Atithi Parinay, farm & homestay, Ratnagiri

History of our Family and The house

Originally called Ganpules, they were once employed as warriors and advisors with the Peshwas, who gifted them a village. They came and settled in Kotawde, but another family laid claim to the land. The Ganpules put forth a proposition that one representative from both sides would burrow in a hole; whoever could last longer would be the true owner. The wily Ganpules stocked up their hole with provisions, outlasted the opponent and got their land back. The Peshwas granted them the title ‘sa-hastra-buddhi’ or someone who had knowledge of both weapons and brains.

About Host

Atithi Parinay Homestay is Started by Ms. Medha & Vasudha Sahasrabudhe; the Mother - Daughter duo in January 2010.

Medha Sahasrabudhe, co-owner and founder of Atithi Parinay, is an interior designer by profession. Starting Atithi Parinay was a mere coincidence. A figment of thought shared between two friends 7 years ago, which turned into a homestay after dedicated years of hard work. Medha’s vision for Atithi Parinay was to create a place where people could experience life in a farm, just as she had during her childhood. She used to spend her holidays in these farmlands, and eventually shifted to Kotawade to bring Atithi Parinay to reality. It is a perfect blend of a rural lifestyle and a peaceful getaway. She educated herself in the field of “Ecology and Environment” from the Ecological Society, Pune, to help cater to the vision. Atithi Parinay has been crafted keeping in mind the sanctity of the environment hence it has eco-friendly living and organic farming at its core. Medha has turned it into a multi-purpose venture, an eco-friendly and ecological hub, a great getaway home and also a source of income for the local farmers. Medha’s enthusiasm and dedication has made Atithi Parinay what it is today.

Vasudha Sahasrabudhe is a home maker and the backbone of Atithi Parinay. She is the inspiration and support that has shaped it. With love and dedication, she has made Atithi Parinay warm and beautiful over the years. Her pleasant personality and welcoming attitude makes all of our guests feel at home in an instance. She makes Atithi Parinay the ‘home’ it promises to be. Being a host comes naturally to her, and now, at the age of 61 , she is still helping to make Atithi Parinay an unforgettable experience for all.

As medha says, earlier she was her father's back-bone, now she is hers.

Atithi Parinay is our ancestral home. It was built as a family house and was used only by family members, until we opened it to our guests in January 2010. We have a dedicated team running the homestay : preparing meals, providing local, logistical assistance, maintaining the farmlands etc. Atithi Parinay was built on Indian values and culture. Little things like removing your footwear as you enter the house or sitting down for meal together etc, like rules of any Indian home, are also followed here. The food is typically of the Kokansatha Bramhan community. Our doors are open to all visitors who would like to share and immerse themselves in the history and tranquility of the house. We also do have a ‘ Vithal’ temple in our premises, built in the 1940’s, which has an interesting story to tell about itself and various other stories waiting to be explored !

Facilities
Car Parking : 8 Cars
Doctor on Call
Laundry Available
Running Hot Water : 24 hrs
Newspaper language : Regional
Board Game & Small Library
Pickup & Drop from Railway Station And Bus Stop at extra cost
Network accessible : Vodafone, Idea, BSNL, Airtel
Inverter / Generator backups; last for 5-6 hours only.
There is no TV facility on the Atithi Parinay property.

Food / Hygine
Pure Veg Meals - Unlimited Thali System
Breakfast : 8.30 am to 9.30 am
Lunch : 1.15 pm to 2.15 pm
Dinner : 8.00 pm
Tea : 8.30 am to 6 pm
Please note : there is no room service in Atithi Parinay
Towels or bed sheets will be replaced after every new guest.
Smoking & Consumption of Alcohol is strictly not allowed in the rooms or premises

A typical day

Upon arrival , our guests are greeted with cool refreshing glass of homemade ‘Sharbat’ (Juice). Once you settle in, your day typically begins with some yoga and meditation with the rising sun. If you aren’t an early riser, you could just wake up , take a walk dream the stream or a stroll in the farm and then gather for breakfast at around 8:30 am.
How you want to spend you daytime is upto you, There is ample space for outdoor activities and games. You could go swim in the river, relax yourself on the hammocks, get a fish pedicure, play board games and puzzles or just find a cozy corner and finish the book that you brought along. Lunch gets served at 1 pm in the dining area, where all guest’s sit down together for the meal.
Well, we all love tea and we would love to sit down and share stories over some chai at any time of the day. You can also plan a day of outing. Go trekking or bird watching, visit some farms nearby or explore the whole stretch of frmlands of Atithi Parinay. You could also go enjoy the beaches, temples and forts in and around Ratnagiri and Ganpatipule.
Dinner is generally served by 8 pm. Nights at Atithi Parinay are peaceful. Sit down under the stars with your loved ones and end your day with a night stroll or hike.