Homestays

Overview
Hotels

Do you want to experience the real India, living in and interacting with local people and families instead of the sometimes faceless hotel experience, if the answer is yes then Homestays are for you.

A Homestay offers you informality and local knowledge and offers an insight into the culture, traditions, history and everyday life of an Indian family. What’s more, guests get the chance to enjoy authentic Indian food at its very best - home cooked.

India is renowned for being incredibly diverse. With literally hundreds of different languages, everything from style of dress to architecture changes from state to state and town to town, a local insight is not just a luxury, it is essential to getting the most out of this extraordinary country. That is what makes a Homestay so ideal for tourists: the sights, smells, tastes and traditions of India are experienced rather than just watched, lived rather than observed.

A Homestay isn’t simply somewhere to stay; many Homestays offer a range of activities which give guests the unique opportunity to experience the specific culture of the area. With everything that Homestays have to offer, they aren’t just a base from which to spend a few days exploring the local area, they are a holiday destination in themselves.

Activities will differ from home to home and depending on the location. For instance, in the backwaters of Kerala, many Homestays offer backwater cruises in houseboats and trips down the narrow canals in canoes. In Rajasthan some Homestays arrange safaris by jeep or horseback into the countryside, to visit tribal villages and spot wildlife. In plantation and hill stations, hosts can take guests trekking and arrange guided walks through spice gardens and forests. Depending on the family, many hosts will offer to take guests round the sights of their town or village, sharing local insights and an experience far removed from the usual tourist trudge. Hosts are always happy to inform a guest of neighbourhood walks where they can get a feel for the district and even meet some locals.

Several Homestays can arrange activities for wellbeing activities such as yoga, Ayurvedic treatments and massage. It is recommended that guests experience a few meals of local cuisine cooked by the family, as there is nothing better than home-cooked food; most hosts also offer cooking classes to guests if they are interested.

The hosts pride themselves on the individual attention they can give their guests, whether for comfort, food, or just an interesting chat. The Homestays are generally houses typical to the region with at most around six guest bedrooms. Some Homestays have rooms for guests in separate “cottages”, others offer rooms within the house. In any case, guests can have as much privacy as they require; as much familiarity with the family as they like. Guests are invited to feel at home and there really is no hospitality like Indian hospitality.

Homestays act as a base from which to explore the region, but simply staying in them is an experience leagues ahead of alternative accommodation on the tourist trail. It takes the detachment away from tourism, makes the guide book redundant and gives you a unique and unforgettable experience of the intricacies of Indian life and culture.

Garden Villa Homestay, Agra MI Evaluation - Silver

Only three km from the Taj Mahal and surrounded by a beautiful garden, this is a modern oasis offering seven guest rooms with impeccable zen-like interiors.

Parayil Homestay , Alleppey MI Evaluation - Gold

Parayil Homestay is a family home, nestling in acres of fruit trees, coconut groves and ambling pathways; Built more than a century ago, this is an elegant, traditional country home that retains the grandeur and history of an aristocratic family.

Taamara Homestay, Alleppey MI Evaluation - Silver Plus

Welcomed by a lotus pond and smiling hosts, this is one of Mahindra’s most exclusive homestays. Two over-water cottages offer luxury accommodation, whilst the home-cooked meals provide an unforgettable backwater experience.

Vembanad House Homestay, Alleppey MI Evaluation - Silver

A stunning Kerala-style home is verified by Vogue Magazine. Embraced by water on three sides, this 10 acre property with four rooms is perfect for families.

Olavipe Homestay, Backwaters MI Evaluation - Silver Plus

Set in the middle of a working farm, it is a house of openness and light, serenaded by birds, shaded by ancient trees and lulled by gentle breeze from the backwaters. The house has four large airy bedrooms for guests - including a wheel chair friendly one.

Phillip Kuttys Farmhouse, Backwaters MI Evaluation - Silver Plus

Staying at Philip Kutty’s Farm is an excellent opportunity to enjoy the real Keralan experience in a fascinating location, with a caring family to look after you

Nele Homestay, Bangalore MI Evaluation - Silver Plus

The lush green vegetation, the cosy rooms, the ethnic corridors, hygienic, healthy & tasty food, beautiful birds to sing and entertain, natural fruits on trees to detoxify, a divine silence to connect with ... one really wonders, how Nele Homestay could get it so right !!

