Our Philosophy
We believe that healing and creativity begin with presence. Mud Story Retreats is not about escaping life but about returning to it — more grounded, more awake, and more connected.
Each program blends movement, rest, community, and reflection, offering space for authentic experience and sustainable transformation. Our approach is simple, soulful, and intentional — honoring local culture, nature, and creative collaboration.
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The Team
We're a small team at the heart of Mud Story Retreats, collaborating closely with land, people, and process on every retreat.
Rajat Khurana
Director of Operations
An airline manager turned sustainability entrepreneur, Rajat oversees the operations, logistics, and on-the-ground functioning of Mud Story Retreats, ensuring that each program is thoughtfully managed and rooted in practical sustainability.
With hands-on expertise in sustainable woodworking and ecological systems, he supports the creation of spaces that are functional, durable, and in harmony with the land.
Alongside his operational role, Rajat is deeply passionate about Vedic astrology and offers one-on-one chart readings that help individuals gain clarity around life direction, career, health, and relationships.
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Sandi Higgins
Directors of Programs
An international yoga teacher, author, and actress–filmmaker, Sandi leads the yoga, creative, and cultural programming at Mud Story Retreats, weaving embodied practice, artistic inquiry, and ecological awareness.
Rooted in the Mysore lineage, Sandi began practicing Ashtanga Yoga with R. Sharath Jois and Saraswathi Jois in 2012 in New York City and has been traveling to Mysuru ever since. Her long study and ongoing engagement with Indian classical music, cinema, and philosophy bring cultural depth and lived context to the experiences she offers.
Now based in India, Sandi teaches Mysore Ashtanga Yoga, Restorative Yoga, Aqua Yoga, and contemplative creative practices. She teaches on retreats and works alongside guest teachers and retreat leaders to facilitate inclusive and aligned programs.
Local Teachers and Mentors
We’re grateful to have local teachers and mentors from the Mysuru region who share their skills, stories, and lived wisdom as part of the Mud Story ecosystem.
Harish Mysore
Natural Farming Mentor, Aarambh Community Farm
After decades working with aerospace and aeronautics systems across India and abroad, Harish returned to his first love: plants. He brings together the precision of science and the patience of nature. For over twenty years, Harish has helped transform spaces—from terrace gardens to ten-acre farms—into thriving ecosystems of fruits, vegetables, and flowers, all grown organically. A hands-on mentor and storyteller, Harish has guided many individuals and communities in preparing natural soil tonics, creating pest repellents, and practicing bud grafting with roses and hibiscus.
Namrata Bhutoria
Co - Founder of ColorAshram and Biome Conscious Fashion
Namrata Bhutoria has dedicated her life to living—and teaching—a truly sustainable way of being, guided by her belief that there is no Planet B. As the founder of Biome Conscious Fashion and ColorAshram, she brings together ecology, design, and entrepreneurship in service of the earth. ColorAshram is a university of herbal dyeing and an innovation lab of color—a maker space, incubation hub, and gathering place for nature lovers and climate problem-solvers. Through hands-on learning, Namrata guides individuals and communities in working with herbal dyes across diverse materials, fostering creativity in harmony with nature. ColorAshram’s new center at Aarambh Community Farm deepens this living dialogue between land, craft, and conscious culture.
Community Ecosystem
The Mud Story is an eco-conscious initiative helping people reconnect with nature, sustainable living, and wholesome community life. It began from the insight that real happiness comes from simple shelter, nourishing food, clean air, and meaningful connection with the environment. Today they offer nature-based homes, retreats, community farms, and opportunities to live, invest, and grow with purpose. Their projects promote off-grid living, sustainable ecosystems, and a life aligned with Earth’s rhythm. The vision is to make mindful, harmonious living accessible while fostering deep human-nature bonds.
An emerging ecological and cultural initiative rooted in land stewardship, sustainable living, and community-based learning on the outskirts of Mysuru.
The much-loved Mysuru café and community space in Gokulam known for its organic, farm-forward cuisine, thoughtful sourcing, and commitment to local food culture.
Weekly farmers’ market connecting local farmers, artisans, and conscious consumers, supporting small-scale natural farming and direct producer livelihoods.
Natural dye and craft space dedicated to plant-based colors, slow textiles, and ecological art practices grounded in sustainable knowledge.
An international yoga education platform weaving Mysore Ashtanga, Restorative, and Aqua Yoga with Nāda Yoga and contemplative creative practices, cultivating inner and outer ecology together.
One-on-one Vedic astrology chart readings designed to help individuals understand their life patterns and realize their innate cosmic potential in areas such as career, health, and relationships.
ನೆಗಿಲ ಕುಲದೊಳಗಡಗಿದೆ ಕರ್ಮ
ನೆಗಿಲ ಮೇಲೆಯೇ ನಿಂತಿದೆ ಧರ್ಮ
Negila kuladoLagada gide karma
Negila mēleyē nintide dharma
In the lineage of the plough lies karma;
upon the plough itself stands dharma.
ರಾಷ್ಟ್ರಕವಿ ಕುವೆಂಪು, ನೆಗಿಲ ಯೋಗಿ Rashtrakavi Kuvempu, Negila Yogi (1927)