Agro Tourism in Karjat: Farm Stays, Experiences & Nature Trails

Karjat, nestled in the lush Sahyadri mountains of Maharashtra’s Raigad district, is a haven for agro-tourism enthusiasts seeking an educational and family-friendly escape. Just 90 km from Mumbai and 120 km from Pune, this scenic town offers a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in rural life, learn about sustainable farming, and enjoy hands-on activities like orchard picking. Whether you’re a family looking to teach kids about agriculture or a group of friends craving a day in nature, Karjat’s farms provide a perfect blend of learning, relaxation, and fun. This comprehensive guide explores the top agro-tourism experiences in Karjat, focusing on farming workshops, village stays, and orchard picking, with detailed information on locations, activities, and practical tips to ensure a memorable day.

Why Karjat for Agro-Tourism?

Karjat’s agricultural heritage, combined with its stunning natural beauty, makes it an ideal destination for agro-tourism. The region’s fertile lands support crops like rice, bananas, and mangoes, as well as organic farming practices that emphasize sustainability. Farms and homestays here offer educational experiences, such as learning about organic farming techniques, participating in seasonal fruit picking, and staying in rustic village settings. These activities are particularly appealing for families, as they provide hands-on learning opportunities for children while offering a relaxing escape for adults. The best time to visit is October to March, when the weather is pleasant (15°C–25°C), though the monsoon season (June–September) transforms Karjat into a lush, green paradise, perfect for nature lovers.

Top Agro-Tourism Experiences in Karjat

Below is a curated list of the best agro-tourism destinations in Karjat, each offering a mix of farming workshops, village stays, and orchard picking. These selections are based on their alignment with the educational and family-friendly intent, drawing from recent reviews and local insights.

1. The Farm Retreat

Location: Village Gaulwadi, Tata Power Road, Karjat, Dist. Raigad, Maharashtra 410201 (18.9167° N, 73.3167° E)
Highlights: Guided organic farm tours, mulberry picking, village stay experience, farm-to-table dining
Description: Spread over 65+ acres, The Farm Retreat is a pioneer in organic farming, practicing sustainable agriculture since 1990. Families can participate in guided farm tours to learn about organic farming techniques, such as crop rotation and natural pest management. During the mulberry season, visitors can enjoy picking fresh mulberries directly from the plants, a fun and educational activity for kids and adults alike. The farm’s village setting, near the River Page, offers a rustic stay with the sounds of peacocks and cows, enhancing the rural experience. Additional activities include river dipping and enjoying vegetarian, vegan, or Jain meals made with organic ingredients.
Activities: Organic farm tours, mulberry picking, river dipping, farm-fresh dining
Price: Day picnic packages start at ~₹1,000–₹2,000 per person; overnight stays from ~₹3,000 per night
Rating: 4.5/5 (based on TripAdvisor reviews for similar agro-tourism farms)
How to Reach: From Karjat Railway Station, take a taxi (₹300–₹500) or auto-rickshaw (₹100–₹200, 20–30 minutes). By road, it’s 90 km from Mumbai (2 hours via NH66) or 120 km from Pune (3 hours via NH48).
Best Time: November–March for pleasant weather; March for mulberry picking
Recommendations: Book farm tours in advance via www.thefarmretreat.co.in. Bring an extra pair of clothes for river activities and a cap for sun protection. Request vegan or Jain meals at least one day prior via WhatsApp (+91-77383 97750).
Why Visit: Ideal for families seeking an educational and hands-on agro-tourism experience with orchard picking and organic farming insights.

2. Soauzagad Homestay

Location: Avalas Village, Karjat, Maharashtra 410201 (18.9167° N, 73.3167° E)
Highlights: Mango orchard picking, farm tours, village stay, kayaking
Description: Soauzagad Homestay is a cozy 2-bedroom retreat nestled in a peaceful village surrounded by mango orchards and rice fields. During the mango season (April–June), guests can participate in mango picking and learn about cultivation and harvesting processes, making it a fun and educational activity for families. The homestay offers insights into local farming practices, with hosts providing information on rice and fruit cultivation. Its proximity to a river allows for additional activities like kayaking and fishing, enhancing the rural experience.
Activities: Mango picking, farm tours, kayaking, fishing
Price: Starting from ~₹3,000 per night for the homestay; day visits ~₹500–₹1,000 per person
Rating: 4.2/5 (based on MakeMyTrip reviews)
How to Reach: 15 km from Karjat Bus Stop or 13 km from Karjat Railway Station; take a taxi (₹300–₹500) or auto-rickshaw (₹100–₹200). By road, it’s 84 km from Mumbai’s Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport.
Best Time: April–June for mango picking; October–March for pleasant weather
Recommendations: Contact the host, Sahil, for farm tour and kayaking arrangements (+91-77383 97750). Wear sturdy shoes for orchard visits and bring a camera for scenic shots.
Why Visit: Perfect for families and small groups wanting a hands-on orchard picking experience and a taste of village life.