The Bungalow Homestay, Cochin MI Evaluation - Silver

On the island of Vypeen, a ferry ride from Fort Cochin, this heritage home has a fascinating link to Indian history. With two guestrooms, the interiors are designed in Portugese, Duch and Keralan styles respectively.

Eden Garden Homestay, Coonoor MI Evaluation - Silver Plus

Eden Garden is home to Jose, his charming wife Sindhu, and their three children. Set several thousand feet above the main Coonoor Township, Eden Garden is so named by the family as the property and its surrounds are nothing short of paradise on earth.

Bel Home Homestay, Coorg MI Evaluation - Silver

Overlooking Kotebetta peak, Bel Home is set amidst an 80-acre plantation. The two guestrooms are simple yet spacious.

Eco Habitat, Coorg MI Evaluation - Silver

Close to Bangalore, yet surrounded by the lush greenery of Coorg, this farm-like setting offers two private pool villas flanked by coconut and vanilla trees.

Jagalew Estate Homestay, Coorg MI Evaluation - Silver

The estate is secluded behind lush foliage with the Nagarhole forest and a 40-acre coffee plantation as its backyard. Guests are accommodated in two wooden cottages and a rooftop room each with balconies to catch the morning sun on.

Polaca Bungalow Homestay, Coorg MI Evaluation - Silver

Polaycad is one of the finest coffee estates in Coorg, just over 100 km from Mysore. Built in 1929, the bungalow offers four spacious guestrooms, whilst avid golfers, cooks and gardeners will enjoy the warm Kodava welcome offered by the Hosts.

The Homestead Homestay, Corbett NP MI Evaluation - Silver

This sprawling farm bordering Corbett National Park offers access to one of the leading wildlife reserves in India and one of the warmest welcomes from a host.

The Wildside Homestay, Dehradun MI Evaluation - Silver

Surrounded by reserve, this is a home where rare birds, panthers, leopards and wild boars roam nearby. The Wild Side has been featured in interior magazines, its three guestrooms are elegantly grand, whilst the Host, having worked worked for the British High Comission is a joy to chat to.

Darshan Homestay, Delhi MI Evaluation - Silver

Found in one of the most affluent areas of the city, Darshan is furnished with antiques of The East India Company. Peaceful and serene with two guestrooms, this home is close to key attractions including the Baha’i Temple, Lodhi Garden and Red Fort. Darshan homestay is

Green Meadow Homestay, Delhi MI Evaluation - Silver

The Green Meadow is an oasis of tranquillity. Nestled among lush green and peaceful surroundings, the guest house is conveniently situated in Green Park, South Delhi

Haree Shankar Homestay, Delhi MI Evaluation - Silver

This peaceful haven is found near the airport. Perfectly located on route to Rajasthan, this is a sunlit, sumptuously designed retreat with four guestrooms. The hosts offer a number of experiences that film buffs will especially enjoy.

The Estate Homestay, Delhi MI Evaluation - Silver

Close to the airport, The Estate is a luxury home in tranquil South Delhi. Beautifully designed, the five guestrooms have private balconies. The hammock in the garden offers a peaceful interlude after busy day exploring the city.

Thikana Homestay, Delhi MI Evaluation - Silver Plus

Welcome to your home while visiting New Delhi. Welcome to Thikana, where your adventure in India begins in the warmth of our family accommodation. Thikana, which in Hindi means the place to which you belong, is your destination for comfort and simple luxuries in the heart of the city.

30 Assagao Homestay, Goa MI Evaluation - Silver

Close to the village of Mapusa, visitors are welcomed by the Goan style mansion of 30 Assagao, backed by a wild forest filled with trees, birds and monkeys.

Arco Iris Homestay, Goa MI Evaluation - Gold

Located 30 minutes from the coast, this 120 year old Potrugese-style heritage home is a delight from inside-out. This is a luxurious homestay renovated with love and care.

Capella Homestay, Goa MI Evaluation - Silver

Found 45 minutes from the airport and 20 minutes from the beach, Capella is a modern interpretation of traditional architecture, surrounded by lush greenery.

Harmony Homestay, Jaipur MI Evaluation - Silver Plus

Harmony Homestay is situated in a centrally located, serene and a quiet residential area, tucked away from the hustle bustle of town. The house is tastefully decorated with old photographs and antiques, each telling a story of the customs, traditions and the times gone by.

