Gorukana Eco Wellness Centre
Journey Into Serenity:
Exploring the Enchanting Wilderness of BR Hills
As you navigate the winding country roads, they lead you to one of the most captivating landscapes nestled within the Western Ghats. Here, amidst the enchanting stillness, lies Karnataka’s Wildlife Sanctuary, situated at B.R. Hills near Mysore, also known as the Biligiri Rangana Hills.
The BR Hills range encompasses a precious convergence of the Western Ghats and Eastern Ghats, creating a sanctuary that harbours ecosystems unique to both mountain ranges. This ecological bridge plays a vital role in providing a safe corridor for wildlife, facilitating connectivity across these two major bio-geographical realms. Recognizing its significance, the BRT Wildlife Sanctuary was declared as a Tiger Reserve in 2011 by the government of Karnataka under the Wildlife Protection Act of 1972.
As you immerse yourself in the tranquil mountains, engaging in silent conversations with the sky-piercing tree peaks, the incessant chirping of birds and the refreshing breeze gently bring you back to your senses. Wrapped in the misty countryside breeze, these rolling hills are home to the Soliga tribes. Amidst this pristine splendour, one naturally feels compelled to shed the noise and chaos of urban life, embracing the serenity and simplicity of nature.
VIVEKANANDA GIRIJANA KALYANA KENDRA
Vivekananda Girijana Kalyana Kendra (VGKK) serves as an extended family to the Soliga community residing in the BR Hills. Founded in 1981 by Dr. H. Sudarshan, a Right Livelihood Awardee and Padma Shri recipient, whose inspiration stems from the teachings of Swami Vivekananda.
VGKK is dedicated to the holistic and sustainable development of the Soliga tribal communities, employing rights-based approaches across health, education, livelihood security, and biodiversity conservation efforts. The organization’s ethos lies in empowering the tribal community through education and livelihood opportunities, fostering self-reliance, while preserving their rich traditions and coexistence with the environment.
Through its unwavering dedication and holistic approach, VGKK continues to be a catalyst for positive change, embodying the timeless ideals of compassion, empowerment, and sustainability.
KARUNA TRUST
Established in 1986 and affiliated with VGKK, Karuna Trust emerged with a mission to extend its services beyond the confines of BR Hills, particularly addressing the pressing issue of leprosy in the Yelandur Taluk. With a dedicated focus on disease control, Karuna Trust achieved remarkable success, drastically reducing the incidence of leprosy from 21.4 cases per 1,000 people to less than 0.28, ultimately eliminating it altogether.
Karuna Trust’s impactful reach extends to over 1.5 million individuals across seven states in India, facilitated by its operation of 70 Primary Health Centres. Through strategic Public-Private Partnerships, the organization ensures access to quality healthcare for marginalized populations. This widespread presence underscores Karuna Trust’s steadfast commitment to promoting health equity and serving communities in need.
THE SOLIGA COMMUNITY
The Soliga community, indigenous to BR Hills region, boasts a cultural legacy deeply intertwined with their forest habitat. Traditionally, the Soliga people sustained themselves through hunting, gathering, and small-scale swidden agriculture, their way of life intricately woven into the rhythms of the forest. However, the declaration of wildlife sanctuaries in 1974 disrupted their traditional lifestyle, pushing them into settled hamlets called podus and challenging their livelihoods and cultural identity. Despite these challenges, they showed resilience and advocated for recognition of their rights under the Forest Rights Act, eventually reclaiming some autonomy over their ancestral lands.
The Soliga community stands as a testament to the resilience and adaptability of indigenous peoples, as they navigate the challenges of modernization while striving to maintain their cultural identity and connection to their ancestral lands.
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Choosing to stay with Gorukana means a positive impact on social change for the Soliga community.
Stay Address
Gorukana Eco Wellness Centre
(A Social Enterprise Initiative of Vivek Karuna Foundation)
Opp. Yerakanagadde Colony,
BR Hills, Chamarajanagar Dist.,
Karnataka – 571441
Corporate Office Address
Vivek Karuna Foundation
#81-82, Mysore-Ooty Road,
Near JSS College, Mysore,
Karnataka – 570025
For Reservations Contact
+91 8971911612 (Monday – Saturday 9:00 am to 5:00 pm)
+91 6360747973 (Monday – Saturday 9:30 am to 7:30 pm)
Note: After office hours please check Online Booking
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