Journey Into Serenity: Rejuvenate at Gorukana Eco Wellness Centre
Escape the demands of daily life and immerse yourself in the tranquil embrace of Gorukana Eco Wellness Centre, nestled within the pristine wilderness of the BRT Tiger Reserve (Biligiri Rangaswamy Temple Tiger Reserve). Here, ancient Ayurvedic healing traditions harmonize with nature’s tranquility, offering a journey of deep rejuvenation for your body, mind, and spirit.
Conveniently located just 180 km from Bangalore and 90 km from Mysore, Gorukana is the ideal destination for those seeking renewal. Rejuvenate with restorative Ayurvedic therapies, unwind in sustainable accommodations, and immerse yourself in rich cultural experiences—each designed to bring lasting balance and serenity to your life.
Discover Wellness Amidst Nature’s Tranquility
Explore the Wilderness of BRT Tiger Reserve
A Haven for Nature Lovers
The BRT Tiger Reserve is a vital ecological bridge between the Western and Eastern Ghats, home to rare wildlife and rich biodiversity, including tigers, elephants, and various bird species. Declared a Tiger Reserve in 2011, this sanctuary offers wildlife enthusiasts and nature lovers a pristine environment for exploration.
Immerse yourself in nature’s beauty at Gorukana, while contributing to conservation efforts protecting the region’s flora and fauna.
At Gorukana, we harness the restorative power of Ayurveda, one of the world’s oldest healing traditions, in our Ayurvedic wellness retreat. Our therapies are carefully crafted to promote relaxation, balance, and vitality. Whether you seek stress relief, rejuvenation, or peace of mind, our treatments will help you reconnect with your inner self. Enjoy a holistic approach to wellness that focuses on the body, mind, and spirit.
Experience the Restorative Power of Ayurveda for Rejuvenation
Rejuvenation Through Timeless Healing Traditions
Stay in Eco-Friendly Cottages and Treehouses
Serene Accommodations in Harmony with Nature
Our eco-friendly accommodations, including cozy cottages and a unique treehouse, are designed to blend seamlessly with the natural surroundings of BR Hills. Built with local materials and energy-efficient practices, these retreats minimize environmental impact while offering you comfort and tranquility—ensuring a peaceful stay amidst nature.
An integral part of your journey at Gorukana is engaging with the local Soliga community, an indigenous group that has lived in harmony with nature for generations. Experience their sustainable practices and cultural heritage, gaining insight into their unique way of life. By choosing Gorukana, you actively support initiatives that empower the Soliga people and preserve their rich traditions.
Discover the Rich Culture of the Soliga Community
Empowering Communities, Preserving Heritage
Explore the Wilderness of BRT Tiger Reserve
A Haven for Nature Lovers
The BRT Tiger Reserve is a vital ecological bridge between the Western and Eastern Ghats, home to rare wildlife and rich biodiversity, including tigers, elephants, and various bird species. Declared a Tiger Reserve in 2011, this sanctuary offers wildlife enthusiasts and nature lovers a pristine environment for exploration.
Immerse yourself in nature’s beauty at Gorukana, while contributing to conservation efforts protecting the region’s flora and fauna.
Experience the Restorative Power of Ayurveda for Rejuvenation
Rejuvenation Through Timeless Healing Traditions
At Gorukana, we harness the restorative power of Ayurveda, one of the world’s oldest healing traditions, in our Ayurvedic wellness retreat. Our therapies are carefully crafted to promote relaxation, balance, and vitality. Whether you seek stress relief, rejuvenation, or peace of mind, our treatments will help you reconnect with your inner self. Enjoy a holistic approach to wellness that focuses on the body, mind, and spirit.
Stay in Eco-Friendly Cottages and Treehouses
Serene Accommodations in Harmony with Nature
Our eco-friendly accommodations, including cozy cottages and a unique treehouse, are designed to blend seamlessly with the natural surroundings of BR Hills. Built with local materials and energy-efficient practices, these retreats minimize environmental impact while offering you comfort and tranquility—ensuring a peaceful stay amidst nature.
Discover the Rich Culture of the Soliga Community
Empowering Communities, Preserving Heritage
An integral part of your journey at Gorukana is engaging with the local Soliga community, an indigenous group that has lived in harmony with nature for generations. Experience their sustainable practices and cultural heritage, gaining insight into their unique way of life. By choosing Gorukana, you actively support initiatives that empower the Soliga people and preserve their rich traditions.
Nature’s Serenity: Discover Rejuvenation and Embrace Inspiration
Elevate your stay with our exclusive wellness experiences crafted to bring you peace and relaxation amidst nature’s tranquility.
A Social Enterprise of Vivek Karuna Foundation
Empowering Change. One Community at a Time
At Gorukana Eco Wellness Centre, wellness meets purpose. A social enterprise initiative of Vivek Karuna Foundation, Gorukana is dedicated to empowering the Soliga community and fostering sustainable development. By integrating employment, skill development, and cultural preservation, we create meaningful opportunities while safeguarding the region’s rich biodiversity.
Every guest’s stay and Ayurveda wellness experience directly contribute to local livelihoods and community welfare initiatives in collaboration with Karuna Trust and VGKK. Immerse yourself in nature’s serenity and be part of a cause that nurtures both people and the planet.
VIVEKANANDA GIRIJANA KALYANA KENDRA
Nurturing Lives, Empowering Communities
KARUNA TRUST
Extending Care Beyond Boundaries
THE SOLIGA COMMUNITY
A Legacy of Resilience and Culture
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.
read more
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.
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,
read more
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, 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.
read more
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.
VIVEKANANDA GIRIJANA KALYANA KENDRA
Nurturing Lives, Empowering Communities
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.
read more
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
Extending Care Beyond Boundaries
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,
read more
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
A Legacy of Resilience and Culture
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.
read more
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.
Join Us in Making a Difference
Your stay at Gorukana Eco Wellness Centre is more than a retreat; it’s a step toward meaningful change. Every moment spent here contributes to the empowerment of the Soliga community, supporting sustainable livelihoods, skill development, and the preservation of their rich cultural heritage.
Together, let’s create a lasting impact and build a deeper connection to the land, its people, and their traditions. By choosing Gorukana, you become part of a journey that uplifts a community and sustains the harmony between humanity and nature.
Your Stay, Their Change – Empowering the Soliga Community.
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 Reservations Contact
+91 63607 47973 (Mon – Sat 9:30 am to 7:30 pm)
+91 89719 11612 (WhatsApp Only) (Mon – Sat 9:30 am to 5:00 pm)
Follow Us On
Getting Here