Home Stays, Home Stay Experience: Embracing Culture, Comfort, and Connection
Introduction :
Believe it or not, Home Stays
are the best option for Travelers compared to conventional accommodation. Be it
a nomad traveler, or a vacation visit with your family, especially when you are away from your
hometown or Home country. Home Stays
provides numerous advantages as it caters to Cultural immersion along with a
feel of tradition, a personalized experience with local insights, a feel of
local language practice, safety and security, flexibility, and unique accommodation, besides
Cost cost-effective and definitely a Home away from Home is better than any other
place to stay.
As a passionate Blogger, I get a lot of requests from Social media and other platforms,
especially from Foreign nationals seeking information about Home Stays in
India. Hence, the thought of sharing this article on Home Stays in
India came to my mind. Though there are many options
available, I am only sharing the top 5 Home stay options that can be availed
and this covers homestays from all directions of India North, East, South, and
Western India.
India, with its kaleidoscope
of diverse cultures, traditions, and landscapes, is a destination that beckons travelers
from across the globe. For those seeking an immersive and authentic experience,
homestays offer an unparalleled opportunity to connect with the heart and soul
of the country. In this article, we delve into the top 5 homestays in India
that are tailor-made for foreign nationals. From the ethereal valleys of the
North to the serene backwaters of the South, these homestays promise an
unforgettable journey into India's rich tapestry.
1. Apani Dhani, Jaipur, Rajasthan
Location:
Hathroi Fort, Ajmer Road,
Jaipur, Rajasthan. This Home Stay is 275 km from Delhi (direct night
trains to Nawalgarh - and vice versa - as well as two-day trains) and 150
km from Jaipur (many direct buses).
How to Reach:
Apani Dhani is 15 km from Jaipur International Airport and
5 km from Jaipur Railway Station.
Contact: Tel: + 91 1594 222239 / 0-1594 222239/ 91-123456789
Email : contact@apanidhani.com\ apanidhani@gmail.com
Highlights:
Immerse in
Rajasthani culture in a village-style setting with vibrant frescoes. Almost all
the rooms here have en-suite bathrooms and toilets and their decor highlights
local crafts.
Home-made vegetarian cuisine using mostly products from Apani
Dhani’s own organic garden will add to the pleasure of the stay.
Activities such as guided visits, excursions in the countryside, art and
crafts workshops, cooking classes, etc. bring in extra revenue to the
local community as well as offer ample opportunities for meeting and
exchanges
Activities provided :
Cooking Classes, Visits and excursions, Yoga Hall, Bicycle tour, Craft
Workshops, Birding and Music
Facilities: Comfortable cottages,
camel rides, folk performances, traditional meals.
Specialty: Guest house run by family. Discovery of the culture through activities
and meetings with the local community with a strong ecological principle. A
commitment to fair and responsible tourism makes it traveller-friendly and most
importantly, Communication in English, French, and Hindi.
Tariff: $75 per day (approx.)
Check-in: 12:00
Hrs (midday) / Check-out: 10.30 a.m. / Possibility of keeping
the room until evening for 50% of daily room tariff (according to availability)
Languages Spoken: Rajasthani, Hindi, and English.
What else do you want? Find more about this homestay here.
2. Glenburn Tea Estate, Darjeeling, West Bengal
Location: Glenburn Tea Estate, (Tourism
Division) DLX Ltd.
Kanak Building, 41, Chowringhee Road
Kolkata - 71, WB
India
How to Reach: The estate is a
scenic 3-hour drive from Bagdogra Airport and 3.5 hours from New Jalpaiguri
Railway Station.
Phone: Phone (mobile): +91 98 300 70213
Fax: +91 33 2288 3581
Email: info@glenburnteaestate.com
Skype (office/desktop): mahoutuk
Skype (traveling / laptop): mahtoutlaptop
Glenburn is a heavenly plantation
retreat situated on a hillock above the banks of the River Rungeet, high in the
Himalayas, overlooked by the mighty Kanchenjunga mountain range.
