Disclaimer: The author was invited for an experiential tour of this place as part of a paid partnership. However, the article is completely unbiased and honestly written, to offer valuable travel information to our readers. Also, the post contains a few affiliate links. If you click on them to make a purchase, we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Read about our editorial policies.
Craving a green getaway from Chennai, but no time for a long holiday? Fret not, as we have the perfect weekend activity idea for you.
Just an hour’s drive from Chennai, you’ll find Jacob And Klooster Farms, a serene picnic spot wrapped in lush greenery. For city folks like us, it offers a much-needed escape from our digital lives, allowing us to reconnect with nature.
But the best part? You can actually learn the basics of sustainable living and organic farming right here in Chennai, while inhaling fresh air and the sweet scent of damp mud, amidst melodious tunes of birds.
One of the most fun activities in Chennai, the farm visit was organized for us by Throughlocals, a travel platform that curates unique experiences hosted by locals in Tamil Nadu.
So join me, as I take you through a virtual tour of this organic farm in Chennai, which is also a pet-friendly place — blending adventure and relaxation under sprawling canopies of mango trees. Let’s begin?
Contents
7 Fun Activities To Do In Chennai’s Jacob And Klooster Farms
The Throughlocals Urban Farm Experience lasted 4 hours, with a variety of engaging activities planned by the Throughlocals’ hosts — Shammy Jacob and wife Dr. Charlotte van’t Klooster. Here’s a brief narration of all that we did at the Jacob And Klooster Farms:
1. Rejuvenating Tour Of The Farm
The experience began with a quick tour of the entire farm, coupled with tales of its inception narrated by Shammy. Along the way, we met their flock of ducks waddling in a perfect line — almost like a group of kindergarteners heading to class after the morning prayer.
The farm had specific segments where each activity was carried out, making the organic farming process seamless and efficient. These included fenced vegetable plots, grazing area for the cows, water catchment area, fruit orchard, and picnic spot with low branched mango trees.
I had visited a few farms in and around Chennai in the past. However, the structured pattern that governed the activities at Jacob And Klooster Farms was truly impressive.
Soon after the short farm tour, we were treated to refreshing glasses of lemonade and vegetable sandwiches, which we enjoyed under the cool shade of a neem tree. Here, the Throughlocals’ host briefed us about the activities we were to experience.
2. Learn Organic Farming From Experts
Shammy and Charlotte have employed local farmers who are well-versed in the farming practices suited to Chennai’s hot and humid climate. Two of these farmers acted as our guides at the organic farming workshop.
It began with preparing a plant bed for brinjals. They plan to sow the seeds in the coming days, depending on the weather conditions.
The farmers demonstrated how to dig the earth with a shovel, de-weed the freshly turned soil, and prepare a raised plant bed that is protected against water-logging, in case of an unexpected shower.
While my husband, being quite muscular, easily dug his share, I struggled under the sun. Often, I was being gently reminded by the elderly farmer about digging too shallow or forgetting to throw away the weeds. 😅 But, was it fun? Absolutely!
The hands-on farming experience offered us a deeper understanding of the hardships faced by Indian farmers, who toil tirelessly to provide fresh produce.
We also realised that sustainable agriculture is founded on the idea of reuse and recycle. We were asked to save the weeds and grass that we’d cleared from the plant bed, as they would be used as chicken feed or soil manure later.
While we were too engaged in digging more than the initial plot allotted to us, you can also switch to other organic farm activities like compost making, waste management, fencing vegetable beds, etc.
3. Ride A Tractor
This was the highlight of our Throughlocals Urban Farm Experience! Shammy treated us to a ride on his tractor trailer to a nearby swampy area, where they dispose of their plant waste. It was nothing short of a cinematic moment from an old Bollywood movie. With clear blue skies above us and lush greenery around, we chugged off as onlookers smiled in awe. This can be a fun activity for Chennai dwellers who are often glued to their work screens.
4. Interact With Farm Animals
Jacob and Klooster Farms is a beautiful sanctuary, where you can connect with a variety of animals, such as chickens, ducks, dogs, and a range of native bird species. If you’re visiting with kids, it would surely be an exciting activity for them. You can involve them in cleaning the animal sheds, and get them to feed the animals.
