The Expansion Project
A sustainable lifestyle retreat — a living solution to the ecological crisis. This is the next phase of Karuna, and we need your support to build it.
A message from Nevil
In India, the goddesses Prithivi-Mātā and Bhūmi-Devī are our earth deities. Like any Devī, they command respect and reverence. It's our greatest responsibility to show that respect in the way we tread on Mother Earth. She gives us so much. The question is — what are we giving back?
Karuna Dham has been a living experiment in that question for more than two decades. An international sustainable community, built on the balance of physical and spiritual needs, leaving a low carbon footprint for the generations after us. Now we're ready to go further.
What we've built so far
- Forest: 80% of the land covered in fruit and indigenous shola trees.
- Homes: Eight houses built on lease for permanent members — including Earthship Karuna, the first Earthship ever built in India (by Alex Leeor).
- Guest cottages: Ten cottages for 25 guests, across 17 room configurations.
- Yoga hall: A beautiful hall seating 25, used for daily classes and workshops.
- Workshops: Hundreds of students trained in Earthship building, cob, earthen architecture, yoga retreats, and organic farming.
- Farm: A one-acre solar-fenced vegetable garden and a cowshed with paddock.
- Community space: Govinda's Café with full kitchen, dining, games, music, and (yes) Wi-Fi for the community.
The vision
Thirty acres of wild mountain jungle. A place to rest and learn. A working model of eco-friendly development that can be copied anywhere in the world. A sanctuary for inner transformation, and a school for skills the world badly needs.
Our expansion programme includes:
Organic Farming
Permaculture, tree planting and afforestation, breeding cows, composting, food processing — jams, preserves, ghee.
Sustainable Building
Earthship building, earth-bag, cob construction, rainwater harvesting, greywater systems.
Alternative Energy
Solar, micro-hydro electric, wind, and pedal-power systems.
Forest Therapy Retreats
Workshops and retreats for groups of 15 to 60 — individuals, groups, and corporate teams.
Research Centre
A hub for continuing research into sustainable living and regenerative practices.
Free Prasādam
Distribution of prasādam for all who come.
Phase I budget
We are raising ₹12.24 lakh (approximately $18,600 USD) for Phase I. This covers tree maintenance, the vegetable garden, new fruit plantation, access road, fencing, and staff quarters. Phase II and III will follow with more guest cottages, community space expansion, the goshāla, the research centre, office space, and full waste management.