6 Must Visit Farm Stays In India For Nature Lovers

India is a land of agriculture which is the backbone of the Indian economy. Also, agritourism is one of the newest concepts to revolutionize the travel industry of India. This concept of farm stays is gaining popularity and blossoming across the country. They offer an interactive and authentic experience of rural life, in the delightfully fresh country atmosphere. Ranging from simple to sublime, these farm stays in India are the best.

# Dewalokam Farmstay Retreat, Kerala

Hosted by a welcoming Syrian Christian family, Dewalokam is an organic ancestral farm. Dewalokam means “paradise” when translated to English and the property certainly is that! Conveniently located 90 minutes drive from Kochi airport, this faultless farm stay is situated in the spice belt of Kerala, bounded by a nature reserve and placid river. This farm stay produces fruits, vegetables, milk, honey, and spices. To keep the visitors entertained, an extensive range of activities is available, including village walks, temple visits, swimming, spice walks, bamboo rafting, and cow milking. Cooking, Ayurveda, and Yoga holidays are also offered. The main part of the farm stay has eight spacious bedrooms with air conditioning overlooking the forest and river. A three-bedroom private traditional house in the forest is also available here.

# Maachli, Maharashtra

Situated in Parule village on the far south Konkan Coast of Maharashtra, Maachli is a divine farm stay. The closest beaches are Tarkarli and Bhogwe. In the local Malvani language, the name "Maachli" means "elevated huts". Built deep within nature among the Samant family's coconut, banana, betel nut, and spice plantation, there are four architecturally designed hut-style accommodations on the property. Here, everything is surrounded by nature, and there is a sweet water stream that flows through the property. The focus here remains on responsible tourism. Activities include farming experiences, trekking, village walks, and cooking lessons.

# Dudhsagar Plantation and Farmstay, Goa

Tired of beaches in Goa? How about staying in the forest instead? Covering almost 50 lush acres of area, Dudhsagar Plantation and Farmstay grows everything from cashews to pineapples. This farm stay has its own cashew feni distillery, with production taking place between the months of March and May each year. When the hosts bought the land back in 1985, there was no running water or electricity. They used to bathe from a well. Slowly, they built the farm up to what it is now, and finally, with five jungle cottages, opened it as a farm stay for guests. Dudhsagar Plantation is located on the way to Goa’s famous Dudhsagar waterfall. However, it becomes crowded with hundreds of tourists going there every day. Instead of Dudhsagar Waterfall, you can trek to an offbeat waterfall in the forest. If you don’t feel like doing anything, the farm stay's stunning swimming pool is the perfect place to laze around. Otherwise, cross the plantation by walking and swimming in a nearby sparkling river.

# Konyak Tea Retreat, Nagaland

There are several popular places to visit tea plantations in India. However this one in India's Northeast region, in Nagaland, is truly remarkable and offbeat! The host of Konyak Tea Retreat is the great-granddaughter of a tattooed headhunter, and she actively researches and documents the various tattoo patterns of her tribe. The tea farmhouse is situated in the middle of a remote, privately-owned 250-hectare of land. However, tea isn’t the only thing that's grown there. The farm also has an organic vegetable garden and orange tree orchard. Guests can pick any fruit and eat during harvesting season which is between the months of November and December. Other activities include milking cows and goats, going on nature hikes, learning how to traditionally smoke meat, working with locals in their paddy fields, and visiting local Konyak tribal villages. The home-brewed rice beer is must-try booze! With two guest rooms overlooking a valley, this atmospheric stone-walled farmhouse is decorated with tribal paintings.

# The Goat Village, Uttarakhand

As an initiative to increase markets for organically-farmed products and to augment local income, Goat Village was set up by Green People. Agriculture and organic farming are carried out on the property -- including the breeding of goats. The Goat Village offers purpose-built cottages with private bathrooms for guests. With villagers providing delicious regional cuisine and warm hospitality, it's essentially run as a homestay. To further explore the local way of life, guests can trek to nearby Nag Tibba mountain and go camping. Reaching goat village requires a trek of about an hour. A couple of hours from Mussoorie, Pantwari is the closest motorable village.

# Enchanted Forest Farm, Sikkim

Covering an area of 18-acre in the forest, Enchanted Forest Farm could aptly be called a hidden gem. It's located 45 minutes away from Gangtok, in Ranka-Parbing village, the farm requires a walk for about 15 minutes to reach. Deep inside the forest with a waterfall, the farm is surrounded by a tranquil setting, and hosts are absolutely delightful! The property is pretty much self-sufficient and everything that grows here is completely organic. It is also home to fish, cows, and goats. For music lovers, it is a paradise. The host of this farm plays the guitar and loves a good jam session. The farm has three rustic yet elegant standalone cottages to accommodate the guests. You'll definitely feel rejuvenated. Enchanting indeed!