You may find it hard to believe, but it is absolutely true — tourists from 38 different countries have visited the Ingawale Farm House located in Kidgaon near Satara. Just 10 km from Satara, on the banks of the Venna River, this beautiful farm stay has become a major attraction for international travelers. Satara is surrounded by several tourist destinations, and realizing the potential, Akshay Ingawale, a young entrepreneur, decided to start this farm stay in 2017 so visiting tourists could have a homely, authentic stay option.
The Ingawale family owns four acres of farmland near the village, and this is where the farm stay began. Akshay, a B.Sc. dropout, always wanted to work in the tourism sector. He started the farm stay on a small scale, but after COVID, the flow of tourists increased significantly. Today, on half an acre of their farmland, Akshay runs several activities for visitors. The stay includes eight spacious rooms built for tourists. A specially built machan and watchtower in the farm provide breathtaking views of Yewateshwar and Ajinkyatara fort — a true delight for visitors. Akshay has minimised construction and focused on natural materials to maintain the rustic charm and reduce costs. The spacious hall built for tourists uses bamboo extensively and beautifully.
Akshay shares that during the lockdown, when tourists were restricted, over 200 local ceremonies and functions were held at the farm. Even today, on days when there is a function, they do not accept tourist bookings. A beautiful lawn and a small outdoor kitchen have been built where tourists can enjoy the experience of cooking on a traditional firewood stove. Several coconut trees have been planted to provide shade as well as additional income. The family’s house and farmland are adjacent to the farm stay. Akshay personally gives visitors a complete tour of his farm.
Foreign tourists enjoy listening to information about the crops, and many even join in the morning routine of milking the cows. He also offers local sightseeing packages — Kaas Plateau, Thoseghar Waterfall, Koyna Backwaters, Ajinkyatara Fort, Tapola, Meruling, etc. For this, he has even purchased a caravan, which allows him to arrange camping anywhere for tourists. Because of all these experiences, many guests keep returning. Akshay has listed Ingawale Farm Stay on all major travel websites, which has significantly boosted his reach and bookings. His wife and family members actively support him in running the place.
Earlier, the four acres of farmland produced around 40 tonnes of sugarcane annually. But today, the farm stay alone generates an average monthly income of around ₹1.25 lakh. Entrepreneurs like Akshay Ingawale inspire the rise of farmer entrepreneurs across villages — helping strengthen the rural economy.