Experienced a fun re-treat with cousins-By Sonal Jain

I am in my 20’s as of now but looks like my choices are of those in their 60’s. One-day retreats have been in trend for quite a sometime and I always wished to spend time with my close ones doing in-house activities present there and eat lots of good food and in the end spend time on a poolside just wishing to stay back in the pool forever. There is nothing better than treating yourself with a day off just doing nothing.  

Well, that one tiny wish came true very recently on my trip to Karnataka, my hometown. Here is how it went-

Stage 1- Cribbing about planning

In every household, every trip begins with endless cribbing about not being able to go anywhere and have a good time together. Many of my elder cousins own a shop and in business one hardly gets any time for themselves until there is someone who can replace them for a few days. So, trying to convince them for a short break is another big task. 

Stage 2- One of us comes with a plan-

Well after a never-ending decision and no outcome, all when back to sleep with our faces looking unhappy. The next day one of my cousins comes up with a plan to go to a farm that is owned by his friend. The next thing we knew was we had to go there for a day and spend the time relaxing. Guess what I enquired about first? Yes, of course, it had to be a swimming pool. 

It had been more than 2 years since I’ve been in a pool, thanks to covid. We planned a one-day trip with, it was the first only cousin’s trip.

Stage 3- Convincing parents and packing bags-

Most of our trips have been with at least one or two elder family members. This time all we wanted was to go with cousins and have a great time filled with fun, laughter, and endless entertainment. Well, eventually we sorted that out and finally were ready to go.

Where did we go?

Introducing a very beautiful, peaceful, and place with stunning views TEKFARM in Dharwad, Karnataka. 

Location: Tekfarm Ecovillage & Marriage Hall 

Near Nuggikeri Toll Gate, NH - 4 Mumbai-Bengaluru, Bypass Road, Karnataka 580114

We reached there at 9 am after driving for 4 hours and as we entered the property, all I could see was greenery all around, amazing weather, and some good spots to click pictures. I was very excited to explore the place a little more and my eyes were constantly searching the pool. 

Our stomachs only waited for breakfast because we started our journey very early in the morning. Since we had little kids along, that was the first thing we wished to begin the day. 

Upon ordering the breaking, we all thought of taking a short walk to see the property till the breakfast is ready. That is when we entered an area full of games like net cricket, table tennis, rings, kids' cycles, and much more.

A few minutes ago got busy playing in that area for more than 30-40 minutes. It became a fun spot for us too because that is the energy kids bring into your life. It lets you become a child again. We all forget about the breakfast and enjoyed the time there.

Breakfast time-

There is one good thing about being in Karnataka and that is the delicious South Indian Food. The moment I enter Karnataka, there is nothing I would prefer over Dosas. TEKFARM served us some very delicious dosas and all of us had a great time with food and chilling for a while. 

Since we went in July, which is monsoons, the weather turned out to be outstanding. The sky was clear and beautiful. Monsoon skies are my favourite. 

Zorbing ball had us in the first round-

I do not know whether it was the best decision ever to try a zorbing ball immediately after breakfast but since it was our first time, no one told us not to do it. Zorbing ball alone kept us busy for good 2 hours and the best part was that none of us were on phones because having fun at the moment became our motto.

There were two different types of zorbing balls inside. One which is a circle and one that is cylindrical.

In circle one, only two individuals were allowed, the harness was put, and the ball was rolled. You can feel the world moving around you and, that one-minute ride is not easy as it seems. 

You can feel your heartbeat and blood circulation, to be honest. But what a fun ride it was. Luckily none of us puked after a heavy breakfast, but better go empty stomach for the ride.

The cylindrical one doesn’t have a harness and, one needs to push it themselves. Balancing is the key and, fun is the result. Kids had a lot of fun playing rounds and did not want to leave the place until we told them its time to go for a swim.

Give me pool and see me forget the world- 

Well, the above title is one hundred percent true for someone like me and my cousins because all of us waiting to dip into the pool after 2 years and that happened at TEKFARM’s beautiful pool. Clean water, beautiful weather, and unlimited time have us all in the vicinity of this place.  

We made a lot of videos, risked an iPhone for underwater videos, took a tripod to shoot videos, and played endlessly in the pool.

Speaking about me in a pool, I feel the most alive when I’m around water. Floating on the water is my favorite and being in the pool after 2 years helped me feel so good.

The mud bath-

This activity was a hit of nostalgia when all of us played in sand and mud until our moms dragged us back home. This mud bath for all my brothers was exactly that. They thoroughly enjoyed this mud bath for a good half an hour. 

A little tip here, please apply coconut oil after you clean up to avoid any kind of burns which can happen by limitlessly rubbing the mud. The mud otherwise is very safe but because of constant rubbing, the body can get little bruises.

Rain dance to the rescue-

The rain dance is a different kind of therapy I feel. The water is cold, the music is playing and just let go of yourself in the mood. I love the concept of a rain dance. It makes you feel alive, and the fun doubles up if you have a gang of equally crazy people with you.

The epic South Indian Lunch-

Well, I pity the cook who was preparing the lunch for us because post-swim there were no bounds to our hunger and the last thing, we remember was finishing almost everything that was served to us. 

Speaking about food, we had a very wholesome south Indian meal that filled our hearts with love. Staying in Noida for the last 8 years, I miss authentic south Indian food the most. So plus 1 to TEKFARM for the food is served.

Post swim all we did was get ready and explored the beautiful spots around the property. The best part of this place is the location, super peaceful and airy. The weather was beautiful, the sun was about to set, the sky was pretty, and I was happy. 

Some other fun activities to do-

Horse ride-

I have a thing for White Horses and here we met one. His name is Bullet and what a beauty it is. Kid enjoyed this fun ride and by the time that happened, I spent a few minutes watching the pretty love birds and clicking a few pictures.

His name is Bullet

Love birds

 

A tractor ride-

To add some fun elements to your trip, a tractor present gives you a quick fun ride around the property. It’s a different experience altogether.

A farm field-

There is a part of this property that has been beautifully developed like a farm field, a ‘KHET’. Hanging on the tyres, lovely green trees around and brown mud spread all over. One more fun activity is rope cycling here. Looks a bit scary, but it seemed more fun to do. We finished all the activities by 6 pm and then went for the evening tea.

Evening tea and end of the trip-

 

We all were super tired after a fulfilling day of fun and relaxation. We felt rejuvenated and in the end, the trip ended with a cup of tea, some snacks, and lots of pictures. 

My favourite spot

Finally, around 7 pm we bid goodbye to this beautiful property with a big wide smile on our faces and the feeling of accomplishment of all cousin’s trip.

 

The best thing about such a one-day recreational activity trip is that we get so busy and involved in the activities that none of us had phones in our hands. It only came out to click pictures and videos. This made the trip more fun and brought the importance of belonging into the limelight.

 

I thank TEKFARM for the amazing hospitality and food along with beautiful spaces to click pictures.

The gang of Cousins

 

I obviously have to mention the cousin who actually planned the entire short trip and made it perfect in every way. His name is Rithesh and as soon as I told him that I want to visit a calm and super relaxing place, the next day it was all set and we headed for a road trip. 

Really glad to have had this lovely experience that helped me relax before coming back to Noida in the scorching heat. 

The cousin made this trip successful