TOFT Insta Live – Homestays that heal communities, wildlife and you
In our latest TOFT India Instagram Live session, conservationist Bhavna converses with Kalponika, the founder of BAAGHINI Homestay in Ranthambore, to explore how authentic travel experiences can nurture both people and the planet.
After two decades in global hospitality, Kalponika returned to India to create BAAGHINI — a boutique homestay that blends warm, hospitality with deep respect for the wilderness it calls home. During the conversation, she shared how every aspect of Baaghini is rooted in community: all her staff come from nearby villages, and she actively works with local children to build awareness and appreciation for their natural heritage.
Guests at Baaghini experience a true sense of belonging enjoying home-cooked local cuisine, heartfelt interactions, and a glimpse into the rhythms of rural life. Kalponika emphasized that staying at a homestay like Baaghini is not just about comfort, but about connection: each visit directly supports local livelihoods while nurturing pride and participation in conservation. Bhavna guided the discussion toward the broader link between tourism, community, and wildlife, highlighting how such models create meaningful, lasting change. The session served as a reminder that responsible travel is not defined by luxury, but by the relationships it builds and the impact it leaves behind.
Homestays like Baaghini are showing how travel can truly heal — landscapes, livelihoods, and hearts alike.
