Children celebrating the Sankranthi samburallu in Karimnagar town on Friday.
| Photo Credit: UPPU DAMODAR
During the festival of kites and all things traditional, it is time to step into the countryside. This Sankranti, roads leading to Siddipet, Gandipet, and Chevella witness a steady stream of cars as families leave the city for a quick getaway at rented or friends’ farmhouses. The idea is to escape the city, without venturing too far and reconnect with Nature.
Thinking bonfires and game nights? “Farmhouse stays are not always about bonfires or typical house party vibes. It is the joy of waking up and stepping into the fields,” says Rama Raju, an interior designer who has rented her former client’s home in Vikarabad for a day.
In recent years, numerous real estate ventures have sprung up on the outskirts of the city, offering small parcels of land that have attracted buyers eager to fulfil their dream of owning independent homes. “Most of these properties are usually rented out on request to friends and family. The arrangements are basic with essential amenities and a caretaker who often doubles as a cook,” explained Jyoti. Roughly over 1000 families make it farm stays during this time.
She adds that the charm lies in the simplicity: spending time in the open, walking barefoot on grass, and gazing at an unobstructed sky, free from towering high-rises.
How does it differ from a staycation at a resort? Mahalakshmi Nanda, a teacher at a engineering institute in Hyderabad says, “Resorts offer comfort, but you cannot lounge around in your home clothes. I prefer farmhouses listed on Airbnb because I want my children to experience nature in its raw form and not in a manicured garden. The farmhouse we are headed to in Cheverla is not huge—it has a lawn, a verandah, and privacy.”
Mahalakshmi shared that their holiday kicks off on Sunday with a picnic en route, followed by a three-night stay with traditional food. “We requested open air cooking arrangements so the children can experience something different . Two of my friend’s children are also accompanying us.
Women participating rangoli celebrations as part of ‘Sankranti Sambaralu”
| Photo Credit:
RAMAKRISHNA G
And what about kites? “None of us are expert kite-flyers, and being in a rural area with many birds frequenting the fields and lakes, I am quietly hoping we don’t see too many kites. I am more excited to show the children the colourful muggus (rangolis),” she says.
Rents for these farmhouse stays vary from ₹3,000 per night and upwards, depending on the size and amenities. Properties with pools or a badminton court can cost over ₹10000. Guests can also bring their own food.
Rajesh Prakash, in Siddipet, , shared that despite building the property, his professional commitments have prevented him from enjoying longer stays there. He said, “My friends and their friends seem to enjoy the property more. We grow leafy greens and seasonal vegetables here. We offer very basic, local food. If guests prefer to cook their own meals, that is also an option.” The farmhouse is not airconditioned, a feature many rural properties are intentionally avoiding. Surprisingly, guests do not seem to mind. Rajesh noted that festivals like Sankranti, Ugadi, and Christmas bring a spike in inquiries. “My property is quite new, I haven’t even listed it on a holiday rental site yet.”
Published – January 10, 2025 02:39 pm IST
