LIMITED SLOTS
Chef on the Road:
Two Brothers Organic Farms
What Is Organic, Anyway?
A culinary trip exploring farming, soil, livestock, and the everyday decisions that shape organic farming at Two Brothers Organic Farms in rural Maharashtra
This edition of Chef on the Road (COTR) takes us to The Locavore’s partner producer Two Brothers Organic Farms in Bhodani village, Indapur taluka, in Maharashtra’s Pune district—a working, ancestral farm where “organic” is not a label, but a set of everyday choices shaped by soil health, water scarcity, markets, labour, and time.
Key Details
📍 Two Brothers Organic Farms, Bhodani, Maharashtra
🗓 28 February – 1 March 2026
👥 Small group of 15 participants (limited seats)
🥘 Food-led, farmer-hosted journey
Hosted by Satyajit Hange, fourth-generation farmer, this two-day, one-night journey invites a small group to step into the rhythms of a living farm: its dairy, fields, orchards, jaggery unit, kitchens, and people. Rather than offering a crash course or a single definition, the journey asks a more honest question:
What does organic actually look like when it has to work, scale, and sustain livelihoods?
This is not a showcase or demonstration but an opportunity to spend time on the farm, walk through its systems, cook with what is growing, and understand how ideals meet reality in everyday agricultural life.
A Note from ChefTZac
“Over the years, I’ve realised that ‘organic’ often becomes a word we use without sitting long enough with what it actually demands—from land, from farmers, and from those of us who eat. Spending time at Two Brothers made it clear that organic farming isn’t a fixed destination or a perfect system. It’s a continuous negotiation—with soil, water, weather, markets, and people.
This journey isn’t about arriving at a singular answer. It’s about slowing down enough to understand the complexity behind everyday food choices, and learning from those who live with those decisions daily.”
— Thomas Zacharias (ChefTZac)
About Chef On The Road
Chef on the Road (COTR) is Chef Thomas Zacharias’ deeply personal exploration of India’s regional cuisines and food traditions. Since its inception in 2013, the series has aimed to uncover the untold stories of indigenous food systems while spotlighting sustainability and community-driven practices. Each journey brings together passionate travellers, curious eaters, and local communities in a shared celebration of food and culture.
Each COTR journey is different by design. Some take place deep in forests; others, like this one, unfold on working farms closer to our cities. What remains constant is the intent: to understand food at its source, in context, and in relationship with the people who sustain it.
This journey with Two Brothers Organic Farms marks COTR’s first extended immersion into an operational organic farm—one that produces food at scale while remaining rooted in soil health and farmer relationships.
What This Journey Explores
Organic farming as a lived practice
Walk through fields, orchards, dairy sheds, and processing spaces to understand how organic principles are applied and adapted across crops, seasons, and systems.
Soil, dairy, and everyday decisions
Learn how native cows, manure, mixed cropping, mulching, and water management shape both soil fertility and food production.
From harvest to value-addition
Observe how jaggery is made at a working gurhal, how dairy becomes cultured ghee, and how value-addition helps farms survive beyond the mandi economy.
Cooking as a way of learning
Cook together with ChefTZac using seasonal farm produce, understanding how ingredients, methods, and meals reflect the land they come from.
Asking better questions as eaters
This journey is less about taking answers home and more about returning with sharper questions about sourcing, pricing, trust, and choice.
Journey Flow
(This is a slow, farm-based journey. The flow may shift slightly depending on farm rhythms and weather.)
Day 1 | From City to Farm
Morning | Pune
We gather early in Pune and begin the journey with a simple breakfast of local favourites—misal pav and sabudana khichdi—grounding ourselves in regional food before heading out.
Arrival note: Please arrive by 8:00 AM at the meeting location in Pune. Exact details will be shared with confirmed participants.
Late Morning | Drive to Bhodani
A gradual shift from city to countryside as we drive toward Indapur, observing changes in landscape, water, and cropping patterns along the way.
Afternoon | Arrival at the Farm and Lunch
After settling in, we begin with a contextual walkthrough: the farm’s history, philosophy, and the choices that shape how it operates today. Lunch is served at the 200-year-old Hange family wada, offering a first taste of food rooted in place.
