At 60, He Left Filmmaking to Build a No-Internet Homestay Bringing Income to Local Women
Jul 19, 2026, 09:00 AM
Photo Credit : Image generated by AI
He left films for a village
After spending nearly 30 years documenting forests, rivers, and rural life, Vilas Kane chose a different path at 60. He left filmmaking behind to build something lasting in a calm Konkan village.
A dream rooted in Konkan
Having documented Konkan for nearly 25 years, he realised visitors rarely understood the region beyond its beaches. He wanted people to slow down and experience the land and its people.
A century-old home reimagined
In 2021, he restored a 100-year-old ancestral house in Ratnagiri’s Jambhrun village, preserving its original character while thoughtfully preparing it to welcome travellers.
A stay without screens
There are no televisions, barely any internet, and little mobile connectivity. Guests soon put away their phones, reconnect with one another, and experience the slower cycle of village life.
Where women found independence
The homestay runs with the support of local women, who prepare meals, host guests, and manage daily operations. Many are now earning an income for the very first time.
A new confidence
Women like Anjali Shitut, Vaishali Shinde, and Deepti Shinde say earning through the homestay has brought financial independence, confidence, and the freedom to meet their own needs.
Living the Konkan way
Guests enjoy traditional Konkani meals, guided village walks, peaceful afternoons by the stream and conversations about local ecology, heritage and the simple joys of rural living.
Learning from a 400-year-old village
A walk through Jambhrun reveals a 400-year-old water system that still works today, centuries-old temples, and everyday practices that reflect the village’s connection with the land.
Success measured differently
More than 2,500 travellers have visited Jambhrun Trails, but growth is not the goal. For Vilas, the greatest success is creating dignified livelihoods while preserving the village’s identity.
Building something bigger
By choosing to slow down instead of retire, the filmmaker created more than a homestay. He built a place where travellers reconnect with nature and village women earn with pride and purpose.
Source: The Better India
