Experience the Serenity of Forest Bathing in Coorg

Have you ever tried forest bathing? A recent three-day retreat at Poomaale Estate in Coorg introduced me to this refreshing practice of immersing oneself in nature.

Initially, I found myself eager to capture every moment through photographs, but once I unplugged, I felt a wave of calm wash over me. The tranquility of the 300-acre wilderness in the Western Ghats allowed me to reconnect with my surroundings and unwind.

Poomaale Estate, which translates to 'garland of flowers', is a serene eco-friendly haven where the fragrant air is filled with the scent of wild coffee blooms. Here, I discovered a new kind of healing that came not from pills, but from the gentle rustle of leaves and the soothing mist of the hills.

Forest bathing, or Shinrin-yoku as it's known in Japan, emphasizes experiencing nature through all five senses rather than just hiking. This practice helps us combat the stressors of urban life by fostering mindfulness and a deeper connection with the environment.

Research shows that spending time in natural settings can lower stress hormones, improve sleep, and enhance mental well-being. Dr. Niranjan Singh, an internal medicine consultant, emphasizes that forest environments provide a much-needed escape from the constant noise and light pollution of city life.

At Poomaale Estate, I learned the importance of slowing down. My days began with the melodic calls of birds rather than the jarring sound of an alarm. Each hike felt like a meditation as I observed the intricate dance of light through the trees and felt the texture of leaves and soil beneath my fingertips.

What makes forest bathing truly special is its accessibility; there are no performance expectations or goals. It encourages individuals to be present and engage with their surroundings at their own pace, making it an ideal practice for enhancing mental health.

Poomaale Estate goes beyond traditional luxury tourism by preserving half of its land as a wild sanctuary, home to diverse wildlife. This commitment to nature ensures that guests can experience the beauty of coexistence with the local ecosystem.

Whether enjoying a meal made from freshly harvested ingredients or simply embracing the stillness around me, my time at Poomaale was transformative. It demonstrated how forest bathing can shift our perspective on health and well-being, making it not just a retreat, but a path to a quieter, more connected life.