"How much land the a man need" is a title of the story by a world renowned storyteller Leo Tolstoy. If you haven't read it already maybe it is time that you read it since it may change your perspective of looking at life. But that's not really the reference point for me to talk about. That headline I have talked about earlier HIT me hard when I visited my In-laws' (Masura) place near Malvan, Maharashtra.
And then there were a string of questions surrounding that headline zipped past in my head...
What on earth are we doing living in a metropolis chasing dreams, earning more money and buying gadgets, cars, jewellery, apartment, makings investments and saving something like a few crores for retirement.
Why so many questions, what's the point, what was discovered on that tour that hit me. Well, for starters; you don't need the kind of money that you earn in the city and still live equally happy perhaps living in a city.
Easier said than done, you might say. Point taken.
But what gives you the feeling that village dwellers do not have access to the latest things we have in the city. I was awed by the people I met and their domain knowledge in what they are good doing. I am referring to the agriculture as an acitivity.
Wait. wait. wait.. I think I am about to start a national debate on pros and cons of urban and city living conditions and related factors.
I will just cut to "Amazing Konkan". A true paradise on earth. Hardly explored, quiant, and really inviting. And to validate all the crap I spoke above of, truly a place to settle down in life
till the end of our journey on this planet earth.
Vengurla, near Malvan, for instance has amongst the best beaches in India. To top this it is totally pristine and like those beaches you'd die for.
Vengurla is close to Malvan, I could say it would be less than an hours' drive from Malvan town.
And then there were a string of questions surrounding that headline zipped past in my head...
What on earth are we doing living in a metropolis chasing dreams, earning more money and buying gadgets, cars, jewellery, apartment, makings investments and saving something like a few crores for retirement.
Why so many questions, what's the point, what was discovered on that tour that hit me. Well, for starters; you don't need the kind of money that you earn in the city and still live equally happy perhaps living in a city.
Easier said than done, you might say. Point taken.
But what gives you the feeling that village dwellers do not have access to the latest things we have in the city. I was awed by the people I met and their domain knowledge in what they are good doing. I am referring to the agriculture as an acitivity.
Wait. wait. wait.. I think I am about to start a national debate on pros and cons of urban and city living conditions and related factors.
I will just cut to "Amazing Konkan". A true paradise on earth. Hardly explored, quiant, and really inviting. And to validate all the crap I spoke above of, truly a place to settle down in life
till the end of our journey on this planet earth.
Vengurla, near Malvan, for instance has amongst the best beaches in India. To top this it is totally pristine and like those beaches you'd die for.
Vengurla is close to Malvan, I could say it would be less than an hours' drive from Malvan town.
Malvan itself can be considered as amongst the best places to visit. One can find 
both sandy and rocky beaches in Malvan. The famous Salgaokar's Ganpati Temple is a must see. It is situated right close to the rock garden
For those uninitiated, the Salgaokar's own the famous almanac by the name "Kaal nirnay"
And for all the Ganesh bhakts, I'm pretty sure that you'll all like the idol which lends soul to this beautiful temple. Truly amazing...
Getting back, I had a chance to stay put for the whole tour, with the privilege of staying with my in-laws (Is that a privilege??, you might ask, but the truth is I have a good mother-in-law and not a monster-in-law). And therefore I was taken care of truly well.
But that's not the greatest privilege. It was staying in their ancestral home. Over the years and as a result of years of neglect this large (very large, or so I am told) house collapsed to heavy flooding, monsoon fury and to nature's wrath.
So sad. We had therefore to make do with what my in-laws could afford to build on the large estate. A small but rather beautiful house, blessed by surroundings you'd die for.
This house is surrounded with coconut plantations, river, pathways hills and what not.
Not very far away is the much revered and famous Angnewadi and the temple of "Bharadi Devi", which draws devotees from all corners of Maharashtra for its annual "jatra mahostav" or the annual fair festival.
True paradise lies in our villages but we realise it not before we're wise (which normally happens beyond the age 40) but I have resolved not to let work, time crunch, deadlines and worse still "more money to be made" attitude.
So wot say. Ready to take plan your next vacation in Masura or Hassan any such place instead of the usual ooty, kodai, goa and the likes...
