When I signed up for a two-day stay at Dharana at Shillim, I expected silence, spa treatments, and some yoga. What I found was a deeply immersive experience—both theatrical and transformative, especially during the monsoons.
Located just three hours from Mumbai, this wellness sanctuary spans over 2,500 acres in the lush Konkan belt, nestled in the folds of the Sahyadri hills. The estate, restored over 25 years, is so vast that you need battery-operated buggies to get around. And yet, even amidst the grandeur, it’s the smallest moments that end up leaving the deepest impressions.
Yoga, but Make It Human
At 7 am, I found myself tying a belt around my waist, gently being guided by Guruji Ajinkya, a serene yet sharp-eyed yoga teacher dressed in a crisp kurta pyjama. This wasn’t yoga with judgment—it was Iyengar yoga, a style that uses props like bricks and belts to help beginners and seniors master postures without strain.
What stood out wasn’t just the discipline, but the atmosphere. The open-air yoga platform overlooked misty hills. As we bent and stretched, cool breezes erased any sign of sweat. For the first time in a while, I felt my body cooperate rather than resist.
Reclaiming Wellness Through Nature
Wellness here isn’t a one-size-fits-all brochure of massages and meditations. You’re free to explore options: Ayurvedic diagnostics, potter’s wheel workshops, nature treks, a plunge in the rain-dappled pool, or doing nothing at all without guilt.
Over two days, I tried everything—and discovered the paradox of wellness. It’s indulgent, yes, but also humbling. A question lingered: If wellness is so healing, why is it only accessible to a few?
Trekking Through Stillness
One of the highlights was a guided trek with Prahlad, a staff member with deep knowledge of the terrain. Our ‘lake view’ trail led to a panoramic lookout over Pawna Lake. Along the way, I tasted wild berries meant for bears, passed toy-like anthills, and heard birds even the monsoon couldn’t silence—Malabar flying squirrels, black-hooded orioles, and the rhythmic call of the coppersmith barbet.
The trail was muddy, and the trees seemed to sway in a choreographed dance with the wind. I imagined this same route was walked just weeks ago by actor Akshay Kumar and his family. Yet it felt like mine alone.
The Science of Healing Meals
The food, while healthy, didn’t compromise on taste. Between a Moroccan chicken salad and a guilt-free version of butter chicken garnished with quinoa, each meal was curated based on my Ayurvedic energy makeup. I discovered my imbalances across the kapha-pitta-vata spectrum and what I should avoid moving forward.
Even my posture was assessed and corrected—something no app or office chair ever managed.
Leaving With More Than Memories
Before heading home, I made the obligatory pit stop at Cooper’s Fudges & Chikkis in Lonavala. A slab of chocolate walnut fudge made its way into my bag, and no, I don’t think it cancelled out my two days of mindful living. If anything, it reminded me that true wellness includes joy—and joy sometimes comes dipped in chocolate.
Final Thoughts
Dharana at Shillim made me realise that self-care isn’t a bubble bath or a Sunday off work. It’s layered. It takes commitment, curiosity, and a bit of surrender to the present moment. It also takes a place like Shillim—where silence isn’t awkward but healing, and every path leads to a different version of you.