Late Afternoon | Farm Walks & SystemsThe group is introduced to the dairy operations, learning how the cows are raised and cared for as part of the farm’s integrated system. We then move through sugarcane fields, orchards, and the working jaggery processing unit or gurhal, observing processes mid-action rather than as demonstrations. Conversations focus on experimentation, constraints, and trade-offs, not perfect solutions.
This will be followed by a guided tasting session with Satyajit and Ajinkya Hange along with the farm team offering insights into the range of products and the stories behind them. As the day winds down, there is time to rest before the evening’s activities begin.
Evening | Meads by Moonshine Meadery & Cooking Together with ChefTZac
As dusk settles over the farm, the evening unfolds around fire, food, and shared effort. We cook together with ChefTZac using seasonal ingredients harvested from the farm earlier in the day—chopping, stirring, tasting, and shaping the meal as a group. Alongside the cooking, we sip meads from Moonshine Meadery—a sister organisation of The Locavore’s partner producer Moonshine Honey Project—thoughtfully paired to the setting and the food, offering a slower, more grounded way to drink.Dinner is unhurried and communal. This is a moment to reflect on the day, ask lingering questions, and talk openly about farming, food choices, and what “organic” really looks like when lived every day.
Day 2 | Rhythm, Milk, and Return
Morning | Dairy & Daily Work
We begin the day at the dairy during milking time, observing how animal care, ethics, and routine shape milk production within an organic system.
Late Morning | Closing Walk & Conversation
This is a time to revisit questions, walk parts of the farm once more, and speak with the team about scale, certification, markets, and the future.
Midday | Final Meal at the Wada
A last shared lunch at the wada—a moment to reflect, exchange insights, and close the journey together.
Afternoon | Return to Pune (departure from the farm at approx. 2:20 PM)
Food and Drink
Food on this journey is part of the farm’s everyday rhythms. Meals are shaped by what is growing, being processed, or preserved on Two Brothers Organic Farms at the time of the visit. Ingredients come from the farm itself—and from their other partner organic farmers—and cooking responds to season, weather, and availability rather than pre-planned menus.
Expect regional, home-style food from the Indapur–Pune belt. Meals may include preparations such as baingan bharta or stuffed baingan, drumstick cooked dry or as a curry, pithla with thecha, vatli dal made with raw mango and chana dal, seasonal leafy greens like methi, maath (amaranth), or tandulja, bhendi, and tur dal. Staples typically include khapli wheat rotis, jowar or bajra bhakri, and Indrayani rice. Depending on timing and workload at the farm, celebratory dishes like puran poli with katachi amti may also feature.
The evening is centered around cooking together with ChefTZac, using seasonal ingredients harvested earlier in the day and prepared over open fire. Alongside the meal, participants can expect fresh chaas made from farm milk, and meads by Moonshine Meadery.
Our Hosts and Guides
Satyajit Hange | Co-founder, Two Brothers Organic Farms
Fourth-generation farmer overseeing farm systems, sourcing, and long-term soil health.
Asim Sheikh | Farm Projects & Partnerships, Two Brothers Organic Farms
Works closely on farm management, certification, raw material sourcing, and farmer partnerships.
ChefTZac (Thomas Zacharias) | Founder, The Locavore
ChefTZac joins the journey as a guide and co-traveller. Through shared cooking, farm walks, and meals, he helps guests connect on-farm realities to broader questions around food, farming, and choice—grounded in his lived experience working across kitchens, geographies, and ecosystems.
Neil Khopkar | Partnerships, The Locavore
Leads on-ground coordination and logistics, working closely with the TBOF team to ensure the journey runs smoothly.
Where You Will Stay
The Hange Wada
Lunches and gatherings take place at the family’s ancestral home—a space that holds memory, hospitality, and everyday life.
Farm Camp | Two Brothers Organic Farms
Overnight stay in shared tents set up within the farm landscape, surrounded by moringa and citrus plantations.
What to expect:
- Twin-sharing tents
- Shared toilet facilities
- Basic amenities
- Nights shaped by quiet, firelight, and open countryside
This is not a luxury stay. It is intentional and close to the land yet comfortable.
Is This Journey For You?
