This monsoon, escape to these homestays in Maharashtra to enjoy myriad activities and get a taste of authenticity, all in the company of people who feel like family
Take part in farming activities and later tuck into a rustic feast
For the farm experience
Farm of Happiness, tucked deep within Ratnagiri district, offers city dwellers the chance to get their hands dirty. The host, Rahul Kulkarni, used to be an ad man before he quit the corporate life to start this farmstay.
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Getting to the property takes a little effort, as it’s located at the end of a series of winding pathways. But, once you get there, you feel all the weariness wash away. The home is built in the traditional Konkani style, and the food served is rustic and cooked using produce grown on the farm itself.
Take part in farming activities and later tuck into a rustic feast
Once you’re settled in, Kulkarni will take you on a quick tour of the 20-acre farm, showing you what is being sown or harvested, explaining their sustainable farming practices along the way. The highlight is that you can join him and the other staffers as they go about their work, which, in this season, involves transplanting rice saplings.
Since the property is situated on a plateau, heavy rains will rule out all outdoor activity. But, you can settle on the porch for a game of carrom, chess or darts, or just cosy up in a hammock as you read a book and enjoy the drumming of the rain on the ground. If the sky clears up, you can set out birding at the crack of dawn, and if you’re lucky, you will end up spotting the elusive Malabar pied hornbill.
Getting There: Located in Sangameshwar, on the way to Ratnagiri (seven-hour drive from Mumbai).
Email: info@farmofhappiness.com
Call: 9820002863
Cost: RS 5,000
For the village life
Maachli is an eco-friendly property in Sindhudurg district. Run by the Samant family, the cottages sit amidst mango, coconut and betelnut groves. Meals consist of local Malvani flavours, and are all cooked by host Priya Samant.
If you’re looking for an active holiday, there’s plenty to do.
Learn pottery and stay in rustic cottages amidst lush greenery
The place is a paradise for birdwatchers. You could also head out to the beach, the backwaters, or go shopping for locally-made products at the Friday bazaar. You can explore the temples and architecture of the nearby village too. If you’re rained in, don’t fret. You can ask the hosts to show you how to cook using traditional paraphernalia, on a mud stove.
Getting There: Located off the Maharashtra State Coastal Highway (10-hour drive from Mumbai).
EmailL: prathamesh.samant@maachli.in
Call: 9637333284
Cost: Rs 3,800
For art lessons
Devrai Home Stay in Panchgani offers a single room, which is a part of the bungalow and has a separate entry. It’s best suited to nature lovers and those with a creative bent of mind. The homestay serves breakfast, but for other meals, you will have to look outside. The room, however, is equipped with an attached kitchenette, where you can rustle up your own meals.
The tribal craftsmen will teach you a thing or two during your stay
The homestay
The hosts also run a non-profit,?Devrai Art Village, where tribal craftsmen work with materials like iron, brass, wood, stone, and bamboo. Some are also involved in Warli painting. You can learn their craft from them by signing up for the daily workshops (Rs 1,000 per day). It’s the perfect activity to keep you occupied when it’s pouring outside. Although the homestay doesn’t organise any adventure activities, the hosts will guide you with information, should you wish to set out on a trek or nature trail in the area.
Getting There: Located off the Panchgani-Mahabaleshwar Road (five-hour drive from Mumbai).
Email: devraihomestay@gmail.com
Call: 8007390859
Cost: Rs 2,000
Also check out
Situated near Lonavala, Deogadh is a homestay that faces Lake Pawna and Tung Hill. To best enjoy the monsoon, settle down on the stone porch and watch the rain come down against this magical backdrop. The area is steeped in history, and if you want to know more, trek to Tikona Fort and Bedse Caves. Once at the top of the fort, you will be treated to views of the lake and dozens of emerald fields.
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