Who wouldn't want to breathe fresh, unpolluted air in a setting that promotes sustainability? I do, at least. And for this reason, I recommend taking a vacation from your daily schedule in the city and traveling to one of the nearby eco farm stays in India.
You can enjoy luxuries that city life has robbed you of at eco- and organic farm stays. Touch the ground, breathe fresh air, know what's in your food, and join the birds in a choral song. Discover the unspoiled rural life that makes up true India.
Let's take a sneak peek at the lifestyle that farm stays in India promote and the cause they support! Beginning in the north and moving southward, we explore the most rejuvenating farm stays that are ecological and organic.
1. Himalayan Orchard, Himachal Pradesh: A profound stay in the Himalayas
Himalayan Orchard, a tranquil retreat amidst the serene regions of the Himalayas, is located 70 kilometers outside of Shimla. In the vast mountain range's apple region, there is a family-run farm stay called The Himalayan Orchard. The farm is a great spot to celebrate, practice meditation, relax, and take in the beauty of nature. Thanks to the locally produced meals and kind hosts, you will always feel at home.
At the welcoming homestay Himalayan Orchard, where visitors are treated like guests, a top-notch stay with all the conveniences is ensured. They always appreciate and accept assistance with agricultural tasks like cooking or milking a cow.
Location: Rukhla, Shimla
Special activities: Bird watching, local walks, fishing, and hiking
How to reach: 2-hour drive from Shimla
Tariff: INR 2500 per night onwards
2. Prakriti – Kaushal’s Ecological Farms, Punjab: A wonderful farm stay near Delhi
Prakriti Farms, a gift of Netar Pal Kaushal's conservation efforts, is the perfect forest retreat. It is one of the charming farm stays in India and is located approximately 45 kilometers outside of Chandigarh. Plan a quick family getaway here to escape the hectic city life and take a few days of nature. This is a terrific choice if you're unsure of which attractions to visit close to Chandigarh—or Delhi, for that matter.
The well-appointed lodging options at Prakriti Farms include Swiss Luxury Tents, Thatch and Mud Deluxe Cottages, and cottages with views of the Kinnow orchard. Although there is solid mobile reception, everything else in this location keeps you close to the outdoors. Homey welcome, mouthwatering home cooking and mesmerizing vistas of the Shivalik hills further enhance the experience.
Location: Rupnagar, near Rail Majra
Special activities: Bird watching tours, short trails and hikes and a number of outdoor activities at the Adventure zone.
How to reach: 5.5-hour drive from Delhi. Nearest railway station is Ropar is 5 km.
Tariff: INR 2000 per night onwards
3. Banni Khera Farm, Haryana: Good old comfort is always cherished
Banni Khera is a community-based project started by Kunwar KV Singh that collaborates with Haryana tourism. The neighborhood extends a cordial invitation to visitors as part of its efforts to promote sustainable agricultural tourism.
The eco-friendly farm stay in Banni Khera offers visitors a look at rural India's environment, culture, and customs. Additionally, there are several activities to keep the entire family occupied. You can also select your preferred activities in addition to day excursions and lodging options.
Location: Samar Gopalpur Village, Rohtak
Special activities: Yoga and meditation classes, boating, fishing, duck feeding and folk shows
How to reach: 1.5-hour drive from West Delhi/Gurgaon
Tariff: INR 5500 per night onwards
4. Surjivan, Gurgaon: Your weekend getaway from Delhi NCR
Surjivan is the answer if you're seeking picnic locations close to Delhi. The traditional and ethnic resort has won Inside Outside magazine's award for "The Best Eco-Friendly Design." The earthy accommodations are the standout feature of this upscale farm stay close to Delhi, in addition to the lush surroundings. The thatched roof houses' attractive interiors go wonderfully with their rustic exteriors. There are also deluxe tents and dormitories available. The best amenities are offered to the visitors.
Another major draw of Surjivan is the cuisine. There are several delicacies to choose from, and all of them are made using organic ingredients and time-honored culinary techniques.
Location: Off Jaipur Highway (NH-8), Naurangpur-Tauru Road, Opp. ITC Grand Bharat Hotel
Special activities: Traditional Indian games like Gilli-danda, Lattoo and Kanchhe; farm tours; and educational activities for kids. Also, there is a range of available-on-request activities.
How to reach: 1-hour drive from New Delhi
Tariff: Connect on call/email
5. Bon Farmhouse, Sikkim: Of green, faith & fertility
With a Bonpo Family, Bon Farmhouse provides "a traditional village agricultural environment of Sikkim in Kewzing Village." Enjoy the feeling of being surrounded by beautiful greenery, all the latest conveniences, and only organic cuisine.
Bon Farmhouse is one of the well-known farm stays in India's northeast. You may have a healthy breakfast of fresh milk and eggs because verdant, green cardamom farms surround the area.
