Some places you find by planning. Others find you by chance. In 2007, while exploring the hills of Pawna, a family came across a piece of land framed by the Sahyadris and overlooking a serene lake. It wasn’t just scenic; it felt like somewhere they already belonged.
Years later, that feeling turned into something real. As a 70th birthday gift for the family’s patriarch, the dream became a home, built with care not to impress but to bring people together. They called it SaffronStaysSwallow’s Nest, after the birds that return here each year, symbols of good luck and the warmth of coming home.
A villa shaped by nature
Just 2.5 hours from Mumbai, this five-bedroom family villa near Pawna Lake is designed to blend seamlessly with its surroundings. Rather than one big block of rooms, the villa is made up of four interconnected sections, each filled with natural light and fresh air. Built around a magnificent fig tree, the home feels open yet intimate, with plenty of space for family and friends to gather.
Two wings house the bedrooms, with one featuring playful trundle beds for children. The heart of the home is an open living, dining, and kitchen space that invites slow mornings and shared meals. Even in the height of summer, the design keeps the villa cool and airy.
A retreat where simple pleasures shine
Swallow’s Nest is peaceful without being still. The outdoors are part of the experience, from planned barbecue evenings and bonfires to a unique slide that is just as fun for adults as it is for kids. In the monsoon, the property lights up with fireflies, turning evenings into something quietly magical.
Walk around and you will hear the swallows that gave the home its name. Sit still and you will notice how the lake and mountains change through the day. Stay long enough and you might forget how close you are to Mumbai.
More than a weekend away
SaffronStays Swallow’s Nest is not just a luxury villa near Pawna Lake. It is a home designed for families who want space, privacy, and a deeper connection with nature. Whether you are here for a quiet break, to explore nearby trekking trails, or simply to spend uninterrupted time together, it is the kind of place you will want to return to, just like the swallows do.
After reading our blog, my dear husband decided to ‘surprise’ me with a anniversary getaway to Chiplun. A beautiful town in the district of Ratnagiri, Chiplun is a 6-7 hour drive from Mumbai, almost mid-way to Goa. After a tiring drive (see the planning – we started only after having lunch!), we reached Mr Dinesh’s Farms, a place recommended by our friend Dipti. Google Maps took us straight to this place without much fuss.
Set on top of a hill overlooking the valley and in the midst of an 18 acre cashew and mango orchard, the owner has very tastefully developed this lovely farm-stay. No wonder, we fell in love with the place almost instantly.
Plunge into this inviting pool and enjoy the view of the mountains and the valley.
We found ourselves in the midst of a local festival (called Gondhal in Marathi), post which the villagers pick up jobs on fields. After a heavy bhakri-mutton dinner, we enjoyed the festivities in the local temple, before starting on a jungle safari in Dinesh’s jeep. Other than the driver, there was one person perched on top of the jeep while another sat in the bonnet holding a loaded rifle. Dramatically enough, we drove through the dense forest, listening to the driver’s story about sighting a tiger pair a few months ago in the very same route.
The next morning was absolutely pleasant. Waking up to the sight and call of peacocks was some experience. We had a lazy breakfast and spent some time in the garden (although there was a very inviting, ultra-modern pool, given the cold water, we did not dare), before heading for a boat ride in the Vashisth river. This bandar/ jetty is unique – it is a place where four talukas of Ratnagiri district meet, Guhagar and Chiplun on on side of the estuary and Dapoli and Khed on the other. We spent our time talking and enjoying the great weather while floating on the calm waters.
A hot cup of tea to start the refreshing morning.
Waking up to the sight of peacocks in the farm house.
Boating in the Vashisth River is a great way to spend a few hours.
Our delicious Maharashtrian meal in the making.
After a heavy fish-bhakri-rice lunch we drove back to Mumbai, with our mandatory vada-paav stop at Kshuda Shanti Kendra (literally translates to satiating your hunger).
All-in-all, full marks to my husband for having meticulously planned and given me a surprise. What a lovely weekend!
About the author: Tejas Parulekar is a first generation entrepreneur who has (ad)ventured into a domain that is traditionally dominated by large hospitality chains and other travel portals. A Banker by experience and Chartered Accountant by training, she is aspiring to leave an imprint in the hospitality sector by bringing together the little fish (Homestays) to take on the mighty shark. Encourage her and her homestay hosts by booking your next stay on www.saffronstays.com.
As travellers, we’re always on the look out for restaurants and dhabas that will give us a taste of local food, irrespective of whether we’re in a city or somewhere exotic. Sometimes, we stumble upon, or are directed to the right food joints, but other times, we come back from a beautiful place with no idea what the food there tasted like.
Call us lucky, but when we travelled, we managed to satisfy both our curiosity and cravings without stepping out of the comfort of the home stays that we were staying in. Our team and some of our favourite travel bloggers share their stories about discovering local food in home stays across India. Get your taste buds tingling.
