Safarnama

Safarnama

A festival for travelers by travelers

What is Safarnama?

Safarnama literally translates to ‘Travel diaries’. It is a three-day travellers’ festival held in the forest at the foothills of the Sahyadris, curated with love by Silk Road Journeys. It is a space where you can be free, leave your stress and worries behind, and soak in the bliss of nature while forming meaningful connections with your fellow travelers. It has been started with a noble intent to create a platform for the local artists, artisans and musicians; employment opportunities for the villagers and to celebrate this very gift called - “life”.

Why should I attend Safarnama?

Because it is not like any other trip you have been to! It’s an unforgettable experience filled with immersive forums, meaningful workshops, barefoot nature walks, liberating sharing sessions, yoga and meditation, folk art, musical jamming, open mics, magical sunsets, bathing in pristine waterfalls and the experience of living in tranquil nature.

All the activities are intertwined and flow into each other to create a holistic experience that is not limited to just “fun and chill”.

When?

07th -9th Feb 2025

Where?

Near the backwaters of Varasgaon.. Nestled in the forest.. (Nearest city – Pune)

(Exact location will be shared to confirmed travelers)

What to expect?

- A stay in the middle of a forest surrounded by trees, streams and birds

- Satvik vegetarian meals three times a day

- Masala chai and snacks

- Interactive games and activities

- Introspective workshops

- Sharing and Open Mic sessions

- Nature trails and hikes

- Soul stirring songs and jamming sessions

- A stage to showcase your own skills

- A flea market selling local produce and handicrafts

- A free zone where you can donate whatever you do not need (books, clothes, accessories) and pick whatever fancies you!

All the activities are curated with the idea of fostering deeper connections with the community, nature and our very own selves, encouraging you to delve deep into mindfulness. And in the process, build a community of like-minded people, artists, musicians, travelers, writers, philosophers, nature lovers, thinkers and anyone who is interested to explore a deeper understanding of life.

And because we don’t believe in preaching, all the workshops and activities will be gamified, entertaining and interactive in nature.

Our Best Practices

- Creating a platform for the local artists

- Creating employment opportunities for the local villagers

- Encouraging environment friendly concepts like reuse, reduce and recycle

- Providing a stage for travelers to present their skills/stories

- Providing an opportunity to travelers to make a difference

- A strict no-smoking and no-drinking policy inside the premises

- Designated smoking area away from the premises

- Curating an experience that will stay with you long after you leave the place

Short Itinerary

Day 1:

- Arrival

- Breakfast

- Ice breakers

- Group games and activities

- Lunch

- Interactive Sessions exploring the ideas of slow and mindful travel, co-existence and natural lifestyle – facilitated by award winning photographer and TEDx speaker

- Evening break for Tea

- Music jamming

- Talent show

- Dinner

- Campfire

Day 2:

- Meditation

- Breakfast

- Immersive sharing sessions

- Lunch

- Rejuvenating water activities

- Music Workshop

- Evening break for Tea

- Human Bingo

- Folk music

- Dinner

- Star gazing (subject to conditions thereupon)

Day 3:

- Painting Workshop

- Community cooking

- Summary

- Flea market by locals and travelers

- Time for hugs and goodbyes with a bag full of memories

Registration cost

The festival ticket contribution for all three days is Rs. 3000

(This is per person cost and it includes all the activities - workshops, music and jamming sessions, games, sharing sessions, nature walks, meditation, hikes, materials required, souvenirs, etc. This does not include accommodation and food, kindly select from the packages below and add the amount to your festival ticket price)

The money goes for supporting the villagers, artists, facilitators and organizers who have put months of effort into making this happen.

Accommodation and food package can be selected from the following categories:

(Note that 3 vegetarian meals per day and evening tea have been added in the cost)

1. Dormitory with sharing washrooms (stay and food) = Rs 2850

2. Sharing Tent provided by us with sharing washrooms (stay and food) = Rs 2350

3. Tent you pitch on your own with sharing washrooms (space and food) = Rs 1850

Transport (Pune to Pune) is optional and can be arranged = Rs 850

Select your preferred options, then add the festival ticket contribution, and voila!

You have created a customized package for yourself.. :))

Total cost to be paid = Festival Ticket Contribution + Accommodation and food package + Transport (if required)

Once you have decided your contribution send us a whatsapp message on 8149988093 and we will share a QR code for the payment.

Kindly share a screenshot after the full payment and you will receive a ticket to the festival.

On spot registration is not available.

Limited seats in each category so book your slot now in order to avoid later inconvenience.

We will also need your ID card (Voter ID/Passport/Driving license/ Aadhar Card) for verification. It would be great if you can kindly share a photo with us in advance. Kindly carry the original with you.

How to reach the venue

The location is about 60 km from Pune Station, however there is no direct public transport available. Here are a few ways you can reach the festival.

- Self-drive – drive along the winding roads in your own vehicle enjoying the views

- Carpooling – Find someone who is driving down and share expenses to tag along

- Cab – Ola and Uber cabs available from Pune (make sure you also make a deal with the driver to come pick you up on Sunday)

- Bus service by SRJ – If you do not want to go through all that hassle, we are here for you. We have arranged one bus (limited spots) for travelers, that will drop you at the venue on Friday and pick you up on Sunday