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Back in the 20th century, the term ‘permaculture’ came into being as a response to highly unstable industrial-agricultural methods that were straining both the land and its resources, to yield disproportionate results. Coined by Australian ecologist and University of Tasmania professor Bill Mollison, permaculture was initially explained as a design concept. Today, it has become a whole way of life.
To put it simply, permaculture focuses on building a way of life that works in sync with nature, and not against it. There are no set rules for this concept, however, there are certain basic principles that work as broad guidelines - earth care, people care, and fair share. The rest depends on the resources accessible and how one chooses to make the best of whatever is available.
But considering the kind of lifestyles we live today, it’s difficult to imagine slowing down our existing paces and throwing ourselves into an ecosystem that is completely different. However, that doesn’t mean we can’t get a taste of what that life might be like. Over the years, the popularity of permaculture and the increasing number of Permaculture Design Courses (PDC) being offered by various permaculture practitioners across the country has equipped many individuals with the opportunity to set up their own permaculture farms and homestays. They’ve created an entire world that is based on principles of fair share, earth care, and community living, further multiplying the experience by allowing others to discover and understand the essence of permaculture.
At Homegrown, we want to contribute to this chain effect by compiling a list of homestays and eco-resorts that are offering a peek into the world of permaculture for anyone who is intrigued enough and is always up for a quick holiday.
Where: Rumtek Block, Sajong, Gangtok, Sikkim.
With its lush bamboo trees and acres of panoramic paddy fields, The Bamboo Retreat in Sikkim is nestled very close to the capital city of Gangtok. It was started by Helen Kampf from Switzerland, who fell in love with India when she moved here to spend a year volunteering at SECMOL in Ladakh. One thing led to another and soon she had established her own permaculture garden with an eco stay for travellers willing to indulge in organic retreats and holidays. Apart from a garden that follows principles of permaculture and a cafe, serving traditional Sikkimese fare, that makes use of organic ingredients, The Bamboo Retreat also recycles a lot of its own waste, uses eco-friendly resources like cane and bamboo, and employs solar energy for heating water. Moreover, staying here means a chance to directly interact with Helen and understand the intricacies of the permaculture and organic way of life that she has so naturally mastered.
Cost: One room with a beautiful view for a single guest starts at INR 4,700.
Where: Uccassaim, Goa
Meghna Kapoor’s brush with permaculture led to the creation of Kyo Spaces. With a Masters in Design Management from the University of Arts London, she has multi-industry work experience ranging from fashion to media. However, her interests span across yoga, design, music, and obviously, permaculture. She moved to Goa two years ago and now she’s harnessing her experience working with two startups in the fitness and art industries to start Kyo Spaces that offers permanent “coliving, cocreating, cohealing, colearning and coworking experiences”.
At Blue Lotus, the boutique co-living and co-working space, Kyo Spaces’ philosophy of permaculture are reflected beautifully. Housed in a heritage Portuguese villa in Ucassaim in Goa, Blue Lotus has four bedrooms and two co-living spaces. Kyo spaces also holds permaculture design courses and other natural retreats.
Kyo Spaces also holds a 12-day-long permaculture retreat, at Khaama Kethna in Agonda, where guests can live amidst nature, practice yoga, and learn how to practically apply permaculture to their lives. For more information, you can visit their website.
Cost: Starting INR 2,000.
III. Saraya
Where: House No 64, Chogm Road, Sangolda, Bardez, Goa
A Goa-based eco stay, Saraya is a cultural space that runs on the principles of permaculture. With an art gallery, a cafe, accommodation facilities, and a permaculture certification course, the entire eco-system of this place is extremely sustainable. Starting from a thriving kitchen that makes use of fresh organic produce only to an art gallery that’s located in a 3000-year-old Portuguese house to earth and tree houses that have been constructed without harming the natural environment around it, this eco-stay is the perfect place to become one with nature. Even the cafe is made using sustainable materials.
