Gorukana Eco Wellness Centre
Where the Web of Life Begins
In the heart of the BRT Tiger Reserve, BR Hills — approximately 180 km from Bangalore, around 4 to 4.5 hours by road
Some places ask nothing of you except that you arrive.
Gorukana Eco Wellness Centre sits within the forest — an ancient landscape where
the Soliga community has lived in relationship with the land for generations.
Here, nature, Ayurveda, learning, and culture come together
through experiences that invite you to slow down, observe, and reconnect.
Not beside the forest. Not overlooking it — but within it.
Where mornings begin with birdsong instead of notifications,
and time moves to a quiter, more natural rhythm.
A few days spent simply and honestly here can restore something you didn’t realise you had lost
— in a place where your presence is part of a larger, living whole.
Discover the Essence of Gorukana
Rooted in Nature | Guided by Ayurveda | Inspired by Learning| Enriched by Soliga Culture
The BRT Tiger Reserve Landscape
Nature, Biodiversity, and Conservation
The BRT Tiger Reserve is one of India’s most remarkable wild landscapes — an ecological bridge between the Western and Eastern Ghats, alive with diverse wildlife, ancient forests, and the Soliga community, who have called these hills home for centuries.
At Gorukana, this landscape is right at your doorstep — a living forest that changes with the seasons, the light, and the quiet rhythms of nature.
At Gorukana, wellness begins the moment you arrive — in the clean air, the quiet landscape, and the gentle rhythm of days lived close to nature. Simply being here — open and present — is itself restorative.
Within this natural setting, the ancient wisdom of Ayurveda deepens that sense of restoration. At Ayurvana, our Ayurvedic Wellness Centre, experienced therapists offer treatments that support the body’s natural return to balance — gently, and in harmony with the rhythms of the surrounding landscape.
The Restorative Wisdom of Ayurveda
Deep Rejuvenation, in the Heart of Nature.
Environmental Education
Nurturing Understanding, Inspiring Action
The B.R. Hills become a living classroom at Gorukana, where learning unfolds through nature, culture, and experience. Guided walks, ecological interpretation, and interactions with the Soliga community offer opportunities to observe, question, and discover the world around you.
Through these experiences, guests gain a deeper understanding of the interconnected relationships between people, place, and the natural world — the living connections that shape life in these hills.
The Soliga community, indigenous to the BR Hills, has lived in deep and respectful relationship with this forest for generations. Their traditional knowledge, cultural practices, and way of life are not a heritage display — they are woven into the everyday life of Gorukana.
Your stay supports Soliga livelihoods, honours their culture, and contributes to a future where both community and forest continue to thrive together.
The Soliga Community
Culture, Knowledge and Connection to the Forest
The BRT Tiger Reserve Landscape
Nature, Biodiversity, and Conservation
The BRT Tiger Reserve is one of India’s most remarkable wild landscapes — an ecological bridge between the Western and Eastern Ghats, alive with diverse wildlife, ancient forests, and the Soliga community, who have called these hills home for centuries.
At Gorukana, this ancient landscape is right at your doorstep — a living forest that changes with the seasons, the light, and the quiet rhythms of nature.
The Restorative Wisdom of Ayurveda
Deep Rejuvenation, in the Heart of Nature.
At Gorukana, wellness begins the moment you arrive — in the clean air, the quiet landscape, and the gentle rhythm of days lived close to nature. Simply being here — open and present — is itself restorative.
Within this natural setting, the ancient wisdom of Ayurveda deepens that sense of restoration. At Ayurvana, our Ayurvedic Wellness Centre, experienced therapists offer treatments that support the body’s natural return to balance — gently, and in harmony with the rhythms of the surrounding landscape.
Environmental Education
Nurturing Understanding, Inspiring Action
The BR Hills forest becomes a living classroom at Gorukana — where learning is experiential and rooted in the landscape itself. Through guided walks, ecological interpretation, and conversations with the Soliga community, the natural world comes alive in ways that stay with you.
Every guest who comes here becomes part of this awareness — through the landscape, the Soliga community, and the living connections that shape Gorukana.
The Soliga Community
Culture, Knowledge and Connection to the Forest
The Soliga community has lived in the B.R. Hills for generations, developing a deep understanding of the forests, wildlife, seasons, and medicinal plants that shape life in this landscape. Their knowledge, traditions, and cultural practices continue to reflect a close and enduring relationship with the natural world.
