Holidays are truly satisfying if rejuvenation of the mind, body and soul takes place instead of hectic hankering. It was an unrelenting yearning for such cozy getaways that pushed pediatric anesthesiologist, Dr. Dinesh Kumar to go back to his roots and transform his ancestral agricultural properties into first-of-their-kind eco-organic Farm Stays in India.
Situated in the picturesque locale in South India, the eco-organic Farm Stays are carefully curated and designed to offer personalized holiday experience. “The idea for these boutique Farm Stays took root to add a personal touch in hospitality avenues across India. I felt a lack of personal touch in the tourism sector and turned to my ancestral agricultural land” giving birth to Eco-organic Boutique Farm Stays in 2012.”
He started the business with just four properties and has since expanded it to more than 20 across South India. “The response to our properties was overwhelming, and our patrons started demanding for more such holiday avenues in the region. That’s when we started collaborating with people who have second homes in rural areas. We convert these properties into boutique Farm Stays in keeping with the ethos of the Eco-organic initiative, which in turn provide these property owners a supplementary source of sustained income,” said Dr.Dinesh.
So what is it that is unique about Eco-organic Boutique Farm Stays that sets them apart from the myriad resorts, hotels and home stays that have come up in the region? It is the ‘Nature is not a place to visit. It is home’ motto with which Dr. Dinesh and his team has carefully picked out properties that are close enough to the humdrum of modern life to allow visitors an instant escapade but distant enough to guarantee a complete disconnect from the urban ways of life.
True to its name, Eco-organic properties are self-sustaining. Everything from fruit and vegetables to meat, dairy and grains are produced on these properties. Highlighting the uniqueness of the native culture through its cuisine, the kitchens in these Farm Stays are run by Karaikudi chefs, specializing in signature Chettinad style of cooking.
For those who want more than just a quiet close-to-nature getaway, Eco-organic organizes curated experiences such as tea estate treks, temple visits, wild river swims, kayaking, nature trails and more. There is a personal butler to attend to the day-to-day needs of the guests during their time at any of the Eco-organic Farm Stays.
The basic accommodation here is a 2BHK that can accommodate up to 6 guests, spacious 3BHK villas and cottages can house up to 10 guests and 6 BHK bungalows that can house 25 guests. The properties are modestly priced on par with what you’d normally pay for a single room in a luxury villa or hotel.
”Eco organic has a bigger focus to bring tourism into parts of Southern India which have been undiscovered, in a very sustainable and responsible way. With culture and heritage defining the country, we bring it together with enriching travel experiences,” says Dr.Dinesh.