Location: BON Farmhouse, P/O Kewzing Bazaar, Below Kewzing Monastery, Ravangla
Special activities: Nature walk, one day/night camp, bird watching, sightseeing, excursion to Trout valley, and Sikkimese hot stone herbal bath
How to reach: 2.5-hour drive from New Jalpaiguri
Tariff: INR 2750 per night onwards
6. The Country Retreat, Rajasthan: Detox underneath nature’s shade
The Country Retreat describes itself as being regal, wild, and rustic. The boutique farm stay, situated between Jodhpur and Udaipur, is spread across 130 acres of verdant farmland. It also provides retreats for families, couples, and adventurers. The farm stay offers a variety of activities, so you can either plan an exciting adventure vacation or spend your days lounging around reading.
The culinary options are many; you may have a hearty breakfast on the farm, a cozy lunch with the host, or a lavish meal of Rajasthani cuisine. For those looking for a calming escape, ethnic massage is an additional indulgence offered at the farm.
Location: Bankli, Godwad, Dist. Pali
Special activities: Excursions to nearby attractions, birdwatching, shepherd herding, cycling, photography, and farm tour
How to reach: 2.5-hour ride from Jodhpur
Tariff: INR 7000 per night onwards
7. Farm Of Happiness, Maharashtra: Savor every bead of happiness
Rahul and Sampada left their lucrative occupations in Mumbai and moved to the interiors of Maharashtra to live a simple, rural existence. Their dedication and passion for change paid off in the form of the Farm of Happiness, also known as "Aanandache Shet."
Farm of Happiness, a well-known farm stay close to Mumbai and one of India's most soul-pleasing organic farm stays, provides a unique holiday in a traditional Konkan home. Clay flooring, a wooden interior, and old furnishings highlight the ethnic décor. After indulging in delicious home-cooked cuisine, relax on the hammocks, find yourself surrounded by chirping birds, or sleep beneath the tree while stargazing. The Farm of Happiness is a great spot to spend quiet, meaningful time with loved ones.
Enjoy delectable Maharashtrian dishes—most of which are vegetarian—while you relax and take in the tranquility. Food is made on a Chulha using fruits, vegetables, and grains harvested on the farm.
Location: Near Katal Wadi, Chandika Mandir Road, Ratnagiri
Special activities: Farm tour, trekking, fishing, birdwatching, and stargazing
How to reach: 1-hour ride from Ratnagiri railway station. Pre-booking gives you a pickup from the station
Tariff: INR 5000 per night onwards
8. Maachli, Maharashtra: Take in the scenery
The Samant family welcomes you to Maachli, a magnificent farm stay in the Parule hamlet on the extreme southern Konkan Coast of Maharashtra. It is a bit of lodging hidden in Verongula and a reasonably accessible farm stay close to Mumbai that preaches simple life.
Bhogwe and Tarkarli are the beaches that are the nearest to Maachli. The charming lodgings are constructed amid betelnut, banana, and spice farms. Additionally, the resort has a lovely water stream that makes for a great view when you dine on traditional Malvani fare in the open dining room.
Adinarayan Temple, Lotus Lake, Mauli Temple, the Karli River bank, and Sindhudurg fort are just a few notable local sights covered by Maachli's organized excursions.
Location: Parule, Vengurla
Special activities: Village walks, cooking lessons, farming experiences, and trekking
How to reach: 15-minutes drive from pristine beaches of Bhogwe and Tarkarli
Tariff: INR 4000 per night onwards
9. Off The Grid: Redefining Homestay Experience in the Western Ghats, Goa & Karnataka Border
Off The Grid, as the name implies, offers a distinctive form of sustainable living that excludes you from contemporary conveniences like power, the internet, and phone. However, the level of warm comfort they offer is outstanding.
Owned by John Pollard and Sylvia Kerkar, this eco-farm stay allows you to experience rural life while being surrounded by the Western Ghats' rich vegetation. A typical rural visit close to Bangalore mesmerizes you with a way of life that is very different from what you would experience in a big city. Come here to relax and take in the tranquility of the surroundings.
Location: Poppalwadi, Castle Rock, Joida
Special activities: Trekking, a tour of the waterfall, and wildlife safari. This popular farm stay near Mumbai also offers summer and winter camps for kids!
How to reach: 50-minute drive from Londa Junction. Pickup facility available
Tariff: INR 3250 per night onwards
10. THE HERMITAGE GUEST HOUSE IN KARNATAKA: A charming eco-lodge in the Western Ghats
The Hermitage Guest House is a beautiful farm stay in Karnataka that allows guests to experience basic life without electricity, television, or other contemporary conveniences. You couldn't have asked for a more understated and uncomplicated home than the bamboo, thatch, and hand-made village tiles used to construct the houses.