At Gorukana, guests have opportunities to experience aspects of this living culture through local stories, traditions, nature-based knowledge, and community-led experiences that offer insights into life in the B.R. Hills.
Gorukana means the Web of Life — expressing the deep connection between the ancient forest, the Soliga community, Ayurvedic wellness, learning, and you.
Every visit contributes to Soliga livelihoods, conservation, and a shared future where both community and forest continue to flourish.
Come to nature. Come to wellness. Come to learn. Come to belong.
Your visit is not just a getaway — it is part of that living connection.
A Social Enterprise of Vivek Karuna Foundation
Your Experience, Their Future — Empowering the Soliga Community
Gorukana Eco Wellness Centre was established to create sustainable livelihoods, meaningful employment, and skill development opportunities for the Soliga community of BR Hills. Every visit directly supports this mission.
In 2010, under the leadership of Padma Shri Dr. H. Sudarshan, Vivekananda Girijana Kalyana Kendra (VGKK) and Karuna Trust came together to establish the Vivek Karuna Foundation — with a shared vision of moving from dependency on charitable donations to a self-sustaining model of community enterprise through social entrepreneurship. Gorukana is one expression of that vision.
Google Reviews
-
Name Gorukana is from a Soliga song “Goru Goruka Gorukana,” which simbolises nature and human connection. This wellness centre is beatifully located inside BR Hills, very close to famous Biligiri Ranganatha Temple. Approach road is very basic mud road, need to be carefull during rainy days. Eco stay are meticulously planned has all basic facilities with duplex cottages which can easily accomodate four people. A balcony opens to the coffee plantations under silver oak tress. Bathrooms are big with all facilities. We could spot many butterflies and birds. Wellness Centre on a local lake is beautifully planned which serves many ayurvedic massages. This is highlight here and one should make use of it to reduce stress, pain etc.
Ambareesh Karanth
10/07/2025 -
Wonderful experience in midst of nature with the local tribe songs and dance. Delicious food with some local bird sighting. Awesome place to visit.
Swaroop Panchangam
04/07/2025 -
An amazing eco resort in the heart of BR Hills. I would recommend any nature lover to come here to see the different variety of birds. The food and service from the locals was also great. Definitely recommend !
Pranav B
11/06/2025 -
An extremely beautiful stay in the wilderness of BR hills. Loved our stay here. The food was fabulous and very homely. The place felt like home. There’s so much of peace and tranquility. Will definitely be back.
Anna Cherian
11/06/2025 -
Revisiting the place after 11 years brought a wave of nostalgia along with noticeable changes. While much has evolved, the location still holds charm for those seeking a calm and peaceful getaway. The presence of birds, butterflies, and consistently pleasant weather remain some of its enduring highlights. A drive to the BRT Tiger Reserve is highly recommended for nature lovers. The food at Gorukana was simple, homely, and delicious. However, the nature trek experience has shifted significantly. What was once a serene and immersive trail has now become more of an urban path, losing some of its original magic.
ashwin puzhakkal
11/05/2025 -
I recently had an excellent stay at Gorukana Wellness Stay, nestled amidst nature. Waking up to the sounds of peacocks and spotting a few deer and various birds was truly a magical experience. The rooms are well-designed with plenty of ventilation, making the stay comfortable and refreshing. The food is top-notch, with a variety that feels like home-cooked meals. My kids thoroughly enjoyed the stay, especially the visit to the nearby temple. The evening program by the local tribes was the highlight of our trip, offering a unique cultural experience. I highly recommend Gorukana Wellness Stay for anyone looking for a nice family time away from the distractions of TV. It's a perfect place to reconnect with nature and enjoy quality time with loved ones
Vijayalakshmi Rakesh
11/05/2025 -
Good
Dr Vishwanath Koti
11/04/2025 -
Lovely place to stay with family and friends. Hospitality is too good. You can enjoy the stay in real nature to the core. Especially, cottages are well built with mezzanine floor and utilising the sloping terrain which gives added value to the surrounding landscape. Optimum utilisation of naturally available materials gave the iconic look to the cottages and the property. Hats off to the architect for having retained the native materials fusion with modern materials.
