On Saturday, June 7, 2025, Citrus Trail Farm & Kitchen in Shivanahalli, Bengaluru, hosted “Draw Nature in Nature,” an artistic retreat for alumni and senior professionals. The event’s dual purpose was to rekindle innate creativity and foster professional networking within a serene, natural environment. Participants engaged in sketching and painting amidst coffee and teak plantations, forested trails, and open skies, shifting their focus from digital screens to mindful creativity. This unique retreat also aimed to promote holistic well-being, leveraging nature’s therapeutic qualities to reduce stress, enhance focus, and inspire fresh perspectives.
The 12-acre Citrus Trail Farm & Kitchen, located near Bannerghatta National Park, served as an idyllic backdrop. This working farm boasts mature Arabica coffee plantations, sprawling teak groves, and over 1,000 local tree species, showcasing a strong commitment to nature. Scenic walking trails, a rustic pond, and seasonal streams not only offered visual inspiration but also provided tranquil spots for quiet reflection. The venue’s rustic charm, intentionally devoid of typical resort amenities, perfectly aligned with the retreat’s ethos of reconnecting with nature, creativity, and community. The sensory experience of morning birdcalls, fragrant foliage, and the earthy silence further enhanced this immersive environment.
The core of the day revolved around sketching and painting, with participants spreading out across the farm to create art and exchange insights. A delicious farm-fresh, multicuisine lunch provided a relaxed setting for social interaction and networking, fostering connections beyond professional labels. The day culminated in a reflection and group sharing session, where attendees proudly displayed their artwork and discussed how their immersion in nature had shifted their perspectives. The session concluded with a heartfelt gratitude circle, acknowledging the creatively nurturing environment and the informal mentoring that took place.
The retreat attracted around 40 alumni and senior professionals from diverse disciplines, including engineers, educators, and artists, enriching the conversations and technical exchanges. Local artists and environmentalists were also invited, further adding layers of thoughtful technique swaps and ecological storytelling. Participants universally praised the open, “unplugged” environment for encouraging experimentation and honest expression. The absence of typical resort distractions fostered complete presence in every brushstroke, which many considered the most transformative aspect of the day, validating the retreat’s goal of fostering creativity through diverse mindsets and natural spaces.
Guests were very keen on continuing the “Draw Nature in Nature” experience. They suggested having follow-up sessions , special workshops on drawing plants, and even evening get-togethers during the week to keep the good feelings going. Some also suggested inviting plant experts to teach more about nature, while others wanted guest artists to lead workshops on advanced drawing skills. There was also a wish to have more people attend (as long as it doesn’t harm the farm’s environment), but always keeping the retreat’s friendly, creativity-first spirit. Citrus Trail’s natural features – calm paths, ponds, forest cover, and enough outdoor seating – were perfect for these kinds of regular events. This shows a good plan for future gatherings focused on art, mindfulness, and friendly professional connections.
Ultimately, “Draw Nature in Nature” successfully delivered three key benefits: creative renewal through direct engagement with nature, deepened connections fostering cross-generational bonds and potential collaborations, and a significant well-being boost leading to reduced stress and enhanced focus. Attendees expressed keen interest in future sessions, including botanical illustration workshops and expanded capacity, while emphasizing the importance of maintaining the retreat’s intimate ethos. The Citrus Trail Farm & Kitchen, with its preserved authenticity and natural infrastructure, proved to be an ideal and sustainable venue for such impactful, nature-based creative experiences.