Home Stay in The
“tea estate” experience was inspired by the vineyards of Europe and other parts
of the world, where visitors observe the wine-making process, taste the wine, and shop for wine, local crafts, and produce. Finding the whole experience
educational and very interesting, and thereby inspired to open their own tea estate for tourists who may be
interested in knowing about how a tea leaf makes it to their tea cup.
This homestay is supposed
to be a modern-day homestay with accommodations in individual bungalows, with
a breathtaking view of the Himalayas, apart from various suits that are
available to suit the traveler's needs.
Highlights: Experience colonial
charm amidst tea plantations and river views.
Facilities: Cozy bungalows, tea
tasting, river picnics, guided nature walks.
Activities: The
Tea experience, Hiking, Day trips, Fishing, Massage Treatments, Beauty
Treatments, and cooking classes which you cannot find in conventional Hotels.
Tariff: $150 per day (approx.)
Languages Spoken: Bengali,
Hindi and English
Find more about this homestay here.
3. Serenity Home Stay, Munnar, Kerala
Location: Serenity Estate, Pothamedu,
Munnar, Kerala
How to Reach:
Munnar is a 3-hour drive from Cochin International Airport
and 4 hours from Aluva Railway Station.
Contact: +91-987654321 |
bookings@serenityhomestay.com
Highlights: Embrace the misty
beauty of tea gardens in Kerala's hill station.
Facilities: Cosy rooms, guided
plantation walks, traditional Kerala meals.
It is a fantastic place!
Located near the top of the mountains overlooking the valley this Home Stay
has incredible views. It’s very serene… the perfect place to relax in a quiet
setting.
Located amongst the tea plantations and adjacent
to a cardamom plantation the area is so fascinating. You can take advantage of
the included walking tour where you learn about the wildlife, vegetation, and
crops along with the related production processes.
The food is absolutely delicious with homemade multi-course
meals that are so delicious. The rooms are very large and comfortable.
Activities: Hiking up to the Vinrage point, Relaxing with Family, enjoying slight drizzling all
through the year, tea estate, and evening snacks with the famous Banana Chipps.
Tariff: $90 per day (approx.)
Languages Spoken: Malayalam
and English
4. Azure Family Home Stay, Uttar Pradesh
Location: B
30/232 Assi Nagwa, Ravidas Ghat Crossing, Near Assi Ghat, Varanasi 221005,
Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh 221005.
How to Reach:
Varanasi is well-connected by air, with Lal Bahadur Shastri International
Airport and Varanasi Junction Railway Station.
Contact: + 093359 75111 | azureguesthouse@gmail.com
Highlights: Immerse in the
spiritual aura of Varanasi's ghats and rituals.
Azure Family paying Home
Stay is located just around 10 minutes from the nearest railway station as well
as the city center, This Home Stay will offer you free Wi-Fi access in all
the areas and this one has a Dining inside!
The best part of this homestay is that ‘The
Holy Kashi Vishwanath Temple’ is just 2 km away. Lal Bahadur Shastri Airport is
23 km away. This Home Stay is a beautiful location, The owner is really nice
and she makes her own delicious spices that are required for making daily food.
You will get breakfast here it is really simple.
Serving American, Indian, and Chinese meals, Tasty Buds is 350 meters away. The low-budget Homestay
also provides meeting rooms for those arriving on business
Facilities The services that are offered here are also great
such as boat tour, sauna, laundry etc. The rooms here are small but they have
all that they need. You have a refrigerator too and what else is required.
Tariff: This is very cheap starting
with $50 per day (approx.)
Languages Spoken: Bhojpuri,
Hindi and English
Find more about this homestay here.
5. Cherrapunjee Holiday Resort, Cherrapunjee, Meghalaya
Location: Cherrapunjee Holiday Resort. Laitkynsew
View Point Rd, Village, Cherrapunji, Sohsarat, Meghalaya 793108
How to Reach: Cherrapunjee is
around 60 km from Shillong Airport and 60 km from Guwahati Railway Station.
Contact: +91-987654321 / 96153-38500; 87948-03833
Email: reservations@cherrapunjee.com
Cherrapunjee Holiday Resort
is a family-run Nature Resort, promoted as a Family Holiday Destination.
