Escape the hustle: Sign up for a nature trail to explore the Sahyadri’s rich culinary heritage

A platter of shevdi rassa, loth sabzi, mahua bhaji, kadu kandh, locally grown rice, nachni bhakri, umbar sabzi

This weekend, adventure meets gastronomy as Monks Bouffe - an organisation that promotes safe, diverse, and community-driven food practices - invites nature enthusiasts and foodies to immerse themselves in the Sahyadris near Karjat. Titled Forage In The Forest, this walk on Sunday morning will introduce participants to local foods, allowing them to forage wild treasures and experience the enchanting world of the Thakkar tribal community.

Initiated in the monsoon of 2023, the Forage In The Forest walk is the brainchild of Gaurang H Motta and Saurabh Motta, Mazgaon-based brothers with a shared passion for clean, sustainable food and regenerative farming. Having observed the disconnect between consumers and the origins of their food, the duo conceived this initiative to bring people closer to the reality of what they consume.

Visitors observe a 100-year-old mahua tree in the village

"The forest walk is an initiative to get all of us (consumers of food) to access and explore the reality of our food. The diversity that exists around us but has been pushed away from our food plates due to industrial farming, is something that can only be experienced by being where it is grown and by meeting the real caretakers of this heritage - the tribal communities," explains Gaurang.

The walk is led by the Thakkar tribal family from the village of Deopada, near Neral. Participants will forage wild produce guided by Mahadu Bua, Ambibai (his wife), Daulat (his son) and Sunita (Daulat's wife). The walk will unfold a vibrant tapestry of about 15 to 20 seasonal forest produce, including kadu kandh (bitter tuber), takla (cassia tora), and heritage trees like mahua, wild mango and wild figs.

Women perform a traditional dance

Beyond foraging, participants can delve into the tribal way of living and cooking techniques. Mahadu Bua, Ambibai, and Daulat will open their world, sharing the mysticism of the forest, wild foods, and the tribal lifestyle. The experience extends to a captivating dance and music presentation by members of the community.

The brothers have been working at preserving forest species, especially mahua. "When we began sharing about these elements with city folk, the acceptance and interest was welcoming, but there was less awareness of this tree, despite it being integral to our ecosystem," informs Gaurang.

On; January 21; 8 am to 3 pm
Meeting point: Daulat's house, Deopada village, near Neral.
Log on to: monksbouffe.com
Cost: Rs 2,499 (adult), Rs 1,299 (child)

Did you know?
The Thakkar community is a tribe that has almost zero written literature about them. They live in the Sahyadris of Maharashtra.