing with a book and stargazing at night.
This organic farmstay near Chennai also had a terrace that served as a watch tower. From here, we quietly observed farm life in a time-lapse mode.
We were also impressed at how well maintained and clean this Chennai Airbnb was, proving why Shammy has been a superhost for the last 10 years.
TWT Tip: Regardless of whether you have kids or not, choose the room with bunk beds to relive your childhood. Climb up to the top bunk in the night for a distinct experience.
2. Enjoy Farm-To-Fork Meals
One of the greatest perks of staying at a farm is access to fresh, organic produce. At Jacob and Klooster Farmstay, the delightful farm-to-fork experience created an unforgettable impression that lingered on our palettes.
For breakfast, we enjoyed sandwiches paired with cups of Marc’s Coffee, which the farm sources from Auroville. Made with fresh farm veggies, the sandwiches were yummy and the bold, aromatic flavor of the coffee prepped us for an adventurous day. While breakfast is included in the stay package, lunch and dinner can be arranged on prior request.
During our stay, we also enjoyed coconut water, hibiscus juice and lemonade from their organic store.
3. Learn Organic Farming From Local Farmers
Jacob and Klooster Farmstay offers a one-of-a-kind opportunity to gain hands-on experience in organic farming under the guidance of their local farmers. Guests can volunteer on the farm and learn about the sustainable practices they’ve adopted to nurture a thriving ecosystem.
My husband and I learnt to dig, de-weed and make a plant bed for growing okra! We also learnt how Shammy Jacob, the farm’s owner, employs innovative techniques to minimize damage during heavy monsoons.
The session was both educational and enjoyable, giving us a better insight into the constant efforts that go into successfully maintaining a farmstay in Tamil Nadu.
What’s more is that you earn INR 75 for every hour of volunteering work, which can be redeemed for fresh farm goodies at their organic store.
TWT Sustainability Trivia: Amongst a variety of sustainable practices they follow, the water generator at the farmstay blew our minds. It was an Aeronero, a device designed to absorb humidity from the air and convert it into safe drinking water! A perfect water source in Chennai’s humid weather.
4. Interact & Feed Farm Animals
From majestic Gir cows of Gujarat, to pure white Peking ducks, colorful wild ducks, chickens and friendly farm dogs, this farmstay near Chennai is a paradise for animal lovers. You can pet and feed these animals or even volunteer to help clean their sheds and coops. It can be a joyful experience for people like us, who like to connect with nature and animals.
5. Enjoy Chance Wildlife Encounters
The farm offers a pleasant surprise for early risers — a chance to witness peacocks and deer wandering in from the nearby reserve forest. The magic continues as night falls, with fireflies dancing near the porch and occasional howls of foxes and chirps of crickets. Together, they create an enchanting ambiance filled with the excitement one would expect from a forest stay.
TWT Tip: Carry a pair of binoculars and keep your camera handy early morning so that you can capture any rare wildlife moment.
6. Shop At The Organic Store
Their organic store near Chennai (within the Jacob and Klooster Farm’s premises) is the perfect spot for stocking up on farm fresh vegetables, fruits, jams, juices, and kombucha. They also store Marc’s Coffee and a range of herbal products like soaps, shampoos, oils and pulses that are often sourced from other organic farmers.
During our stay, we got a bottle of Kombucha, a jar of delicious Rosella jam, and some herbal products.
7. Rejuvenate Through A Pranic Healing Session
One immersive activity we highly recommend for all guests is the pranic healing session with Dr. Charlotte Klooster, co-founder and wife of Shammy Jacob. Charlotte is a seasoned practitioner of Reiki and Pranic healing, a scientifically validated form of energy therapy that utilizes an organism’s natural healing abilities.
This was my first time experiencing a Pranic healing session and to my surprise, it left me refreshed and focused with a rejuvenating warmth radiating throughout my body!
The session is available at an additional cost and can be priorly booked before your stay.
Price: INR 1500 per person
8. Work-From Home Amidst Nature At The Innovation Center
Planning to catch-up on pending work during your vacation or on the lookout for an inspiring work-from-home setup? Reserve the Innovation Center at this Chennai farmstay. Nestled amidst lush greenery, this glass-enclosed center offers the perfect space for creative work and brainstorming. It is also ideal for dance/yoga workshops, office meetings and team building sessions.
The center features WiFi, charging sockets, washroom, work tables, projectors, full length mirrors, and more.
