Permaculture Principles at Aranyavas: A Journey Towards Sustainable Living
Where Design Meets Nature
Aranyavas isn’t just a farmstay—it’s a living, growing experiment in harmony. Nestled in the foothills of the Aravallis, this retreat draws from the principles of permaculture to build not just a farm, but a way of life. Through soil, water, plants, and people, Aranyavas aims to be regenerative, not just sustainable.
What is Permaculture?
Permaculture is a design philosophy rooted in natural ecosystems. It offers practical ways to create systems that are self-sustaining and resilient—whether you’re growing food, building communities, or simply trying to live lighter on the planet. At Aranyavas, permaculture isn’t a buzzword—it’s the framework for every decision made on the land.
What is Permaculture?
Permaculture is a design philosophy rooted in natural ecosystems. It offers practical ways to create systems that are self-sustaining and resilient—whether you’re growing food, building communities, or simply trying to live lighter on the planet. At Aranyavas, permaculture isn’t a buzzword—it’s the framework for every decision made on the land.
12 Principles, 1 Purpose: Harmony with Nature
Observe and Interact
Everything at Aranyavas began with careful observation of wind, water, soil, and seasons. This groundwork shaped how farm beds are placed, which crops are grown where, and how water is conserved.
Catch and Store Energy
Rainwater is utilised through tanks and ponds. Energy needs are minimal, we are near off-grid, yet, we’re gradually exploring more solar solutions that fit naturally into the rhythm of the farm.
Obtain a Yield
We grow fruits, vegetables, herbs, and grains that feed both guests and our kitchen. No livestock or meat is part of our ecosystem—we’re proudly vegetarian.
Apply Self-Regulation and Accept Feedback
We regularly review our composting, planting, and guest interaction systems. If something doesn’t align with our ethos—or if nature says otherwise—we adjust.
Use and Value Renewable Resources
From cow dung compost to fermented buttermilk sprays, everything used on the farm is regenerative. Even waste becomes nourishment.
Produce No Waste
Waste from the kitchen goes straight into compost or is fed to the cows. Recycled glass, wood, and metal often find a new life on the farm. Or are disposed of responsibly.
Design from Patterns to Details
From the layout of our raised beds to the flow of water, everything at Aranyavas is designed for flow—of energy, water, people, and time.
Integrate Rather Than Segregate
In our gardens, you’ll find companion planting—marigolds next to okra, tulsi with tomatoes. The same integration applies to how guests engage with the farm.
Use Small and Slow Solutions
Soil is built year by year. New ideas are tested on small plots before scaling. Nothing here is rushed—time is a co-creator.
Use and Value Diversity
From papaya to pudina, drumstick to coriander, the farm thrives on diversity. It protects, balances, and enriches.
Use Edges and Value the Marginal
Our pond edges are full of life—frogs, flowering weeds, birds. Even boundary walls become vertical herb beds or native creeper zones.
Creatively Use and Respond to Change
Climate shifts have taught us to pivot: shade nets, seasonal timing, seed choices. Change is expected—and embraced.
What Guests Can Experience
Permaculture isn’t something we showcase—it’s something you experience. At Aranyavas, you’re invited to walk the farm, see how natural inputs work, or even try your hand at composting or seed-saving when sessions are available.
Our workshops—when offered—are small, hands-on, and deeply rooted in real practices: compost making, herbal sprays, or garden planning. Meals are vegetarian, made fresh with produce from the farm and nearby growers, reflecting the farm-to-table spirit.
Rooted in Community
Our team is local. Our practices are shared. And everything we build—from our own herbal teas to cow-dung compost—is meant to be regenerative, not extractive. We’re a work in progress—and proudly so.
A Living System
The beauty of permaculture is that it doesn’t end—it evolves. So does Aranyavas. Every seed, every guest, every monsoon shapes our journey. We hope you’ll visit not just to relax, but to witness what it means to live with the land.
