Maachli Farmstay: Exotic eco-huts near Bhogwe beach on Konkan coast of Maharashtra

Maachli Farmstay: Exotic eco-huts near Bhogwe beach, Maharashtra

Maachli boutique stay near Bhogwe beach on the Konkan coast, is an exotic idea for a weekend getaway from Mumbai and Pune, for a unique travel experience in Maharashtra, India. While the entire coast offers serene beach views, the beaches towards the southern Konkan region are more secluded. Bhogwe beach in Vengurla stands out as one of the most pristine beaches on the Konkan coast of Maharashtra. A stay in the eco-cottages of Maachli homestay in Parule village near Bhogwe beach offers one of the best experiences of living in a traditional Konkan village. I instantly fell in love with the beautifully designed exotic huts amidst the lush green plantations at Maachli farmstay. My trip to Maachli has been the best travel experience in Maharashtra as I could soak into the local culture of Konkani people and connect with nature in the tropical paradise on the shores of untouched beaches.

Maachli: farmstay at konkan village, Maharashtra

​Maachli - local farmer’s hut in Malvan region

The Malvani word Maachli means a traditional hut made by farmers to keep an eye on their farm. The tall cottages at Maachli homestay are designed on a raised platform to look like the traditional huts, covered with dried coconut leaves. With the passion for preserving the local culture, Mr. Pravin Samant, a native of village Parule, built eco-friendly cottages reflecting indigenous Konkani architecture in his farm. Maachli huts are designed with innovative cross ventilation which lets in the fresh air from the cool surroundings. These exotic huts are furnished with a luxurious bed and minimal amenities displaying local culture. I was quite impressed with the reusable articles detailing the eco-friendly cottages. The simplicity of the hut-style accommodation, the luxury of spacious cottages and the cool ambience of the thick plantation was exactly what I needed for a break from the hustles of Mumbai life!

Maachli: boutique huts at Bhogwe beach, Maharashtra

Bedroom in Maachli cottages at Bhogwe beach, Maharashtra

Ecofriendly Bathroom in Maachli cottages at Bhogwe beach - Maharashtra

Boutique homestay in dense tropical plantations

Maachli cottages are nestled amidst lush tropical plantations. Tall coconut, mango, and betel nut trees cover the entire area, while thick banana, spice, and medicinal herb plantations fill the air with a delightful aroma. The plantations, along with a wide stream flowing through them, create a refreshingly cool ambiance, making it a pleasant outdoor experience regardless of the weather.

Plantations & stream at Maachli farmstay - Bhogwe beach, Maharashtra

​Home-cooked organic meals at Maachli homestay

When the matriarch of the family takes charge of the kitchen, there’s no compromise on the taste of the food, which is undoubtedly cooked with love. Mrs. Priya Samant brings the forgotten recipes of ethnic Malvani cuisine to Maachli. And what could be better than enjoying a delicious meal that fills the air with the aroma of absolute freshness? The natural diet is cooked on a mud-stove and firewood using organic vegetables and grains grown in the village. The dishes are flavored with homegrown spices and served in earthen pots.
The Samant family went all the way to make me feel at home by involving me in their daily lifestyle. I had a lovely homestay experience!

​Home-cooked organic meals at Maachli homestay - Farm to table food

Traditional Malvani Saraswat cuisine of Konkan Region

Maachli revives the regional culture by promoting traditional Malvani Saraswat cuisine on its menu. The most favourite traditional Malvani delicacies include:
Valichi Bhaji: Beans tossed in coconut oil with mustard tempering and grated coconut.
Mustard Leaf Sabji: green mustard leaves and a bit of black peas cooked with scraped coconut.
Colocasia(aravi leaves): Colocasia leaves boiled and cooked to perfection with tempering of garlic and mustard seed in coconut oil. Green chillies along with tamarind and jackfruit seeds, peanuts, corns are used for additional taste.
Amaranth (Lal math): Amaranth leaves cooked with garlic and mustard seeds tempering, garnished with scrapped coconut.
Usal: the typical Maharashtrian preparation of sprouts (moong, chavali, peas and Kulith).
Mango raita: pulp of country side local mangoes and paste of coconut with red chilly powder and mustard seeds mixed together and sweetened by jaggery.

Traditional Malvani Saraswat cuisine of Konkan Region - at Maachli homestay

​Ecofriendly activities / Things to do at Maachli farmstay

Maachli Farmstay caters to a niche group of travelers seeking to immerse themselves in nature and savor the simple charm of village life. Prathamesh, the son of the Samant family, is a nature enthusiast himself. He passionately discusses the local ecosystem and natural resources, assisting in planning activities within and around Maachli. My stay at Maachli provided ample time to explore the surrounding natural wonders.

Plantation tour at Maachli farmstay

​In-house plantation tour

The hosts passionately introduced me to the in-house plantations of tropical fruits, spices, and herbs that they use in their daily lives, including cooking. Apart from the regular spice plantations like nutmeg, pepper, clove, and cinnamon, I also learned about some fascinating indigenous medicinal plants at Maachli Farmstay:
Black Umbar: its berrylike fruits used in the medicines to cure skin disease.
Shatawari: a medicine for nursing mothers to improve the nutritional value of breast milk.
Sarpagandha(rauwolfia serpentina): used as tranquilizer or anti depressant for blood pressure and Schizophrenia .
Satwin Tree( Alstonia scholaris): juice of the scrapped bark used for digestion. In ancient India the leaf of this tree was offered to the distinguished scholar by the Guru. Thats where the name Scholaris comes from.

