Butterflies, spice trails, trekking, rappelling, camp fires, and a lot more is on offer at NV Eco-farm, an ancestral property in Goa that’s now a go-to for those who want to enjoy nature and adventure.
Image: Courtesy NV Eco-farm.
NV Eco-farm is a welcome break from the urban jungle. With its sprawling green oasis, it is just how nature intended us to be: At one with nature, in all its glory. Spread over 60 acres of land, NV Eco-farm in Dabhal, Goa, comprises over 125 species of trees and 55 species of butterflies, along with a rich biodiversity. For visitors, this is an experience in reconnecting with one’s roots as well as exploring a meaningful lifestyle.
Goa ancestral property turned into an agri-farm
The mindful purposing of ancestral forest land into an agri-farm by Mahesh Patil reflects his exposure to ecological initiatives and sustainability, at both the global and local level. Despite his corporate pursuits, Patil translates his ideas with a passion evident in the finer details, like water systems and the use of resources. Case in point, the circular system of rainfall in the naturally ventilated space. The central restaurant is surrounded by a fish pond, where the rain water flows in naturally. The recycled water from the fish pond cools the restaurant.
As you gaze at your surroundings, you are lulled into a sense of peace and tranquillity. The urge to head straight to the swings hanging down the ancient banyan trees outside is rather irresistible. So, after relishing a thick gravy of beans and/or veggies made with roasted coconut and home-grown spices —all meals use the house produce — one heads out to discover the farm that combines traditional knowledge with scientific practices.
Be one with nature…
You begin with a gurgling stream that’s created from a natural waterbody in the middle of the farm. Dip your feet in the cool water under the shade of the rich foliage, and marvel at nature’s bounty. Which, incidentally, is aplenty as the brook is abundant in fresh water marine life during the monsoon. Varieties of local fish, crabs, and frogs use it as their nesting ground. As you admire the surrounding vegetation, remember that a lot of this might find its way to your plate — from banana flowers that make a delicious veggie to hog plums in your curry.
NV Eco-farm’s Eco cottages are much sought-after, especially during the monsoon. The rate is pocket-friendly with a day’s option of refreshments, lunch, and tea at Rs 800. There are multiple options inclusive of dinner, from dormitory-styled accommodation at the pavilion — ideal for groups to — private cottages. The rates are halved for children.
The eco-farm also has three high-end cottages, with a cosy space where you can sit and admire the sunrise or just enjoy the cool-ish breeze as it gently wafts across, at the end of an action-packed day. Guests who stay over can participate in the campfire and traditional cashew nut roasting too. The best news is that NV Eco-farm has ramps for easier to access for the differently abled, and it is pet-friendly as well.
Of spice trails and adventure…
A big draw at NV Eco-farm is the spice trail. In summer, the agricultural walk will let you admire bright red cashew apples, mango, jackfruit, jambul, chickoo, pineapple, drying supari and a view of coconut kernels drying before they are crushed for oil. On a very lucky day you can spot a cotton crunch textured ball in the kernel that shapes into a tree.
And at any time of the year you can marvel at the banana, papaya, and lemon vegetation that grows uninterrupted. The Patils’ experiment with vanilla, avocado, etc but are true to organic practices. You can witness the methods of feni distillation during summer as well.
Image: Courtesy NV Eco-farm.
There are several fun elements here, like the Butterfly Garden, which has the winged beauties complete their lifecycle on the host nectar plant. Or the Nakshatra or Astral Garden — here a chart indicates the plant that matches your sun sign and its beneficial qualities. The Patils are working on a Sita Vatika as well.
There are seven adventure activities that include Trekking, Zip-lining, Jumping Jack, Burma Bridge, Monking Bridge as well as a Commando Bridge Walk, Wall Climbing and Rappelling, at a nominal cost of Rs 100 per activity. In line with the sustainable products’ ethos of NV Eco-farm, bamboo in the railings and other places are visible, but the Patils — in a very prudent move — have prioritised visitors’ safety, and that’s reflected in the other materials used as well.
Family values
Despite all the awards and accolades that have come their way, Mahesh and Smita Patil are immersed in spreading the word about preserving existing agricultural plantations and sustainable living. The very fact that they are using their ancestral property to create a “day tourism” place where visitors can rejuvenate themselves amidst nature, is a testament to their dedication.
At NV Eco-farm — N and V are the initials of the Patils’ daughters’ names — typical Goan authenticity is valued. And that’s the reason the couple consciously chose to not bring in trained staff. According to them, this ensured that visitors and guests were treated to a more homely approach and ambience.
Good to know
Address: NV Eco-farm, Dabhal, Dharbandora Taluka, Goa | Timings: 9 am–6 pm daily | Contact: +91 9422062703/8411026035/0832 2462162.
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