नमस्कार 🙏🏻, Welcome to Gawkari Hillside
नमस्कार 🙏🏻, Welcome to Gawkari Hillside
Gawkari Hillside logo
Meet the Founder

Paritosh Sitaram Wadkar

A Satara native with a vision to preserve Maharashtrian heritage through authentic hospitality.

The name "Gawkari" holds deep meaning in Marathi—it signifies "from the village" or "village-related." For Paritosh Sitaram Wadkar, a proud resident of Satara, this word touches his heart profoundly. Having spent several formative years in the village, Paritosh cherishes the most memorable days of his life amidst the simplicity and warmth of rural life.

As he reflected on his future, Paritosh recognized a unique opportunity to blend his passion for business with his cultural roots. Surrounded by the breathtaking beauty of the Sahyadri hills, he noticed that while many resorts dotted the landscape, none truly captured the essence of Maharashtra's rich, culturally rooted traditions. The food alone carries years of heritage—authentic Maharashtrian cuisine prepared with love and tradition.

Today, as a sought-after consultant, Paritosh bridges the worlds of web development, AI automation, and digital marketing, empowering startups and enterprises to build resilient, intelligent systems that adapt and scale seamlessly. His expertise spans from SEO optimization to automated e-commerce workflows, with a particular forte in crafting bespoke, small-scale in-house AI models that maintain data sovereignty while delivering exceptional performance.

Paritosh Sitaram Wadkar - Founder of Gawkari Hillside

Paritosh Sitaram Wadkar

Founder & Visionary

Our Mission

Preserving Culture Through Hospitality

This realization became the foundation of Gawkari Hillside. Paritosh envisioned a space where guests could immerse themselves in the "Marathi manus" feeling—the genuine warmth, hospitality, and traditions of Maharashtra. His business purpose is clear: to promote and preserve local culture through authentic experiences, serving people with the heart and soul of his village.

Every aspect of Gawkari Hillside reflects this mission—from farm-to-table meals that honor traditional recipes, to activities that celebrate village games and stories, to accommodations that blend modern comfort with cultural authenticity. Paritosh's journey from village roots to entrepreneurial vision ensures that Gawkari Hillside remains a true reflection of Satara's spirit.

🌱 Cultural Roots

Deeply connected to Maharashtrian traditions and village life.

🍲 Authentic Cuisine

Years of tradition in every meal, from farm to table.

🤝 Genuine Hospitality

The warm "Marathi manus" feeling in every interaction.

Satara, our home

The land that shaped our philosophy

Why Satara is Special

  • The region's history stretches back to 200 BCE, with inscriptions in Karad marking it as one of the oldest settlements in Maharashtra.
  • Satara has been ruled by the Satavahanas, Chalukyas, Rashtrakutas, and most gloriously, the Marathas.
  • In 1663, Shivaji Maharaj conquered Parali and Satara forts and invited his guru Samartha Ramdas Swami to stay at Sajjangad.

Geographic Beauty

  • Satara sits on the Deccan Plateau, cradled by the Sahyadri range and nourished by the Krishna River.
  • The Western Ghats receive over 500 cm of rainfall annually, while the central plains support fertile agriculture.
  • Tranquil villages, rolling hills, and mist-laden valleys make the region perfect for exploration.

Cultural Richness

  • Satara is famous for Kandi Pedha and a culinary heritage celebrating local produce and timeless recipes.
  • Strawberries, mulberries, and seasonal fruits flourish alongside traditional crops.
  • Every festival, folk song, and recipe carries forward centuries of Maharashtrian wisdom.
Our guiding pillars

Tradition, community, and modern ease

Everything we design honours Marathi culture, supports local livelihoods, and welcomes guests with the comforts they deserve.

Milestones

Moments that defined Gawkari Hillside

Traditional Maharashtrian Thali

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.

  • Meals cooked on wood-fired chulha for an authentic smoky flavour
  • Recipes lovingly passed down through generations
  • Seasonal organic vegetables sourced from nearby farms

Bullock Cart Safari (बैलगाडी सफर)

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.

  • 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

Farm-to-Table Journey

Experience where your food really comes from. Walk through organic farms, pick fresh produce, and watch it transform into wholesome meals before your eyes.

  • Guided tour of organic vegetable farms
  • Hands-on vegetable picking experience
  • Lessons on organic farming techniques

Dive into our Experiences & Day Journeys

From sunrise agro-trails to twilight campfires, design a nature-forward itinerary tailored to your pace. Start with our curated experience library or craft a day story for your crew.