Price: INR 350 per person for 3 hours & INR 750 per person for 6 hours
Note: You can also book it separately even if you’re not staying at the farmhouse. The serenity and unbound nature surrounding the innovation center offers an ideal working ambiance, which is way better than the chaotic co-working spaces in the city.
9. Get Inspired Through Personal Counselling
Starting a new venture? Gain expert guidance on adopting modern sustainability practices from Shammy Jacob.
He is a business innovation consultant, certified Marshall Goldsmith coach, and former president of the Rotary Club Chennai. With his involvement in various projects across Chennai, Shammy is dedicated to inspiring the youth in following a sustainable lifestyle.
The counselling sessions are priced at INR 2500 per hour.
10. Enjoy A Farm Picnic With Your Family
Planning a farm picnic near Chennai? Whether you’re staying at the farmhouse or arranging a get-together with your friends and family, Jacob & Klooster offers the best picnic spot near Chennai. You can relax under the shade of towering coconut trees while playing games and indulging in fun activities like feeding farm animals and learning organic farming.
Price for non-farmstay guests:
3 hour slot – INR 350 per person
6 hour slot – INR 700 per person
TWT Trivia: Jacob and Klooster Farms also arrange guided farm visits for schools in Chennai. They have a variety of immersive activities for children that encourage little minds to experience the nuances of organic farming and animal care.
TWT Experience Summary At Jacob & Klooster Farms, Chennai
This being our second visit, we already knew the hosts, who welcomed us in their usual warm and welcoming way. I knew my way around the farm, and went to meet the Gir cows and Simba, the farm’s friendly Indie dog. The rest of the time, I followed Charlotte as she went about her farm duties.
All in all, it felt like returning to a solitary haven where distinct bird sounds announced the hours of the day, humans and animals coexisted naturally, and unbound greenery sieved chaos, training the mind to seek pleasure in little things.
Jacob and Klooster Farms is truly the best farmhouse stay near Chennai, which offers a serene getaway and allows you to connect with the fauna and flora, which thrive within its ecosystem.
Inclusivity Checklist:
✅Kid-friendly
✅LGBTQ+ friendly
✅Family-friendly
✅Couple-friendly
✅Eco-friendly
✅Vegan-friendly
Check-In Time: 2 pm – 4pm
Check-Out time: Before 11 am
Price Per Night At Jacob & Klooster Farm Stay: INR 5500 (inclusive of tax)
Direct Booking Link: AirBnB (Double bedroom), AirBnB (Room with Bunk Beds)
Location: Jacob and Klooster Farms
Phone Number: +91 8754140164
Frequently Asked Questions About Jacob And Klooster Farmstay, Chennai
1. What makes Jacob And Klooster Farms one of the best farm stays in Tamil Nadu?
Jacob & Klooster stands out as one of Tamil Nadu’s best farm stays and the perfect place for a staycation near Chennai, due to its inspiring blend of sustainable living, immersive experiences, eco-friendly rooms, and warm hospitality. Further, it is a mere 10 minute drive from Sholinganallur, Chennai, making it an ideal weekend destination for Chennai dwellers. The farmhouse is also ideal for a 1 day staycation and getaway from Chennai for families with kids.
2. What is the story behind Jacob And Klooster Farmstay, Chennai?
The story of Jacob And Klooster Farmstay can be traced to the early 2000s when Shammy Jacob, and his wife Charlotte Klooster chose to leave their comfortable lives in Amsterdam and relocate to their ancestral farmland in Thazhambur, Tamil Nadu.
With Shammy’s extensive experience as the former Director of Sustainable Ventures at NIKE World and Charlotte’s deep expertise as an ethnobotanist and anthropologist specialising in traditional medicinal plants, the couple set out to create a harmonious sanctuary where plants, animals and humans could coexist.
The farm that was initially a barren landscape is now transformed into a thriving haven with vegetable plots, banana plantations, coconut groves, and fruit orchards through years of hard work.
3. Where is Jacob And Klooster Farmstay located in Chennai?
Located in Thazhambur Village, this farm stay near Chennai is just a 10 minutes drive from Sholinganallur. The OMR Food Street is merely 30 minutes away, which makes it a perfect weekend getaway from Chennai. The farmstay is conveniently located around 23 km away from Chennai Airport and 34 km away from Chennai Central Railway Station.
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2 thoughts on “10 Fun Things To Do At Jacob & Klooster Farms – The Best Farmstay Near Chennai”
Very Nice Place. Stay seems to be very Enjoyable and pleasant. Price also looks reasonable.
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