Finding a place near Mumbai where you can go and relax is not that easy. You not only have to decide and plan on the schedule, but you also have to decide whether you want to do the usual things or you want to do something different. We decided to do something different. So instead of going to the usual beach/hill/jungle, we went to an organic farm to live the simple life and be disconnected from it all.
So we left it all behind (for 2 nights) and went north on the Mumbai-Ahmedabad highway for about 75 kilometers and then east on one of the state highways for about 17 kilometers and then north again on another state highway for about 10 kilometers and finally arrived at The Hide Out (You thought the title was just for fun didn’t you?).
The Hide Out is a farm owned by the Chabras and they were our hosts too. Hemant Chabra spends most of the week at the farm where Grandma Chabra also stays (she says that the air keeps her in good health), while the rest of the Chabra family lives in Mumbai. These guys are also responsible for The Bicycle Project in and around Mumbai.
The Hide Out allows you to stay in the midst of nature and really experience it in a very engaging way. For example, our stay was in what can only be described as a Half-Hut with waist high walls and curtains all around (made of gunny bags), and a thatched roof. A comfortable bed, an antique dresser and a table for your things were the only furniture that adorned the room. The fully equiped bathroom is the only indication that you are not out in the wild and still pretty close to civilization.
Where else can you stay at The Hide Out? Some of your options are, the mud house, a bed under the stars, tents or just sleeping in the swings out in the open. The 3 resident dogs will always keep you company and are very affable. Well most of them anyway. The family cats can also be found there if they have decided to come to the farm with the family from the city.
Food is served fresh by Grandma Chabra and is not only sumptuous but also plentiful. After stuffing myself with her food for almost an hour she remarked that I just say that I eat and I don’t eat anything at all! And believe me… I can eat! Most of the things you eat are available at the farm itself and you can even go out to the fields and collect some of the herbs and garnish for the days meals.
The farm hosts a lot of children to teach them about nature and natural living. The farm has also hosted corporates for get togethers and getaways. A nearby dam also allows you to experience a man made waterfall that can be quite enjoyable. There is also a natural waterfall nearby but it is flowing till only about December and I am guessing it starts after the July rains. That is something that I would like to go and see once.
We thoroughly enjoyed our realxed early weekend at The Hide Out, the host’s company and the liberal doses of local information and stories. This is something that everyone should try.
Abhilash is a part time blogger and blogs about photography, technology and travel. When not blogging Abhilash is either selling outsourcing solutions to companies or indulging in marathon episodes of various science fiction shows and movies.
wow looks…
Yes it was a very nice place.