The farm is also home to Gir cows, originating from the Kathiawar peninsula in Gujarat. Unlike the native cattle of Tamil Nadu, these cows were larger, and featured broad rounded heads, long ears and horns that gracefully curve back. Interestingly, they are known for their adaptability and can easily thrive in hot weather conditions.
For Charlotte, the cows are much more than mere farm animals. She has given them beautiful Dutch names and shares a deep bond with them. To our surprise, we discovered that petting these gentle beasts evokes the same happy feeling that we get while cuddling our dogs!
TWT Responsible Tourism Trivia: While meeting these cows, we learnt about one of the most heartwarming aspects of this farm. In 2023, the couple took a bold step towards ethical practices and halted dairy farming. Now, these cows serve a different purpose — of providing manure to enrich their plant beds, which leads to the growth of healthy organic vegetables.
5. Learn Innovative Sustainability & Disaster Management Techniques
As one of the founding members of THNK School Of Creative Leadership, Amsterdam, and an expert in the field of design thinking architecture, Shammy enlightened us on various innovative, eco-friendly practices they follow for safeguarding the farm against natural disasters.
For instance, to protect the arable land, the Throughlocals’ hosts raised the plant beds and installed huge cement blocks, which served as an elevated pathway for easy access during rainy seasons. He designed long metal crutches as a support for fruit-bearing banana trees to prevent them from being uprooted during cyclones — brilliant idea!
They also dug a catchment area to recharge ground water, built a brick water tower and implemented various solutions for quick drainage.
6. Shop At The Farm’s Organic Store
After the Throughlocals Urban Farm Experience, you can purchase some of their fresh, farm-grown and pesticide-free vegetables, leafy greens, homemade jams, juices, seed oils, and kombucha from their quaint organic store. They also stock organic grains, pulses, herbal bathing soaps and Marc’s Coffee from Auroville.
As I browsed their aisles, we were offered a refreshing glass of tender coconut water to beat the heat. You can also enjoy a cup of coffee while soaking in the scenic views. Spoilt for choices, I bought a few soaps, a pack of dark-roasted coffee powder and a bottle of kombucha.
The thatched roof shop saw a steady trickle of customers from the neighbourhood, who often visit to stock up on fresh farm produce.
TWT Sustainability Trivia: We were highly impressed to know that the farm ran on almost 99% solar energy! However, discovering an Aeronero instead of a regular water cooler at their farm stay truly blew our minds. Aeronero is an air water generator that absorbs humidity to generate pure drinking water — an eco-friendly water solution perfect for Chennai’s humid weather.
7. Enjoy A Family Picnic
A perfect picnic spot near Chennai, Jacob and Klooster Farms offer several spaces for a fun family outing amidst verdant greenery and swaying coconut palms. Take your pick from the elevated platforms or ground-level grasslands. Pet parents, you can also bring along your fur babies for a fun outing, as this is one of the few pet-friendly places in Chennai.
Location Of Throughlocals Urban Farm Experience
The farm is a mere 10-minute drive (4 km) from Sholinganallur, Chennai, making it easily accessible from the city. This makes it perfect for a quick half-day weekend getaway from Chennai.
How To Book The Throughlocals Urban Farm Visit In Chennai?
You can book the urban farm visit in Chennai on the website of Throughlocals, a travel-experience company that believes the best way to explore a destination is from the perspective of a local. To provide authentic experiences, they’ve partnered with locals across Chennai and Madurai.
Their hand-picked adventures allow you to immerse in the rich culture of the land. You can also try some of their other interesting activities in Chennai, such as local food trails, pottery and cooking workshops, catamaran rides and immersive half-day city tours guided by locals.
The booking process is quite seamless, as the site clearly lists the itinerary, inclusions in the experience, duration, ideal age group and helpful FAQs. They arrange transportation as well for a nominal fee, making your commute simpler.
Additionally, you can also save your favorite experiences for later and share them with your loved ones. For booking, all you need to do is select your preferred date, add the number of travelers you will be accompanied with, and then place your order.
