The Farm

The Hermitage is situated in the Western Ghats at 15° 35' 21.3" N and 74° 25'57.2" E, at an altitude of 720 meters. Covering a total of 45 acres, it lies on the gentle slope of a valley, where a perennial stream runs, and supplies the farm with water. Farming here has been a challenge, the environment being rather hostile to agriculture. Fruit bats, including the flying fox love our Chikko (Achras zapota) as do bears, who on occasion have feasted all winter on our orchards leaving us with barely 40% of the crop! Monkeys, also lay claim to their fair share of fruit. The Red Vented Bulbuls and White Cheeked Barbets love our guavas. Rose Ringed Parakeets, and the Plum Headed Parakeet feast on our field of sunflower. The Lesser Golden Backed, and the Greater Flame Backed Woodpeckers target our coconut trees and crows wait patiently for our hens to lay their eggs!

The Farm has changed and grown over the years, and continues to do so. We now have orchards of chikkoo, mango and coconut. An assortment of other fruit trees; and have recently put down pepper, coffee, tea and cocoa. Our varieties of medicinal plants and ornamentals have also grown.

There is also a stand of silviculture, mainly eucalyptus, acacia and silver oak. Spotted deer enjoy resting here, and pairs of peacocks nest here every season. Twelve acres of land have been left more or less underdeveloped, so that wild animals can graze here and are not tempted to break into the orchards. During the summer especially, the Bison need to come out into clearings to avoid being mercilessly attacked by blood sucking flies that drive them to distraction. The Hermitage is 100% organic. Every season we grow a variety of vegetables for the Guesthouse and for sale in Belgaum and Goa. The seed material we use is open pollinated, some being very old varieties with a long history. Our cereals, such as rice and wheat are also home grown, so is our turmeric and ginger, sweet potato and onions. Our eggs are free range. We try to be as self reliant as possible, only sourcing from outside when we fall short!

And finally there are the other residents of The Hermitage that must be mentioned, our geese, ducks, hens, turkeys, rabbits and pigs. There is adorable Scully our dog, and Apache our loafer cat. Bless them all.