Sustainable tourism, village tourism or agricultural tourism as we call it in India is currently being taken very seriously by various hospitality ventures. It is also an attractive holiday concept for Indian travelers who always look for unique weekend trips with an exciting itinerary. These unique itineraries find favour with not just locals but also expat travelers who want to experience the local flavor of a region including the food.
I was recently invited to one such unique weekend getaway in a pollution free zone of Satara- the rural district of Maharashtra. As part of it’s initiative to endorse environmentally and culturally friendly tourism, Jakson Hospitality has been promoting eco and village tourism in the Satara district of Maharashtra. Jakson Hospitality presently operates ‘Jakson Inns Phaltan’, India’s first three-star LEED GREEN platinum rated hotel which is nestled among the serene sugarcane fields and pomegranate orchards. This popular hotel has successfully managed to develop many experiential outdoor activities for guests from nature trails, fort treks, leisure activities, village tours, farm visits, cultural tours and wind mill tours.
Announcing the developments Sandeep Talaulicar, Managing Director, Jakson Hospitality Pvt. Ltd. says, “We have long since recognized the potential of eco and village tours in the district of Satara and have been constantly developing opportunities to promote tourism in this region. We aim to strengthen our commitment to responsible tourism by conceptualizing eco sensitive packages for our guests and keep sustainability at the forefront. The market for eco sensitive tourism has been growing exponentially over the years and will continue this momentum over the next two decades. We are extremely delighted to be partnering with the local community at Satara to deliver unique travel experiences aimed at individual and corporate groups”.
Jakson Inns Phaltan offers 74 well appointed guest rooms and suites, a fully equipped gym, spa, a multi cuisine restaurant, contemporary bar and a banquet hall. There are rooms tailored for the single female traveler and for the physically challenged. The hotel also has a large convention facility and an outdoor lawn accommodating 1000 persons. Jakson Inns has Platinum rated facility by the Indian Green Building Council and complies with all ISO and ADA – American Disabilities Act standards.
Green Bean, the multi cuisine restaurant is a delight for food lovers and serves authentic local cuisine bursting with a myriad of flavours. Here one can ask the Executive chef to create typical Maharashtrian food in a thaali (platter) to sample the local delicacies. I had a great time enjoying the Masala Bhaath (rice flavored with Maharashtrian spices and cooked with mixed vegetables), Bharleli vaangi (stuffed brinjal in a semi dry spicy gravy), pithlabhakri (chickpea flour preparation served with flatbread made using jowar or bajra flour), vegetable Kolhapuri (mixed vegetables cooked in a spicy gravy), and ended the meal with the luscious amrakhand (mango based dessert). During breakfast, the hotel dishes up dishes such as Puranpoli (stuffed bread with sweet lentil filling), poha (flattened rice flavoured with mustard seeds, curry leaves, green chillies) and sabudaana khichadi(soaked sago cooked and flavoured with crushed peanuts, curry leaves, cumin seeds) all local breakfast favourites, the authentic taste of which is tough to recreate. In the evenings, the hotel invites guests to witness open air cooking on chulhas, clay ovens which were used in ancient times. This is a major attraction for hotel guests.
Local attractions include Pusegaon windmill farms to catch a glimpse of hundreds of gigantic windmills set amidst the adjoining hills. The Pussegaon windmill site offers you a chance to view the rotating fans from close proximity. For art lovers Aundh museum exhibits rare paintings and sculptures by well known Indian and European artists. Those who enjoy trekking can visit the Ajinkya Tara Fort, located at 3,300 feet above sea level in the Sahayadri Mountains offering a magnificent view of the entire city Satara city. It is also a great idea to visit the largest organic farm in Satara on a bullock cart, learn traditional techniques of farming and experience Gladiola and Rose plantations. For those keen on ancient culture and history, a visit to the royal palace of the Marathas-the Phaltan Rajwada is a great idea. Phaltan Rajwada is the former residence of the Phaltan royal family. The grandeur of this palace along with its architectural wonder is a very special attraction for tourists. For a special experience of farming one can visit the nearby sugarcane fields, dairy farms, waterfalls pomegranate orchards to experience nature at its best.
A visit to Jakson Inns is a great idea to witness rural India at it’s best in the state of Maharashtra. This hotel offers a guest the unbeatable charm and hospitality of a rustic setting combined with the modern comforts of a hotel!
Address: Plot No.398/6,399,400, Near Cummins Mega Site, Lonand Road, Phaltan, Maharashtra 415523 India.