To reserve your Throughlocals Urban Farm Experience in Chennai, simply click on the link below:
The Story Behind Jacob And Klooster Farms, Chennai
As we strolled the pebbled pathways, Shammy narrated the story of their bold decision to leave behind their comfortable life in Amsterdam and settle down in the wilderness of Thazhambur village in the early 2000s. Shammy retired from his 15-year career in Nike World, with his last designation being the Director Of Sustainable Ventures. Charlotte has been an ethnobotanist and medical anthropologist, with work experience on medicinal plants in the Netherlands, Suriname, Africa and India.
Their goal? To raise their two young boys in an environment rooted in sustainability. Back then, the sprawling ancestral land lay amidst a desolate area with no reliable power supply or internet access. It’s almost hard to imagine it, as the farm is now surrounded by fancy villa plots, schools and gated communities, owing to its close proximity to Sholinganallur, one of Chennai’s key IT hubs.
Shammy expressed his concern about the clogged storm water drain, which bordered the farm. He has been actively reaching out for immediate action, as the dirty, stagnant water poses risks for the spread of diseases like dengue and malaria. It also threatens to flood the agricultural land, jeopardising the sustainable ecosystem they have worked hard to establish.
Today, as creative thinkers, sustainability advocates and organic farmers, they aim to craft a world where nature and humanity can thrive in a harmonious tandem.
TWT Experience Summary Of The Organic Farm Visit In Chennai
Although we had arrived at their gate just for a fun farm adventure, the experience turned out to be unexpectedly enriching, owing to the expert guidance of Shammy and Charlotte. Now this is an agri-tourism activity I will highly recommend to all fellow travelers visiting Chennai and for locals looking for fun activities and picnic spots in Chennai.
The experience offers a unique opportunity to learn organic farming, connect with the land on a deeper level, and get hands-on experience in sustainable living. Plus, bonding with the farm animals, riding a tractor, and having a fun picnic with your family amidst lush greenery can make for a rejuvenating getaway.
Farm Visit Duration: 4 hours
Farm Visit Timings: 9 am to 1 pm
Price Of The Urban Farm Experience Near Chennai: INR 1500 per person
Booking link: Throughlocals
Frequently Asked Questions About Farm Visits In Chennai
1. When can you plan a farm visit in Chennai?
You can plan your farm visit in Chennai anytime through the year, except peak summer. Visiting during the harvesting season is usually more rewarding, as it offers a better understanding of crop cultivation and the daily routine of a farmer’s life. Chennai experiences cyclonic weather and winter rains in December. So, it’s advisable to check the weather forecast beforehand to prevent the unexpected rains from ruining your plans.
2. Are farm visits safe and enjoyable for children and families?
Farm visits are a great way to connect with nature and perfectly suitable for people of all ages. Such rural experiences also provide agricultural education for children and help them develop a sense of responsibility towards nature and animals.
3. Do I need to book the Throughlocals Urban Farm Experience in advance?
You need to book your farm visit in advance on the Throughlocals website, as this will allow your host to plan out the activities and make arrangements for food and refreshments beforehand.
4. What must I wear or carry during the farm visit?
Since the farm visit is all about connecting with nature, expect to get some mud on your clothes. You will also engage in farm activities like preparing plant beds or feeding animals. Hence, it is best to wear breathable cotton clothes that offer comfort and allow freedom of movement.
5. What safety precautions should I keep in mind during the Throughlocals Urban Farm visit in Chennai?
It is advisable to wear protective shoes and gloves while engaging in farm activities, to prevent insect bites or cuts and bruises from thorny bushes. We were given farming gloves at the beginning of our farming activity by the host.
Applying a bug repellent can be an added precaution. Additionally, you might not want to stroll into unkempt wilderness and encounter snakes and other reptiles. Be mindful of your surroundings so that you don’t end up stamping on plant beds accidentally.
6. Can we buy organic products and fresh produce directly from the farm?
Of course! Jacob and Klooster Farms sell their fresh farm produce along with homemade jams, juices, plant oils and more, which you can buy at their organic store.
7. What is the cost of entry for the Throughlocals Urban Farm Experience?
You can book your farm visit via Throughlocals at a nominal price of INR 1500 per person.
8. Are pets allowed at Jacob and Klooster Farms?
Yes, Jacob and Klooster Farms is one of the few pet-friendly places in Chennai where you can enjoy your farm visit with your furry friend.
Love Traveling? We’Ve A Lot More Helpful Guides For You!
