The best farm stays near Mumbai for a weekend getaway
Rural Maharashtra has some excellent farm stays within striking distance of Mumbai, offering unbeatable connection with the bucolic countryside
India is primarily an agricultural country, with a majority of its rural population relying on farming for their livelihood. But city dwellers have a hankering to experience the slow, rustic life of the countryside, and to reconnect with nature. Luckily for folks in Mumbai, there are several farm stays within driving distance of the city that offer a slice of the quiet life.
While most of rural Maharashtra is dotted with farms, we’ve curated a selection of ten stays in popular destinations like Alibaug, Karjat, Pune, Nashik and more. From tractor rides to vegetable picking, there’s a lot to do and learn on these stays. If you’re up for getting your hands dirty – and like the sound of farm-to-table meals – get stuck into our guide for the best farm stays around Mumbai.
Tooth Mountain Farms, Karjat
Accommodation: Rooms and suites
Address: Karjat Road, Off Chowk Village, Next to ND’s Studios, Hatnoli, Maharashtra 410206
Price: From 5200 INR / 65 USD
Tooth Mountain Farms in Karjat is a family-run luxury boutique in a tranquil setting, with a private lake, a lap pool, and several varieties of plants dotted about the grounds – in fact, each room is named after a flowering tree that grows on the 20-acre property. There’s an animal shelter and bird pen that guests can visit, a store to buy organic products grown onsite, and a meditation centre to calm your mind. Guests can dine at the cafe, which serves healthy farm-to-table organic fare. Walk along the nature trails, check out the organic veg patch, go kayaking in the lake, visit the nearby art village, and learn more about the farm’s plants. The property has enough activities to keep you busy throughout the day and is an ideal getaway for those looking to spend some peaceful moments in a picturesque setting.
Arwa Farms, Dahanu
Accommodation: Rooms and tents
Location: Chari Village, Ashagadh, Near Hardik Farm, Dahanu, Palghar District, Maharashtra 401602
Price: From 2,000 INR / 25 USD
A photographer from Mumbai moved to Dahanu in order to become an organic farmer, eventually adding a farm stay to his seven-acre property to introduce city folks to the journey organic food takes from farm to table. Arwa Farms is surrounded by a babbling river and lush palms, and is close to prominent beaches. Guests can indulge in natural mud baths, nap under trees, go swimming in the river, learn different farming activities, and pay a visit to the neighbouring dairy farm. Exposed brick walls add a touch of rustic charm to the property, while woven cots on the rooftop terrace, with views over the surrounding canopy, make it all the more memorable. Enjoy fresh fruit and vegetables sourced directly from the organic farm, along with simple, nourishing meals from the kitchen. The pet-friendly farm stay can accommodate more than 30 people throughout the rooms, on the terrace, and in tents pitched up in the garden.
Karvanda Farms, Mangaon
Accommodation: Cottages
Address: Mangoan Budruk, Taluka Sudhagad, District Raigad, Mangaon, Maharashtra 410205
Price: From 6500 INR / 81 USD
A rustic farm stay surrounded by hills, Karvanda Farms offers five cottages made from natural materials such as wood and mud. The location is perfect for exploring hiking trails nearby, or for taking part in farming activities. The farm also invites its guests to play games like cricket, carrom (a popular Indian tabletop game), chess, archery and table tennis, to let you unwind away from your gadgets. Bull cart rides, cycling around the property and enjoying home-style meals are other attractions available for experiencing the slow life. The organic fruit and vegetable patches are lovely to look at, and great for getting your hands dirty while picking fresh produce. The verdant surroundings provide the perfect escape from the hustle and bustle of the city.
Onellaa, Nashik
Accommodation: Private villa
Address: Opposite Jackwell, Gangapur Dam, Near Sula, Sawargaon, Nashik, Maharashtra 422222
Price: From 37,500 INR / 469 USD
A five-bedroom villa inside a 22-acre private vineyard, Onellaa by SaffronStays is a luxurious signature property unlike any other, intended for a group of up to 15 guests. The villa is close to other popular vineyards in the region, yet secluded from the tourist traffic, and Gangapur Dam is a short stroll away. When here, take a guided tour of the vineyards, where you can learn the different aspects of wine production – from harvesting the zinfandel grape variety grown here, to maceration and wine tasting. You can even go cycling or opt for a tractor ride at the vineyard. Take a dip in the infinity swimming pool, catch the sunset on the terrace, and savour home-cooked meals by the local chef.
