Dipal – Narmadaben Patel – The Reva
Let us imagine the positivity created when two artists meet and exchange poetry and paintings while sipping on cold coffee along the banks of the Narmada River. Let us meet Dipal Patel, the owner of The Reva, a homestay in Vadodara. A fine artist by profession, Dipal and her husband set out to establish a rural homestay in their extensive residence along the river Narmada. A serene space with luscious greens spread out onto many acres over looking the tranquil waters, this homestay hosts rooms differentiated by colour, space and amenities, an art studio, a library and a music and film projection room. A perfect getaway to rid artists of their block and inspire them to create and share different forms of artwork. Dipal and her husband have been hosts to tourists who are proficient and avid learners of culture and diversities since 2014, when the homestay policy was first introduced by the Gujarat Tourism. They prefer professionals, families and retired guests and have built a robust clientele who happen to visit now and again. Dipal adds that her home is the ideal place of comfort when one wishes to getaway on the weekends to touch base with the soul stirring nature.
Homestay, The Reva, has handpicked, trained and provided financial stability and opportunities for the locals from nearby villages. These inhabitants take part in the housekeeping of the residence, cooking up a Gujarati spread and chaperoning tourists in their daily activities. During a tourist’s stay at this homestay, activities such as morning yoga classes, trekking in the wilderness, cooking up a barbeque, taking a stroll in the adventure park and art sessions are available and offer to promote a harmonious environment. Guests are offered traditional vegetarian meals, which promote the art of wholesome food sourced and cooked in the authentic Gujarati manner.
Dipal mentions that homestays provide an intimate opportunity to exchange values, perceptions and opens your mind to diverse ideologies and practices. She devours the time spent well with her guests, as it helps her to broaden her horizons in art and literature. This connect is extended to keeping in touch with her dear clientele.
Both Dipal and her husband feel fortunate to share their space, their art and their meals with guests and are thankful for this opportunity charted by the Gujarat Tourism board. Dipal trusts that this policy has helped economically and culturally to the Adivasi community in the surrounding areas of her establishment and works to develop a stronger community feel. She has voiced that the Gujarat government should install training programs to encourage more involvement of the Adivasi community in schemes such as homestays. Overall, in Dipal’s own words, the homestay policy is a blessing in disguise and one which brings her great joy, a sense of pride and honour.
Photo Gallery
