Pravin and Priya Samanth had spent most of their lives working in the corporate world. Pravin was a pharmacist, while Priya worked in an insurance company. In 2009, after retiring, they started thinking about how to spend their time now.
As luck would have it, they found the perfect answer – their own 10-acre ancestral land in Parule village, Maharashtra. This land had been a cherished place for Pravin, Priya, and their son Prathamesh. It was surrounded by nature and plantations, providing a comforting and safe environment.
One day, Pravin had a thought: “What if we build cottages here and invite people to come spend their vacations?” He shared this idea with Priya, and she was excited about the opportunity to welcome city dwellers to their village and share their local culture with them.
This marked the beginning of Maachli, an eco-friendly farm stay. Here, guests are encouraged to leave behind the busy city life and immerse themselves in the beauty of nature. Prathamesh also mentioned that a special moment was when the legendary cricketer Sachin Tendulkar celebrated his 50th birthday at their farm stay. This event was a significant milestone for their family, and they look forward to hosting many more guests in the future.
The traditional rural Indian concept of a ‘maachli’
The family had a smart plan before diving in completely. They chose to rent out a couple of rooms in their home to guests who were interested in getting a taste of the real Konkan way of life. Prathamesh, who works in hotel management, knew all about setting up a homestay. He explains, “People really enjoyed the whole package: staying on the farm, eating traditional meals cooked on a traditional stove, and taking a break from their busy lives. They had a great time.”
The positive response from the guests boosted the family’s aspirations. This led them to open Maachli to the public as an eco-friendly homestay in 2012. The three years between 2009 and 2012 involved making important choices and constructing huts and cottages. These accommodations were carefully designed to ensure good airflow and a refreshing breeze.
Prathamesh emphasizes that the core idea was to always be in harmony with nature.
He elaborates on the name “Maachli,” which was inspired by an old tradition. Farmers used to build these huts, also called “maachlis,” as getaways or resting spots. They would spend months there with their families. Prathamesh’s own grandfather, a farmer, followed this practice multiple times. So when the decision to start homestays was made, they wanted to capture this essence.
The concept behind Maachli was to offer people a chance to truly live on a working farm. Guests would spend time surrounded by fields of bananas, groundnuts, and spice trees, creating cherished memories to take back home.
Experience the complete essence of Konkan living
At Maachli, everything is designed to be eco-friendly and sustainable. From the cozy cottages made from coconut wood, which intentionally don’t have air conditioning, to the fun activities lined up for guests.
The mornings treat you to stunning sights of the vast spice plantations that stretch out around the farm. And as the day winds down, you can enjoy delicious fried Konkan snacks whipped up by local women. The main idea is to encourage guests to step out of their rooms and truly immerse themselves in nature. The pleasant climate definitely plays a part in this.
“Once you step onto the property, you’ll feel the temperature drop right away. It’s refreshing and comfortable,” mentions Prathamesh. This could very well be thanks to the plantations and gardens filled with various types of trees. From coconuts and betel nuts to pepper, nutmeg, cinnamon, and an assortment of vegetables like amaranth, radishes, carrots, cucumbers, and potatoes. These all flourish and find their way into the authentic Konkan dishes served at the homestay.
The family here strongly suggests guests to take a well-needed break from their devices and enjoy some time without digital distractions.
Now, you might wonder, what can you do with all this free time? Well, quite a bit.
“We organize plantation tours where we guide guests around and show them the benefits of different medicinal spices and plants. There are also open grasslands and jungles nearby where you can just unwind or go for a hike,” explains Prathamesh.
He goes on to say that the nearby pottery village is quite intriguing. For a fee of Rs 1,000, guests can even take a class from an expert potter. And for those seeking relaxation or water-based activities, the beaches are a great option. Bhogwe Beach is just a short walk from the farm and offers a peaceful experience, while Khavane Beach is known for water sports.
Also Read: How They Transformed Ancestral Land into an Enchanting Monsoon Haven: The Story of Mohraan Farms
No one who visits Maachli skips the magnificent Sindhudurg Fort. This fort stands tall near the curved Malvan beach and was constructed by Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj around 1665. Although it has undergone various changes over the years, many temples within the premises are still active and attract a lot of attention. For those who want to stay on the farm itself, there’s a chance to learn about organic farming, enjoy a boat ride on the backwaters, and even cook your own meal on the traditional chulha.
Geetanjali, who spent three days at Maachli, shares that she couldn’t have asked for a better escape. She describes the cottages as elegant and tasteful, and praises the responsible tourism that shines through in every aspect of their hospitality, from dining to cottage amenities. But the most heartwarming part of her stay was the warmth shown by the Samanth family.
Just as guests adore the atmosphere and setting of Maachli, Pravin and Priya also do. “I’ve grown up surrounded by trees and nature,” says Pravin. “The trees on our farm have always been like companions to us. So, seeing our guests enjoy the same environment today brings us immense joy.”
He adds, “We don’t view this phase of our lives as retirement. Instead, we see it as a time of growth, focus, and purpose.”
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