New found love for Bamboo shoot – tasting Assamese cuisine in Guwahati
Delicious and flavoursome Assamese cuisine. Photo by Tejas Parulekar
“We’d reached Guwahati after a long day of travel and once in the beautiful home stay run by Mrs. Sheila, we began pining for some authentic local food. So, at a short notice, our cook-cum-caretaker, prepared a flavoursome chicken curry with bamboo shoots – a traditional Assamese dish. I was reluctant at first as I recalled the vegetable curries infused with bamboo shoots that we make back home in Maharashtra and one that I am not a big fan of for its pungent flavour. But as I slowly took a bite of the chicken, I was in for a surprise. It was delicious and the chicken seemed to balance the flavours perfectly well. Just when I thought I was done, the cook served us with another surprise – a delicious chocolate pudding – not a local cuisine but it’s definitely one of the best desserts I have ever eaten.” (Click here to book a stay with Mrs. Sheila)
– Tejas Parulekar (Co-founder, SaffronStays)
Stress busting menu – Cocktail and hot Nepalese cuisine in Sikkim
Delicious Nepalese cuisine in Sikkim. Photo by Sarita Santoshini
“I reached the village of Chota Singtam after a long day in Gangtok and stepped into Mrs. Lalita’s large, stand-alone Bungalow a little more tired than usual. The whiff of fresh vegetables being cooked in freshly grounded spices welcomed me through the verendah and lifted my spirits instantly. After a long chat, she set the table with bowls of hot vegetable soup and a plate full of chicken momos –delicious Nepalese dishes that are a part of most locals’ everyday diet in Sikkim. We also took long swigs of Bay Breeze, a delicious cocktail of white rum, cranberry and pineapple juice perfected by Mrs. Besnett in minutes. Breakfast next day was home-made bread, mayonnaise and peanut butter. Needless to say, I am a huge fan.” (Click here to book a stay with Mrs. Lalita)
Not just another bread, but a delicious souvenior – Tasting Poi in Goa
Poi with Chicken Xacuti makes a perfect set for a dinner spread. Photo by Amrita Das
“It was a memorable moment for a non-bread lover, the first time poi’s light husk fell on my fingers in a home stay. I remember tearing the perfect round bun into two and as my thumbs gently broke into the soft texture of the fresh dough, I knew this would soon become a part of my every day diet. Poi is a Goan local bread which is served with almost everything from rasa omelette to chicken xacuti. It can be had with anything or nothing. As a part of my seasonal job as a property manager of a boutique homestay in Goa, I was expected to know the local delicacies. However, poi wasn’t just another local delicacy in the state. Very subtly spiced and hollow in the centre, one fresh poi is good to set you throw the day as a part of your breakfast. My friends and guests have packed poi and returned to their homes, as if it were a Goan souvenir.”
A hearty Malayalam breakfast – eating Puttu right for the first time in Kerala
When in Kerala, make sure to try a hearty breakfast of Puttu. Image Source : mydiversekitchen.com
“Puttu, honestly, is not something I thought I liked. But after having tasted it at Maranat Mana, I realised I hadn’t eaten the right stuff till then! Imagine alternating layers of ground brown rice and coconut, steamed in bamboo cylinders and then tumbled onto your plate in neat sections of white and light brown. This is then topped and surrounded by a dark, rich kadala or gram curry. Roughly ground coconut against the soft texture of rice chased by spicy curry that breaks through the sweetness of that coconut. What you have is a breakfast that could easily masquerade as lunch! But it didn’t end there. This was washed down with a cup of strong filter kaapi, and then sealed with sticky and sweet steamed plantains. Excuse me, can you ask for a stretcher please?”
Simple, authentic and delicious – Feasting on a Malvani spread in Maharashtra
A delicious Malvani spread . Photo Source : Mid-day.com
“It’d been a nasty ST bus journey from Mumbai to Velas. The sight of the welcoming shore was something to feast on. But the body demanded a real feast or at least some nourishment. Settled on the floor right next to our homestay host’s kitchen from where the aroma of hot pipping food engulfed our nostrils, we decided to play the let’s-guess-what’s-been-cooked game. In true Malvani style, coconut was the mainstay ingredient permeating the air. Our lunch spread comprised of steamed rice, nachni/ragi (cultivated in their fields) bhakris along with ladiesfinger/okra prepared with groundnut, and – the icing on the cake – prawns, fried as well as prepared with the local curry (on special request just for us). Right from the rice, which wasn’t the basmati a hotel would serve you, and the bhakris roasted over the embers, everything was authentic in spite of the simplicity. Or may be because of the simplicity!”
A non-vegetarian’s confession – Enjoying Dum Aloo in Kashmir
Enjoying a preparation of Kashmiri Dum Aloo in Srinagar. Image Source – tasteofindiafoods.com
“After the long and tiring jourey from Mumbai to Kashmir, the only thing keeping me up was my craving for Kashmiri food. There was a curfew and going to a restaurant wasn’t an option. This is when the cook at our pure -veg homestay served me some delicious Kashmiri dum aloo, prepared with perfectly fried baby potatoes and the right amount of spices, with a stack of rotis. I am not a fan of vegetarian fares, but this was definitely an exception.” (Click here to book a stay with Mrs. Anita)
– Greeshma Soley (Travel ninja, SaffronStays)
Developing a taste for Organic food – Home made meals in Chikmagalur
Delicious home cooked food in Chikmagalur. Image Source – sugarandspice-nz.com
“Our trip to Sunkasale was made pleasant not only by the heavenly location, but also by the scrumptious meal prepared by Guna aunty in her homestay. The stark contrast of the spicy baby cabbage curry and sweet rice made for a hearty lunch. Homemade butter and rice papads kept us seated on the dining table and chatting even after we had greedily wiped the plates clean. I realised then that there is something different about organically grown food which makes you yearn for more even though your belly screams no!” (Click here to book a stay with Mrs. Guna)
– Sameer Tambe (Travel ninja, SaffronStays)
Have you ever discovered and enjoyed local food in ahomestay during yourtravels? Share your experience with us.