This journey is likely a good fit if you:
- Care deeply about where food comes from and how it’s grown
- Are curious about farming as practice, not ideology
- Enjoy slow, participatory learning
- Are comfortable with basic accommodation
- Value conversation, observation, and reflection
This journey may not be a good fit if you:
- Are seeking luxury or convenience-led travel
- Expect fixed menus or polished demonstrations
- Prefer sightseeing over immersion
- Approach food and farming primarily as consumable experiences
This is a food- and farm-led journey. Those who come prepared for that are likely to find it quietly transformative.
What to Carry
Personal Hygiene
- Toothbrush, toothpaste, shampoo, and soap (to minimise single-use plastic)
- Bath towel
- Personal medications (for allergies, motion sickness, infections, etc.)
- Mosquito repellent (Odomos or any other equivalent)
- Sunscreen
Food and Reusables
- Reusable water bottle (single-use plastic is discouraged)
Clothing
- 2 sets of breathable, quick-dry clothing (T-shirts and trousers)
- An additional pair of trousers (shorts are not recommended due to insects)
- Breathable cotton socks (multiple pairs)
- 1 light jacket
- Warm cap (optional, for early mornings or evenings)
- Hat or cap for sun protection
Footwear
- Comfortable, good-grip walking or trekking shoes (only if you already own a pair)
- A pair of slippers
Bags and Gear
- Easy-to-carry rucksack or backpack (wheeled luggage is not recommended)
- Small daypack (for water bottle, cap, notebook, etc.)
- Fully charged torch or headlamp
Documents
- Original valid ID (Aadhaar card, Indian passport, or voter ID)
What This Exciting Trip Will Cost You
The cost per person is ₹14,000 + 5% GST (Total: ₹14,700)
What to know
Accommodation will be on a twin-sharing basis, with an overnight stay in shared tents at the Two Brothers Organic Farms camp. Shared toilet facilities will be provided. We recommend registering in pairs if you prefer to share a tent with a known travel partner.
The cost covers the curated Chef on the Road journey, accommodation, all meals, local transport during the trip, farm hosts and guides, and on-ground facilitation by The Locavore team.
Travel to and from Pune must be arranged separately, in line with the arrival and departure timings shared by us.
Personal expenses, travel insurance, and anything not explicitly listed under “What the Cost Includes” are not covered.
All bookings are non-refundable and non-transferable, including in cases of illness, injury, personal emergencies, or changes in travel plans.
Final cost details, payment timelines, and booking steps will be shared with shortlisted participants upon selection.
A GST-compliant invoice will be issued upon confirmation of booking.
What the Cost Includes
Accommodation
Twin-sharing tents at the Two Brothers Organic Farm in Bhodani, with shared toilet facilities.
All Meals
Breakfast, lunch, and dinner on Day 1, and breakfast and lunch on Day 2.
Local Transport
All ground transportation during the journey, including group transfers from and back to Pune, and movement within the farm.
Experiences
All planned experiences outlined in the itinerary, including farm walks, cooking sessions, and community-led activities.
COTR Facilitation
On-ground facilitation by ChefTZac and/or members of The Locavore team as part of the Chef on the Road journey.
What the Cost Does Not Include
Travel to and from Pune
Participants must arrange their own travel to and from the designated pick-up point in Pune. Please ensure arrival at the pick-up point by 8:00 AM on Day 1.
Personal Expenses
Any personal purchases, shopping, snacks outside group meals, medicines, or individual expenses.
Unforeseen Costs
Expenses arising from weather-related delays, roadblocks, or other factors beyond our control.
Anything Not Listed Above
Any item or service not explicitly mentioned under “What the Cost Includes.”
Important Terms and Conditions
1. Booking and Confirmation
To express interest, participants must complete the registration process as outlined on the website or via email.Once selected, participants will receive a confirmation email with payment details, timelines, and key information.
A booking is considered confirmed only after full payment of the journey fee has been received.
The Locavore reserves the right to refuse participation to any applicant if the journey is deemed unsuitable based on physical preparedness, intent, or alignment with the values of the trip.
2. Payment Terms
Full payment is required at the time of booking to secure a spot.Payments must be made through the official payment methods shared by The Locavore.Prices are quoted per person and are exclusive of GST unless otherwise stated.Any bank charges, transaction fees, or currency conversion costs are the responsibility of the participant.The journey is priced based on shared group transportation aligned with the official itinerary. Participants who arrive late, miss the designated pick-up window, or choose to depart outside the agreed group schedule will be required to cover the cost of any additional or private transportation arranged. These costs must be borne by the participant.
