Nearly four decades ago, a newly married couple found a piece of land in a place called H.D. Kote, not far from Mysore. They had a dream – to live off the land and nothing else. With little experience and know-how, they turned to their new neighbours, the tribal community, to learn how cultivation can prosper without chemical fertilizers. Since then, they have grown over 35 food crops and have managed what many would have thought impossible – to live on produce grown right there outside their beautiful kitchen – entirely organically.
Welcome to Kracadawna. Crack of dawn.
Situated en route to Kabini, Kracadawna is a farm and homestay that is surrounded by a quiet river. Come here where the only company is the family, some chickens, cows, goats, dogs, cats, and many, many trees with stories to tell. Neighbours include elephants, wild cats, and wild boars from the surrounding forest.
Juli and Vivek, and their son Azad, have spent years perfecting the art of organic farming, and like true autodidacts, the family has taught themselves poultry farming, cheese making, mechanics, carpentry, hospitality, alternative healthcare, business-running, and everything in between. They pioneered organic farmers’ markets in Mysore and found new ways to sustain the land through the selling of jams, butter, cheese, and more.
They supply produce for organic menus at luxury hotels – but for them, ‘going organic’ is NOT just a lifestyle trend like Marie Kondo minimalism or Gwyneth Paltrow goopism – it’s real life, warts and all.
comforts
Staying here is like staying in a family home. Except this time, it’s in the middle of the forest. There are 2 bedrooms in a snug whitewashed cottage. It’s calm and cosy with loft bedding. Each room can host up to 4 people – you might find yourself fighting over your favourite corner of the room!
The rooms come with attached bathrooms and the option of a hot shower after an early sunrise stroll. Find plenty to read in the mini library available next to your bed.
Meals are on an outdoor table just outside your rooms, so you can immediately take a nap after a hearty meal. Which brings us to…
food
During your stay, enjoy a nice lunch or dinner with Juli, Vivek and Azad. Taste the variety of jams, preserves, fruit butters, cheeses, pickles. Everything you eat is grown entirely organically. You don’t know what curd is until you’ve had the goat’s milk curd here. Try a variety of cheeses from provolone to mozzarella, cultured, and stored in-house.
Breakfasts usually comprise of fruit, toast, eggs or idlis, coconut chutney, and delicious podi. Eat freshly cooked red rice, sabzi/palya with veggies from the farm, and sometimes a fish curry or chicken curry for lunch. Dinners are often continental – with a flavourful soup or borscht, the occasional oven-baked pizza with homemade mozzarella, and crunchy salads galore.
Dairy from the farm is used generously but there are vegan options available. Freshwater fish is also cooked in fragrant spices to go with a filling red rice lunch.
ideal for
All our homes are ideal for anyone with a propensity for nature-driven experiences. At Kracadawna, there are plenty of opportunities to explore the wilderness but in the safety of the family farm.
If you want to learn about living off the land, there’s a farm tour where you can ask all the questions you want. If you want to be idle and daydream, there’s plenty of (safe) space to dawdle, drool, dine, or take a dip in the river. If you are interested in cooking – learn the art of cheesemaking or jam-making with the best. This place is ideal for a couple or a small family – but if you’re travelling solo and love a wilderness experience – this is the safest place to be.
If you have young kids, introduce them to the jungle from here. Wildlife safaris aren’t out of reach, either.
getting there
Kracadawna farm is located on the periphery of Nugu Wildlife Sanctuary, sharing its boundary with the clear Nugu river, one of the feeders of the Kaveri. The farm is located less than an hour from Mysore city and about four hours from Bangalore.
things to do
Go on a farm tour to get a sense of the work that goes into organic cultivation.
Learn how to make cheese, and pair it with a salad made with fresh produce to enjoy to its full effect.
Play carrom or read one of many novels available in each room – the family has a sizable book collection and this is just the tip of the iceberg.
Spend time with your partner or your kids or your best friend at the river beach nearby. Take a coracle ride and spot pied kingfishers, red-naped ibises, hornbills, serpent eagles, and darters.
If you’d like to learn the art of indigo dying, make some time in the studio with Juli.
Even the sugar is farm to table – take part in a jaggery processing activity here too!
If you spend a few days at Kracadawna, find time to go on wildlife safaris in Kabini just 45 minutes away.
Laze in the hammock but be warned, the aromas emanating from the kitchen will make you extra hungry.
Have one meal with the host family – they work on the farm full time, but they will insist you all share a meal once (otherwise, food is served right outside your room).
Go on a quick walk through the elephant corridor and learn to identify pug marks, hibernation zones, and more.
Visit the Tara tree.
Return home forever altered.
price
Single adult – Rs. 5500 per adult per night.
Two to four adults – Rs. 3500 per adult per night.
Children between 5-10 years – 50% of the adult charge per night.
Children above 10 will be considered adults.
Minimum 2-night stay.
Cost includes – Accommodation, all meals (starting with lunch on day 1 and breakfast on day 3), morning and evening tea/coffee, 1 guided farm tour, a guided short walk + coracle ride, all in-house amenities, applicable taxes, and service charges.
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