66 Tips for a Fantastic Farm Vacation

Thinking of having a very different vacation? Staying at a permaculture, organic farm is an excellent idea for a fulfilling rustic, rural holiday experience. Here are tips that will be very handy for you.
  1. Research and choose a farm stay with good reviews and ratings on Google.
  2. Pick a farm which is run by a family. Not a corporate-run entity. Vaksana Farms is run by two elderly ladies: 90-year-old Lakshmi Paati and her 72-year-old daughter, Kasthuri Amma.
  3. Pack appropriate clothing for outdoor activities on the farm, such as light-coloured clothes, loose-fitting dresses and caps.
  4. Check if the farm offers accommodations on-site. Vaksana Farms has three lovely farmhouses within the 13-acre farm.
  5. Make sure you get the full details about the farm. At Vaksana, we have created a detailed FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions) where we have proactively answered over 50 questions at www.VaksanaFarms.in/faq
  6. If you are travelling with children, look for a farm that offers family-friendly and kid-friendly activities.
  7. Most farm stays are located in remote villages, and electricity connection can be erratic. Make sure the farm stay has good Inverter power backup.
  8. Talk to the farm owners to understand what daily farm life entails and how you can participate.
  9. Be prepared to wake up early, as farm activities often start in the morning.
  10. Take the time to learn about the history and culture of the farm.
  11. Embrace the farm lifestyle and be open to trying new experiences and activities. That’s where the real fun lies.
  12. Respect the farm rules and regulations to ensure the safety of yourself and others.
  13. Take advantage of the opportunity to learn about sustainable farming practices and how good, clean food is grown.
  14. Support the local economy by purchasing farm products, such as fresh fruits, vegetables and grains.
  15. there are bound to be insects and bugs at any farm. We encourage to bring mosquito repellent sprays.
  16. Take plenty of photos to capture the memories of your farm vacation. And tag the farm’s Instagram or Facebook when you post.
  17. Disconnect from technology and enjoy the peacefulness of the farm environment.
  18. Bring board games to play with your family. When visiting Vaksana Farms, you don’t have to because we have lots of board games, traditional games and indoor games.
  19. Explore the farm surroundings through long walks.
  20. Attend farm workshops or demonstrations to learn new skills or techniques. Check out all the events lined up at Vaksana Farms at www.VaksanaFarms.in/events
  21. Keep an open mind and be willing to learn from the farmers and their experiences. You will be fascinated by some of the stories.
  22. Take part in farm-to-table experiences, such as cooking classes or preparing farm-fresh meals.
  23. If you’re interested in agriculture, ask the farmers about their farming methods and challenges.
  24. Enjoy birdwatching. There are many varieties of birds at Vaksana Farms.
  25. Do nothing and relax in the farm’s natural surroundings, enjoying the peace and tranquillity.
  26. Pack a reusable water bottle to stay hydrated during outdoor activities. Avoid bringing single-use plastic bottles.
  27. Check if the farm has Wi-Fi or cellular service, as it may vary depending on the location. At Vaksana Farms, you have strong WiFi all the major telecom networks work well.
  28. Check if the farm stay has a first aid kit with essential supplies for minor injuries or illnesses. Else, please bring your own. At Vaksana, we have first-aid kits.
  29. Respect the farm animals’ space and follow instructions on interacting with them safely.
  30. Volunteer your time on the farm. The farm hosts will really appreciate your helping hand.
  31. If you’re interested in gardening, ask the farmers if you can help tend to the farm’s plants.
  32. Participate in farm-related festivities or events if they coincide with your visit.
  33. Keep an eye out for farm stands or markets nearby where you can purchase fresh produce. When visiting Vaksana Farms on Sundays, don’t miss the farmers’:market at Kooteripattu Sandhai.
  34. Support the farm by leaving positive reviews or recommending it to others. Trust me. This is something that will significantly motivate the Farmstay hosts.
  35. Spend time observing the farm’s wildlife and appreciate the beauty of nature.
  36. If the farm has a nursery, help with seeding or transplanting the seedlings.
  37. If the farm stay has a day package, you can pack a picnic lunch and enjoy it in a picturesque spot on the farm.
  38. Learn about different farm animals and their roles on the farm.
  39. Take part in farm traditions or rituals if they are offered.
  40. If allowed, try your hand at milking cows or goats and learn about the process.
  41. Learn about the different types of poultry on the farm. At Vaksana Farms, we will soon have chickens, ducks, swans, guinea fowls and turkeys.
  42. Explore the farm’s orchards and learn about different types of fruit trees. At Vaksana Farms, we have over 25 different varieties of fruits.
  43. Take a tractor ride around the farm to enjoy the scenery.
  44. Learn about beekeeping and the importance of pollinators for agriculture.
  45. Participate in a cheese-making or butter-churning workshop if available.
  46. Try your hand at making homemade preserves or pickles using farm-fresh produce.
  47. Join a farm yoga or meditation session to relax and connect with nature.
  48. Enjoy stargazing on clear nights away from city lights.
  49. Learn about traditional farm games and try them out with friends or family. At Vaksana Farms, we have Bambaram, Thayapaas, Pallankuzhi, Undikol and Kittipullu.
  50. Have a bonfire or campfire and enjoy storytelling.
  51. Pluck vegetables with your own hands and offer to help the host in cooking lunch.
  52. Collect eggs from the chicken coop and hand them over to the host to have a truly farm-fresh breakfast.
  53. Rent a bicycle and explore the farm and its neighbouring areas at your own pace.
  54. Learn about traditional farming techniques and how they have evolved over time.
  55. Take a dip in a farm pond. This makes for a great swimming experience.
  56. Join a farm-based fitness class or challenge for a unique workout experience.
  57. Learn about herbal medicine and the use of medicinal plants found on the farm.
  58. Enjoy a sunrise and sunset yoga session in a peaceful farm setting.
  59. Learn about the different breeds of livestock on the farm and their specific characteristics.
  60. Take part in a farm scavenger hunt to explore different areas of the property.
  61. Learn about the process of making honey and taste different varieties produced on the farm.
  62. Learn about composting and participate in the farm’s composting activities.
  63. Meet the host family and get to know them. This experience differentiates your stay at a farm stay from a resort. At Vaksana Farms, you will love meeting the 90-year-old Lakshmi Paati and her 72-year-old daughter, Kasthuri Amma, who run this farm stay.
  64. We recommend staying for at least a couple of nights at a farm stay for you to experience a relaxed, calm holiday. This gives time for you to try out various activities at the farm.
  65. Weekends are sought after, and the farmhouses tend to get booked early. So we advise you to book them a few weeks in advance. You can book easily at www.VaksanaFarms.in
  66. Please come with a mentality and realisation that you are coming to a farm at a family’s home. Please do not come with the mindset of staying at a resort. This way, you can thoroughly enjoy your time at the farm.
These 66-pointers should get you started on your farm vacation adventures!
We welcome you to Vaksana Farm. It is super easy to book your stay here. Visit www.VaksanaFarms.in. Just three simple steps which take less than 30 seconds.
We look forward to hosting you and giving you fantastic memories with your family to cherish for a lifetime.
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5 Reasons Eating Food from Local Farms like Vaksana Farms is Great!

