About the Khandala centre


Entrance to the main building of
the Amrit Vela Ashram

Amrit Vela Ashram has acquired a reputation as an ideal sanctuary for the well being of the body, mind and spirit. Nestling in the lap of mother nature, surrounded by the hills of Western Ghats, this holy abode stands as a beacon of hope for the entire Sindhi community not only of India but other parts of the globe as well.

The Ashram was one of the first buildings to be constructed in the area on land acquired in 1975. It offers a chance to leave behind the noise, pollution and madness of city-life. Here nature welcomes you in its loving embrace and induces a feeling of well-being the moment you set foot on its sacred soil. The serene beauty of nature with its lush green vegetation and mountains, the cool climate, simple but delicious and wholesome food and, above all, peace that gently unfolds the spirit, all of which leave you with a feeling of extreme physical and mental well-being. Ashram even has a park and grounds with facilities for games and sports for the young. Here, children are gently introduced to the rich cultural and spiritual values of life. You will soon realise that you could not find friendlier people because our volunteers serve you with immense love and dedication.

Visitor's comments
Sunset over Khandala hills as viewed from the Ashram
"This was my first stay in Ashram with my family and a memorable one. What with melodious bhajans, peaceful prayers in the satsang hall, sincere service by workers, excellent food, serene surroundings with Pooj Jhoolaylal Sahib radiating his blessings right from the entrance gate. A right place to be in to meditate upon the Supreme!".
 - Santoo Kewalramani

" This was my maiden visit to Amrit Vela Ashram. It is a unique place for our Sindhu culture. A person gets refined spritually and physically. He attains peace and spontaneously vibrates the name of God. The food is excellent, the environment Godly and, above all, is the quality of service rendered by its workers. All Sindhis should come forward and make this place a niche in Sindhi history."
 - L.B. Thakur

Living in a metropolis like Mumbai, where life is fast and action-packed, little does one realise the amount of energy wasted. In coming to Amrit Vela Ashram, I discovered that in a place such as this, one can very conserve energy and profitably divert to spiritual pursuits. The location here is ideal, on the main road, overlooking the mountains. I sat in satsang feeling the thrill of cool breeze and beautiful sky, surrounded by spiritual vibrations. The place is like an oasis in the midst hot desert of life, cool and soothing. I will certainly endeavour to repeat my visit and persuade friends and relatives to do the same. I would particularly like to commend the manner in which we were served. It was hospitality which showed commitment in action!
 - L.S. Kanabar
Ashram transport for the
convenience of visitors
It was my first visit to Ashram along with family and friends. The five day stay has been and enchanting experience never encountered before. The fragrance of time spent here will always remain with me. The affection, devotion and dedication of selfless volunteers towards all, even strangers, is indeed a rare commodity these days. I would love to come again and again. Meanwhile, in return for the joys experienced, I have left behind as a souvenir, the habit of smoking which burdened my life for the last twenty years.
 - Srichand Thakurel

We, 48 senior citizens of Mumbai came along to spend three nights in Ashram. We are a multilingual group having over 150 members and make frequent yatras every year. The members felt most impressed with the Godly atmosphere which induces in the visitor the bhavna of shewa. Invariably, one picks it up from the selfless girls and Dadas who personally attend to the welfare of yatris. The place is an Ashram in the real sense of the word and people like us feel truly blessed having come here. We feel doubly blessed having Dada Pujya Ishwar Ji whom we had the pleasure of hearing every evening. It is our wish and prayer that Guru Nanak Sahib bless us with opportunities for more visits to Amrit Vela Ashram. May God bless all of you. May Satguru give a long and meaningful and healthy life to Pujya Dada Ishwar Balani so that he continues to serve the humanity.
 - Manohar Advani

Whereas preachers of "selfless love and service" are many, this Ashram is a living proof of it. We will remember forever the abundance of love and affection received. Our heartfelt thanks for the oneness that we have felt here in the company of volunteers.
 - Duru Kalwani
The rural atmosphere of Khandala
I truly enjoyed my stay here. I especially like the evening satsang which inspired me to wake up early and attend morning satsang from 4.30 a.m. Most of all, I wish to thank people of Ashram who were so very loving and helpful. The attitude shown here makes you want to go out into the wide world and share your enthusiasm with others in the same way. I will definitely make a point of returning to Amrit Vela Ashram again.
 - Preeti Thadani

"....The atmosphere radiates our beautiful Sindhi culture. At the entrance of each room is a large beautiful painting of a Sindhi saints, like Shah Sahib, Sanii Sahib, Sachal Saaee, Swami Ula Shah, Kanwar Bhagat and on each door of the room is a thought-provoking Sindhi proverb. What I liked best was its cleanliness combined with lovely climate and natural beauty all around. My wife Shobha would gladly undertake long walks, unlike here in England".
 - T. Khemlani

"Amrit Vela Ashram is so very neat and clean. The enchanting music that goes on all the while creates conditions for the uplifting of human soul, merging it with the Divine in perfect bliss."
 - G. Makhija