Ayra Farms is a peaceful homestay located about six hours from Mumbai and Pune, in Guhagar, Maharashtra. It’s a great escape for those who want to experience farm life and enjoy authentic Maharashtrian food. The farm is accessible by road or train, and if you’re heading to Goa, it’s just an hour’s drive from Chiplun.
The Homestay
The property offers three cozy rooms, each designed with eco-friendly materials. Two rooms are on the first floor, and one is a small standalone cottage. The rooms are perfect for three people each and have ensuite bathrooms with eco-friendly toiletries. The farm also features a small pool (called a “haud”), which is a traditional water feature used to supply water to plants. This pool also acts as a place to cool off during the summer heat.
The farm grows various fruits and spices like mangoes, coconuts, turmeric, pineapples, and more. Depending on the season, guests may also see vegetables like pumpkins, coriander, and chillies.
The Hosts
Noopur Chaughule, a Toronto-based chef, and her family run the homestay. Noopur’s father, Rajan, is a former photojournalist and now the Director of Bharati Vidyapeeth School of Photography. Her mother, Sadhana, retired from teaching and now helps run the farm. The family’s dog, Lucy, also lives on the farm. Guests are welcome to bring their pets, but Lucy might be a little territorial.
The Food
At Ayra Farms, everything is home-cooked with fresh, seasonal ingredients. Both vegetarian and non-vegetarian meals are available. The kitchen uses gobar gas and groundwater from the farm’s well. Guests can try cooking in the open kitchen, but don’t miss out on the special dishes like fenya (rice batter steamed in leaves on a chulha) and chulhi varche pohe made by Rajan. The meals often include a typical vegetarian thali with sabzi, roti, rice, dal, chutney, papad, and dessert. For non-vegetarians, the thali includes chicken or fish curry.
How to Spend 48 Hours in Guhagar
In Guhagar, you can enjoy nature walks, birdwatching, and even help with farming. The nearby dam and forests offer opportunities to spot wildlife like langurs, bison, jackals, and sometimes a leopard. If you love birdwatching, you’ll enjoy seeing peacocks, sunbirds, eagles, and more. Guests can also go on night safaris in the nearby forests, where they might spot crocodiles and other wildlife.
If you prefer a slower pace, relax on the farm, listen to birdsong, and enjoy the peaceful surroundings.
Location and Booking
Ayra Farms is located in Brahmin Vadi, Talavli village, Chikhali, Guhagar, Maharashtra. Prices for the rooms start at Rs 6,500. You can book your stay via Instagram.
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