If you wish to learn how to improve your diet, start by purchasing food from restaurants, grocery stores, and meal prep services that buy their meat and produce from nearby farms. Popularity ebbs and flows for diet trends like plant-based, low-carb, raw eating, Whole 30, prebiotic, and Mediterranean diets. However, buying groceries and preparing meals from local farms can substantially impact your health, which should be discussed more frequently.

Our visitors to our farm love eating the food because it is locally sourced and healthily cooked in the traditional style.

There is great value in doing the extra study necessary to identify stores where you may buy locally farmed food.

Eating food from farms is healthier.

The most obvious way of eating and preparing meals is by growing and using local produce. Local food is healthier. Contrary to popular belief, the time it takes for your food to travel from the farm to the market and finally to your table affects the quantity of nutrients it contains.

As soon as fruits and vegetables are harvested, a decomposition process begins in which their nutrients are destroyed. When you get around to eating them, they will have fewer nutrients because you put off eating them longer. We are very particular about the vegetable we grow and use in our dishes.

Fresh food from a farm taste better.

Yes, the food you can find locally will be healthier for your body. We usually eat for pleasure in addition to merely fuelling our bodies. From local food, we make regional dishes. Regional cuisine does not taste better. It is one of the best ways to maintain your health. Eating food that is sourced locally benefits your community. Committing to eating locally will be advantageous for everyone.

