After nearly three decades documenting nature and rural life, Vilas Kane shifted gears at age 60 to restore a century-old house in Maharashtra’s Konkan region. His homestay, free from TVs and internet distractions, invites visitors to experience slow village living while empowering local women through meaningful employment.
- Homestay offers no internet or TV, encouraging genuine human connection
- Local women manage operations and earn independent income
- Visitors experience traditional Konkani culture and peaceful village life
What happened
In 2021, Vilas Kane restored a 100-year-old ancestral home in the village of Jambhrun, Ratnagiri district, creating a homestay that reflects the region’s heritage and natural beauty. He left a long career in filmmaking to build this unique retreat where visitors can disconnect from digital distractions and immerse themselves in rural Konkan life.
The homestay is deliberately low-tech, with no televisions and minimal internet or mobile service. Guests are encouraged to slow down, converse, and explore the surroundings. The enterprise is supported by local women who prepare meals, host visitors, and manage daily tasks, many earning income for the first time through this initiative.
Why it feels good
The homestay fosters a sense of community and respect for local culture. Women like Anjali Shitut, Vaishali Shinde, and Deepti Shinde have gained financial independence and grown in confidence by managing the homestay’s operations, highlighting how the project empowers women while preserving traditional ways.
Visitors enjoy authentic Konkani dishes, peaceful walks by streams, and learning about the village's ecology and history, including a functioning 400-year-old water system. The experience not only benefits guests but also strengthens the village identity and supports dignified rural livelihoods.
What to enjoy or watch next
Those interested in slowing down and connecting with nature may find visiting Jambhrun Trails a refreshing escape from busy city life. The homestay’s simple, technology-free environment invites restful stays and meaningful conversations about heritage and sustainability.
Future visitors can look forward to guided village walks, traditional meals, and engaging with locals who have embraced new opportunities created by this thoughtful project. While more than 2,500 travelers have visited, the focus remains on quality experiences and sustaining the village’s character rather than rapid growth.