“Our’s is a rather unique homestay nestled in thick evergreen forest with abundant waterfalls and wildlife. By virtue of its very remote location and lack of supplied electricity we operate our little place with the use of very simple solar panels and batteries. It is a place to digitally detox with no cell phones signals, where parents can breathe a sigh of relief that their children are playing with sticks, clay and water rather than Ipads. If you love to get away from humanity and trek in uninhabited jungles and sit around bonfires on chilly nights, then you will feel at home.”

~ John and Sylvia, hosts at the farmstay

Overview

The Farmstay is one of the lesser known secrets of Goa. It is situated in the Western Ghats, on the border of Goa and Karnataka, near Castle Rock just over the border from Goa in Karnataka. John and Sylvia took ownership of it in 2003 and built a house, which took a long time since there was no road to the place and a very rough track for 10 kilometers was the only approach. Much later on, when prompted by a friend who ran motorcycle adventure tours, the idea of taking in visitors came to being. The area around is as remote as it gets in Peninsular India. There are very few people and very few villages. Uninhabited tracks connecting up the villages provide good areas to do treks. There are some 25 villages with between 3 and 25 houses in an area of nearly 1500 sq/km and it has now been taken into the buffer zone of the Dandeli and Anshi Tiger reserve.

Sylvia is a potter and has a studio at the farm itself. John on the other hand is an adventure sports enthusiast and has been a pioneer in white water rafting. Together they have worked hard and brought this farm to life.

The farm uses solar energy for lighting, a waterfall for plentiful year round water supply, and firewood from the forest for cooking. Though not self-sufficient plenty of the food from the garden finds itself onto your table.

The Farming here is the same as it has been on small farms in these areas for hundreds of years- mainly rice-growing, some fruit trees and of course our vegetables in the kitchen garden.

Stay

The farm has 3 types of accommodations:

The stream facing cabins can accommodate 3 to 4 adults. There are 2 of these rooms. Both have has a sit out overlooking the jungle and stream.

The rooftop rooms are airy and elevated. There are 2 of them and they offer great views of the jungle all around. Ideal for families

The furnished tent is a wonderful, large room for those wanting the camping experience. Private and close to the wild nature around with an exclusive sit out at the front and attached bathroom at the back

All rooms have clean bathrooms, clean linen, blankets, towels. Hot water by the bucket is provided for bathing.

Food & Drinks

The farm produces delicious oven-fired pizzas, homemade breads, barbecues and anything that can be grilled or cooked on a wood fire. A variety of Indian, Asian, and European dishes are prepared using many locally found ingredients, and of course anything grown on the farm. The menus are planned keeping in mind the dietary needs of all guests, offering a healthy, fresh spread of vegetarian and non-vegetarian food. These are served in buffet-fashion at the dining table beside the stream during the day and by the campfire in the evenings.

Activities

The Wilderness around is a natural adventure land for nature lovers. There are many hidden waterfalls which we visit, one of which is at a stone's throw from the property, and a better swimming pool one cannot find. Some of the activities that one could indulge in while at the farm are:

• Wildlife sightings - Wildlife is plentiful, although sightings are rare due to the thickness of the forest. But signs of Indian Gaur (locally known as Bison) and the largest bovine on earth are common, and other animals like Sambar Deer, Sloth Bear, Porcupine, Ant Eaters and, of course, Leopards are always around.
• Trekking- Trekking here is ideal and the best way to enjoy the area. The mixed forest and African Savannah like grasslands within close range of the property make short treks very easy.
• Birdwatching - Many bird watchers also come to see species like the Asian Fairy Bluebird, Rufous Babbler, Great Indian Hornbill, White-bellied Blue Flycatcher, Yellow-browed Bulbul, Grey Jungle Fowl and Flame-throated Bulbul and many more, but sightings may be difficult due to the density of the forest.
• Trek to Dudhsagar falls – Though closed this year, A new canopy walk and footpath will be open soon.
• Workshops: During the season we have a range of workshops for kids, families, adults, potters, clay lovers, cob building enthusiasts, and bird watchers. There is a new pottery studio with a wood-fired kiln taking shape. People are welcome to try their hand at pottery, but classes are available only on request.

A stay at the farm costs:

INR 8000 per night on twin-sharing basis.

INR 8000 per night on twin-sharing basis.

Solo Traveller: INR 5000 per night.

Includes stay, all meals and one complimentary trek.

Extras:Longer treks, Cycling and Pottery are charged extra based on availability, upon request.
*Also beer and wine is extra

Since the farm is out in the wild one needs to get with him all his requirements during the stay.

Essentials to Pack:

• Good / Comfortable walking shoes / sneakers.
• Slippers / Floaters that can get wet.
• A light jacket and/or a shirt to layer up.
• A light jacket or fleece for winter.
• Torches / headlamps.
• Mosquito Repellent.
• Waterproofing for your electronics.
• Water Bottles so you can fill water from the farm if you decide to step out.
• ATMs/ Market are far away so please carry cash/ any special requirements with you.

Photo Gallery

• The farm
• View from the farm terrace
• Tent with Sitout
• One of the Rooms Upstairs
• Upstairs -Pink room
• Cabin Room
• Cabin Room Washroom
• Another View of Cabin Room
• Sitout on the terrace
• Freshly baked meals
• Meals taste better when had together
• Pottery models
• Sylvia in action at the studio
• Cycling in the wilderness
• Hikes through the jungle
• Waterfall in the jungle
• Woodfired ovens

Reviews

Coming Soon...

Responsible Travel

Sylvia and John have taken great efforts to merge the farm with the rest of the region and the wilderness. The farm is self-sufficient for its utilities and has no electricity/ water/ gas connection to its name. It uses solar energy for lighting, a waterfall for plentiful year round water supply, and firewood from the forest for cooking. Perhaps this is how we were meant to live, one with nature.

The Farming here is the same as it has been on small farms in these areas for hundreds of years- mainly rice-growing, some fruit trees and of course some vegetables in the kitchen garden.

The waste collected at the farm is segregated. Organic material is composted and the metal & glass is transferred to Mapusa for recycling. Plastic is reused as much as possible. Paper is used to start the numerous fires we have in the evenings for bonfire & ovens.