nataraj tv
11/03/2025 -
Pros - Very nice stay! We were looking for a peaceful getaway and we got exactly that. The stay is in the middle of forest which makes it perfect. Food is great too. They have traditional spa options, nature walk and sunset walks too. We could only do the spa and it was nice too. Drawbacks - The staff there only speaks in local language i.e. Kannada, which isn’t a big problem but would appreciate having at-least one co-ordinator who can guide the guests in english or hindi
Nikita Ghode
11/02/2025 -
I had good experience amidst nature..Enjoyed every moment..will share with frnds and family
Dr Ravindrakumar Mysore
13/01/2025
Social Feeds
Google Reviews
-
Name Gorukana is from a Soliga song “Goru Goruka Gorukana,” which simbolises nature and human connection. This wellness centre is beatifully located inside BR Hills, very close to famous Biligiri Ranganatha Temple. Approach road is very basic mud road, need to be carefull during rainy days. Eco stay are meticulously planned has all basic facilities with duplex cottages which can easily accomodate four people. A balcony opens to the coffee plantations under silver oak tress. Bathrooms are big with all facilities. We could spot many butterflies and birds. Wellness Centre on a local lake is beautifully planned which serves many ayurvedic massages. This is highlight here and one should make use of it to reduce stress, pain etc.
10/07/2025 -
Wonderful experience in midst of nature with the local tribe songs and dance. Delicious food with some local bird sighting. Awesome place to visit.
04/07/2025 -
An amazing eco resort in the heart of BR Hills. I would recommend any nature lover to come here to see the different variety of birds. The food and service from the locals was also great. Definitely recommend !
11/06/2025 -
An extremely beautiful stay in the wilderness of BR hills. Loved our stay here. The food was fabulous and very homely. The place felt like home. There’s so much of peace and tranquility. Will definitely be back.
11/06/2025 -
Revisiting the place after 11 years brought a wave of nostalgia along with noticeable changes. While much has evolved, the location still holds charm for those seeking a calm and peaceful getaway. The presence of birds, butterflies, and consistently pleasant weather remain some of its enduring highlights. A drive to the BRT Tiger Reserve is highly recommended for nature lovers. The food at Gorukana was simple, homely, and delicious. However, the nature trek experience has shifted significantly. What was once a serene and immersive trail has now become more of an urban path, losing some of its original magic.
11/05/2025 -
I recently had an excellent stay at Gorukana Wellness Stay, nestled amidst nature. Waking up to the sounds of peacocks and spotting a few deer and various birds was truly a magical experience. The rooms are well-designed with plenty of ventilation, making the stay comfortable and refreshing. The food is top-notch, with a variety that feels like home-cooked meals. My kids thoroughly enjoyed the stay, especially the visit to the nearby temple. The evening program by the local tribes was the highlight of our trip, offering a unique cultural experience. I highly recommend Gorukana Wellness Stay for anyone looking for a nice family time away from the distractions of TV. It's a perfect place to reconnect with nature and enjoy quality time with loved ones
11/05/2025 -
Good
11/04/2025 -
Lovely place to stay with family and friends. Hospitality is too good. You can enjoy the stay in real nature to the core. Especially, cottages are well built with mezzanine floor and utilising the sloping terrain which gives added value to the surrounding landscape. Optimum utilisation of naturally available materials gave the iconic look to the cottages and the property. Hats off to the architect for having retained the native materials fusion with modern materials.
11/03/2025 -
Pros - Very nice stay! We were looking for a peaceful getaway and we got exactly that. The stay is in the middle of forest which makes it perfect. Food is great too. They have traditional spa options, nature walk and sunset walks too. We could only do the spa and it was nice too. Drawbacks - The staff there only speaks in local language i.e. Kannada, which isn’t a big problem but would appreciate having at-least one co-ordinator who can guide the guests in english or hindi
11/02/2025 -
I had good experience amidst nature..Enjoyed every moment..will share with frnds and family
13/01/2025
Social Feeds
Get in touch
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
Office Address
Vivek Karuna Foundation
#81-82, Mysore-Ooty Road,
Near JSS College, Mysore,
Karnataka – 570025
For Enquires Contact:
Phone: +91 63607 47973
(Mon to Sat: 09:30 am to 07:00 pm)
Whatsapp: +91 89719 11612
Email: enquiry@gorukana.org
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