India is full of beautiful natural landscapes, and has a proud agricultural history that dates back to the era of the Indus Valley Civilization, so it’s no surprise that it’s home to some beautiful farmstays. With agritourism on the rise, more and more farmstays are emerging across the country, providing access to authentic ways of living. For those of you looking to get away from the daily grind and breathe clean air, here’s a rundown of some of the best farmstays in India.
Run by a family, Philipkutty’s Farm is set on a spectacular farm island in the backwaters of Kerala, and combines a luxurious stay with nature and seaside views. The waterfront villas are adorned with antiques and traditional touches, as well as modern amenities, and the views of the palm-fringed waterfront, tranquil canals and ridges add to the appeal. Foodies will be delighted here, as organic farm produce and freshly caught fish are among the delicacies on offer. This place also offers a plethora of activities, like sunset backwater cruises, canal cruises, fishing, bird-watching, yoga and acres of fields to explore.
Situated in Kewzing Village in Sikkim, the Bon Farmhouse is set amidst acres of lush green cardamom forest, tea gardens and cultivated fields, and offers a natural environment perfect for healthy living. Choose from the four rooms and suites—farmhouse suite, family cottage, loghut suite and villa suite—each in traditional Sikkimese style coupled with new-age amenities. Best of all, it has a great livestock inventory, thus providing fresh organic food and milk, so all health-focused foodies are in for a treat here. Besides, you can indulge in nature walks, trekking in the nearby hills of Tendong and Maenam, bird-watching, farming and organic cooking lessons. Or, relax your body and mind with a traditional hot stone herbal bath or spa, called a ‘Dotho’ Its wild medicinal plants are said to have healing properties.
Set in the foothills of the Shivalik in Punjab, the PRAKRITI Farm offers a quintessential farm living experience. You can embark on a nature or farm stroll, trek to the rolling hills, go bird watching or indulge in organic farming. There are five stay options to choose from—thatch and mud cottages perched on a hilltop, Swiss tents with a rustic look and feel and en-suite bathroom, safari tents pitched in lush greenery, Kinnow Orchard cottage and sunrise cottages—all equipped with modern amenities. This farmstay puts you in nature without having to leave the comforts of modern world. Also, it is pet-friendly, so you can bring your furry friends along.
Set on 12 acres of land brimming with herbs, fruit trees and about 200 plant species, the Spice Village provides an authentic nature experience. The rustic thatched cottages come with stone floors, and the food is made from organic produce freshly picked on the farm. It’s a chemical-free farmstay and follows an organic way of life in every respect. Besides relaxing in the eco-setting, visitors can go for jungle walks or boat rides in the nearby Periyar Tiger Reserve and get up and close with the wildlife, including tigers, foxes, elephants, otters and more.
Set within banana, coconut, betel nut and spice plantations, and a perennial stream, the Macchli Farmstay has four hut-style cottages, each boasting views of the plantations. Wander around the plantations, check out the potter’s village, milk a cow, collect water from the well, take traditional cooking lessons and indulge in other hands-on farm activities before scoffing the lip-smacking Malvani cuisine in an alfresco setting. This farmstay also organizes local tours.
Spread over 130 acres of verdant farmland, the Country Retreat is a boutique farmstay with three luxurious rooms, decorated in Rajasthani style and equipped with modern comforts, while maintaining the natural essence. It’s just the place for a true nature holiday, with farm activities and tours, animal herding, cycling, ethnic massages and bird watching. The traditional food on offer might tempt you to book a Rajasthani cooking lesson in-house, too.
Nestled in the scenic Nilgiri biosphere of mountains and lakes, the Destiny is the perfect retreat for adventure enthusiasts and families. Choose from 35 self-contained rooms, each boasting views from the mountains to scenic lakes, and complete with country furnishings and wooden flooring, along with glamour touches. This farmstay is a haven for kids as there are game rooms and an animal farm where they can see cows, horses, sheep, guinea pigs, rabbits, geese and several other animals roaming around; you can even touch and feed the animals. Destiny Farm Stay also caters to thrill seekers, with rappelling, valley-crossing and some trekking options around the property. You can also spend your day golfing, horse riding, fishing, camping in the nearby hills, or simply enjoying the serenity and seclusion while breathing refreshing mountain air.
Experience the slow rhythm of life at the Dani Pani Organic Farmstay, set in the Himalayan foothills overlooking the Kosi Valley. The organic farm is brimming with herbs, fresh vegetables and fruit, natural vegetation and plenty of animals, simple and laid-back accommodation with scenic mountain views, and mouth-watering authentic Kumaoni fare made from natural ingredients. In addition, you can indulge in organic farming, jungle yoga, trekking or a traditional cooking classes.
For an authentic rural experience, Farm of Happiness is the perfect option. You can sleep soundly in the traditional Konkan house with a clay floor, wooden décor and antique beds and furniture. Go bird-watching, fishing, trekking, star gazing, taking a farm tour and farming lessons, or simply relax on the hammock and soak in the nature, and munch on home-cooked food. Warm and homely hospitality, and unperturbed surroundings accentuate the experience.
Nestled in the Western Ghats, Off the Grid offers a simple and laid-back stay with limited phone connectivity, and no internet and electricity, only lush greenery and fresh air, which provide a refuge from the chaos of city life. It has two rooftop rooms, a tent and two cabins amid scenic waterfalls and dense forest. Completely immersed in organic farming, they grow their own produce that is used in their kitchen. Here you can go for trekking to the nearby waterfall, wander the farms and tribal villages around, and go for wildlife safaris. Keep your eyes peeled for leopards, porcupines, beers, gaurs, etc.