Krishivan, Alibaug
Accommodation: Huts and dorms
Address: Sagargad Ghera, Near Village Nagzari, Alibaug, Maharashtra 402108
Price: From 3,500 INR / 43 USD
Krishivan’s Adivasi-style huts are adorned with traditional Warli paintings – a tribal art native to western India, made on mud walls with rice paste. The farm stay, near Alibaug, has ample activities to keep you busy, and guests are encouraged to partake in milking the cows, collecting eggs, and catching fowl around the property. There’s also fishing, bullock cart or tractor rides, pottery lessons, barbeque dinners, treks and more. During the monsoon, you can soak in the natural stream that runs through the property. At other times, try your hand at sowing seeds or picking organic vegetables. The kitchen serves sumptuous meals made using homegrown and locally-sourced produce. The farm stay, in the foothills near Sagargad Fort, currently has three huts and three dorms for three and six people each respectively.
Maharajah House, Karjat
Accommodation: Private villa
Address: Survey No 46, Village Vaijnath, Taluka Karjat, District Raigad, Maharashtra 410201
Price: From 60,000 INR / 750 USD
If you’re looking for a private farm stay to truly unwind, this property fits the bill. Offering four bedrooms, a swimming pool and ample space for some R&R, Maharajah House by Lohono Stays is set against the backdrop of the Sahyadri mountain range and a gushing river. The villa has two wings that are connected by a glass-walled bridge. While one section houses the bedrooms, the other features a dining room and lounge. The housekeeping staff and chef will ensure your stay is comfortable with farm-to-table vegetarian meals of Indian and Middle Eastern cuisine. At the farm, you can find organic fruits, vegetables and dairy products, and indulge in activities like mozzarella stretching. The property can accommodate up to ten guests at a time.
Mohraan Farms, Shahapur
Accommodation: Cottages and tents
Address: Village Sakurli, Taluka Shahapur, Maharashtra 421601
Price: From 2,000 INR / 25 USD
Run by a family of accidental farmers, each of whom has their own story of turning to this profession, Mohraan Farms is a sustainable ‘food forest’ spread across seven acres – a retreat to reconnect with nature where hundreds of varieties of plants, birds and insects can be found. The stay is centred around a villa that’s made in a sustainable manner using bamboo, mud and lime, and has two cottages for additional bedrooms, as well as tents for those who want to camp. Day visits are also organised on request. Guests can savour food grown on the farm, as well as chicken and fish dishes made in traditional Maharashtrian style, drink pure water from a natural source, and even take a dip in the river nearby. They also offer live fishing, foraging, cycling, bird watching, yoga and meditation, but the real highlight is learning more about natural farming including planting, harvesting, watering and mulching.
Vedanta Farm Villa, Nashik
Accommodation: Private villa
Address: Near Alandi dam canal, Makhmalabad, Nashik, Maharashtra 422003
Price: From 62,000 INR / 776 USD
Vedanta Farm Villa by StayVista offers five bedrooms and ample common areas, all panelled in wood, and available for group bookings of up to twelve guests. Surrounded by vineyards and orchards with views of the mountains, the property also has a sprawling lawn, a gazebo, swimming pool and hot tub, and horseback riding can be arranged from its in-house stables. You can go for treks around the villa, take a guided astronomy session, and enjoy bonfires, barbeques and games on the lawns. The in-house chef prepares hearty meals that are paired with local wine. The pet-friendly villa is quite secluded, letting you soak in nature’s beauty in all its glory.
Megh Malhar, Pune
Accommodation: Villa, cottages, and a tree house
Address: Village Hotale, Paud Kolwan Road, Near Girivan, Mulshi, Pune, Maharashtra 412108
Price: From 3,700 INR / 46 USD
At 22 acres, Megh Malhar is Pune’s biggest farm stay, and grows mango, banana, coconut, jackfruit, guava, and bamboo throughout the year, as well as seasonal produce such as rice, wheat, sorghum and various vegetables and herbs. Guests are welcome to take a tour of the farms and hand pick some vegetables to be prepared by the chefs for lunch. There’s also a big swimming pool, table tennis, archery, badminton, and bikes to borrow for exploring the local area. But if you’d rather simply unwind in the midst of nature, relax in a seat on the terrace, and listen to the birds chirp from the trees.
SanvinaFarm, Karjat
Accommodation: Private villa
Address: Mechkar Wadi, Next to Kotimbe, Dhamni Village, Karjat, Maharashtra 410201
Price: From 22,500 INR / 281 USD
Surrounded by mountains on three sides, SanvinaFarm by SaffronStays overlooks organic farms and offers three bedrooms to accommodate a total of nine guests, perfect for group getaways. During your stay, you can help plant saplings, pluck fresh produce, milk cows, or play with ducks, dogs and rabbits on the property. Take a tour of the vast mango and chikoo orchards, a large turmeric farm, and plantations of red chillies, tomatoes, potatoes, lemons, and cherries. The staff can also give you a guided tour of the thousands of trees planted in the farm as well as cook meals using the homegrown ingredients. Inside, admire the antique artefacts from havelis (historical mansions) in Ahmedabad adorning the rooms. For those looking for more action, there are forest walks, river rafting, cycle treks and quad bike rides.
