The fast-paced urban life has made us lose touch, not just with ourselves, but also with nature. A study of 20000 people in 2019 showed that spending at least 2 hours every week in nature could drastically improve physical and mental well-being. These results remained the same despite differences in age, gender, ethnicity, physical disabilities, and presence/absence of chronic illnesses. Regardless of where you are or what you do, it is crucial to consciously remember to hit the pause button and unwind in the company of nature as and when need be. Happiness Estate Konkan in Sawantwadi is one such place that offers precisely that.
The rolling green estate is snuggled into the Western Ghats, surrounded by an abundant forest and rich biodiversity. This means you could wake up to the sound of birds, not alarms, and breathe clean air that is not suffused with harmful automobile emissions. The exclusive property only maintains six rooms, including two heritage suites, ensuring guests are offered privacy and solitude. The rooms are built in keeping with the style predominant in the area – with laterite stones and tiles as well as beautiful Warli paintings on the exterior.
During my 2-day stay at Happiness Estate, I was spoiled with simple pleasures. A glass of kokum sherbet on arrival, walking barefoot on the grass that is maintained by bringing in the neighbourhood cows to graze, an afternoon dip in the pool, an evening under the palm trees enjoying snacks and pleasant conversations with the host, Vikrant, his family, and other guests. For breakfast, I looked forward to the array of homemade jams and preserves made using the fruits grown on the property. This, accompanied by a hot cup of chai, some toast, puri bhaji, and more – a blissful way to start the day. Oh, did I mention? Happiness Estate is pet-friendly, so apart from the Chief Happiness Officer, Bhuri, a beautiful brown indie dog, there were guests’ pets to play with and cuddle!
Moreover, your entire stay there will be curated around the Konkan experience. You could spend time at a beach, discover new waterfalls, engage in cultural activities and enjoy locally prepared food. The cooks at Happiness Estate specialize in Malvani cuisine, and the taste of the prawn curry I enjoyed still lingers in my memory.
While I love a day or two of solitude in the lap of nature, I must confess, I can’t do without connectivity. Happiness Estate had excellent phone signal and internet, allowing me to work uninterrupted in my room. Speaking of my room, the beds were among the most comfortable I’ve ever slept on. The property pays due emphasis on nature and sustainability – with glass bottles of water and ‘daatun,’ which is a twig of the neem tree to brush your teeth in the morning. Upon check-out, guests are requested to plant a sapling to offset the carbon footprint created during the holiday.
Things to do in Sawantwadi around Happiness Estate:
Go cycling
The land around Happiness Estate is lined with over 200 km of cycling routes that run along the coast and through forests. The region of Sindhdurg is well-known for its pristine beauty and tranquillity which makes it perfect for cycling.
Waterfall treks
The Western Ghats are home to some of the most mesmerizing waterfalls in the country. With a little guidance from the locals, you can easily find waterfalls around the property. If you are the more adventurous kind, you can also drive down to the Chorla or the Amboli Ghats and explore the waterfalls there.
Eat local cuisine
One does not leave the Konkan coast without experiencing its seafood. Malvani seafood is unique in its own way and worth indulging in. At Happiness Estate in Sawantwadi, you can indulge in lunches and dinners comprising of meats and seafood, with a couple of veg options, too.
Visit a Museum
The Thakkar Adivasi Kala Angan Museum and Art Gallery at Pinguli, is around a 25 min drive from the farm stay. Here, you will get a glimpse of the dying art forms that the family-run museum preserves – from puppetry to Chitragatha.
This 15-acre farm stay is just the place to disconnect and enjoy a few days away from it all, so if you’re looking for a quick getaway from Goa or Pune, head on over.
If you’re looking to book other homestays in Maharashtra, check out Casa de la Luna in Alibaug, but if hotels are your thing, you may like Fern Samali in Dapoli (Ratnagiri), Brightland Resort in Mahabaleshwar or Manas Resort in Igatpuri.
