As winter gently gives way to warmer days, Mumbai’s thriving community of hikers and outdoor enthusiasts is swapping hill trails for golden fields. This season, sunflower farm visits on the city’s outskirts have emerged as a favourite weekend escape, drawing families, pet parents and adventure lovers alike.What makes these visits special is not just the sea of yellow blooms stretching endlessly toward the horizon, but the sense of togetherness they foster.Raj Chedda, founder of the adventure community organising these outings, says the idea was always to create a space that welcomes everyone. “We are a family-friendly and pet-friendly hiking community that encourages people to explore the beauty of nature with their children and pets. We aim to create unforgettable moments of togetherness, laughter and adventure,” he says.Emphasising inclusivity, safety and accessibility, the group ensures that outdoor experiences remain enjoyable regardless of age or experience level. “We want to promote a more connected, healthier and happier lifestyle by fostering a strong bond between people, their pets and the environment,” he adds.Beyond the postcard-perfect visuals, the experience is immersive. Jainam Shah, from the team who hosted the event, explains that the outing goes far beyond a simple farm walk. “Our participants don’t just see nature — they taste it through our authentic farm-to-table experience. Our meals are prepared using fresh produce sourced directly from the farm, including pure sunflower oil extracted from the very fields you explore. When we say farm to table, we mean food that travels only from the soil to your plate — simple, honest, and full of flavour. It’s not just a visit — it’s a meaningful connection to where real food comes from.”For many Mumbaikars, the sunflower fields offered a rare pause from the city’s relentless pace. Nikita Shah, from South Mumbai and Head Operations & Customer Experience at a company, says, “It was truly an unforgettable experience. Everything was beautifully organised, making the journey smooth, safe, and incredibly enjoyable for the kids. The team was extremely cordial, supportive, and always ready with a smile. It created wonderful memories for our family.”Ekta Acharya, founder of a baking company based in the Western Suburbs, echoes the sentiment. “The sunflower farm experience felt refreshing and thoughtfully curated. For me, it was a perfect weekend escape from the city’s fast pace. We genuinely enjoyed the warmth and simplicity of the outing.” For Shreya Jaokar, a developmental psychologist from Andheri, the appeal lay in the sheer visual splendour. “We had a fantastic time at the Sunflower Farm visit near Mumbai. We loved the beautiful fields in full bloom. It felt like the perfect weekend getaway near the city.”The experience wasn’t limited to admiring flowers. Deepika Khaladkar, a homemaker from South Mumbai who attended with her family, says, “We had a wonderful experience. We enjoyed every aspect of the visit, from the sunflower fields to the river dip and the delicious lunch. Excellent trip.”In a city constantly racing against time, these sunflower farm visits have become more than just Instagram-worthy outings. They represent a growing desire among Mumbaikars to slow down, reconnect with nature and create shared memories at these golden fields.
