Vacations are something that everyone looks forward to. When you spend most of your life studying and working like a busy bee, with only the weekends off and the occasional public or religious holiday, it’s easy to get bored and tired of your routine.
The past two years have been particularly stressful for so many people. Almost everyone has been affected in one way or the other. We’ve all had to juggle work or studies while stressing out about the health of our loved ones and ourselves, and not being able to go out and interact with a lot of people. If you’re in desperate need of a detox from the confines of your home, we’ve got the perfect vacation destination for you— Goa!
The touristy paradise Goa is best known for its beautiful clean beaches and crazy nightlife, but it is also home to a few wonderful offbeat ecotourism resorts. Hop into your car and drive away from the hum-drum of your regular touristy hotspots onto the winding open roads of the Chorla Ghats.
During the misty monsoon months, this part of Goa is unbelievably beautiful. With a view of stunning green-covered mountains and valleys, and the clean fresh air accompanying you, the drive itself is enough to recharge your spirit.
Once you escape and get lost in the luscious green forests of the Chorla Ghats, it is time to discover a tropical wonderland like no other— Wildernest Nature Resort.
Perched atop the Swapnagandha valley, this sustainable nature resort offers its guests a retreat from a fast-paced atmosphere and sanctuary amongst Mother Earth. No picture could do justice to the panoramic view of sprawling green hills and the gushing Vazra that the resort overlooks. One of the highlights about this resort is that blends in perfectly with its surroundings, making one feel as if they are truly immersing themselves into the untouched serenity of nature.
A word of caution— if you’re looking for a work-from-home staycation destination, Wildernest is not the place for you. Be prepared to completely disconnect from the outside world during your stay here. As one can expect, network coverage so deep in the forest isn’t optimal but one can always access the resort’s WiFi at the reception.
Wake up to the rhythm of the falling rain and the dulcet tones of the chirping birds, as sunlight streams in through the large glass doors of their eco-cottages. Made from acacia wood, each of Wildernest’s 16 cottages is designed to offer you the comfort of a first-class eco-tel machan (treehouse) with the architecture of a rustic and authentic village hut. Here you are offered privacy and cosiness amongst the tranquillity of nature.
At Wildernest, you can either do nothing at all or explore as far as your feet take you. With the forest being home to nearly seven waterfalls and over 140 species of birds and animals, you’re in for a treat. The nature resort offers its guests the opportunity to sign up for their treks, village trips and bird watching excursions.
If relaxing is something that you prefer, take a dip into their infinity pool. The cool water combined with the picturesque view of the mountains and valley down below is just what you need to unwind. Their in-house meditation center and the temple is another place where you can clear your mind and soul of your troubles and worries and root yourself back to the simple world around you.
Or better yet, you can sip on the famous, delicious local mead Hurrak and munch on snacks at their garden bar Cloud 9. Their local barman is also ready to entertain guests with mysterious tales of jungle lore and folk art.
Wildernest Nature Resort is just the kind of place where sip on a cool drink as you watch the sun descend through the mountains and stars fill the night sky. The peaceful atmosphere and hospitable owners and staff make this eco-resort the perfect getaway that each of us needs in order to rejuvenate after a hectic few months or years.
Written by Mohit Gupta
Week 35 September, 2021
