The Story of a Dream

Every place begins with a dream.

A few decades ago, Hemant and Sangeeta Chhabra dreamed of a life in the countryside, closer to the earth and away from the noise and pace of the city. What began as a personal choice slowly became Hideout, a home, a farm and a way of life.

Established in 1987, Hideout began with Hemant's desire to embrace fresh air, grow his own food and live closer to nature. Inspired by Japanese farmer and philosopher Masanobu Fukuoka, he embraced natural, non-violent farming, allowing the land to flourish with minimal intervention.

The family lived off-grid in the early years, learning to live with the rhythms of the land. The first adobe accommodation was built in 1998, and what began as a family home gradually opened its doors to others. After hosting children's camps, Hideout became a homestay in 2010.

Over the years, the farm grew into a thriving tropical food forest, with fruit trees and varieties of bananas sourced from across India. Mud, karvi and other locally available materials became part of the accommodations, reflecting a desire to build in harmony with the surroundings.

Perhaps that is the real story of Hideout.

It was never about creating a retreat with a set formula. It grew organically from a family choosing to live differently, and their children growing up with the freedom to learn, explore and find their own paths.

Today, Hideout is more than a homestay. It is a family home surrounded by a living food forest, where the cat may wander through your day, seasonal ingredients from the farm and forest may find their way onto your plate, and conversations often continue long after the meal is over.

A place shaped by nature, nurtured by a family and shared with others — a family dream that continues to grow.

Meet the Chhabras

HEMANT CHHABRA

Born and bred a South Mumbai boy, Hemant’s move to Hideout Farm was a conscious choice based on his desire to return to his roots, be connected with the earth and to heal himself and others spiritually. He quit his leather and bag business to make a sustainable living. Hemant propagates the tenets of healthy living, minimum medical intervention in matters such as vaccinations and wholly supports un-learning.

SANGEETA CHHABRA

It was a dream come true for Sangeeta to live in the countryside. Professionally trained as a textile designer, and a stint as a teacher, Sangeeta enjoys using her hands to create. She is a cat lover and an avid reader, Sangeeta believes in homeschooling and additionally using art and the environment to facilitate. All three of her children have been homeschooled.

ANICCA CHHABRA

Anicca is a elementary teacher at the American school of Bombay. She developed her passion for teaching from her mother. She lives in Mumbai and visits the farm whenever she can only to be amazed at the way it changes every time! Anicca loves reading children’s books and aspires to write and illustrate one herself someday! She enjoys the balance of the city and country lifestyle.

ADITYA CHHABRA

Aditya, meanwhile, looks after the many moving parts of Hideout, constantly exploring new ideas and possibilities. From developing the culinary experiences to building Bamboo Grove Bistro & Pizzeria, Seasonal ingredients from the forest find their way onto the plate, connecting guests to the land through the food they eat. The idea is simple: let nature and its changing seasons guide what we cook and serve.
he is helping shape the next chapter of Hideout while finding new ways to bring people closer to the forest, its food and its surroundings.

AYAANA CHHABRA

Ayaana found her expression through food. Introduced to cooking at a remarkably young age, she grew up in the kitchen, learning to cook with what the farm offered. Today, her cooking, seasonal drinks, and natural curiosity are part of the Hideout experience. Alongside her brother Aditya, she runs Bamboo Grove Bistro & Pizzeria, bringing their shared passion for food to life.

Pets

Our Furry Family:

7 Cats: Asha, Cutie, Tyger, Echo, Ashutosh, Snowy.
3 Dogs: Apple, Sid & Miso.
Lots of Ducks & Chickens.