3. Cancellation and Refund Policy
All bookings are non-refundable and non-transferable, including in cases of illness, injury, personal emergencies, or changes in travel plans.If a participant is unable to attend after booking, no refund or credit will be issued.The Locavore is not responsible for costs incurred due to flight cancellations, delays, or changes made independently by participants.This policy exists because the journey is capacity-limited and involves advance commitments to hosts, farm teams, and collaborators.
4. Changes to Itinerary
The itinerary shared is indicative and may be modified due to:
Weather conditions
Farm-related requirements or emergencies
Road conditions or other natural disruptions
The Locavore and Two Brothers Organic Farms reserve the right to adjust the schedule, experiences, or accommodation as required.No refunds will be provided for itinerary changes that do not materially affect the overall duration of the journey.
5. Physical Fitness and Participation
This journey involves walking across farm fields, uneven ground, and occasionally muddy or slippery surfaces.Participants are responsible for assessing their own physical and mental fitness prior to booking.By joining the journey, participants confirm that they are medically fit to undertake the activities involved.The Locavore reserves the right to remove a participant from any activity, or from the journey entirely, if their continued participation poses a risk to themselves, others, or the group. No refund will be issued in such cases.
6. Responsibility, Risk, and Liability
Participants acknowledge that travel and overnight stays on a working farm carry inherent risks, including but not limited to:
Slips, falls, and minor injuries
Weather-related disruptions
Limited access to medical facilities
The Locavore, Two Brothers Organic Farms, and all associated facilitators, hosts, and partners are not liable for any injury, illness, loss, damage, delay, or inconvenience suffered during the journey.Basic first aid will be available, but advanced medical care may not be immediately accessible.Participants travel at their own risk and are responsible for their own health, safety, and well-being at all times.
7. Accommodation and Facilities
Accommodation for this journey includes shared tents set up at the farm camp.Facilities at the campsite are basic and shared.Hot water, electricity, and mobile network connectivity may be limited or unavailable.Participants acknowledge and accept these conditions as part of the experience.
8. Food and Dietary Restrictions
Meals are shaped by season, availability, and farm-based food practices.The Locavore will make reasonable efforts to accommodate dietary restrictions if communicated in advance. However, due to the small-scale and farm-led nature of the meals, all dietary needs may not be fully guaranteed.Participants with severe allergies or highly restrictive diets should carefully consider their participation.
9. Community Conduct and Respect
This is a host-led farm journey. Participants are expected to:
Follow guidance shared by the farm team and facilitators
Respect boundaries around farm spaces, livestock, food preparation areas, and private homes
Seek consent before photographing people, homes, or farm activities
Refrain from intrusive, extractive, or disrespectful behaviour
The Locavore reserves the right to remove any participant whose behaviour disrespects the farm, its people, or the group. No refund will be issued in such cases.
10. Photography, Video, and Media Use
Participants may take photographs and videos for personal use.Consent must be obtained before photographing or filming individuals, homes, livestock, or sensitive farm spaces.By participating, guests grant The Locavore and its partners the irrevocable right to use photographs, video, and audio recorded during the journey for documentation, editorial, and promotional purposes, across all media and platforms, worldwide, without additional compensation.Participants who do not wish to appear in documentation must inform the team in writing prior to the journey.
11. Accessibility
This journey has limited accessibility for wheelchairs or mobility aids.Participants with specific access needs are encouraged to reach out prior to booking for clarification.
12. Force Majeure
The Locavore shall not be held liable for delays, cancellations, or changes caused by events beyond reasonable control, including but not limited to natural disasters, political unrest, strikes, pandemics, or acts of God.
13. Governing Law
These Terms and Conditions shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of India. Any disputes shall be subject to the jurisdiction of Indian courts.
14. Agreement
By booking and participating in this journey, you confirm that:
You have read and understood these Terms and Conditions
You agree to abide by them fully
You accept the nature, risks, and responsibilities of this journey
Have any queries? Reach out to us at connect@thelocavore.in!
Login with Google