Vaksana Farm Stay, a serene 13-acre organic permaculture retreat tucked away in a picturesque village in Tamil Nadu, has been awarded the title of India’s Best Bed & Breakfast by Outlook Traveller Magazine. The recognition came with a Gold award at the prestigious India Responsible Tourism Awards (IRTA), held at the Rann of Kutch in Gujarat.
The IRTA is part of the Outlook Responsible Tourism Initiative, a UN Tourism Affiliate Member, and is supported by the Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC) as its knowledge partner. Known for its rigorous and transparent evaluation process, the awards celebrate individuals and organizations that make travel sustainable, inclusive, and planet-friendly. Over the past decade, the initiative has built a vibrant network of 10,000+ businesses, collaborated with over 20 state tourism boards, and impacted more than 3,500 tourism stakeholders through training and outreach.
The award was received in person by Mr. Sivaraman and Mrs. Kasthuri Sivaraman, co-owners of Vaksana Farms.www.Vaksanafarms.in They dedicated the honour to Lakshmi Paati, the 92-year-old matriarch who founded the farmstay. “She passed away last year, but her spirit lives on in every tree, every corner of our farm,” said Mrs. Sivaraman, with emotion. “This award is hers.”
A Haven of Nature, Comfort, and Kindness
Set amidst lush greenery and a thriving food forest, Vaksana Farm Stay features four beautifully designed farmhouses, each spacious and thoughtfully constructed with large windows that open up to panoramic views of nature. Built with a strong commitment to sustainability, the homes offer comfort without compromising the natural harmony of the land.
Children and adults alike are enchanted by the diverse animal life at the farm. Home to over 15 species of farm animals and birds, guests can interact with free-ranging cows, sheep, goats, donkeys, horses, cats, dogs, guinea pigs, turkeys, ducks, geese, pigeons, chickens, and more. Vaksana is a no-kill farm, where all animals are treated with dignity and allowed to live peaceful, happy lives — a rarity in today’s world.
Guests are encouraged to participate in hands-on farming, feed the animals, take slow walks in the food forest, and experience the deeply fulfilling rhythm of rural life. Meals are prepared using organically grown produce and traditional recipes by Mrs. Kasthuri Sivaraman, whose culinary talents have won admiration from across the country.
A Popular Venue for Events and Retreats
Beyond being a homestay, Vaksana has emerged as a sought-after venue for retreats, workshops, and company offsites. Its tranquil surroundings, open spaces, and deeply grounding atmosphere make it ideal for organizations seeking to host team-building events, strategy meetups, or wellness retreats. Many L&D and HR professionals across industries are choosing Vaksana for its rare combination of nature, comfort, and inspiration.
Celebrated and Loved Across Platforms
This recent win adds to Vaksana’s growing list of recognitions:
Awarded AirBnB SuperHost status multiple times for consistently excellent guest experiences
Featured in Condé Nast Traveller as one of India’s Best Farmstays for Food
Earned a remarkable 4.9/5 rating from over 1,500 guests on Google, earning it the Top Rated tag
Vaksana Farm Stay’s success is a testament to what’s possible when hospitality meets sustainability and heart-led service. It is not merely a place to stay — it’s a place to reconnect with nature, with others, and with oneself.
