Slow Travel Essentials
Wander through farms, trek hillside trails, and learn the rhythms of Satara at your own pace.
Gawkari experiences
Stitch your own hillside story
From playful village mornings to starlit cultural evenings, design a stay that moves at the pace you love. Every itinerary balances comfort, connection, and authentic Maharashtrian hospitality.
Tent StaysRoom StaysCamping Spots
How will you explore?
Choose a theme, or blend them all
Culture & Community
Join village games, listen to folk tales, and celebrate evenings filled with music and dance.
Food & Farm Rituals
Cook on the chulha, taste seasonal thalis, and trace your meal from soil to soulful plating.
Wellness & Reset
Disconnect to reconnect with yoga decks, sunrise walks, and mindful time by the hills.
Signature experiences
Dive deeper into our immersive catalogue
Expand each experience to view curated activities, best times to visit, and who will love it the most. Mix two or three for a perfect day.
Traditional Maharashtrian Thali
“अन्नं ब्रह्म - Food is Divine”
Savor the authentic taste of Maharashtra prepared in our traditional chulha kitchen. Satara's cuisine is characterised by aromatic spices, jaggery, tamarind, and peanuts, reflecting the region's fresh produce.
What You'll Experience
- Meals cooked on wood-fired chulha for an authentic smoky flavour
- Recipes lovingly passed down through generations
- Seasonal organic vegetables sourced from nearby farms
- Traditional serving style on banana leaves or patravali
- Accompaniments like homemade pickles, chutneys, and papad
Signature Dishes Include
- Bharli Vangi – stuffed eggplant with fresh coconut and spices
- Puran Poli – sweet flatbread made from chana dal and jaggery
- Zunka Bhakri – hearty gram flour preparation
- Pithla with Bhakri – soul-satisfying comfort food
- Sol Kadhi and seasonal Aamras
Bullock Cart Safari (बैलगाडी सफर)
“Journey Like Our Ancestors”
Travel through village trails at the gentle pace of a traditional bullock cart. Watch everyday rural life unfold around you as you move with the rhythm of the countryside.
Highlights
- 45-minute to 1-hour rides through village and countryside
- Sunrise and sunset rides with dramatic vistas
- Opportunities to interact with farmers and hear their stories
- Photography stops at picturesque spots
- Insights into bullock care and rural livelihoods
Best Time
- Early morning (6:00–8:00 AM)
- Evening (5:00–7:00 PM)
Farm-to-Table Journey
“From Soil to Soul”
Experience where your food really comes from. Walk through organic farms, pick fresh produce, and watch it transform into wholesome meals before your eyes.
Activities Include
- Guided tour of organic vegetable farms
- Hands-on vegetable picking experience
- Lessons on organic farming techniques
- Traditional food preparation demonstrations
- Grinding masalas on the dhagad (stone grinder)
Perfect For
- Children discovering how food is grown
- Families seeking meaningful time together
- Food lovers eager for authentic farm cuisine
Cultural Evenings (सांस्कृतिक संध्याकाळ)
“When History Comes Alive Through Music”
As the sun dips behind the Sahyadris, gather for folk performances that bring history and heritage to life through music, dance, and storytelling.
Performances Include
- Powada – rousing ballads celebrating Maratha valour
- Lavani – spirited dance with rhythmic percussion
- Gondhal – ritualistic folk performance
- Bharud – narrative folk theatre
- Traditional instruments like Dholki, Taal, Lezim, Tutari
Special Features
- Interactive storytelling with English translations
- Costume displays and photo opportunities
- Festival-specific performances
- Duration: 1.5–2 hours | Timing: 7:30 PM onwards
Nature Walks & Hillside Trails
“Where Every Path Tells a Story”
Follow guided trails through the Sahyadri ranges, breathe in mountain air, and discover the flora, fauna, and stories that shape this land.
Trail Options
- Easy Morning Walk (1 hour) – suitable for all ages
- Hillside Trek (2–3 hours) – moderate difficulty
- Sunrise Point Trek for early risers
- Bird Watching Trail led by local guides
What You'll See
- Indigenous trees and medicinal plants
- Local bird species and seasonal butterflies
- Panoramic valley views
- Village settlements framed by rolling hills
Includes
- Experienced local guides
- Drinking water
- Light breakfast post-trek
Pool & Modern Leisure
“Refresh, Relax, Rejuvenate”
After immersive village experiences, unwind in our modern pool area – perfect for families, couples, and groups.
