The Quiet Weekend: A Mumbai-to-Murbad Drive, Done Slowly

When was the last time you heard nothing? Not the low hum of traffic, not the chime of a notification, but true, unadulterated silence?

Living in a fast-paced city like Mumbai, we are constantly plugged in. We mistake being connected to our devices for being connected to our lives. But the truth is, to truly connect with ourselves, we first need to disconnect from the noise. We need a beautiful pause—a chance to trade the concrete jungle for actual green canopies, and the constant digital rush for a slower, deeper breath.

That is exactly why I love the journey out of the city. The drive to Malshej Ghat isn't about reaching a destination at record speed; it's about rolling down your windows, watching the city skyline shrink in your rearview mirror, and letting your mind decompress along the winding, scenic roads of the Western Ghats. At the end of that beautiful, slow drive lies the gates to my heart and home: Nehamrit Farms.

Welcome to Our Organic Sanctuary

When we first envisioned Nehamrit Farms, we didn't want to build just another commercial resort with crowded hotel corridors and rigid tourist itineraries. Instead, we spent years pouring our hearts into creating a sprawling 20-acre organic paradise (certified by Bureau Veritas) tucked safely in the lush valleys near Malshej Ghat.

This space was built with an immense amount of love, designed specifically to feel less like a hotel and more like a generous friend’s country estate. It is an intimate, boutique farmstay meant to respect your privacy, your pace, and your peace. The architecture blends seamlessly into the surrounding valleys, giving you an immediate sense of scale and stillness the moment you walk through our gates.

Genuine Warmth and True Simplicity

When you visit us, you aren't just checking into a room; you are stepping into a sanctuary where you can feel the warmth wrap around you from arrival to departure. Our team greets you with genuine, unscripted smiles, treating you like a long-awaited family member. Every single detail—from the way your meals are prepared to the thoughtful guidance around the property—carries a deeply personal touch.

The luxury we offer here is found entirely in simplicity. It is the joy of eating wholesome, authentic farm-to-table food that feels like a comforting home-cooked meal. It is the simple pleasure of walking barefoot on dew-kissed grass, watching our ducks and swans glide across the water, or sitting quietly under a vast sky as the evening bonfire crackles nearby. You are invited to play with our exceptionally friendly resident Labradors, take a slow tractor ride through the orchards, or simply wander through our gardens holding over 100 varieties of organic fruits and vegetables.

A Space to Just Be

Most modern holidays demand that you do something. Here, we give you full, unconditional permission to simply be.

There is absolutely no pressure to tick off a checklist. You can spend your afternoon curled up with a book under the shade of a tree, listening to the birds, or staring out at the mist rolling over the hills. We wanted to build a rare environment where you can shed the roles you play in the city—the employee, the boss, the manager—and simply return to yourself. Here, you can sit with your thoughts, breathe deeply, and reconnect with your own rhythm.

Nestled in a UNESCO World Heritage Site: Our Backyard

While I love providing a quiet sanctuary to rest, I am also profoundly aware of the incredible land we stand on. We are unlike any other property because we are tucked directly into the UNESCO World Heritage Site of the Western Ghats.

For those who find peace through movement, our region is an endless playground of natural wonders, historic trails, and spiritual landmarks. If your soul thrives on adventure, you will be floored by how much there is to explore just a short drive from our farm:

• Naneghat Trek: Step back in time on an ancient trade route used during the Satavahana dynasty, famous for its massive stone-cut caves and the legendary "reverse waterfall" phenomenon during heavy winds.

• Kalu Waterfall: Witness the thundering raw majesty of the highest and largest waterfall in the region, falling over 1,200 feet down a rugged cliff face.

• Aja Parvat (Ajoba Hill Fort): A towering, sacred summit over 4,500 feet high, deeply rooted in Hindu folklore as the home of Valmiki’s ashram, making it a legendary trail for seasoned trekkers and rock climbers.

• Harishchandra Fort: A spectacular 6th-century fortress featuring ancient rock-cut caves, historic temples, and the jaw-dropping, vertical semicircular cliff edge of Konkan Kada.

• Trimbakeshwar Jyotirlinga: A deeply sacred, architectural marvel nestled at the foothills of Brahmagiri, housing one of the twelve revered holy Shivalingas in India.

• Shivneri Fort: Pay homage at the magnificent, well-fortified birthplace of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, boasting seven spiral defensive gates and panoramic views of the Sahyadri range.

Every Season Has a Reason

Because we are blessed by the incredible biodiversity of the Western Ghats, our landscape shifts beautifully throughout the year. Every single season brings a fresh, unique reason to come visit us, and we have tied our farm experiences closely to the rhythm of nature:

• The Monsoons (June to September): Our mountains transform into an emerald-green paradise enveloped in deep mist, and thousands of seasonal waterfalls come alive. This is also when we plan our traditional rice harvest. You can watch, learn, or step right into the muddy paddy fields to experience the authentic soul of Indian farming.

• The Winters (October to February): The air turns wonderfully crisp, and evening bonfires become magical. This season is best spent walking through our massive guava orchard, home to over 1,000 trees heavy with fresh fruit, or watching beautiful migratory pink flamingos flock to the nearby Pimpalgaon Joga Dam.

• The Summers (March to May): While the city scorches, the farm becomes a vibrant, shaded canopy of life. This is the time to lose yourself in our lush mango plantation. Our guests spend their days enjoying the shaded orchards and packing up freshly harvested mangoes to take home as a sweet reminder of their time with us.

My Recommended Route: Fast, Smooth & Scenic

To make your journey as relaxing as the destination, I highly recommend taking the Samruddhi Mahamarg (Samruddhi Express Route) for a significantly smoother, faster cruise out of Mumbai before hitting the scenic country roads.

The Way to Us

1. Get on Samruddhi Mahamarg: Exit Mumbai and head toward Thane/Bhiwandi to catch the entry point of the Samruddhi Mahamarg (Mumbai-Nagpur Expressway). Enjoy the wide, flawless tarmac as you cruise past the outskirts.

2. Take the Exit Toward NH 61: Cruise down the expressway and take the designated interchange/exit routing you toward Kalyan/Murbad or the Ahilyanagar Highway (NH 61).

3. Merge onto Kalyan - Ahilyanagar Highway (NH 61): Once you transition off the expressway corridors, the drive becomes beautifully rustic. Follow NH 61 directly toward Murbad and head up toward Malshej.

4. Arrive at Our Gates: Turn off the main highway into the peaceful village pockets of Malthane/Ambivali. Follow the local signage straight into our green gates.

My Personal Tip: Make sure to download your offline maps before climbing up the ghats, as mobile network reception can get beautifully spotty as you enter deep nature!

A Warm Invitation

The roads are open, the mist is rolling over the peaks, and our doors are wide open. Pack a light bag, leave the digital baggage behind, and make the slow drive down. Whether you choose to spend your days trekking the ancient forts or completely still on our porch with a hot cup of tea, it’s time to disconnect from the world and remember what it feels like to be completely present.

We have built this space with so much love, and we cannot wait to share it with you.