Experience life on an organic farm in Chandigarh

A world away

Around 45km from Chandigarh, this idyllic farm in Rupnagar, located in the lower Shivalik forests, is cut off from civilisation. When driving from the airport, veer off the highway and you will find yourself in a quaint village where cows amble past your car and mud roads lead you into Punjab’s hinterlands. The presence of electric poles is the only evidence of civilisation here. Just when you’re convinced that you are lost, a large gate comes into view. You have arrived. I chose to stay in the Swiss tent, which was kitted out with en suite bathrooms, hot and cold water and even air conditioners. If you’re travelling with little ones or family, larger tents and cottages are available too. My tent was so comfortable, it made me want to curl up in bed with a good book. Slow travel is often equated to a lazy holiday. Sure, it involves sleeping in and taking long, luxurious baths but it is also about getting under the skin of a place, and connecting with the locals and their culture at your pace. And Kaushal helps you do just that.

In the lap of nature

You can learn so much about the ecology of this area simply by chatting with him. We spent the morning walking around the farm, meeting the resident dogs, cows and ducks. If you want to go for a longer walk, the farm can arrange for treks and trails to the dam or the nearby caves too. After a never-ending breakfast, during which I linger over cups of hot masala chai, I wander around aimlessly and find myself at the kinnow oranges and guava orchards. As I ventured deeper into Prakriti Farms, I found myself captivated by the individual personalities of the farm animals. While strolling through the orchards, I stumbled upon a playful calf named Gauri. Her mischievous eyes and curious nature instantly won me over. At Prakriti Farms, the commitment to organic farming goes beyond mere buzzwords. The farm follows a meticulous approach that nurtures the soil and promotes ecological balance. Instead of relying on chemical fertilisers, the farm utilises a blend of cow dung, neem leaves, turmeric, garlic, and red chillies to nourish and protect the soil.

These natural ingredients not only provide essential nutrients but also act as organic pesticides, warding off harmful insects and preserving the delicate ecosystem. By eschewing flood irrigation, which often leads to water wastage and soil erosion, the farm adopts efficient irrigation techniques, ensuring that water is used sparingly and with utmost care. The taste of ripe, chemical-free fruit or the aroma of freshly harvested vegetables becomes more than just a meal; it becomes a testament to the farm's unwavering commitment to wholesome, sustainable agriculture. During my stay, I had the privilege of engaging in a heartfelt conversation with Ravi, a seasoned farmer from the nearby village. His weathered hands told stories of years spent tending to the land, and his deep-rooted knowledge of organic farming left me in awe. Ravi shared the farm's commitment to sustainable practices, explaining how the absence of chemical fertilisers and pesticides not only nurtures the soil but also safeguards the health of those who consume the farm's produce. His passion for preserving the environment through traditional farming methods ignited a newfound appreciation within me. Through these personal connections with the animals and local farmers, I discovered that life on Prakriti Farms was about more than just tranquil surroundings; it was a profound journey of human connection and stewardship of the earth. As I waved goodbye to the farm hands, they offered me a newly-ripened fruit, which I tucked into my bag for snacking later. I seemed to have easily fallen into the rhythm of farm life without feeling the urge to check my social media all morning.

A birding paradise

Depending on the time of year you’re visiting, there’s so much to do in and around the farm. October to March is the ideal time for birding, when birds migrate from the world over. Ropar Wetlands, a 10-minute drive away, is a protected breeding site for over 150 species of local and migratory birds. Prakriti Farm organises birdwatching trips to these wetlands with Jaspreet Singh Chaddha, who, apart from being a lawyer, is an avid birder and loves sharing his enthusiasm with visitors. A trip with him was an enriching experience as he pointed out ruddy shelducks, Eurasian wigeons, cormorants and kingfishers. We spent hours watching these beautiful creatures until the sun began its descent, and a chill settled over us. Back at the farm, a bonfire was being lit, and I got to know that there was a special performance tonight by local Sufi singers. I quickly grabbed a shawl from my tent and found a spot close to the fire. With a simple harmonium and dholak, the local artists put up a stellar qawwali performance interspersed with folk tales. It was a lovely way to end the day. When I retired to bed, it was with a full heart and soulful music still playing in my head. I slept longer and more peacefully, and returned with a deeper appreciation for the great outdoors and my role in preserving it.