Tropical fruits at Maachli farmstay

Medicinal plants at Maachli farmstay.

​Learning pottery from the last active potter in the village

Learning pottery from the last surviving potter in the village: A pottery village that it used to be, has only last active potter who still makes the earthen pots and idols, while the others were forced to change their profession due to declining demand. The owners of Maachli support this potter by buying earthen cookware for their homestay and taking guests for a hands-on pottery experience in the village.

Learning & buying Pottery in Parule village, Konkan coast, Maharashtra

​Learning traditional cooking from the host

The kitchen at Maachli is setup in traditional style and guests are welcome to learn the ethnic way of cooking Malvani food on a mud-stove using earthen cookware.

Traditional mud-stove (chool) in konkani kitchen at Maachli farmstay

Birding

The dense plantations, flowing stream and surrounding jungles make an amazing ecosystem to attract variety of birds in the farmstay. Observing nature and birds can be done right from the seating area of the cottages.

Birding at Maachli farmstay

Birding at Maachli farmstay, Malvan

Reading / Writing in the lap of nature

The private spaces amidst the plantations makes lovely ambience for activities requiring solitude and creativity. My favourite activity is to do nothing and just observe nature, observe life in all forms.

Indulgence with nature at Maachli farmstay

Sunset hike to Kille Nivati beach & Khavane beach

A hike through the village and jungles takes to a serene sunset view on the cliff beach of Kille Nivati fort and the white sands of Khavane beach.

Sunset hike to Kille Nivati beach, Konkan coast, Maharashtra.

Traditonal fishing boat at Khavane beach, Konkan coast, Maharashtra

Morning walk at Bhogwe beach

Bhogwe beach is the major attraction near Maachli, as it is one of the most tranquil beaches on the Konkan coast, with just the white sand and clear water, ideal for a morning stroll on the beach. Tarkali beach across Bhogwe offers basic scuba diving experience with corals in decent visibility.

Morning walk at the serene Bhogwe beach, Konkan coast, Maharashtra

Village walk to get a glimpse of local culture and lifestyle

When I visit a new region, I always prefer exploring the streets and engaging with the locals to gain insights into their way of life. This approach allows me to comprehend the cultural influences that shape the people of that particular area. 

Traditional Malvani house in Parule village, Maharashtra

Local fish market - Parule village, Vengurla, Maharashtra

Local konkani people decorating rooster for a festival in Vengurla, Maharashtra

Maachli - an inspirational model for Responsible & Sustainable Tourism

​Maachli stands out for its eco-friendly environment, characterized by minimal plastic usage throughout the farm. They have extensively used local materials for constructing cottages and providing all amenities. The owners have taken great care to preserve trees while building this place.
Maachli actively contributes to the upliftment of local communities by providing employment opportunities for locals at the farms. Additionally, they employ local women to serve guests at the farmstay. Maachli supports the local economy by sourcing local food and other items directly from the villagers.
Maachli proudly serves as an inspirational model for entrepreneurs and students aspiring to responsible tourism and sustainable living.

Women empowerment & upliftment of local communities at Maachli farmstay, Parule Village, Maharashtra

​Best time to visit Maachli homestay and Bhogwe beach

Maachli Farmstay is an ideal monsoon getaway in Maharashtra. The plantations radiate a myriad of green hues, and the stream flows in full force. Monsoon adds to the place’s diversity by bringing in special species of birds and wild vegetables.
While the beaches are more pleasant in the winters, I would recommend a visit to Maachli even in the summers. It’s the only outdoor destination that can provide some respite from the heat due to its thick plantations and forest cover in the vicinity. The farm-fresh food feels so light on the stomach in the summers!

​Watch this lovely video compiled by the hosts at Maachli homestay.

How to reach Maachli farmstay from Mumbai/Goa

Maachli farmstay is located in a remote village - Parule, in the Vengurla region of Sindhudurg district, Maharashtra. 

• The nearest airport is at Mopa in Goa, just 1 hour drive away from the resort.
• A train journey from Mumbai/Pune to Kudal is the most convenient approach to Maachli. Autorickshaws are easily available for a 30km ride from Kudal to Maachli. The hosts help you arrange a pickup from the railway station.
• A road trip to Bhogwe beach by car sounds like a plan! 
• Buses from Mumbai and Pune are easily available to Malvan (20km away rom Maachli).

Maachli, a charming alternative to Goa, offers a hidden getaway to escape the crowds. Surprisingly, it’s a popular weekend destination for Goans, just a quick 2-hour drive away.

I was hosted by Maachli.

​Contact the hosts for booking & queries:
Prathamesh Samant : +91 9637333284 (Whatsapp inquiry), +91 8605556937.
Pravin Samant: +91 9423879865 (Whatsapp inquiry), +91 9405925260.