Gandhi Pravasa: The Foundation of Sustainable Living
With a view to promote sustainable development, rural employment generation and preservation of cultural heritage, Charaka has come forward to implement a sustainable tourism project called "Gandhi Pravasa" to conduct community-driven tourism initiatives and provide tourism-related training to rural people. The Karnataka State Government has extended its support for this initiative. The basic objective of the Gandhi Pravasa project is to introduce rural life along with hands-on experience in handloom weaving, block printing and various other handmade processes to tourists. The objective is to enable economic empowerment of rural people and instill self-confidence in them. Apart from creating environmental awareness, it also serves as a reminder of our responsibility towards nature.
Heggodu is already famous for Ninasam. The town of Honnesara, which is located next to it, is now famous for Charaka. Although Heggodu is a village, it has direct transport links from most parts of the country. You can reach here by bus from Bangalore, Karwar, Hubli, and Mangalore. You can reach Sagar directly from Bangalore by train. You can reach Shivamogga, the nearest city by air.
Objectives of Gandhi Pravasa
The basic objective of the Gandhi Pravasa Project is to create tourism-related livelihoods and provide tourism-related training to the rural people. Along with promoting Gandhian-style tourism, its aim is to strengthen rural livelihoods through sustainable tourism. It also aims to integrate local malnad culture, art, traditional production methods and nature appreciation through tourism. It aims to become a model for sustainable community-driven tourism in Karnataka.
A restored lake nearby Ashram premises
The natural beauty of the Shramajeevi Ashram where the guests will stay, a kitchen garden, a restored lake, the natural surroundings, mud huts, simple food and a laid-back lifestyle will definitely delight tourists. There are a plethora of opportunities here to arouse curiosity among tourists and open them up to experience. The local Virupakshan Lake, which is adjacent to the Shramjeevi Ashram, has enhanced the charm of Charaka. The Charaka Society has revived this lake using its workers during the difficult Covid lockdown period when production had come to a halt. Today, the lake and its surroundings are teeming with biodiversity where one can enjoy the pristine sounds and sights of birds chirping, cattle grazing and villagers going about their daily life.
Processes already available at Charaka, which the tourists can experience and learn from
- Handloom Weaving
- Natural Dyeing
- Traditional Wood-block Printing
- Hand Embroidery
- Sustainable Agriculture practices in Kitchen garden
- Water Purification and Recycling System
- Solar Power
- Sustainable construction
- Local malnad (simple vegetarian) cuisine
Also, just a few kms from our campus one can enjoy the Sharavati backwaters. The world famous Jog Waterfall is nearby. There are historical temples like Keladi and Ikkeri, rich in history. Close by we also have a tie-up with "SARA" organization for environmental awareness. The world famous theater school Ninasam is just next door. Another theatre group specialized in Children's theatre called "Kinnara Mela" is also next door. Several progressive farmers are engaged in agricultural experimentation in the surrounding villages. All of these can be woven into custom itineraries for interested groups of guests.
A model in sustainable tourism
An innovative sustainable tourism project based on Gandhian values. This will be the first model project that can be expanded to other parts of Karnataka and has the potential to become a leading project for rural tourism. The "Gandhi Pravasa" sustainable tourism project is a significant step in creating new opportunities for rural livelihoods and giving a unique identity to Karnataka's tourism. The successful implementation of this project will not only strengthen the rural economy, but also create a national model for Gandhian-styled tourism.