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.
Google Reviews
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It was a beautiful mini vacation for us. It is right in the midst of nature and be prepared to be among some tiny insects around you. It's okay. We are in their space. They don't harm us. The food served was delicious and hearty. You'll find the clever use of local ingredients to make special dishes. The trek to the BR temple is beautiful and very nice even for amateurs. Be prepared with comfortable clothes and shoes. We didn't do much so was nice to just laze around in the quietness of the place. The hospitality is warm and people are friendly. I went with my husband and ten year old. They had a great time.
Shweta
04/11/2024 -
I recently had the pleasure of staying at this stunning forest eco wellness centre, and it exceeded all my expectations. Nestled deep in the heart of nature, the eco wellness centre offers a perfect blend of serenity and luxury. The accommodations were beautifully designed, seamlessly integrating with the natural surroundings while providing all the comforts one could wish for. The staff were incredibly warm and welcoming, ensuring that every aspect of our stay was perfect. The on-site amenities were fantastic, from the relaxing spa treatments to the dining that showcased fresh, local ingredients. What truly stood out was the opportunity to connect with nature. The guided hikes and outdoor activities allowed us to explore the lush forest and appreciate its beauty up close. The evenings spent by the campfire (by local tribe), sharing stories and enjoying the starlit sky, were unforgettable. If you're looking for a peaceful retreat that offers both adventure and relaxation, this eco wellness centre is a gem. Highly recommend for anyone seeking a rejuvenating escape in the heart of the forest!
Govindaraj Arasan
11/09/2024 -
Beautuful place with cottages to relax in. The beauty of the place is that there is nothing to do except enjoy peace and quiet. If you are action orieinted the. BR hills is anyways not a place for you.
Abhishek Kumar
11/09/2024 -
Location is serene. A great place to stay amidst nature, activities like bird watching and nature walk were interesting. Food is authentic and fresh. They have an ayurvedic wellness centre with different types of massages. Took the Abhyanga massage and it was a great experience, worth the price. Rooms had a good view, washrooms could have been better maintained.
Lavanya K
11/08/2024 -
Loved the stay. I could not digest enough of this place in one weekend's stay. The peace, silence, rawness of nature was perfectly balanced atleast during my stay, and hope it will be maintained not just by the management but also by the folks who come to stay here. I was quite surprised the property has no-alcohol and no-smoking policy which is very difficult to find such facility in today's generation, keep it up 🙏🏽
Vineeth Pradhan
11/07/2024 -
Rooms: It can easily accommodate 4 members during evening bugs are coming in through small gaps of balcony door. So make sure not only close the door also close the curtain so that bugs are not attracted to light. Service: Employees are local tribes and they doing their best. One star less since tooth brush and paste was not provided. Location: excellent location for bird lovers and nature lovers. One more Feed back is nature walk and bird watching is provided but you cannot spot birds since we usually go in group and won't stay in a place to observe the birds. So technically it's just a nature walk. Also resort don't help in arranging safari and you can't book online as well. You can visit k gudi and book safari directly if you are not staying in Jungle lodges.
Vijay N
11/06/2024 -
Our stay at Gorukana Wellness Centre was serene and peaceful, allowing us to feel deeply connected to nature. The staff, who speak Kannada, were kind and helpful. The center offers an Ayurvedic spa with great massages; although I missed out on the experience due to the female masseuse being on leave, my husband thoroughly enjoyed it. The food was homely and delicious, adding to our overall wonderful experience.
Suvi Kanchan
11/06/2024 -
Rooms were neat and clean If you enjoy a place of solitude then this place is definitely for you , very good food and overall services - the kids also enjoyed a lot . Recommended any given day .
Nishit Kumar
11/06/2024 -
The room, location, and service are excellent. It's a beautiful place to stay in nature, perfect for couples and families.
puneeth M
11/06/2024 -
Very nice experience and extremely serene atmosphere. Full marks to the location and food was very home kind & good.
Lakshmi Narasimhan
11/06/2024
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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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