Bantwal: A unique tree house resting on the strong branches of a tree with enough room within, providing a panoramic view of the surroundings invites all at Varanashi farm at Adyanadka village in Bantwal taluk. Everyone is aware of the progress made by Varanashi farm in the field of agriculture, but are not aware of the farm’s innovative efforts to branch out in the form of tree houses using strong tree branches extending skyward.
Tree house features
In order to avoid the concrete jungle, an idea to develop a wooden tree house was thought of and cedar tree branches were used to construct a tree house which is made of 95 per cent wood. Located at a height of 40 feet from the ground with a floor area of 28 square feet, the tree house is lit by solar power at night. A wooden stair case helps the users to enter the nest in the midst of nature as and when they wish and the interiors have a fan, four lights, and little furniture. Quality ropes bind the tree house to the strong tree branches and it has light weight ceiling to enhance the interior decor. Logs of jackfruit and acacia tree have been employed to give a clear cut finish to the exquisite tree house.
Planning and execution of tree house project
Partha Varanashi associated with Varanashi farm was in Australia as a swimming coach. After finding many tree houses there, he thought of using local craftsmen to develop a similar one in India. He was ready with the prototype and the tree house started gaining shape. Traders in cocoa from Spain had come to Varanashi farm and gave information about international tree house community to Partha who was keen to know more about it. Based on those inputs he contacted the international organization to avail their expertise in constructing a unique tree house. Philip Kingstein, the head of the organization conducted a survey in 2002 at his Adyanadka farm and in 2005 completed the tiny project using four skilled carpenters. It cost Rs 10 lakhs and the tree house was ready for occupation within 28 days.
The international organization based in Germany plans to construct 500 such houses over the next 10 years. The farm house at Adyanadka Varanashi farm is first-of-its-kind in the area. Visitors enjoy the stay even during summer and Partha Varanashi has plans to construct few more in the near future for all the nature lovers to cool their heels on the tree top. With the birds of air giving company, the tree house stay will be a memorable one for sure.
