Nestled in Nashik, far from the hustle and bustle of the cities, is a sweet little spot that offers solace, rejuvenation and a homely feeling for tired souls. Utopia Farmstay, a waterfront property that overlooks the Gangapur Lake and Sahyadri mountains, opened in 2018 to provide an intimate stay for travellers.     

Started by husband and wife duo Uttara and Adwait Kher, the idea to set it up came when they were troubled by the empty-nest syndrome. “After our kids moved on with their lives, we decided to start something to keep ourselves active in our old age. Adwait thought that we should get the locals involved and make it more environmentally friendly too,” she says. 

Each room has been earnestly decorated with tribal artwork and minimalistic paint, and designed with pure seasoned teak wood and fly ash bricks, while cow dung and mud have been used for plastering. The idea is to provide a raw and rural way of life. To make the farmstay more fun, the Khers conduct three workshops — carpentry, Shanti-Uncovering the Peace Within (yoga) and sound healing.  

The goal is to provide a more homely stay, which is completely opposite to monotonous hotel accommodations that people are used to. The experience is made more wholesome by homemade and healthy food, with vegetables grown on the property. It has brought her a great deal of joy, says Uttara, to see city children getting closer to nature and being curious.  

Dr Fiona Dias Miranda, reproductive health educator, shares, “From the moment I stepped on to the farm, the Khers made us feel at home – lip-smacking food, their warmth and hospitality, and generosity with their time and knowledge. I was floored by the service and attention that was paid to various details.”