Most people, upon hitting 60, might consider a cruise. Or perhaps a vigorous game of pickleball. Vilas Kane, however, decided to ditch nearly three decades of filmmaking to open a no-internet homestay in a tiny Konkan village, because apparently, that's where we are now.
Kane had spent 25 years documenting India's Konkan region, filming its forests, rivers, and the quiet rhythm of rural life. He noticed a trend: tourists would zip in, hit the beaches, and zip out, missing the actual soul of the place. So, he decided to create a place where slowing down wasn't just encouraged, it was practically mandatory.
Unplugging for a Purpose
In 2021, Kane restored his 100-year-old ancestral home in Jambhrun village, Ratnagiri. He kept the original charm, because some things just don't need a modern update. The result? Jambhrun Trails, a homestay where the biggest amenity is the distinct lack of amenities. No TVs. Minimal internet. Mobile service? A delightful whisper, at best. The idea is simple: put the phone down, look at another human, and maybe even experience a moment of silence.
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Start Your News DetoxBut this isn't just about digital detox for city dwellers. This project is a quiet revolution for the women of Jambhrun. Local women run the show, cooking traditional Konkani meals, hosting guests, and managing the daily grind. For many, this is their very first paycheck. Anjali Shitut, Vaishali Shinde, and Deepti Shinde are just a few who've found financial independence and a serious confidence boost thanks to Kane's vision.
Guests, meanwhile, get more than just a bed and a meal. They get guided village walks, tranquil afternoons by a stream, and a crash course in local ecology and heritage. They learn that Jambhrun still uses a 400-year-old water system (which, if you think about it, is both impressive and slightly terrifying). They see centuries-old temples and daily practices that prove this village is deeply, unequivocally connected to its land.
Over 2,500 travelers have come through Jambhrun Trails. But for Kane, it's not about growth for growth's sake. His real win? Creating meaningful jobs while stubbornly preserving the village's unique identity. Instead of retiring, he built something that lets travelers reconnect with the world, and lets village women earn with a quiet sense of pride. Who needs a cruise when you can build a legacy?
