Get grounded in the rustic idyll of Chukki Mane

By the Kaveri, is a canopy-lined village with a story. Once barren land, Chukki Mane is spread across 10 acres, just 2.5 hours from Bangalore, rose to a humming forest with the efforts of its founder, Sanjay Shankarappa.

Enjoy unfussed TLC at this experiential learning centre and state accredited eco resort run entirely by locals. Tune into the rural rhythm, get hands-on with natural farming, jive with locals, walk by the river, and much more at this day outing.

Roll to the river. On an actual bullock cart!

This one’s for Insta, folks! Or not. Either way, there’s only one way to ride country-style to the banks. Past mango orchards, the paddy fields, looking up at the trees, to finally reach the gently flowing waters. 

Spot the birds

Take a walk along the river and learn about the 40+ species of woodland, grassland, water body and shrub birds with a little help from the in-house ornithologist. 

Take a little dip 

Dip your toes in the river or more.

Say hello to Granny and Co at Thotti Mane

Swap stories with the locals at the 100-yr-old Thotti Mane, a traditional Karnataka wood-pillared house. While there, meet the oldest lady member of the village the same age as the house. 

If you hit it off with the kids, ask to join in a game of Goli, Buguri, Gilli Danda or kite-flying.

‘This is an experiential space’

“Everyone loves nature. Each tree has love and emotion, and gives you a lot of things a human can. My intention was to experience the life of the trees, life of the villagers, life of the soil, the life of animals. I wanted to share that.” 

Sanjay Shankarappa

Founder, Chukki Mane

Fruits of the agro forest served farm to to table. Get hands-on 

Learn agro farming, and give farming a go, if that’s your thing. 

Founder’s tip: 

Thank a farmer here. It gives them pride in what they do. 

Take a seat: Have a leisurely traditional Karnataka lunch, grown mostly on the property, and slow-cooked over a rustic mud oven.