Features
- Clean, well-maintained pool with separate kid and adult zones
- Pool-side seating and relaxation areas
- Changing rooms and washrooms
- Safety measures with attentive lifeguards
- Pool games and floats available
Timings
- 6:00 AM – 10:00 AM
- 4:00 PM – 7:00 PM
- Appropriate swimwear required
Traditional Games Zone
“खेळ म्हणजे आनंद - Play is Joy”
Rediscover the timeless games that generations of Marathi children grew up playing – screen-free, joyous, and full of energy.
Games Available
- Viti-Dandu (Gilli-Danda)
- Lagori (Pitthu/Seven Stones)
- Pachisi and traditional board games
- Fugdi, Kho-Kho, Kabaddi
- Marbles (Kaanch Goli) and rope games
Benefits
- Physical exercise through playful movement
- Teamwork, strategy, and intergenerational bonding
- Understanding culture through play
Best For
- Families with children
- Corporate team-building
- Groups seeking nostalgic fun
Village Craft Workshops
“Hands That Create, Hearts That Preserve”
Learn traditional crafts from local artisans who have carried these skills through generations and take home a handmade keepsake.
Workshops Available
- Pottery making – from clay preparation to finished piece
- Warli art – symbolism and brush techniques
- Basket weaving using local materials
- Traditional cooking sessions like Puran Poli or Modak
- Introduction to Paithani weaving
Good to Know
- Duration: 1–2 hours per workshop
- Advance booking recommended
Local Artisan Interactions
“Meet the Masters Behind the Craft”
Connect with local artisans and craftsmen who preserve traditional skills. Learn about their techniques, stories, and the cultural significance of their work.
Meet Our Artisans
- Potters shaping clay into functional and decorative pieces
- Weavers creating traditional fabrics and garments
- Woodcarvers crafting intricate designs
- Metalworkers forging tools and ornaments
- Storytellers sharing folklore and village history
What You'll Learn
- Traditional techniques passed through generations
- Materials sourced from local environment
- Cultural significance of each craft
- How crafts contribute to rural livelihoods
- Take home artisan-made souvenirs
Stargazing & Astronomy
“Cosmic Wonders in the Hills”
Escape light pollution and immerse yourself in the night sky. Our clear Sahyadri skies offer spectacular views of stars, planets, and constellations.
Night Sky Experiences
- Guided stargazing sessions with telescopes
- Learn about constellations and celestial bodies
- Meteor shower watching during seasonal events
- Photography of the Milky Way
- Stories of ancient Indian astronomy
Perfect For
- Astronomy enthusiasts and beginners alike
- Romantic couples for intimate evenings
- Families introducing children to science
- Those seeking peaceful night time reflection
Best Time
- Clear winter nights (November-February)
- New moon nights for best visibility
Ready-made journeys
Pick a package or tailor your own blend
Day Experience (डे पॅकेज)
- All scheduled activities
- Lunch, tea, and snacks
- Guided tours
- Pool access
- Parking
Weekend Heritage Experience (वीकेंड पॅकेज)
- 1 night accommodation
- All meals (lunch, dinner, breakfast, tea/snacks)
- All activities and cultural evening
- Guided tours
- Free WiFi
Complete Village Immersion (पूर्ण'expérience)
- 2 nights accommodation
- All meals, tea, and snacks
- All activities and workshops
- Cultural performances
- Local guide throughout
- Visits to nearby attractions
Make it personal
Add-on experiences to match your interests
Corporate Retreat Package
Customized team-building programs featuring traditional games, cooking challenges, farm activities, and cultural sessions that foster collaboration and cultural appreciation.
School Educational Tour
Age-appropriate itineraries teaching children about village life, sustainable farming, traditional crafts, and Marathi culture through immersive experiences.
Senior Citizens Special
A slow-paced itinerary focusing on nostalgia, comfort, easy activities, traditional food, and cultural programs tailored for seniors.
Festival Special Packages
Celebrate Gudi Padwa, Ganesh Chaturthi, Diwali, or Makar Sankranti with bespoke rituals, festive menus, and cultural experiences.
Adventure and Outdoor Packages
Thrilling outdoor activities including guided treks, nature walks, bird watching, and adventure sports in the Sahyadri hills.
Birthday Celebration Packages
Celebrate milestones with themed birthday parties featuring traditional games, festive meals, cultural performances, and personalized decorations.
How planning works
Your hosts co-create every step
Tell us your vibe
Share who’s coming along, how long you’re staying, and what brings you to Gawkari.
Curate your day
Mix immersive heritage experiences with downtime, dining rituals, and comfort breaks.
Arrive & unwind
Our hosts welcome you with local treats, printed itineraries, and on-call support.