Madhu Pushp Bhavan Homestay, Jaipur MI Evaluation - Silver

A grand, traditional Rajasthani home filled with an impressive collection of art and antiques, Madhu Pushp Bhavan is run by a prestigious Raipur family – the host’s father was Chief-Conservator of wildlife in Rajasthan.

Matra Chaya Homestay, Jaipur MI Evaluation - Silver Plus

A newly renovated cottage in the heart of the city, Matra Chaya is filled with sumptuous Indian furnishings. The host’s father was the official record keeper for the Maharaja of Jaipur and is very knowledgeable about the region’s history.

Palm Court Homestay, Jaipur MI Evaluation - Silver

A large, modern and sumptuously designed home near the airport. Interiors and guestrooms are filled with traditional artefacts, reflecting the hosts’ link to the royal family of Sirmathura, and their expertise in Rajasthani history and culture.

Sura Kunj Homestay, Jodhpur MI Evaluation - Silver

A modern, yet traditional family home, Surya Kunj is close to the fort and Umaid Bhawan Palace. The host is an expert in the history and religions of Jodhpur and the family have an illustrious past with several military ancestors.

Meenachil Enclave Homestay, Kottayam MI Evaluation - Silver

This exclusive farm is the epitome of opulence with swimming pool, landscaped gardens, two luxurious guest rooms and zen gardens. Guests are well nourished with produce from the farm, whilst avid gardeners will enjoy the flower gardens.

Molly's Retreat Homestay, Kovalam MI Evaluation - Silver

Molly’s retreat is an 8 roomed boutique hotel located 50 meters from Kovalam beach. It has the charm and comfort of a villa.

Neeralaya, Kullu MI Evaluation - Silver Plus

Neeralaya is all about our villas, built in old recycled timber, stone and slates sourced locally. Located on the banks of the river Beas, surrounded by forest and orchards on the other two sides, Neeralaya is completely isolated from the crowds that make a beeline for the hills to escape the summer heat.

Fort Rampura Homestay, Lucknow MI Evaluation - Silver Plus

Off the beaten track, this 700 year-old fort is of another era. Today, its three guestrooms hosts diplomats and dignataries.

Ambady Estate Homestay, Munnar MI Evaluation - Silver

An environmentalist’s dream... lush rainforest surrounds the 100 year old smoking house. Four cottages offer a picture-perfect world of green.

Casa Del Fauno Homestay, Munnar MI Evaluation - Silver Plus

Welcome to the flora and fauna of the Kannan Devan hills at Munnar. Munnar, one of the finest tourist destinations of South India beckons the visitor with its picturesque sights of lush green wilderness and pleasant weather.

Garden Valley Homestay, Nainital MI Evaluation - Silver

This idyllic 100 year-old cottage near Naintal and Bhimtaal, faces a forested mountain and has recently been renovated. The sound of birds and a flowing stream below the house is all one hears whilst the gardens filled with organic produce ensures meals are deliciously fresh.

The Cottage Homestay, Nainital MI Evaluation - Silver

According to the Host, this ‘white stone walled’ muse, has been meticulously brought to life with ancient wood carved doors and windows, brightly painted walls and fresh flowers

Tharavad Homestay , Palakkad MI Evaluation - Silver

Tharavad is the place to experience the village life of Kerala. The house set in a rustic village outside Palakkad Town takes you back to a by gone era. Away from the busy traffic and into a countryside that is absolutely quiet and calm.

Castle Bera Homestay, Pali MI Evaluation - Silver

This majestic Haveli situated near Jawai Bandh dam offers panoramic views of the village. Two of the four guest rooms have balconies that overlook the beautifully landscaped garden.

Yangsum Farm, Rinchenpong MI Evaluation - Silver Plus

Yangsum Farm is tucked away far from crowds, in idyllic countryside with a backdrop of the Khangchendzonga group of peaks and the skyline of the Singelila Range. It is located in West Sikkim, NE India, two kms from the small bazaar village of Rinchenpong at an altitude of 1500 m.

Almond Villas Homestay, Srinagar MI Evaluation - Silver

Found on 40 acres next to the Dal lake, Almond Villa is an old heritage hunting lodge offering five guest rooms. Drenched in history and surrounded by birdlife, the hosts are a royal kashmiri pundit family and avid supporters of the wildlife tourism industry and local culture.

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