What we say

Tucked away in the Western Ghats, this isn’t the Goa of shacks and nightlife but something entirely different – a 15-acre organic farm where the only sounds are birdsong and rustling leaves. Founded by Rajesh and Swati, who left corporate life to create something meaningful, Nature’s Nest proves there’s another side to Goa that most visitors never discover.

The accommodation feels more like staying with friends than checking into a hotel. Simple, comfortable cottages scattered across the property blend seamlessly into the landscape, each with private sit-outs overlooking spice gardens and forest. No air conditioning needed here – the elevation and tree cover keep things naturally cool.

What sets this place apart is the genuine commitment to sustainability. Everything is grown organically on-site, from the coffee beans to the vegetables that appear at dinner. Rainwater harvesting, solar power, composting – it’s all there, but never feels preachy or performative, it’s just what they do, naturally. The delicious and wholesome family-style meals also showcase just how good farm-to-table can be, when done right.

Days here revolve around nature – guided walks through spice plantations, birdwatching sessions, or simply reading in a hammock. There’s yoga if you want it, cooking classes using ingredients picked fresh from the garden, and evening conversations around the fire pit where other guests become friends.

This is Goa for people who want to connect with the land rather than the party scene and a reminder that sometimes the most authentic experiences are found where you least expect them.

Our three words:

Peaceful | Unexpected | Nature

Philippa…

Hotel Story

Nature’s Nest was founded in 2010 by Pankaj Lad and Ramesh Zarmekar, passionate wildlife enthusiasts with deep love for the Western Ghats. Driven by their desire to introduce this region’s rich biodiversity to sensitive travelers, they established Nature’s Nest as a model for responsible eco-tourism that integrates nature education, sustainable practices, and conservation efforts into daily operations.

Nestled within a lush plantation adjoining Bhagwan Mahavir Wildlife Sanctuary in Goa’s Western Ghats, this nature resort offers an immersive wilderness experience across 5 acres. Ten cozy cottages provide serene retreats where guests feel at home amidst pristine natural beauty. The property features a unique Bubble Spa and refreshing natural spring pool for ultimate relaxation.

Their remarkable conservation initiative transformed 15 acres of abandoned farmland into regenerated forest over four years. The “Water for Wildlife” project created permanent waterholes attracting leopards, gaurs, bears, and countless bird species. Guests enjoy exclusive night safaris, conservation trails, bioluminescence fungi walks, cultural village experiences, and authentic Goan cuisine. This conservation hotspot offers unparalleled opportunities to connect with nature while supporting meaningful environmental restoration in one of India’s most biodiverse regions.

SUSTAINABLE SCORE : 52/70

  • Land Reclamation/Rewilding: 7
  • Food from 50 Mile Radius: 8.5
  • Organic Produce: 5
  • Wastewater Recycling/Management: 5
  • Natural Materials / Heritage Building: 8
  • Single Plastic: 9.5
  • Local Staff: 9

SUSTAINABLE INITIATIVES

  • 100% Dry Waste Recycling: All dry waste, including plastic, is collected and sent for proper recycling through authorized channels
  • Garden to Kitchen: On-site vegetable plots help reduce food wastage and dependence on external supplies
  • Natural Spring Pool: Chlorine-free pool naturally filled by underground spring water, reflecting our groundwater levels; the pool remains replenished continuously, with excess water flowing out naturally
  • Groundwater Recharge: Rainwater is channelized into abandoned ant hills, which have natural openings connected to the groundwater table, helping recharge underground water levels
  • Eco-Friendly Guest Products: Natural soaps and shampoos provided in all cottages to avoid chemical contamination of wastewater
  • Conservation Hotspot: Conservation Hotspot: A 15-acre abandoned farmland taken on lease from a local farmer, transformed over 4 years to promote natural forest regeneration; as part of this, our “Water for Wildlife” project has created permanent waterholes providing essential water sources for wildlife, attracting species like leopards, gaurs, bears, tons of birds and more
  • Water for all programme: Construction of temporary check-dam in a village nearby to retain water for longer, benefiting both wildlife and local communities by improving spring water availability in summers
  • Supporting Local Farmers: Seasonal produce is sourced directly from nearby villages, providing income to local farmers
  • Training for Rural Youth: Nature guide and hospitality training programs are conducted to help rural youth build skills and employment opportunities
  • Conservation Awareness: Nature-based activities and educational sessions are designed to create awareness about conservation among guests and the local community

SUSTAINABLE SCORE : 67/70

  • Land Reclamation/Rewilding: 7
  • Food from 50 Mile Radius: 8.5
  • Organic Produce: 5
  • Wastewater Recycling/Management: 5
  • Natural Materials / Heritage Building: 8
  • Single Plastic: 9.5
  • Local Staff: 9

SUSTAINABLE INITIATIVES

  • 100% Dry Waste Recycling: All dry waste, including plastic, is collected and sent for proper recycling through authorized channels
  • Garden to Kitchen: On-site vegetable plots help reduce food wastage and dependence on external supplies
  • Natural Spring Pool: Chlorine-free pool naturally filled by underground spring water, reflecting our groundwater levels; the pool remains replenished continuously, with excess water flowing out naturally
  • Groundwater Recharge: Rainwater is channelized into abandoned ant hills, which have natural openings connected to the groundwater table, helping recharge underground water levels
  • Eco-Friendly Guest Products: Natural soaps and shampoos provided in all cottages to avoid chemical contamination of wastewater
  • Conservation Hotspot: Conservation Hotspot: A 15-acre abandoned farmland taken on lease from a local farmer, transformed over 4 years to promote natural forest regeneration; as part of this, our “Water for Wildlife” project has created permanent waterholes providing essential water sources for wildlife, attracting species like leopards, gaurs, bears, tons of birds and more
  • Water for all programme: Construction of temporary check-dam in a village nearby to retain water for longer, benefiting both wildlife and local communities by improving spring water availability in summers
  • Supporting Local Farmers: Seasonal produce is sourced directly from nearby villages, providing income to local farmers
  • Training for Rural Youth: Nature guide and hospitality training programs are conducted to help rural youth build skills and employment opportunities
  • Conservation Awareness: Nature-based activities and educational sessions are designed to create awareness about conservation among guests and the local community

EXPERIENCES

Cultural Village Visit and Local Storytelling
Seasonal Farm harvesting
Learn local cuisine cooking session
Waterfall Visit
Visit to 800 years old Temple
Guided Plantation Walk
Waterhole Wildlife Viewing
Bird watching & Night Safari in Goa’s Western Ghats
Cashew Stomping (Seasonal)
Bioluminescence fungi trails (seasonal)

HOW TO REACH HERE

BY AIR: Goa International Airport (Dabolim) is approximately 1 hour 30 minutes by car from Nature’s Nest

BY TRAIN: The nearest railway station is Kulem Railway Station, approximately 15 km from the property, Madgaon Railway Station, about 45 km away, offers broader connectivity with express trains to all major Indian cities.

 

DESTINATIONS DISTANCE (KM) TIME (HR)
Goa International Airport 60 Km 1 Hour 30 Minutes
Kulem Railway Station 15 Km 30 Minutes
Madgaon Railway Station 45 Km 1 Hour 15 Minutes
Panjim 50 Km 1 Hour 30 Minutes
Dudhsagar Falls 8 Km 20 Minutes
Bhagwan Mahavir Sanctuary 5 Km 15 Minutes
Tambdi Surla Temple 12 Km 25 Minutes