 

The average large-chain supermarket or multinational industrial farm will survive fine without your patronage. Consuming food from farms like ours benefits you by helping you detox from the fast-food culture. Eating food from local sources is better for the environment.

The truth is that preparing meals with ingredients from nearby farms also has a good effect on the soil.

It takes a lot of energy and fuel to transport all the food from big farm factories to supermarket stores in other states and nations. These things have a huge carbon footprint, as you might expect. Supporting a business that uses less shipping and, as a result, produces fewer greenhouse gases that harm our environment, you can support local farms by purchasing their products.

Farm Fresh Food Maintains Your Connectivity

When you stop to consider it; purchasing produce from large, worldwide supermarket chains thousands of miles away is a relatively new practice. For thousands of years, humans had a far closer bond with their food, and as a result, with their surroundings and other people. You get to know the neighbourhood farmers when you purchase locally. You gain knowledge of the land, the seasons, and the food that grows on it. It offers the chance to learn more about nature and agriculture, enabling you to connect with your food.

Safer Consumption

Recently, customers have begun looking for food goods that are transparent and safe. Local food has emerged as the essential component in finding food free of toxic pesticides, herbicides, and fertilisers that are usual in traditional farming practices as a manner of achieving this. Consuming them can lead to significant health issues like cancer and headaches. Because their products do not need to travel far, small-scale farms typically do not utilise chemicals, food additives, enzymes, flavourings, and preservatives to help improve their foods. They also rarely package their products in materials that may contain chemicals. Growers will likely be receptive to sharing their ideas and practice, so do not hesitate to ask questions.

Shorter Food Supply Chain: Produce purchased locally is often plucked 24 hours after purchase. Less handling during the distribution process means fewer steps from farm to plate, which reduces the risk of bacterial or viral contamination. Our kitchen is full of vegetables and fruits, which we grew less than 500 metres away. Food that does not have to travel as far has a higher nutritional value and, not to mention, better flavour because produce can ripen naturally.

Nutrient Dense: Choosing fresh foods implies selecting whole and little processed foods. Critical nutrients like potassium and magnesium, phosphorus, and vitamins C and A can all be found in higher concentrations in food harvested at the height of ripeness. Fruits

and vegetables include antioxidants and polyphenols that are extremely good for your health, especially when you eat various fruits and vegetables. The consumption of “empty calorie foods”—frequently heavy in sodium, saturated fat, and sugar—is reduced when processed food is substituted with whole foods. This can enhance the health of your heart, blood, brain, gastrointestinal system, and vision.

Physical and Social Possibilities: Supporting local farmers opens opportunities for community-supported agriculture, farmers’ markets, and perhaps even learning to grow your food, which can be more physically active than buying conventional foods. Gardening challenges may be physically demanding and informative, whether in your own house or at a local farm. Additionally, enhancing the health and suppleness of the mind while learning and practising new abilities can help.

You can book your stay and visit all the attractions that are close by.

Please click on the below link to book your stay. https://www.vaksanafarms.in/booking/

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Reasons Why Children Should Visit A Farm Stay In The Summer Holidays

Children start counting down the days till their special summer holidays as soon as the weather rises and the days start growing longer. They may enjoy fun and games all day long throughout this season, which makes it they are favorites of the year. Summer vacations in the past were consistently associated with a visit to the place of origin. Families would return to the farms and enjoy a few days of rustic living. But as time passed, summer camp activities replaced those excursions to the local areas. Agritourism facilities, or Farmstays, combines the best of both worlds by providing children with summer recreation and introducing the next generation to a rural setting.

The Farm is an excellent choice to immerse the kids in nature and bring back happy memories of the past summer holidays if you want fun and instructive summer vacation ideas.

 

Know Farms and Food

Vaksana Farms is 13 acres of lush land abounding in the season’s magnificent crops. The children can gain excellent knowledge about the origins of their food. Seeing the food in its uncooked, raw state will be an exciting experience for them. They can distinguish between various fruits, vegetables, and grains and grow to admire India’s farmers. The famous Patti at Vaksana Farms uses all the locally grown vegetables and makes delicious meals customised to the children’s needs.

You can indeed have a pleasant holiday at a farm stay, where you can also engage in valuable and practical activities. You can enjoy wholesome home-cooked meals by the grandmother duo here.

