SAGUNA BAUG, also known as NISARGA NIKETAN is owned and managed by the BHADSAVLE’S. It is basically a farm measuring 55 acres of land where nature is at its pristine best. It is a retreat not far from Mumbai city wherein they have built a couple of cottages and a pond house for lodging. One can even go for a full day picnic in open air.
Last week our family visited this scenic spot which is just a couple of hours from thane. We boarded the KARJAT fast local at 7.30 am from thane and we were at this spot at exactly 9 am. Although we had a fair idea about the place from their website nevertheless, I would like to share my experience with one and all.
Let me explain the scenic beauty of this spot. Here is a place from where one can get a view of the hills of MATHERAN, the beauty of the river side, the vast paddy fields lined with coconut trees, the harvested fields with hay stacks around and the field being ploughed by a tractor. Plenty of lush green trees in and around are a haven for the species of birds and also to the bird watcher’s. The farm has several ponds, some meant for fishing and some are with water lilies and lotuses. The ULHAS river flows along this farm and one cannot resist without having a bath in the river. A buffalo ride in the river water is an added attraction. The approach to the river is through the fields and one gets a feel of a village. The sight of bullock-cart and cattle grazing is common. In contrast to the city’s hustle and bustle the serene environment at SAGUNA BAUG provides one with a change by way of chirping birds which is music to the ears of the nature lover. The fragrance of vegetation and the scent of the Nilgiri trees also contribute to it.
The enterprising BHADSAVLE’S have various activities like manufacture of furniture with bamboo grown in the farm, a full-fledged dairy for their daily requirement of milk and milk products, an open community kitchen equipped with GOBAR GAS plant and a unit wherein cardboard is manufactured with recycled garbage. FARMING, ACQUA CULTURE and HORTICULTURE activities are also their forte.
The basic attraction, apart from the natural beauty is the fun-filled activities they provide to the urban people visiting this spot. Knowledge about various medicinal plants and trees, information about fishing and a chance to handle fishes caught in the net is also an experience worth mentioning. A visit to the dairy to watch milking the buffaloes is also included in the tour. Basically it was a pleasure cum educational trip for us.
We had opted to stay in a pond house which came with an added attraction of living among a family of ducks swimming in and out of the pond, a magnificent turkey and a family of hens and chicks. The quacking of ducks and the morning call of the hen is still echoing in our ears. There was a paddle boat too in the pond and we enjoyed the boating. All this came for a price of Rs.1000 per person for a 36 hour package, inclusive of food. The cottages are provided with amenities in line with the best of hotels and the room service is fantastic. The food is sumptuous and of superior quality. One can opt for non-veg food at an extra cost. Fresh fish caught from the pond is prepared and served to the clients on request. This is something one cannot avail of in the best of restaurants in cities.
A visit to this farm is highly refreshing and invigorating. The BHADSAVLE’S have aptly named this place NISARGA NIKETAN. A visit to their website - sagunabaug.com will provide further details.