Saraya also offers a basic Permaculture Design Course that covers the fundamentals of the discipline, an Advanced Permaculture Design Course, and a Permaculture Teacher Training Course. With an aim to not only introduce the world of permaculture to its guests but also to equip them with the necessary knowledge and skills to take it forward, Saraya is truly an eco-conscious venture located in the heart of Goa.
Cost: Earth and tree houses, depending on whether you go for it with or without breakfast, start at INR 1,568 and INR 1,344 respectively.
IV. Jamboree Creek
Where: Calaistovada, Ashvem-Mandrem Road Ashvem, North Goa.
The brainchild of Priyanka Sharma, a hotel management graduate, who decided to leave behind the metropolitan life and instead dive into a world of eco-living and permaculture at the mere age of 21, Jamboree Creek is a unique community living space near Ashwem and Maderem beaches in Goa. Designed by Dutch and Indian permaculture designers and architects Simrit and Ridha, Jamboree creek comes with pine wood cottages, open-air showers, and organic fruits and vegetables grown within the space itself. If you’ve been wanting to explore yoga for a while, then Jamboree is for you. During your stay here you can also sign up for permaculture workshops or capoeira classes.
Cost: Non-AC and AC rooms start at INR 2,000 and INR 2,500.
V. Tieedi
Where: 8 Mile, Gorabari, Darjeeling.
“A forest garden in the hills of Darjeeling”, Tieedi (you can find an explanation for their intriguing name here) is an eco-stay integrated with a forest garden, both of which are deeply rooted in the permaculture philosophy. Run by an easy-going couple, Utsow and Aashna, Tieedi has 3 kinds of accommodation, each sustainable and built for the long-run. ‘Earthy Dwellings’ are earth houses made using regenerative permaculture principles with the help of local artisans and situated in the forest garden; ‘Herb Garden Dwellings’ is situated within Tieedi’s residential area but has its own privacy along and a fish pond to complement the morning vistas; and the ‘Backpacker Hostel’ is for travellers looking for minimalist accommodation, delicious organic meals, and “a cultural exchange in permaculture forest garden”. Tieedi also holds permaculture workshops and other retreats throughout the year. The hosts here are more than welcoming and will often keep you entertained with heartwarming conversations, scrumptious meals, and a live music.
Cost: INR 4,500 for Earthy Dwellings, INR 1,500 for Herb garden Dwelling, and INR 650 for a hostel bed.
VI. Prakruti Farms
Where: Haralu estate cross, Tharalu, Kaggalipura Bangalore
Active practitioners of organic farming and permaculture, this little farmstay is located very close to the Art of Living centre in Bangalore. A nature lover’s paradise, guests staying at Prakruti farms can participate in taking care of the farm, growing produce, and using it to cook fresh food. From vegetable gardens to teak plantations and millet fields, the farm is huge and diversified - allowing guests to understand the intricacies of husbandry by interacting directly with the owners of the farmstay. So, laze around in the garden hammocks outside or throw yourself into the lap of nature, Prakruti farms is all yours to discover the permaculture way of life.
Cost: Starting at INR 3,500 per night.
VII. Chukki Mane
Where: ChukkiMane, Javanagahalli, Malavalli Taluk, Mandya District, Karnataka, India, 571417
Located very close to the ancient river Kaveri, Chukki Mane is a permaculture rural retreat near Bangalore. Specialising in family outings for people who wish to get a sense of what comprises the rural life, Chukki Mane is the ideal place to run to when the Bangalore traffic and chaos gets to you. You can go visit the Shivanasamudra waterfalls nearby or take a walk exploring the flora and fauna within Chukki Mane’s premises or even trek through the nearby forest - there’s just so much to explore! At this lesser-known eco-resort, bullock cart rides await you. The rooms here are basic but top notch, meals are all south Indian, and the hospitality full of warmth. More than just being hosts, the owners of Chukki Mane are also educators as they take their guests for farm visits and carefully break down the permaculture lifestyle for them. A rustic experience just outside one of India’s bustling metropolis, Chukki Mane’s bonfire nights under the starlit skies are a breathtaking experience for kids and adults alike.
Feature Image Courtesy: booking.com
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