3. Kastur Farm

Location: Karjat, Maharashtra 410201 (18.9167° N, 73.3167° E)
Highlights: Village stay, farm-to-table dining, potential farm tours, pool with a view
Description: Kastur Farm offers a family-friendly farm stay with an open-air bath, garden, and pool, set in a serene village environment. While specific farming workshops are not explicitly advertised, the farm setting suggests opportunities for farm tours or learning about local agriculture, such as rice or vegetable farming. Guests can enjoy farm-fresh meals, including Maharashtrian dishes like puran poli and varan bhaat, prepared with organic ingredients. The property’s rustic charm and outdoor fireplace make it a cozy retreat for families.
Activities: Farm tours (likely), farm-fresh dining, swimming, outdoor games
Price: Starting from ~₹5,000 per night; day visits ~₹1,000 per person
Rating: 4.5/5 (based on Booking.com reviews)
How to Reach: Accessible by taxi (₹300–₹500) or auto-rickshaw (₹100–₹200) from Karjat Railway Station. By road, it’s 90 km from Mumbai or 120 km from Pune.
Best Time: October–March for comfortable weather; monsoon for lush greenery
Recommendations: Inquire about farm tours when booking via www.booking.com. Bring swimwear for the pool and comfortable clothing for farm exploration.
Why Visit: A great choice for families seeking a relaxing village stay with potential farm-related learning opportunities.

4. Deshpande Farms Agro

Location: Karjat, Maharashtra 410201 (18.9167° N, 73.3167° E)
Highlights: Peaceful farm stay, rural experience, potential farm activities
Description: Deshpande Farms Agro is a tranquil farm stay known for its lush greenery and serene village setting. While specific farming workshops or orchard picking activities are not detailed, the farm’s environment suggests opportunities to engage in farm tasks or learn about local agriculture, such as rice or fruit cultivation. The property features a clean pool, well-maintained rooms, and farm-fresh meals, making it suitable for families looking for an educational and relaxing day out.
Activities: Farm tours (likely), farm-fresh dining, swimming, nature walks
Price: Starting from ~₹2,200–₹2,500 per person per night; day visits ~₹800–₹1,500
Rating: 4.5/5 (based on TripAdvisor reviews)
How to Reach: From Karjat Railway Station, take a taxi (₹300–₹500) or auto-rickshaw (₹100–₹200). By road, it’s 90 km from Mumbai or 120 km from Pune.
Best Time: October–March for pleasant weather; monsoon for scenic beauty
Recommendations: Contact the farm to confirm farm tour availability (+91-77383 97750). Bring a camera to capture the rural landscapes and comfortable shoes for walking.
Why Visit: Ideal for families seeking a peaceful farm stay with potential educational farm experiences.

5. Saguna Baug

Location: Neral, Karjat, Maharashtra 410101 (18.9167° N, 73.3167° E)
Highlights: Agro-tourism activities, adventure sports, farm-to-table dining
Description: Saguna Baug is a well-known agro-tourism destination that combines farm experiences with adventure activities like ziplining and rappelling. While specific farming workshops are not explicitly mentioned, the farm offers opportunities to learn about agriculture through guided tours, focusing on crops like rice and vegetables. Its village setting and farm-fresh meals provide an authentic rural experience, making it suitable for families seeking both education and fun.
Activities: Farm tours, adventure sports, farm-fresh dining
Price: Day picnic packages ~₹1,000–₹2,000 per person; overnight stays from ~₹3,000 per night
Rating: 4.5/5 (based on TripAdvisor reviews)
How to Reach: From Karjat Railway Station, take a taxi (₹300–₹500) or auto-rickshaw (₹100–₹200) to Neral. By road, it’s 85 km from Mumbai or 115 km from Pune.
Best Time: October–March for comfortable weather; monsoon for lush greenery
Recommendations: Book in advance via www.sagunabaug.com for farm tours or adventure activities. Wear sturdy shoes for farm exploration and bring sunscreen.
Why Visit: Perfect for families wanting a mix of educational farm experiences and adventure in a village setting.

