In a time when the sounds of birdsong and the feeling of bare feet on earth are fading memories, there exists a place that gently reminds us of what truly matters.
Sylvan Farms and family dreams:
Tucked deep in the forests of Mount Abu, within the protected bounds of a wildlife sanctuary, SaffronStays Sylvan Farms is more than a homestay— it’s a living embodiment of a family’s values. Created by Shailesh Jain, a conservationist and advocate for sustainable living, the farm was never intended to be a luxury escape. Instead, it was envisioned as a home grounded in simplicity, intention, and ecology; It is a place where mornings began not with screens, but with medication, and where every meal could be traced back to the land it came from.
Originally built for the family to spend time together, to cook, to meditate, and to reconnect with one another and the land, the space actively resisted distractions of urban life. TVs were purposefully left out, and still today, guests are encouraged to disconnect digitally and reconnect spiritually.
The design reflects this philosophy: more than a villa, it’s an ecosystem of spaces that promote communal joy and personal stillness. Open balconies, shaded farm paths, and quiet corners for reflection are woven throughout the property, while common areas invite shared meals and conversation. It encourages a natural flow in harmony with light, air, and sound, all built on sustainable principles.
The pandemic and embarking on development:
During the COVID-19 pandemic, while the world halted, Sylvan Farms grew. At a time when employment in Mount Abu had nearly vanished, the family chose not to pause their plans, but to move forward with and for their community.
More than 650 local workers, many from tribal and under-resourced communities, were employed during the pandemic to help shape the land, plant trees, and develop the farm and garden. Families stayed on the property, working closely with the land and each other. The homeowners ensured they were supported with fresh produce from the farm, free medical dispensaries, and even legal aid. “We needed those people more than they needed us”, the current homeowner humbly reflects.
This shared endeavour extends beyond labor. It’s a co-created vision. A family of locals who knew the owner’s family, understood the land, helped develop the gardens using indigenous methods. The family still lives at the farmhouse, tending to its garden and guests. Their wisdom lives in every plant, every vegetable as it is grown organically without the use of any pesticides or chemicals.
From its inception, the goal was never to create a business, but to nurture a society where relationships and ties to the land are at the forefront. That ideal took form during the pandemic, turning hardship into opportunity and strangers into kin.
A farm-to-table philosophy and sustainable ecosystem:
The core of Sylvan farms is its deeply rooted farm-to-table philosophy. The land produces seasonal grains, fruits, vegetables, and spices, all grown using organic, chemical-free methods. Crop rotation maintains soil health and trade with neighboring farms (such as produce in exchange for cow dung) preserves a closed-loop, thus a sustainable farming system.
Milk is derived from nearby farms and meals are lovingly prepared with what’s grown on the land. Guests are invited to participate in harvesting, walk the farm, and even take home seeds tailored to their local soil. It’s not just a stay–– it’s education in slow living and ecological respect.
Sylvan Farms goes beyond sustainability; it’s energy positive. Solar panels generate more electricity than the property uses, powering everything from lighting to water systems. Water harvesting replenishes wells without drawing from external sources. Composting, plastic-free practices, and zero-pesticide use age further reduce environmental impact. Everything echoes how indigenous people once tended the land: with reverence, restraint, and responsibility.
The nature, community, and Mount Abu:
The garden now hosts over thirty varieties of fruit trees, thoughtfully arranged with stone pathways to guide guests through peaceful walks. Over 250 species of birds call the area home, including the elusive Green Munia, a rare delight for photographers and wildlife lovers alike. Birdwatching indexes and guided treks with local Bheel tribe members open doors to the region’s deep ecological and cultural knowledge.
At night, stargazing under India’s clearest skies connects guests with the cosmos—Mount Abu is also home to one of Asia’s highest-resolution telescopes. It’s a space for stillness and awe.
The property now supports seven families who live and work on the land. Their traditions infuse the space with meaning. A small temple on the property honors Veer Baba, a local deity. Rituals like weekly pujas and annual offerings, rooted in Rajasthani traditions of sacrifice and remembrance, preserve stories of ancestors whose names may be lost, but whose spirits are honored.
SaffronStays Sylvan Farms is not just a farm stay. It is a living, breathing example of what happens when land, people, and purpose come together in harmony.
From feeding guests from its own soil to building a sanctuary with the help of those who call this land home, from honoring local deities and traditions to healing the very ecosystem it sits within, in a world rushing forward, Sylvan Farms invites us to remember that our roots are not in concrete, but in soil.
Come experience a way of life where the days flow with nature, not notifications. Where you wake up to birdsong, eat what’s grown on the land, and spend time with people, not screens.
This isn’t just a getaway. It’s a chance to slow down and live differently.
