Krishnamurti Retreat Centre, Uttarkashi

Krishnamurti Retreat Centre (KRC) is located on the banks of the river Bhagirathi in Uttarkashi, which is on the ancient pilgrim route from Rishikesh to Gomukh, the origin of the river Ganga. Sitting atop the high bank of the river, on about 1.4 acres of land, the retreat has as its backdrop the steep mountain slopes covered with pine forests. Set in the quiet rural environs of Ranari village, the retreat is surrounded by mountains and green fields on all sides. 

The whole ambience lends itself to quiet reflection and inner renewal. In an oasis of beauty and peace in the natural hillside the Retreat is a place for people to delve into the teachings of J. Krishnamurti and explore deeper fundamental questions of life. 

There is no guidance, or structured activity, one is free to be on one’s own, go for walks, have the leisure to sit under the shade of the trees, watch the river flow by, or go high up into the mountains and contact unknown energies.

“Perhaps you may come upon that mystery which nobody can reveal to you and nothing can destroy."

“And I think it is essential sometimes to go to retreat, to stop everything that you have been doing, to stop your beliefs and experiences completely, and look at them anew, not repeating like machines whether you believe or do not believe. You would then let in fresh air into your minds.

Wouldn’t you? That means you must be insecure, must you not? If you can do so, you must be open to the mysteries of nature and to things that are whispering about us, which would not otherwise reach; you would reach the God that is waiting to come, the truth that cannot be invited but comes itself.

But we are not open to love and other finer processes that are taking place within us, because we are all too self-enclosed by our own ambitions, by our own achievements, by our own desires. Surely it is good to retreat from all that, is it not?
Stop being a member of some society. Stop being a Brahmin, a Hindu, a Christian, a Muslim. Stop your worships, rituals, take a complete retreat from all those and see what happens. In a retreat, do not plunge into something else; do not take some book and be absorbed in new knowledge and new acquisition.

Have a complete break with the past and see what happens.

Sirs, do it, and you will see delight. You will see vast expanses of love, understanding and freedom. When your heart is open, then reality can come. Then the whisperings of your prejudices, your own noises are not heard. That is why it is good to take a retreat, to go away and to stop the routine – not only the routine of the outward existence but the routine which the mind establishes for its own safety and conveniences. ”

“Try it, sirs, those who have the opportunity. Then perhaps you will know what is beyond recognition, what truth is which is not measured. Then you will find that God is not a thing to be experienced, to be recognized; but that God is something which comes to you without your invitation.

But that is only when your mind and your heart are absolutely still, not seeking, not probing, and when you have no ambitions to acquire. God can be found only when the mind is no longer seeking advancement. If we take a retreat from all that, then perhaps the whisperings of desire will cease to be heard, and the thing that is waiting will come directly and surely.

Stay and Facilities

It is a peaceful and beautiful place where those who are interested in the teachings are welcome to use the library, video and audio recordings and a computer based collection. 

The four independent cottages in the retreat campus can accommodate altogether eight persons at a time. The cottages are simply but comfortably furnished with an attached bathroom. Sometimes you may have to share a room with another person. Provisions for a simple vegetarian food are available. In the absence of a cook the place may be rendered self-catering which then requires participation of guests in the preparation of food and other kitchen work. As regards duration of your stay, we do suggest that 3-5 days is the minimum time needed to make the best use of the Retreat Centre.

Since only a few rooms are available, a request for booking in advance is advisable. This place does not serve as a stopover or base for any local trips. 

For booking confirmation, a non-refundable amount of Rs.1900/- (one thousand nine hundred) per person will need to be transferred to the retreat’s account. As there are no regular charges, we highly appreciate generous donations by guests which help us to keep the place viable. 
In keeping with the ethos of the place, guests are requested not to smoke or drink alcohol nor eat non-vegetarian food.

How to reach: By bus or shared taxi from Haridwar/Dehradun

You can come to Dunda from Haridwar (NH 94) or Dehradun (NH 108) which are well-connected railheads. Between Dehradun and Rishikesh, there is an airport with daily flights from Delhi. 

● From Haridwar station you can take a taxi (6-7 hrs) or a bus (7-8 hrs). Shared jeeps are available from Natraj Hotel at Rishikesh, which is on the way to Uttarkashi and about 45 minutes drive from Haridwar

● From Dehradun take a jeep, taxi or bus. A shorter route (5 hrs) from Dehradun to Uttarkashi via Mussoorie is available. You can get shared taxis from Rispana bridge while Vishvanath Sewa buses start from Parade ground. Motorable Approach : From Devidhar market to the Retreat / Ranari Village (4 Kms on motorable country road).

11 Km after Dharasu, you come to Devidhar, here you leave the highway and move towards the motorable bridge and proceed north on the road that winds along the river on your left and brings you right up to the Retreat gate.
By walk: From Dunda Market to the Retreat/ Ranari Village (walk 2 kms)

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Weather in the Himalayas is uncertain. Day-time temperature is generally pleasant except during May and June when it can be around 36-40ºC. 

Mornings and evenings can be generally cold (below 20ºC) except during December to February, when the temperature dips as low as 5ºC. 

Retreat is equipped with all amenities for all seasons. You need to bring only your personal articles, including woollens, walking shoes and a torch.

For guidance on arrival at Devidhar/Dunda call at 80065 35188
Email: krc.himalay@gmail.com Phones: 8006535188/9868729609/9410914419
Visit us at website : www.jkrishnamurtionline.org (see under KRC-KFI)
For donations : The Himalaya Retreats Committee – KFI, S/F. A/c.153300 01000 13544,
Punjab National Bank, IFSC : PUNB0153300, MICR: 249024351, SWIFT Code: PUNBINBBDPR
Krishnamurti Retreat Centre, Krishnamurti Foundation India (KFI), Village & Post Ranari, Dunda Block, Dist. Uttarkashi, Pin 249151