After a hectic week, I recently had the privilege of living out a countryside dream just an hour from Chandigarh, nestled in the heart of Rupnagar, Punjab. Our destination? A serene permaculture farm stay in the quaint village of Naurangpur – Slow Living X Chandigarh. This wasn’t just a weekend getaway; it was a complete immersion into the peace and simplicity of rural living, complete with all the amenities we city-dwellers could hope for. The idea of rewilding and slow living really came to life here, where every detail felt intentional and grounded.
From the moment we arrived, I could tell this was no ordinary farm stay. Greeted by our host, Siddhartha, we were welcomed with refreshing rose-infused drinks, crafted with roses grown on this farm. The cottages were beautiful, thoughtfully designed, and equipped with handmade rose cleansers for our showers, which felt like a refreshing hug from nature itself. And right outside our door was a plunge pool where we could dip our toes and let the entire week’s stress melt away.
Lunch at their café was another step up on this vacation. Every dish was prepared from ingredients grown on-site—farm-to-table in its truest form including all the pickles, jams and fancy-ass desserts. After filling ourselves with wholesome, fresh food, we relaxed on traditional “manjis” under a tree, soaking in the rural calm. As the sun began to set, I sipped my coffee, watching the fields glow in the soft evening light. Later, we cozied up to watch Jab We Met projected on a screen outdoors, enjoying homemade soup, crispy veggies, and kebabs. And for dessert? A brownie topped with farm-made gulkand ice cream—a treat that truly melted in our mouths and left us craving more.
The next morning, we rose before sunrise, sipping on green tea as the first rays lit up the farm. The symphony of birdsong and the sight of butterflies fluttering around made it feel like we had stepped into a dream. Breakfast awaited us outside, where we enjoyed freshly made bread, honey, and fruit, all produced on the farm.
We even got the chance to handpick fruits and vegetables—chillies, brinjals, beans, and sweet lime. Siddhartha then guided us to the poultry where we gathered fresh eggs. I felt deeply connected to the rhythm of farm life, something rare in the urban grind. And after a quick plunge pool shower, we spent the afternoon making pottery with local artisans, feeling the earth in our hands and creating something meaningful.
The food here was unlike anything I’ve tasted, bursting with freshness and flavor that made each meal an event. Siddhartha shared stories of their organic farming practices, which they take seriously. This wasn’t just a place that claimed to be eco-friendly; it was a farm where sustainability and authenticity were a way of life.
Leaving the farm, I felt a sense of fulfillment that was hard to shake. Even back home, I found my mind lingering in Naurangpur, dreaming of the quiet, star-lit nights, and fresh farm meals. For anyone looking for an authentic countryside experience just a short drive from Chandigarh or Delhi, this place is more than a stay—it’s a conscious, heartfelt way of living that everyone should experience.