You may choose from Machan, an 11-foot-tall wood and bamboo house, Kadaba, a village-style lodging, and Gota, a rural home built of red clay tiles; if you're planning a holiday at this charming farm, stay close to Bangalore.
Location: Khanapur Taluka, Belgaum
Special activities: Star gazing, bird watching, pottery, and cooking classes
How to reach: 2.5-hour ride from Goa
Tariff: 2500 per night onwards
11. Harvest Fresh Farms, Kerala: An organic home away from home
The serene Cumbum valley is home to the organic fruit farm, and the farm stay Harvest Fresh. The farm offers a comfortable stay with all the facilities and produces passion fruit, papayas, and pomegranates. The farm grows and provides its visitors organic dairy products and other culinary necessities.
Harvest Fresh promotes agritourism in India by providing the best organic food and a verdant setting for its visitors. You may spend a relaxing evening in the garden or stroll in the local hamlet.
Location: Lower Camp, Melagudalur, Near Thekkady, Idukki
Special activities: Bullock-cart ride, village tour, and trip to organic fruit farm
How to reach: 15-minute drive from Thekkady
Tariff: INR 2800 per night onwards
12. Oyster Opera, Kerala: Life sustained by the seashore
Oyster Opera, run by GS Gul, began as a charitable project to aid the area's jobless residents. Nine cottages and one houseboat are now part of this well-known eco-resort. The cottages include tiny verandahs where you may spend time with your loved ones while having evening tea. All contemporary amenities are accessible, such as air conditioning, connected toilets, and 24-hour power backup.
Location: Thekkekadu, Padanna, Kasaragod Dist.
Special activities: Coracle boat ride, indoor and outdoor games, fishing, island hopping, and oyster picking
How to reach: 15-minute drive from Chervattur railway station
Tariff: INR 3800 per night onwards
13. Philipkutty’s Farm, Kerala: A SERENE retreat amid the Kerala backwaters
This 35-acre family-run farm is the ideal retreat in God's own country. It is situated on a stunning island. The perfect farm stay in Kerela's backwaters is Philipkutty, with its tranquil retreats and waterfront cottages. The gorgeous hills and canals further enhance the charming allure of this sanctuary.
The opulent villas with outstanding architecture have a classic design and antique furnishings. The 18 windows and eight doors, together with the excellent circulation and mesmerizing views of the garden, farm, and backwaters, make them delightful despite having all the contemporary conveniences (in each villa).
Delicacies crafted from fresh backwater fish and organic farm veggies top the menu at Philipkutty's farm. Here, communal meals are strictly observed, so you will be served in the main dining room or outdoors under the thatched pavilion.
Location: Kumarakom, Kottayam
Special activities: Sunset cruise, fishing, birdwatching, local tour, and yoga. For all activities, see here.
How to reach: 15-minutes drive from Kottayam railway station
Tariff: INR 16000 per night onwards
14. Acres Wild, Tamil Nadu: Raising the bar for organic cheesemaking
Acres Wild encourages families to visit, stay, and experience farm life. It is a beautiful farm resort close to Ooty and a family farm stay in India. Tina and Mansoor Khan, the director of popular films, including Josh, Jo Jeeta Wohi Sikander, and Qayamat Se Qayamat Tak, run it. Colby Cottage, Haloumi House, and Cheddar House are the three types of cottages available at the farm stay. It promotes a simple way of life. Thus the cuisine offered here is likewise not very spicy or fancy.
Acres Wild, located in the Nilgiris, provides numerous wildlife and uncommon bird sightings. It is renowned for producing organic cheese as well. Take their unique "Homemade Gourmet Cheesemaking Lessons" while staying here.
Location: Upper Meanjee Estate, Kannimariamman Kovil Street, Coonoor
Special activities: Bird watching, and observing gaur (of bison family)
How to reach: 30-minute drive from Ooty
Tariff: INR 3700 per night onwards
15. Destiny, Tamil Nadu- Tucked away in nature
From your private sit-out, take in the fresh mountain air and the breathtaking views of the gorgeous lake and the mountains. One of Ooty's most famous farm stays, Destiny provides five distinct types of lodging, but the stunning exterior view always remains the same. Could you make sure you reserve the honeymoon suite if you're coming here for a peaceful vacation?
Location: Vakkiel Thotum, Muligur Village, Emerald Post, Ooty
Special activities: Rappelling, valley crossing, outdoor games, golf putting, hiking, camping, and horse riding along with other indoor activities
How to reach: 30-minute drive from Ooty
Tariff: INR 7000 per night onwards
You may also like: 6 Eco-Villages you must visit in India
Aradhya Verma
Aradhya Verma is a college student currently pursuing Bachelor of Design. She holds an interest in books, movies and is a food enthusiast. She is always on the lookout for a spot to admire the setting sun from, and is mentally always at the beach. Her favorite quote is “Books, not Guns; Culture, not Violence”
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