The idea for Svanir began when Soumya’s father offered to sell family land in Bhubaneshwar to fund a move back to Delhi. Instead, the couple chose to return and transform the land into an eco-friendly sanctuary.
“While the money was great (in Delhi), we never felt at peace when we were working there,” says Soumya.
The ecostay, set on a lush one-acre property, is surrounded by over 3,500 trees, including mango, guava, and pomegranate, offering guests a serene escape from city life.
“This is how our guests are welcomed every morning,” says Indrani, describing the little black bird that greets visitors at their doorstep.
Svanir, meaning “Our own nest” in Sanskrit, was entirely designed by the couple without an architect, filling the space with personal touches.
Despite setbacks, like Cyclone Fani delaying their opening, Indrani and Soumya persevered and opened Svanir in December 2019, just before the pandemic.
Their homestay features four large cottages inspired by traditional tribal architecture, made with locally sourced materials and decorated with hand-painted Santhal art.
The couple champions sustainability by implementing rainwater harvesting and greywater systems, while providing guests with eco-friendly bathing options.
Indrani finds joy in cooking curated meals for guests, from Bengali dishes to experimental Korean cuisine. “I love cooking for our guests,” she says.
“Svanir is a labour of love. It is an extension of our home. We want guests who understand and respect this to visit us,” the couple says. So far, they have welcomed about 100 families to their homestay.