This Gorgeous Farmstay Near Mumbai Is Also A Bird Watching Paradise

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What Makes It Awesome

A gorgeous farmhouse with a view of the backwaters and grasslands of Gangapur Dam, Vihang Farmstay has two airy and simplistic rooms on rent, one of them being The Florican Room, named after a critically-endangered bird species. The other room, called the Owlet Room, is also named after an endangered bird species. Why, you ask? Because this farmhouse has been the headquarters of the Nature Conservation Society of Nashik since 1994, where guests are even welcome to join activities like bird watching and hiking at no extra charge and learn about nature and how they can help preserve it.

If you’re driving from Mumbai, take the Eastern Express Highway and go towards Igatpuri using the Bhiwandi bypass road. Once you cross Igatpuri, Nashik isn’t a far-off distance. Ask people for Gangapur lake. The farmhouse is located near the backwaters. Sula Vineyards is a 20-minute drive away on the opposite bank of the lake, while the city is about half an hour away. You can be assured of absolute peace and quiet, birdsong and breeze, and some truly spectacular sunsets!

Surrounded by teak and mango trees, Vihang Farmhouse lets you not only enjoy Nashik’s wine country, but also the grasslands of Gangapur lake, the forests of Harsul and even the wetlands of Nandurmadhyameshwar. As a guest, you can even go bird watching, do a trek in the nearby areas, go for bicycle rides in the hills or even go swimming and rafting at Gangapur lake. The owner also conducts nature camps for kids from Nashik schools and drawing competitions for village schools in the area. The best bit though? You get to learn about conserving wildlife and be a part of something this magical while enjoying your stay in a beautiful house.

Pro-Tip

Given a choice, staying on a farmhouse beats everything hands down. Also the fact that they provide simple, home cooked meals (additional charge of INR 400) along with great activities planned out for the day or just sit down and relax – there’s a lot to do here and we love the sound of it. The cost for the stay is INR 4,000 (including taxes) per person per night. 

Disclaimer: The prices mentioned in the recommendation were checked at the time of writing the piece. Make sure you check the current rates before booking.