What Our Guests Teach Us: Reflections from the Retreat
At Aranyavas Nature Retreat, we often say that the farm teaches us something new every day. Yet, just as importantly, so do the people who come here. Every guest arrives carrying their own world — their stories, rhythms, and ways of seeing life. And as they spend time on the farm, we find ourselves learning as much from them as they do from this nature farm stay.
Every Guest Brings a Perspective
Some guests move quietly through the fields, observing plants with a calm, thoughtful curiosity. Others engage with questions — about composting, the telescope, the meals we serve, or the way farming unfolds here.
Children often run ahead freely, discovering joy in simple moments we may have stopped noticing. Their presence reminds us that the farm reveals itself differently to every individual who walks through it.
Children Teach Us to Notice Again
Children at Aranyavas don’t seek entertainment — they find it naturally. A butterfly passing by, a cow resting nearby, or a beetle crossing the path is enough to make them pause in wonder. They teach us how valuable it is to truly notice again. Many adults tell us they came here for their children, but unexpectedly reconnect with their own childhood along the way.
The Quiet Guests Teach Stillness
Some guests speak very little. They sit beneath a tree with a book, or spend long moments simply gazing at the Aravalli hills. From them, we learn that presence doesn’t always need words. Often, the deepest connection with a place comes from quietly being there, without the urge to shape or define the experience.
The Curious Guests Teach Openness
Some guests want to understand everything — how vegetables are grown, why compost is turned, what EM-1 does, and why food tastes different here, and what is the idea behind farm-to-table food. Their curiosity reminds us to stay attentive, to continue learning, and to never take everyday processes for granted. They keep us engaged and mindful of why we do what we do.
The Magic of December: Flowers in Harmony
December brings a special kind of life to Aranyavas. Flowers bloom together in soft, effortless harmony — marigolds glowing under the sun, hibiscus opening fresh each morning, bougainvillea climbing in full colour, sadabahar holding its pinks and whites, and small seasonal blossoms appearing quietly between beds. Guests often pause without intending to, noticing colours, forms, and fragrances that come together as one gentle frame. From this, we’re reminded that beauty doesn’t need to be curated — it simply needs space to grow.
The Guests Who Return Teach Belonging
When guests return — sometimes with more family, sometimes on their own — it reinforces that Aranyavas is more than a weekend stay. It becomes a place of connection. Their return tells us the farm offered something meaningful, something real enough to draw them back.
What We Carry Forward
Hosting guests teaches us patience, presence, curiosity, and an appreciation for small joys. It reminds us that our farmstay is shaped not only by the land and the people who work here, but also by those who arrive with open hearts and leave with quieter minds. Every guest adds another layer to this place — and, in turn, to us.
TL;DR
At Aranyavas Nature Retreat, every guest brings a unique perspective that quietly shapes the farm. From children who rediscover wonder, to silent guests who teach stillness, to curious minds that inspire learning, each visit adds meaning.
The land, especially in December’s natural bloom, reminds us that beauty grows when given space. Over time, returning guests turn the retreat into a place of belonging, teaching us that Aranyavas is shaped as much by people as by nature.
