What is Agritourism
Agritourism gives you an opportunity to experience the real rural life, taste the local food and know about various agricultural tasks. It is slowly becoming a popular industry all over the world including many Indian states. Agritourism provides a unique experience from picking fresh fruits at an orchard, to a hay ride at a pumpkin farm and many more such activities.
Farmers nowadays convert their farm lands into a destination and open their doors for people to tell them about what they do and how they do.
Top agritourism destinations in India
Though in India we have many beautiful farm houses and farm stays in almost every state but this article will focus on some of the best destinations that you would love to explore.
Dewalokam Farmstay
Dewalokam is the organic inherited farm of a friendly Syrian Christian family. The name means "paradise" and the property certainly proves that. This perfect farmstay is located at a distance of just 90 minutes from the Kochi airport, in Kerala and is surrounded by a serene river and nature reserve. The family here produces fruits, vegetables, spices, milk as well as honey. Moreover, a wide range of activities is available for the visitors such as village walks, bamboo rafting, gardening, cow milking and temple visits. Ayurveda, Yoga and cooking are also offered.
For more information visit: http://dewalokam.com/
Bon Farmhouse
Situated in Kewzing Village in northeast state of Sikkim, the Bon Farmhouse is set amidst acres of abundant green cardamom forest, cultivated fields and tea gardens. It provides a natural environment for the guests, which is perfect for healthy living. It contains a farmhouse suite, family cottage, loghut suite and villa suite and each of them are in traditional Sikkim style together with new-age amenities. But the best thing about the farm house is - it has a great livestock inventory, which provides fresh organic food and milk. More to the point, you can participate in nature walks, hill trekking, bird-watching, farming and organic cooking classes. And if you want to relax your body and mind then you can go for the traditional hot stone herbal spa, ‘Dotho’.
For more info:
Bon Farmhouse, Below Kewzing Monastry,
Ravangla Subdivision, Kewzing, Sikkim, +91 095476 67788
Maachli Farm
Maachli is a heavenly farmstay, located in Parule village on the remote south Konkan Coast of Maharashtra. The closest beaches to this place are Bhogwe and Tarkarli. The name ‘Maachli’ means ‘elevated huts’ in the local Malvani language. It has four beautiful hut-style accommodations that are built deep inside the nature amongst the Samant family's banana coconut, betel nut as well as spice cultivation. Visitors can do various fun activities like village walks, cookery lessons, and agricultural experiences.
For more details:http://www.maachli.in/contact.html
Ph no - 91 9637333284
PRAKRITI Farm
PRAKRITI Farm is situated in the foothills of the Shivalik in Punjab and offers a classic farm living experience for the guests. One can embark on a nature or farm leisurely walk, trek on the rolling hills, do bird watching and participate in organic farming. There are five stay options to choose from:
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Thatch and mud huts perched on a hilltop
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Swiss tents with a rustic look
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Safari tents pitched in abundant greenery
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Kinnow Orchard cottage
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Sunrise cottages
And all of them are well equipped with modern facilities. This farmstay provides you nature stay without having to leave the comforts of modern world.
For more info:
PRAKRITI Farm, Majra, Rup Nagar, Punjab, +91 099713 93626
Dudhsagar Plantation
It is situated at the foothills of the Western Ghat Mountains in serene South Goa. The farm was set up in 1985 and contains a huge variety of organic fruit trees, medicinal plants, spices, herbs and flowers. Free range chicken and dairy farming is also done there. Visitors can also enjoy Jeep rides to distant Dudhsagar waterfall from the farmhouse. The farm stay has two clean and comfortable cottages in the midst of a tropical palm garden.
Contact details:
Karmane Village, Mollem National Park, Goa 403410
Phone: 097653 64456
Destiny Farmstay
I am sure your family especially your kids will love the Destiny Farmstay as this resort is just 25 kilometers away from the popular Ooty hill station. The farmhouse has a stable full of horses, sheep, cows, rabbits, geese and guinea pigs. And, obviously farm dogs to watch over them. A massive range of produce is grown on the farm that includes spices, coffee, fruit, vegetables, flowers and herbs. The farmstay in total has 35 guest rooms with full facilities.
Contact info
http://blessingsonthenet.com/hotels/contactinfo/destiny-farmstay/2306
Citrus County
Citrus County is one of the most popular farms stays in Punjab and India as well. It is situated on the way to Amritsar and consists of four rooms and nine luxury tents. The farmstay is nicely developed and includes a café, swimming pool, and bar. As the name suggests, citrus fruit is main attraction of the farm, which is cultivated in a 70 acre orchard there. Guests can go for activities like fruit picking, village exploration, dairy farm visit and also learn to cook Punjabi food.
For more details
Hoshiarpur, Chhauni Kalan, Punjab 146001
Dana Pani Organic Farmstay
Experience the slow and peaceful rhythm of life at the Dani Pani Organic Farmstay, located at the foothills of Himalayas. The organic farm is packed with fresh vegetables, herbs and fruits, natural flora and plenty of animals. It is simple and attractive accommodation with picturesque mountain views as well as delicious authentic Kumaoni fare made from natural ingredients. Additionally here you can do organic farming, jungle yoga, trekking or get traditional cooking lessons.
Contact information:
Dana Pani, Kumaon, Uttarakhand, +91 9719243939
Banyan Tree Farmhouse
The Banyan Tree Farmstay is remotely hidden in the lush surroundings at the foothills of Western Ghats Mountains in Tamil Nadu. The place is around 2 hours drive from Coimbatore city. Cocoa and coconuts are mainly grown here, along with some spices and fruits. The place is particularly good for bird watching. Guests can also enjoy doing activities like plantation tours, nature walks, fishing, jeep safaris, cycling, village visits, plus cooking lessons.
For more information:
http://banyantreefarm.com/
Tathagata Farm
The enticing Tathagata Farm is a great place to relax as well as learn farming activities. It offers an opportunity to return to nature on a tea estate up in the hills – merely 45 minutes from Darjeeling. In addition to tea, the farm cultivates ginger, cardamom, vegetables, oranges and few other crops. You can enjoy activities like plantation tours, trekking, nature walks and guided walks, fishing, picnicking and birding.
Contact address:
Aanp Botay, Mineral Spring, P.O, Lebong, Darjeeling, West Bengal
Phone: 099320 21569
One of the best things about staying on a farm is that you can contribute to the place through your participation. The purpose of agritourism is to make tourists live life like a Parole, right from plowing the field, milking the cow, growing vegetables to climbing a tree and plucking fruits.