 

Connect With Nature

Vaksana Farms give visitors a taste of the local culture and introduce children to  the straightforward rural lifestyle. Because of our fast-paced metropolitan lifestyles, we are gradually abandoning our traditional history. You will contact your roots during this trip to an agritourism destination. This Farm stays are essential to maintaining the flame of regional traditions. There are ideal venues to remind yourself of your ancestors’ healthy lifestyles.

 

Farms are ornamented with immaculate flora, unlike most urban cities. The children will have

a unique experience waking up to birds chirping in the lush trees surrounding the farm stay. Young environmentalists will be born. As a result, they are enabling children to form bonds with nature. The Farm Stays emphasises the value of environmental preservation and informs the kids about greenery advantages. It is impossible to replicate this direct contact with nature in urban settings. With several tasks, including caring for animals, planting seeds, harvesting, etc. A farm lifestyle can be lovely. The least we city dwellers can do is organise a family getaway once a year and travel to a farm to experience some of the calmest and most enjoyable farming experiences. It is perhaps why people of all ages love farm trips so much.

Engaging Children in Farm Activities

 

Connecting and playing with Farm animals

Hearing the hen crowing and chickens clucking as you awaken. Then you can explore the Farm, meet the animals, pet them play with the farm animals. Engaging in all these things makes stress disappear for parents, and these activities are unique to Vaksana Farms, and children are employed.

 

The farm vacation is considerably more peaceful and entertaining than the typical holiday, according to many parents who have taken this trip. Additionally, farm vacations encourage simple principles that parents want to instil in their kids, such as working hard and showing respect for nature.

 

Middle-class families spend a lot of money each year looking for entertainment and enjoyment in our world. Constantly invest in or spend money on specialised cars, cutting-edge technology, dining out, watching movies, etc. You will need a vacation to unwind from the strain of spending on you and your family. You can develop and enjoy the stunning scenery by spending your holiday at a farm.

Planting Saplings

Vaksana Farms host excellent summer festivities throughout the summer. We may enjoy farming by engaging in various agricultural chores, such as sowing seeds, harvesting & reaping crops, gathering eggs, and more. Additionally, it benefits all city kids who need help understanding how things operate in our modern farms and villages.

 

Learning about Crops

Harvesting is one of the most practical farming practices in crowded cities. Even if you only stay for a weekend, it will still be your family’s best experience. If you have children, this will be a fantastic opportunity for them to learn about the food industry first-hand and even assist with farm tasks like gathering eggs and feeding new-born lambs. This agricultural vacation provides the chance to escape the rush of modern life. Also, a withdrawal of family memories brings you and your family back to your farm beginnings. This is a much purer and easier way of existence.

 

You can book your stay and visit all the attractions that are close by.

Please click on the below link to book your stay.https://www.vaksanafarms.in/booking/

 

 

 

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The Animal Child Bond

When you take a child to Vaksana Farms, they sometimes do not know what to expect.

Today children are so used to being around gadgets. Once they come and see the lush green surroundings, they are so excited to be on a farm with so much space to play. They love looking at the animals and petting them. They find it exciting to see only the animals they have seen in books. A real-life horse, even a cow, and all the farm animals whose sounds we teach them so early are right there! Many families love caring for animals and want to teach their children. We love having children at seeing parents and children build beautiful memories together.

Children pick things up quickly and absorb information from hearing and seeing. Your children do not get to interact with nature in its natural state if they live in a city or even a small town. Children must live in a natural environment to learn fundamental lessons.

 

Along with getting up close and personal with these animals, Vaksana Farms also offers animal lovers beautiful villas to come and stay and enjoy modern facilities in a traditional set-up. There is plenty of family fun to be had. Remember to visit your four-legged friends at these farms.

Animals and children both display unconditional love. Your child will develop her love and respect for animals by caring for them. They will learn how to care for different animals and their dietary needs.

Who among you was brought up with a family dog? As you might expect, many guests tell us they do not recall when we did not have a dog in our house. One can see how their concern for the welfare of their feathery and furry friends permeates all they adore. They are better than their siblings. They treat their friends nicely. They also treat nature with kindness.

Parents are confident that when they have their own families, they will be raised with love and respect for all living things because they were nurtured around farm animals.

Please click on the below link to make your booking. You learn more about gardening in detail.https://www.vaksanafarms.in/booking/

 

 

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Grow More with Less – Build Your Own Mandala Garden

Vaksana Farms has a beautiful mandala garden—those who love art and gardening love learning the techniques we have used to build this beautiful structure.  

