A break in the midst of nature in Vengurla, Maharashtra

Overview: 

This rustic property which is in the midst of nature and vegetation is located in Maharashtra's Sindhudurg district which has 5 cottages set amongst Areca nut and coconut plantation. Each cottage is an inverted v roof set on a wood-and-stone base in 5 acres of the 25 acre property. The owners have worked with local carpenters to create a cocoon that draws you into nature. The decor is earth inspired, furnishings inspired by the red soil and rust prevalent in that area. Drinking water is stored in a copper vessel. In the bathroom the bucket is a copper urli  and the soap is the much accurate mysore sandal soap but the sanitary wear is modern and the shower is excellant. This is a complete rustic environment with no Aircondition, No TV, No Cell phone network, just classic easy chairs outside the cottage to help you while away your afternoons and evenings and much of your time will be spent  in watching the monkeys, birds and fruits and the tall trees almost form a curtain to the outside world.         

High: 

• Best if you are visiting from Goa, Mumbai, Pune & Kolhapur
• A welcome break in the midst of nature
• While the monsoon makes the property much greener.

Low:

• Mobile reception can be spotty. Use the owners landline numberif you must call.  
• Getting to and around this eco resort might be difficult for guests with mobility problems.
• Some cottages are set higher than others ; Check if you need a lower one with fewer steps. 

Eating: The hosts will make you eat from one meal to another and you will consider yourself a life well lived. Food is cooked from the freshest produce picked from the home farm  or from the nearby Mhapan market and local seafood from Konkan coast and are served on a rough hewned table. The konkan cuisine is delicately cooked which largely comprises Rava fish in coconut based curry, Vegetables and solkadi. The food is so tasty that you will be tempted to go from one meal to another and who could possibly blame  you?

All meals are included in the room tariff. Breakfast, lunch and dinnner are served in the common area close to the main kitchen. Its advisable to avoid eating in the cottages to discourage ants and other insects coming in. 

Activities:

• Rouse yourself for a plantation walk with the host.
• You can taste fresh milk from your cowshed visit.
• Visit 2 temples dedicated to Lord Baneshwar , an avatar of Lord Shiva said to be about 400 years old. The other temple is the Pandavas temples.
• Wander farther to Bhogwa beach, a 15 mins drive away (8km) to Tarkali for snorkelling or scuba diving (17 km away), or even into Sawantwadi (40km) away for some shopping. 
•   The property can organise a visit to Baban Kumbhar's village workshop where you can try your hand at the traditional potters wheel - you can also bring home a clay cooking pot  made by him.  

Essentials: The resort has concealed path lighting and a security guard patrolling at night but its always better to stay indoors after dark except to go down the path to the dining area.   

Kids: Unless your children are able to entertain themselves without television and other facilities, make this a romantic break. Also the internal structure of some cottages are such that the top of the loo and bathroom are open to the larger room from within, which means the guests have to be fairly comfortable with each other. The resort also has a first aid kit for basic injuries. The closest Government hospital is at Parule, 2 kms away.    

Location: Closest Metro: Mumbai(552km) is a long, 9 hour drive. Start early to avoid traffic. Closest City: Panjim (95km). Closest Airport: Dabolim Airport in Goa (116km)is well connected to all major metroes. Closest Railhead: Kudal(KUDL; 22kms)

If you arrive without your own wheels, the property can arrange to get around and can arrive for transfers with an extra cost. (Approx: Rs.1,200 Kudal Station) and (Approx Rs. 4,000 from Dabolim airport one way)

Travel Abound Tips: Bring sturdy walking shoes and insect repellant.  

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