20 Years of Soil, 12 Years of Hospitality & Proven Reverse Migration
In 2007, we chose to step away from 22 years of corporate advertising in Mumbai. What began as an urgent, honest search for peace on neglected ancestral laterite land in Phungus has evolved into a 20-acre living sanctuary for conscious living. We started with untamed, rocky soil that was not friendly to conventional farming—the only land we had.
“The ultimate goal of farming is not the growing of crops, but the cultivation and perfection of human beings.”
Over these twenty years, farming has ceased to be an occupation—it has become a rigorous journey of learning the art and science of knowing soil, people, crops, food, work, and life itself.
For those who harbor a quiet longing for a life anchored in the land, our story stands as grounded proof: Reverse migration is not a romantic weekend fantasy—it is a viable, dignified, and deeply rewarding way of life.
Documentaries, Long-Form Podcasts, and Dialogues on Soil, Food & Conscious Living
Why two middle-class Mumbaikars gave up senior advertising careers for slow living, building Farm of Happiness from scratch with no farming background, and what quitting the city really costs.
In this episode with Swapnil Rao and Mrunmayee Deshpande, Rahul and Sampada share their move away from urban speed toward 'अन्नभान' (food consciousness), regenerative farming, and living with care.
A candid conversation on finding the true essence of natural farming and agro-tourism beyond buzzwords, navigating early mistakes, and creating a life that deepens your humanity.
Renowned Psychiatrist, Author, and Founder of IPH, Dr. Anand Nadkarni opens a thought-provoking conversation dissecting the psychological conviction behind walking away from corporate comfort.
Rahul shares the stage at Swayam Talks Nashik, articulating the internal transition from advertising leadership to agriculture, re-anchoring to roots, and redefining authentic happiness.
Veteran journalist and author Dr. Uday Nirgudkar conducts an incisive interview on the socio-economic realities of rural relocation and building an ethical agro-tourism model.
Award-winning organic farmer and permaculture pioneer Rajendra Bhat joins Rahul and Sampada in a dialogue exploring soil biology, ethics, and the spiritual act of food growing.
The premier positive news platform highlights how an advertising creative director and actor-writer transformed 20 acres of laterite land into an off-grid ecological haven.
In this podcast conversation, popular actress Sulekha Talwalkar speaks with Sampada about her creative evolution across Marathi theatre, dance, writing, and the courageous choice of a life in agriculture.
Sulekha Talwalkar interviews the couple on the mutual conviction, shared hurdles, and deep partnership required to step away from corporate trajectories and build a sanctuary together.
Journalist and Anchor Nibandh Kanitkar of Sangameshwar has a heart to heart conversation with Rahul at 'Farm of Happiness' regarding his approach on Reverse Migration, Farming v/s Agri Business, and Rural living.
In this episode of 'Beyond Thoughts' on Doordarshan Sahyadri, host Rohan Gujar interviews guests Sampada Kulkarni and Rahul Kulkarni, who discuss their journey and philosophy behind combining agriculture with tourism to create joyful experiences for both farmers and visitors.
Documented Across National Dailies, Global Travel Journals, and Agricultural Publications
Featured prominently on the cover alongside destinations like Italy and France, this international feature brought global attention to our small organic farm in Ratnagiri, spotlighting our quiet orchards, birdcalls, and farm living as a tactile classroom[cite: 15, 16].
Open the complete feature in one PDF, combining all four Lonely Planet documents. The feature documented how two advertising professionals built an agrarian haven that inspires travelers to trade virtual farm games for real soil[cite: 18, 19, 21].
Maharashtra’s leading agricultural daily celebrated our 20-year transition in a 7-page Diwali feature, validating our regenerative methods, rare heirloom Sonpal red rice cultivation, closed-loop biogas power, and rural employment across 3 villages[cite: 1, 2, 5, 6].
A leading automotive publication centered an exclusive road-trip feature around our 'Live Local' philosophy, showcasing handcrafted vernacular architecture, zero-waste cycles, and how reconnecting with nature offers city dwellers a true sense of coming home[cite: 22, 24, 25, 27].
India's leading national daily brought nationwide attention to our deliberate departure from corporate advertising in Mumbai, profiling the farm as grounded proof that reverse migration is a viable, dignified, and rewarding life choice.
Recognized among the premier homestays in Konkan by the global voice in conscious travel, honoring our hand-built vernacular home salvaged from century-old temple wood, screen-free quietude, and farm-to-table integrity.
Maharashtra’s premier daily profiled Sampada’s journey from celebrated careers in theatre and television into full-time natural farming and hospitality, highlighting the deep personal fulfillment found beyond the urban spotlight.
A Marathi newspaper feature documenting the farm and its journey in Konkan.
A leading regional feature exploring how a prominent artist established a thriving agro-tourism model in rural Konkan, showing how creative expression can seamlessly merge with soil conservation and indigenous culinary heritage.
Distinguishing between temporary weekend getaways and permanent rural commitment, this feature captured how our departure from Mumbai’s corporate race permanently enriched the local village economy and surrounding biodiversity.
National & Global Recognitions That Affirmed Our 20-Year Journey of Soil & Hospitality
Stories of the Soil, Seasonal Farm Rhythms & Daily Life in Phungus
We document the unfiltered everyday realities of natural farming, culinary traditions, wildlife on the laterite plateau, and quiet rural reflections. Connect with us on our channels and read our ongoing writings.