Jan 24th – 26th, 2025
The gigantic pyramid towers over the surroundings. Ensconced amidst lush greenery and picturesque landscapes, it stands silent and tall, providing a haven to all those who seek to meditate within its divine precincts.
All around, meditators and spiritual seekers go about their quest in environs that are soothing and peaceful and most conducive to their pursuit.
I am at the Pyramid Valley International, a globally well known meditation center. This gem of a place lies in the Kanakapura Taluk of Ramanagara District in the state of Karnataka, India.
So step into this serene sanctuary and get ready to surrender your cares as you lose yourself in its divine aura and also prepare to be delighted at the latest addition to the campus, a charming resort called Soul Nest which offers a luxurious stay to those who want a more comfortable experience.
About Pyramid Valley International –
Pyramid Valley International is basically a meditation center set in the verdant environs of a tranquil valley surrounded by small hills. Established in 2003 by Brahmarshi Pitamaha Dr. Patriji, this is also referred to as the Maitreya-Buddha Vishwalayam.
This Not-for-profit organization was established by The Pyramid Spiritual Trust (India), a core organization of Pyramid Spiritual Societies Movement and is also managed by them.
The campus is primarily used for conducting classes, seminars and sessions relevant to meditation and spirituality, apart from many other related activities. It is also a venue where corporates and other organizations can conduct similar sessions.
About Brahmarshi Pitamaha Dr. Patriji –
Brahmarshi Pitamaha Dr. Patriji was born in 1947. After initially working as an executive in a Fertilizer Company in Andhra Pradesh, he later turned to meditation and is said to have attained enlightenment in the 1979.
The form of meditation he followed is called Anapanasati Meditation, which focuses on breathing techniques.
In 1990, Patriji founded the Pyramid Spiritual Societies Movement to promote pyramid energy meditation in a secular and scientific and non religious manner.
Inspired by him, there are now several Pyramid Spiritual Societies in India and internationally.
Patriji vacated his physical body in July 2022.
Features of the premises –
Pyramid Valley International is spread over 38 acres of undulating and scenic land. The entire space is dotted with high energy meditation spots interspersed among its charming landscape of lush gardens, rocks, picturesque waterbodies and winding trails.
The reception area –
Visitors to the campus have to register at the reception and participate in a brief orientation session.
Lumbini Garden –
This is a small mound near the entrance, featuring a Buddha sitting peacefully amidst the rocks and greenery.
Open air amphitheater –
This can accommodate around 4000 people.
The Maitreya Buddha Pyramid –
The most striking feature of the place is the 100 ft (30 meter) high mega pyramid which towers over the pristine surroundings and is visible from most places within the vast premises. This was opened to the public in April 2005.
A large statue of Buddha in meditation greets you at the entrance and a flight of stairs takes you deeper inside to a space that can accommodate an impressive number of 5000 people at a time. The Pyramid is constructed on the principles of the Great Pyramid of Giza, with the King’s Chamber located at the center.
Meditation spots –
Apart from the Maitreya Buddha Pyramid, there are multiple other spaces dedicated for meditation like the Zen garden labyrinth behind the pyramid, the Tapastali which is perched on a hill top, the Osho viewpoint pyramid and many other such spots.
Workshops and Training Rooms –
The pyramid shaped Kabir Bhavan is available for Conferences and other spiritual gatherings related to meditation. It has 3 halls with Audio Video facilities, which can house from 70 – 200 people. It also has a recording studio.
Book space and store –
This is located at the base of the pyramid and has books, meditation items like crystals, incense, fengshui, inspirational posters, souvenirs etc . It also stocks home made pure ghee and a few basic items of food and drink. The famous handcrafted wooden toys frm Channapatana are also available here.
Library –
Socrates Central Library, at the basement of the Pyramid, houses a vast collection of spiritual books which are available to read free of charge.
Gaushala –
The Nandanvan gaushala was established to create an organic cow farm to complete the eco system. The milk from the resident Gir cows is used to produce buttermilk and ghee to be utilized in the kitchen. ‘Cow healing’ is also an activity where one can feed and stroke the cows.
Organic garden –
A 2 acre organic garden brings forth produce which is used in the community kitchen.
Stream –
The property is blessed to have an in-house natural stream. Originating from the hills in the background, this water body flows through the entire length of the premises, in the form of canals, ponds and also a tiny lake, before finally flowing out into the village outside.
Kayaking and pedal boating facility is available at the lake.
Soul Nest –
This is the latest addition to the campus and is a luxury resort where guests of the Pyramid Valley International can opt to stay. It also features a stunning swimming pool, an outdoor adventure sports area, a children’s play area, a restaurant with indoor and al fresco seating, a yoga deck, a spa and a landscaped rock garden. My next blog post has detailed information on Soul Nest.