The focus is on the abundant scenic beauty all around the Resort, the benevolence
of the Asian Summer Monsoon on Cherrapunjee, the enchanting and challenging
Nature Treks in this amazing terrain, the Living Root Bridges including the one
of its kind Double Decker Root Bridge, which is exclusive to Meghalaya and
unique in the whole world, Baths in waterfalls, mountain streams and cool
springs during the rainy season, Swims in Natural Swimming Pools that are rock
pools in the river bed down in the valley, Campfires, Adventure Caving, River
Canyoning and Camping Out in winter. It is our earnest desire to provide the
right ambiance for family holidays in the lap of nature.
Highlights: Unwind in the misty
landscapes of Meghalaya's Cherrapunjee.
Facilities: Cozy cottages,
panoramic valley views, guided treks.
Activities: Treks and Walks, Viewpoints, Adventure Caving,
Birding, Swimming, Bird Watching, Rive Canyoning, and much more.
Tariff: $80 per day (approx.)
Languages Spoken: Assamese,
Bengali, Hindi and English.
Find more about this homestay here.
Conclusion :
These meticulously curated
homestays invite foreign nationals to immerse themselves in India's beauty,
traditions, and hospitality. Each stay offers a unique narrative, from the
royal hues of Jaipur to the lush tea estates of Darjeeling, the serene
backwaters of Kerala, the spiritual resonance of Varanasi, and the misty
landscapes of Meghalaya. As you embark on this unforgettable journey, these
homestays promise not just a place to rest but an opportunity to forge a deep
connection with the soul of India.
Please remember that while homestays offer numerous advantages, they might also come with particular
challenges or differences from conventional accommodations. Communication,
mutual respect, a give-and-take attitude, and cultural sensitivity are some of
the important factors in making your homestay experience a positive and memorable
one.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ’s
Q1. What is a homestay?
A1 A homestay is a type of accommodation
where travelers stay in a private residence, often with a local host family.
It offers a more immersive experience of the local culture and lifestyle
compared to traditional hotels.
Q2. How do I find a suitable
homestay?
A2 You can find homestays
through online platforms that specialize in connecting travelers with hosts.
Websites and apps allow you to browse listings, read reviews, and communicate
with hosts to find a suitable match.
Q3. What amenities can I
expect in a homestay?
A3 Amenities vary, but common
ones include a private room, shared or private bathroom, access to common
areas, and sometimes extras like kitchen facilities, Wi-Fi, and laundry
services.
Q4. Is it safe to stay in a
homestay?
A4 Generally, homestays are
safe options, but it's essential to research and choose reputable platforms and
hosts with positive reviews. Reading reviews from other travelers can provide
insights into the safety and quality of the accommodation.
Q5. What is the advantage of
staying in a homestay over a hotel?
A5 Staying in a homestay
offers a more authentic cultural experience, and personalized attention from hosts,
and is often a cost-effective alternative to hotels. You also get the chance to
live like a local and gain insider knowledge about the destination.
Q6. How can I ensure a
positive experience with my host family?
A6 Effective communication is
key. Before booking, ask questions about the accommodation, house rules, and
expectations. Being respectful of the host family's space and rules is
important for maintaining a positive relationship.
Q7. Are homestays suitable
for families with children?
A7 Yes, many homestays
welcome families with children. Some hosts might have family-friendly amenities
or even special activities for kids. It's advisable to communicate your needs
and expectations with the host in advance.
Q8. Can I book a homestay for
a short-term stay?
A8 Yes, you can find homestays for short-term
stays, including single nights. Some hosts might have minimum stay
requirements, so be sure to check the listing details.
Q9. What if I have dietary
restrictions or allergies?
A9 Many hosts are accommodating and can cater to
dietary restrictions or allergies. It's a good idea to communicate your dietary
needs to the host before your stay to ensure they can provide suitable meals.
Q10. How do I respect the
local customs and culture during my homestay?
A10 Researching the local customs and cultural
norms before your trip is essential. Being open-minded, showing appreciation
for the host's culture, and following any house rules or guidelines will help
you respect the local way of life during your stay.