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Farmstays in Punjab - where sustainability is a way of life

Feb 13, 2021

3 MIN READ
Alexis Averbuck

Writer

Hydra

I’m all about seizing the day. Starting when I was a small kid I’ve travelled and lived all over the world — from Sri Lanka and Greece to Ecuador, Zanzibar and Antarctica. I love hardcore adventure: I shacked up on the Ice for a year, crossed the Pacific by sailboat, scuba-dived in a shark tank, etc. I began travel writing professionally at Harvard University and lately for Lonely Planet I’ve focused on Iceland, France, Italy, Greece and Antarctica. I’m also passionate about art (I’m an exh…
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Swaying green and golden fields stretching as far as the eye can see – farms have not just established Punjab as the country’s granary, they have also transformed its undulating plains into a scenic, picturesque countryside. The best way to experience the heart of rural Punjab is to veer off the main cities to experience a slice of rustic life on a farm. Farm stays also make for a great slow and sustainable trip with minimal carbon footprint and maximum benefit to the local community.

Off the Beaten Track

Farm stays have sprung up all across Punjab Ranging from luxurious old-world bungalows and private cottages to more modestly priced ones, they all offer modern amenities that make for a comfortable stay. In most cases, the farm owners themselves are the hosts and are happy to engage with the visitors, share anecdotes, and provide a first-hand insight into life in the countryside. The winter months from November to March are the best time to go on a farm stay. As the state offers a good network of roads, they are easily accessible.

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Life on the Farm

In the midst of sprawling fields, a range of activities takes you through the typical life of a farmer: wake up to birds singing, ride or even drive a tractor, take a walk or cycle through the fields, sit under the shade of a tree, pluck fruits, milk cows and buffaloes or get your hands dirty in the field. Some farms are situated close to canals that cut through the countryside where you can go fishing and angling. You can explore nearby villages and might be invited to homes for a cup of tea with the locals. There’s no better way to understand why Punjab’s farmers have earned a reputation for being enterprising and hard-working.

Farm Fresh Food

The food served at farm stays is home-cooked and prepared fresh, very often with ingredients just sourced from the fields. Meals will usually consist of quintessential Punjabi dishes such as aloo paranthas, sarson ka saag (mustard greens) and makki ki roti (a flatbread made from maize flour) during the winter season, fresh milk and white butter and generous glasses of creamy lassi. Some farm stays host evening barbecues and bonfires in the middle of the fields to the tune of Punjabi folk songs or put on cultural programs with displays of the traditional Punjabi dances, bhangra and giddha. Punjab’s bountiful crops include wheat, mustard, cotton and rice, but many farms also grow fruits such as kinnows and plums.

Slow Travel

While many people choose a farm stay for a weekend, a longer halt helps to actually get into the rhythm of the slow and tranquil pace of life in the countryside. Farm stays are highly recommended for those travelling with family, giving children an insight into a life that is close to nature. The experience of staying on a farm in Punjab is greatly enhanced by the warmth and hospitality of a large-hearted people who have always opened their doors to guests.

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