Dining –
Let food be thy medicine. Nutritious sattvic vegetarian food is provided in the campus. All meals are purely vegetarian and are served in the restaurants in the premises.
Annadana –
The Annadana dining hall serves free food at breakfast, lunch and dinner to all the visitors and resident guests. Meditators can also volunteer to help out in any way from cooking to serving etc.
Cafeteria –
Pyramid Valley International provides accommodation amidst a pleasant environment in the midst of natural surroundings.
The stay options are suited for various categories of guests which include solo people, couples and even families. There is also a range of budgets.
One can choose from AC luxury rooms, AC deluxe Rooms, AC dormitories and standard dormitories.
Siddha and Vaishaki (Dormitories) –
There are 11 dormitories, also called pods, each with 18 bunk beds in them. The dormitories are equipped with ceiling fans and have attached common bathrooms. There is some storage space beneath the bed for luggage etc. Locks are provided on request. There are separate dorms for men and women and also separate dorms for AC and non AC.
Shantham and Dharmam (AC Deluxe rooms) –
These are air conditioned rooms equipped with an en suite bathroom, fans, basic furniture and 2 single beds. There is also a common verandah.
AC Luxury and Premium rooms –
These are exclusively for the guests of Soul Nest and are are better furnished compared to the regular deluxe rooms. They feature ACs, fans, good quality beds and bed-ware, ensuite spacious bathroom and dressing area, toiletries, water bottles, protective mesh on the windows, a verandah with a view, tea/coffee maker, personal safe and are regularly maintained by the housekeeping staff, just like any luxury resort. Read more here on the Soul Nest post.
Packages and programs –
The center offers various programs and retreats which can be full day or residential or online.
The day is chalked out from dawn to dusk for each guest, according to their specific programs and sessions. The activities typically include meditation, workshops and training programs on self development and self discovery of body, mind and soul. Upcoming programs and packages are announced on their website and one can also subscribe for updates.
A short video glimpse –
Environmental commitment –
Eco friendly and socially responsible concepts are introduced in various aspects of their operations.
Phone and internet signals depend on your service provider and may be a bit tricky.
Visitor profile –
The place is suitable for anyone who wants to spend time in quietude and meditation. It is not a picnic spot for a general outing.
Best time to visit –
The climate is similar to that of Bangalore city, which is moderate so anytime of the year is comfortable.
What you should and should not carry –
Carry walking shoes for trekking and swimwear for those staying at Soul Nest who would like to use the pool.
Guests can carry their work gadgets, personal medications, toiletries/cosmetics etc. A cap and sunscreen would help during the hotter months.
Bring a camera to capture the beauty of the place.
What one cannot bring inside is alcohol, cigarettes, non veg food and such.
Additional Information –
Disabled friendliness – the terrain is not disabled friendly for those with mobility issues but the guests of Soul Nest have disability access and can also avail of an electric buggy within the premises.
Driver accommodation/Parking – there is an open air parking facility and drivers can be accommodated in the paid dormitories and partake of the food from the Annadana dining hall.
Getting there –
Bangalore’s Kempegowda International Airport, is the major nearest airport and is 80 km away from Soul Nest at Pyramid Valley International. Cabs can be booked at the airport and though the time taken depends on the time of day/traffic, on average one can expect a duration of 2.5 hours. The roads are excellent and the journey is very comfortable. Only the last 2 km off the main road is a dirt road and rather bumpy.
The Soul Nest resort also organizes paid transport, on request.
By Bangalore’s Metro rail, take the Green Line Metro to the last stop, Silk Institute. From here it is about 21 kilometers to Pyramid Valley and local buses are available. The final dirt road can be traversed by hiring local autorickshaws.
Booking and contact –
Bookings are done directly through their website (details below).
Pricing information –
The AC deluxe Rooms cost Rs 2000 upwards, AC dormitories Rs 800 and standard dormitories Rs 500 per night. Please check prices while booking. Food at the scheduled time at the Annadana restaurant, is free for all residents.
Address –
https://maps.app.goo.gl/5pUEEjTTpNPBe8cv8
Pyramid Valley International
Kebbedoddi Village, Harohalli Hobli, Kanakapura Taluk,
Ramanagara District, Bengaluru, Karnataka – 562112
Phone – +918147093627
Email of Pyramid Valley International – info@pyramidvalley.org
Website of Pyramid Valley International
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Please Note – This is a collaboration, based on the invitation of Soul Nest at Pyramid Valley International and I thank them for hosting me with their warm hospitality. The narrative is based on the inputs that I received from various sources as well as my own experiences.
This itinerary was specially curated, hence some of the features might have been personalized accordingly. Before booking, please check the facilities offered in your package.
Jan 24th – 26th, 2025