If you are wondering what a mandala garden is, it is designed in a circular form. This type of gardening has been around for so long, but it has only recently become popular due to the increase in urban and container gardening. It is a way to use space more efficiently, as the shape allows more plants to be grown in the same area.

Our mandala garden at Vaksana Farms is easy to maintain and does not require a lot of tools or effort. They allow for various complexity levels depending on your experience and skill. Beginners may prefer a smaller single-ring design, while more experienced gardeners prefer larger multi-ring designs.

Our Mandala Garden is visually pleasing with its symmetrical pattern, and we have tailored it to suit your aesthetic preference. 

Our garden is aesthetically pleasing and adds a touch of beauty to any outdoor setting. With the addition of colourful flowers and plants, these gardens can become a visual masterpiece that will envy your neighbours. 

You can go straightforward or ornate with different plant types and colours – endless possibilities!

Benefits of Mandala Gardens

Mandala gardening is a unique approach to working with space, providing many exciting benefits. For starters, mandala gardens allow you to maximize available space. Given that straight lines typically limit traditional rows, mandala gardens will enable you to creatively use the area while increasing your crop yield in the same room.

For those with limited time and resources, it requires minimal maintenance and often results in bountiful harvests despite the small effort needed. It also encourages biodiversity, with different plants growing intermingled with various soil areas – this allows beneficial insects and pollinators to flourish while strengthening your garden’s overall health.

 

 

 

 

How to Get Started with a Mandala Garden

Ready to get started? All you need to do is create a space suitable for your plants and then arrange them in the circular shape of a mandala. Here is how to get started:

Choose an Ideal Spot

The first step is to choose the right spot for your mandala garden. Remember that sunlight, wind, and drainage must be considered when deciding on a location for outdoor mandala gardens. You will also want enough room for the plants of your choice. Consider any existing paths or sitting areas around your yard before selecting a spot.

Mark Out Your Design

Once you know where you want your mandala garden, mark out where it will be located by creating a circle with some rope or string. This will help determine the size and shape of your garden.

Plant Your Mandala Garden

Now for the fun part: planting! Put together a combination of plants with different heights and shapes that complement each other visually—there is no one “right” combination. It is entirely up to you. Make sure they have similar soil and water needs so they all thrive together in their space. Remember, there is no need to cram as many plants as possible into the design; aim for diversity instead of quantity!

 

 

Please click on the below link to make your booking. You learn more about gardening in detail.

 

https://www.vaksanafarms.in/booking/

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Visiting Tiruvannamalai staying at Vaksana Farms

 

 

Arunachaleswarar Temple, also called Annamalaiyar Temple, is located at the foot of Arunachala. This is a 1 hour and 18 minutes drive from Vaksana Farms. From Vaksana Farms the temple is a popular tourist attraction and many of our guests like to make our farm a central point to visit Tiruvannamalai, Mailam Murugan, Cenji Fort and many temples close by. They prefer to stay in a comfortable place and take their own car. Some of our guests also hire a private vehicle from Chennai.  Many guests prefer combining their temple visits and staying at our farm. Most guests tell us they have yet to find suitable accommodation close to the temple and like to stay at Vaksana. We often suggest this temple to those who visit our farm as well. It is considered Lord Shiva’s most significant temple in the world.

 

Devotees throng the temple and share their experiences with us. Simply thinking about Tiruvanamalai repeatedly is enough to bring about Mukthi because it is a must-sthalam. Saints, Siddhas, and spiritual seekers worldwide, including Sri Ramana Maharishi, Sri Seshadri Swamigal, Sri Yogi Ramsurat Kumar, and many others, have made it their home.

This temple is devoted to the god Shiva and is one of the “Pancha Bhoota Stales,” or temples connected to the five elements. Here, Agni Lingam is the name given to Lord Shiva’s idol, also referred to as Arunachaleswarar or Annamalaiyar.

 

How to reach?: 

Tiruvannamalai can be reached from Chennai in around 195 kilometres, 3 hours and 45 minutes and from Bangalore in about 205 km (4 hours and 15 minutes). Roads and railroads connect it nicely. Buses travel directly to Tiruvannamalai. However, using a taxi service is the most practical option.

Temple Hours: Sri Arunachaleshwarar Temple is open from 5 am to 12:30 pm and 4 pm to 9:30 pm.

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