Last Updated on January 10, 2026
Inner peace does not come easily in this fast-paced world. Finding a tranquil moment can be rare and the thought of turning to animals for my own well-being seemed unlikely.
Then the unexpected happened.
This city slicker gal whose only ‘farm’ experience was visiting a horse farm when she was eight, chanced upon a visit to the Sri Surabhi go Ksetra Cow Sanctuary in Pleasanton, California. A place where nature and wellness meet.
Located in the foothills of the Diablo Mountains, this 6.5-acre haven for rescued cows represents a unique ‘Farm Stay’ in California. The Sanctuary is a working farm offering visitors an opportunity to stay at a bed and breakfast, take part in “cow cuddling” sessions, and begin to see nature as a means of improving overall health and well-being.
Sri Surabhi go Ksetra Cow Sanctuary is a project of SEA, Sustainable Eco Alliance, a non-profit organization with the goal of protecting sustainable ecosystems.
The natural grazing of cows recreates the soil and vegetation benefits once derived from wild ungulates – hoofed animals like elk and bison – before humans exterminated them from the region.
The Cow Sanctuary rescues its Brahman and Gir cattle from slaughter.
Farm Stay Accommodations
Private guest houses sit in the heart of the farm. The one-bedroom, one-bath suites sleep five and include appliances and laundry facilities. Units also feature contemporary furniture in the living and dining areas. Bed and bath essentials are provided. High-speed Internet and Wi-Fi are free to guests. Parking is on-site with security cameras stationed around the property.
Single night, weekly, monthly, or long-term reservations are accepted.
A delightful Indian breakfast is served daily. Since the mission of the sanctuary is to rescue cows from slaughter, meals are prepared without meat and vegan diets prevail.
The Farm Life
Once settled in your Farm Stay home, enjoy rural life by rising early to view the sunrise and peacefully breathe in farm aromas. It surrounds you like a warm blanket on a chilly morning. Listen to the birds. The sounds and sights of roosters and chickens is a performance itself. Peacocks roam the farm, all with bravado and an explosion of royal blue and lime green color.
One guest loved the birds so much she said, “You won’t believe how many are chirping here. It’s a bird concert!”
The cows rise early for their own special organic breakfast made of grain and herbs.
“It is like candy for the cows,” Sri Krishna Purusottama Das, Co-Founder, Super Host, and tour guide, told me about the organic mixture.
Guests can volunteer to help feed these gentle giants.
I recommend taking a walking tour of the property for a firsthand view of the workings of the farm. A staff member accompanies all guests. The bulls are kept separate from the females until more land is purchased for expansion, and visitors learn how “cow cuddling” began, its importance to mind, body and spiritual wellness, cow care, and farm survival.
Enhancing Spiritual and Mental Health
We all need to cuddle sometimes. It just makes us feel better. Guests at the Farm Stay have access to the barn and to “cow-cuddling” sessions. Staff are always nearby, and training is provided before entering any of the stalls.
Cow caretakers will let you know how to approach the female cow, their name, and where to sit for comfort. Guests who have experienced a session remark that the love shared between the cows and their caretakers is at once visible.
My own experience was one of an awakening. I had to face my own fears by sitting next to the biggest animal I had ever seen. Horns, the large hump, their strong legs and hooves can be a bit frightening at first, so I chose to be at the cow’s back, which gave me a feeling of security.
I could feel the bovine’s warmth as soon as I touched her. Even though she was huge and I was still a bit nervous, her breathing seemed normal, and it settled me down. I began to relax. I felt small, but less anxious.
As time went on, I began to tear up a little. Not sobbing, but focused on events in my life and people I have known. I instinctively laid my head and arm on the cow’s back and breathed with the cow. I was instantly at peace.
It has been said that being with nature eases the soul, calms the mind, and relaxes the body. These cows enjoy the company of adults and children. Smiles emerge when looking at their big, floppy, basset-like ears.
Rather than being frightened, I turned into a converted cuddly soul.
These sessions have been known to help with emotional issues facing adults and children in our hurried world.
One visitor said it best, “Beautiful and peaceful stay surrounded by nature. Warm host and safe place to rest, relax and connect within.”
Children also benefit from field trips to the cow sanctuary. They come from the surrounding Tri-Valley schools to sit and cuddle with the cows. Children who have never been on a farm may feel frightened when seeing these huge animals for the first time. A few might even seem aloof, standing alone or off to the side. Eventually they gravitate to the cows and enjoy either sitting with or cuddling them.
After the sessions are complete, laughter fills the air, and the smiles say it all.
Try This Unique Farm Stay and Wellness Retreat
Educational, social, and cultural festivities occur throughout the year. Volunteer opportunities are available, and donation events provide funding for cow care along with farm and property needs. Community involvement is of particular importance, and these types of events and activities offer outreach opportunities and for charitable donations.
In visiting the Sri Surabhi go Ksetra Cow Sanctuary there is a unique opportunity to rest, relax, and rejuvenate within a natural setting. The combination of a “Farm Stay” with “Cow Cuddling” sessions bring nature and wellness together.
For Reservations
Reserve A Farm Stay at: https://www.airbnb.com/
Where: Sri Surabhi go Ksetra Cow Sanctuary
Websites: https://www.srisurabhi.us/contact-us/
Phone: 925-263-6263
All Proceeds Go to the Cow Sanctuary, Non-Profit, SEA, Inc.
Nightly Rental: $199.
Cow Cuddling Sessions: $100 per Hour
Visit Website for Weekly and Monthly Rental Rates
Volunteer and Donor Information at: https://www.srisurabhi.us
