Gorukana Eco Wellness Centre
Where the Web of Life Begins
Forest, healing, community, and purpose
in the heart of the BRT Tiger Reserve, BR Hills
Some places ask nothing of you except that you arrive.
Gorukana Eco Wellness Centre sits within the BRT Tiger Reserve (BR Hills) —
an ancient forest landscape where the Soliga community has tended the land for centuries.
Not beside the forest, not overlooking it — within it.
Where mornings begin with birdsong rather than notifications.
A few days spent simply and honestly here can restore something you didn’t realise you had lost —
in a place where your presence genuinely matters.
Discover The Essence of Gorukana
Rooted in Nature | Guided by Ayurveda | Inspired by Learning
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.
At Gorukana, wellness is shaped by the principles of Ayurveda, one of the world’s oldest healing traditions. Practised in harmony with the natural surroundings, the therapies support balance, restoration, and overall wellbeing.
At Ayurvana, our Ayurvedic Wellness Centre, experienced therapists offer treatments that support the body’s natural return to balance — gently, and in keeping with the rhythms of the surrounding forest.
The Restorative Wisdom of Ayurveda
Deep Rejuvenation, in the Heart of Nature.
Stay in Eco-Friendly Cottages and Treehouse
Serene Stays for Mindful Living
Our eco-friendly cottages and treehouse are designed to blend with the forested surroundings of the BRT landscape. Built using local materials and energy-efficient practices, the spaces reflect a commitment to simple and mindful living.
Set in a quiet natural setting, the accommodations offer a peaceful place to rest, slow down, and reconnect with nature, complementing the wellness and nature experiences at Gorukana.
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 everything that happens at Gorukana.
Your stay supports Soliga livelihoods, honours their culture, and contributes to a future where this community and this forest continue to thrive together.
The Living Culture of the Soliga Community
Tradition, Knowledge, and Life in 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 is shaped by the principles of Ayurveda, one of the world’s oldest healing traditions. Practised in harmony with the natural surroundings, the therapies support balance, restoration, and overall wellbeing.
At Ayurvana, our Ayurvedic Wellness Centre, experienced therapists offer treatments that support the body’s natural return to balance — gently, and in keeping with the rhythms of the surrounding forest.
Stay in Eco-Friendly Cottages and Treehouse
Serene Stays for Mindful Living
Our eco-friendly cottages and treehouse are designed to blend with the forested surroundings of the BRT landscape. Built using local materials and energy-efficient practices, the spaces reflect a commitment to simple and mindful living.
Set in a quiet natural setting, the accommodations offer a peaceful place to rest, slow down, and reconnect with nature, complementing the wellness and nature experiences at Gorukana.
The Living Culture of the Soliga Community
Tradition, Knowledge, and Life in the Forest
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 everything that happens at Gorukana.
Your stay supports Soliga livelihoods, honours their culture, and contributes to a future where this community and this forest continue to thrive together.
The Gorukana Experience
Moments of rest, wellbeing, and learning in harmony with nature
In the peaceful surroundings of the BRT landscape, nature, Ayurveda, and learning come together to create space for rest, reflection, and mindful living.
Nature immersion, traditional Ayurvedic care, and time spent in the natural surroundings invite you to slow down, reconnect, and experience the quiet rhythm of life close to nature.
A Social Enterprise of Vivek Karuna Foundation
Empowering Change. One Community at a Time
Gorukana Eco Wellness Centre is a social initiative of Vivek Karuna Foundation that promotes environmental awareness, Ayurveda wellness, and sustainable livelihood opportunities for the Soliga community in the BR Hills landscape.
The centre integrates community employment, skill development, and cultural preservation while promoting awareness of the region’s biodiversity and ecological practices.
Visitor participation in environmental awareness activities and Ayurveda wellness therapies helps support local livelihoods and community welfare initiatives in collaboration with Karuna Trust and Vivekananda Girijana Kalyana Kendra.
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.
Your Visit to Gorukana
Time spent at Gorukana Eco Wellness Centre is closely connected to the land and the people who call it home. By choosing to come here, you support the Soliga community, an indigenous group that has lived in harmony with the forests of the BR Hills for generations.
Gorukana functions as a nature-based campus and social enterprise initiative that contributes to sustainable livelihoods through meaningful employment, skill development, and respectful engagement with local culture. The campus offers Ayurveda-based wellness practices, environmental learning, sharing of traditional knowledge, and responsible interaction with the natural surroundings.
Each visit becomes part of a shared effort to sustain both people and nature in a balanced and respectful way.
Your Experience, Their Future – 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 Enquires Contact:
Phone: +91 63607 47973
(Mon to Sat: 09:30 am to 07:00 pm)
Whatsapp: +91 89719 11612
Email: enquiry@gorukana.org
Follow Us On
Getting Here