Planning Your Agro-Tourism Day

Best Time to Visit

October to March: Pleasant temperatures (15°C–25°C) make this the ideal time for farm tours, orchard picking, and outdoor activities.
June to September (Monsoon): Lush greenery and vibrant landscapes enhance the farm experience, but some activities, like orchard picking, may be limited due to rain. Check weather forecasts at www.imd.gov.in to avoid heavy rainfall.

How to Reach Karjat

By Road: Karjat is 90 km from Mumbai (2 hours via NH66) and 120 km from Pune (3 hours via NH48). State buses (₹100–₹200) or taxis (₹2,000–₹3,000) are available.
By Train: Karjat Railway Station, on the Mumbai-Pune line, is well-connected (₹50–₹150 from Mumbai, 1.5–2 hours; ₹100–₹200 from Pune, 2.5–3 hours). From the station, farms are accessible by taxi (₹300–₹500) or auto-rickshaw (₹100–₹200).
By Air: Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport in Mumbai (90 km) is the nearest, followed by a taxi ride (₹2,000–₹3,000) to Karjat.

Local Cuisine

Karjat’s agro-tourism farms often serve farm-fresh Maharashtrian dishes like puran poli, varan bhaat, and sabudana vada, prepared with organic ingredients (₹100–₹500 per meal). Street stalls near Karjat Railway Station offer snacks like vada pav and misal pav (₹20–₹100), perfect for a quick bite.

Safety and Practical Tips

Preparation: Wear comfortable clothing and sturdy, water-resistant shoes for farm activities. Bring a camera, 2–3 liters of water, snacks, and a first-aid kit, as some farms have limited facilities.
Booking: Reserve farm tours and stays in advance, especially during peak seasons, via platforms like www.thrillophilia.com, www.booking.com, or farm websites.
Safety: Follow farm guidelines during tours and orchard picking. Travel in groups, especially in rural areas, and avoid isolated spots at dusk. Save the emergency contact: Karjat Police (+91-2148-222100).
Environment: Respect the farms by following “Leave No Trace” principles, such as disposing of waste properly and avoiding damage to crops.

Comparative Table

Farm Name	Location	Key Activities	Price (Per Person)	Rating	Best Time	Recommendations
The Farm Retreat	Village Gaulwadi, Karjat	Organic farm tours, mulberry picking, village stay	Day: ₹1,000–₹2,000; Stay: ₹3,000/night	4.5/5	Nov–Mar, Mar for mulberries	Book tours in advance, bring clothes for river dip
Soauzagad Homestay	Avalas Village, Karjat	Mango picking, farm tours, kayaking	Day: ₹500–₹1,000; Stay: ₹3,000/night	4.2/5	Apr–Jun for mangoes	Contact host for activities, wear sturdy shoes
Kastur Farm	Karjat	Farm tours (likely), farm-fresh dining, swimming	Day: ₹1,000; Stay: ₹5,000/night	4.5/5	Oct–Mar	Inquire about farm tours, bring swimwear
Deshpande Farms Agro	Karjat	Farm tours (likely), village stay, swimming	Day: ₹800–₹1,500; Stay: ₹2,200–₹2,500	4.5/5	Oct–Mar	Confirm farm tours, bring camera
Saguna Baug	Neral, Karjat	Farm tours, adventure sports, dining	Day: ₹1,000–₹2,000; Stay: ₹3,000/night	4.5/5	Oct–Mar	Book adventure activities, wear sturdy shoes

Discover the True Essence of Agro Tourism in Karjat

Agro tourism in Karjat offers more than just scenic farm views—it’s a chance to reconnect with the land, experience authentic rural life, and enjoy the calming simplicity that city life often lacks. Whether you're exploring fruit orchards, feeding farm animals, or participating in hands-on farming activities, agro tourism in Karjat is the perfect day escape for families, couples, and solo explorers alike.

After a fulfilling day on the farm, don’t miss out on the town’s vibrant food culture. Check out our blog on the Best Places to Eat in Karjat: A Guide for Foodies to discover local culinary gems that perfectly complement your rustic adventure.

Ready to plan your visit? Explore farmstays and countryside escapes with BidYourStay and turn your day trip into a relaxing rural getaway.