A Memorable Birthday at Eco-Friendly Van Bhoj

I first heard about the Mud House or Van Bhoj on the ISB women’s group and wanted to check it out. Then as I searched online I realised that it was an Ecoplore property. Ecoplore is exactly what the name suggests – they have a curated list of places that are eco-friendly and sustainable resorts/homestays/hotels.

So for my birthday, Krishnan and I booked this place for lunch and a tour. My birthday started with a mini rescue mission – Rajesh was out cycling and as luck would have it, one of the cycle tyres got punctured. He was trying to walk back home and he would have, but it was nice to pick him up. Brought back memories of when four of us “Paagal Yatris” had been lost in the Aravalis :).

The second decision was which of the two sarees should I choose to inaugurate for my birthday … a big decision. I settled on the black and yellow Kanchi Silk saree that I bought from Gopinath last year when we visited his home. Just as I was wondering which blouse would go with this saree, Geetu called and her bet was on a black blouse. That way the attention remains on the saree. I had tried a couple of other blouses which had Ikat prints in yellow, red and black and then a brighter yellow one …. but nothing worked till I wore this pale yellow plain blouse.

The bead string was easy – this is from Desh Maheshwari.

The original plan was to leave by 11 am. But we ended up starting from home at 11 am. I had informed Prerna at Van Bhoj that we were getting delayed and would reach just before 12. We reached very close to the property by 11.50 am …. and then it took us about half hour to find the place. Our host for the day, Roshni kept in touch throughout and sent a person to the main road to help us reach the place.

The mud house is truly inside a “van” (forest). Read more about it and for bookings click here – Van Bhoj.

We were hungry so we asked Roshni if we can eat first and then think about the tour …. with the temperature soaring to almost 40 deg C, I was clear that I wasn’t stepping out :):). The Mud House was cool with a slight breeze throughout the house. It’s really well maintained and the best part is the silence. This place is hardly 600 metres from a busy road, but all you can hear inside the house is birds chirping or your own voice.

Food was excellent, simple home cooked food. We got halwa as well because it was my birthday :). We took lots of pictures, had a wonderful discussion with Roshni about current affairs and time just flew. My niece Vishakha was planning to come into Delhi to wish me in person, but I told her that we were tired given the fact that it was already 3.30 pm and so we just left Van Bhoj and got back home. Slept for an hour or so … had to use the air conditioner since our house is not made of stones and mud like Van Bhoj is !!

A Picture Tour of Van Bhoj

The evening was spent in replying to all the birthday wishes from friends and family. We slept really early because the heat just got to us.

As always, received PM Modi’s birthday greetings –

Celebrated Rama Navami that coincided with my birthday, with halwa made by Amma and this is how I turned 56. Thank you Bhagwan Ram for celebrating your birthday with me this year  🙏

Jai Shri Ram.

How to Buy this saree ? - Call Gopinath at 9894665297 or check out the Facebook Page Gopinath Silks and Sarees. 
For the Stone Bead String - Contact Desh Maheshwari, Sab Mall, first floor, Sector 27, Noida. Contact number - 9811466384
For booking the Van Bhoj - Contact Ecoplore +91-9811971407 or book through their website.