North India's Mountain Havens
When the summer heat intensifies, the northern regions of India beckon with their promise of cool mountain air and serene landscapes. This area boasts
a significant number of homestays, nestled amidst valleys and forests. In Himachal Pradesh, for nature enthusiasts seeking wildlife encounters, Gone Fishing Cottages offers riverside tranquility near the Great Himalayan National Park, providing easy access to hiking trails. Close by in Tirthan Valley, The Forest Edge and Kudrat Boutique Homestay serve as convenient bases for exploring the park's natural beauty. For those appreciating traditional architecture and panoramic mountain vistas, NORTH in Naggar is an excellent choice, built in the Kathkuni style. Further afield, Kashi Villa in Kasauli provides a peaceful retreat, close enough to the town's attractions. Bir, a hub for paragliding, features The Jungalow, an approachable stay ideal for adventurers looking for proximity to flying sites and local cafes.
Diverse Stays Across Regions
Beyond the conventional hotel experience, India offers homestays that immerse you in local life, often hosted by families deeply connected to their homes. These stays range from bustling farmhouses on working plantations to elegantly restored heritage bungalows, serene forest lodges, beachfront properties, and cozy mountain cottages. Many are run by families who have resided in these homes for generations, acting as invaluable local guides to hidden eateries, lesser-known trekking routes, and secret wildlife paths. The article highlights a diverse collection across India, categorized geographically. For instance, the southern region boasts coastal and backwater retreats like Praana Experience near Udupi and Svarna Homestay, as well as mountain escapes such as Mountain Villa in Vagamon and Baan Nimbus in Sakleshpur, known for its blend of Malnad and Thai influences. Karnataka also features urban charm with Dhakshini Vintage Project in Bengaluru and the historic Kelso House in Ooty. Kerala's homestays, like Paddyview Homestay and Nazrani Tharavadu, celebrate local crafts and ancestral heritage, offering a glimpse into traditional lifestyles and culinary traditions.
Eastern India's Personal Touches
Eastern India, while featuring a smaller selection of homestays, offers accommodations that feel particularly thoughtful and intimate. West Bengal stands out with several options, including three in Shantiniketan, the renowned educational center founded by Rabindranath Tagore. Amoli, a duplex property, is managed by Tagore's descendants, while Nayana's Homestay provides a screen-free environment with ample outdoor space ideal for families and pets. Srirangam Homestay is a haven for art enthusiasts, showcasing numerous paintings, sculptures, and curios, complete with a basement art gallery. In the picturesque hill stations of West Bengal, Birdsong & Beyond in Mirik invites guests to explore nearby rivers and tea gardens, promoting a slower pace of life. PaliGhar in Kalimpong is situated near the Relli River, a popular spot for birdwatching. Sikkim's homestays are equally captivating; Yangsum Heritage Farm offers breathtaking views of Kanchenjunga, Eagle's Nest, hosted by footballer Bhaichung Bhutia, is located near Gangtok, and Turuk Kothi showcases a rich numismatic history thanks to its hosts, descendants of early coin traders. Finally, Odisha's Svanir Wilderness provides an eco-friendly wildlife experience near Bhubaneshwar, and Assam's Medini Homestay is positioned at the edge of Kaziranga National Park, famous for its one-horned rhinos.
Western & Central India Adventures
The western and central regions of India present a compelling duality in their homestay offerings, catering to both wildlife enthusiasts and those seeking cultural immersion in historic locales. For those drawn to nature reserves, several properties serve as prime bases for safaris. In Rajasthan, Baaghini offers proximity to Ranthambore National Park, nestled amidst the Aravalli hills. Maharashtra's The Spotted Owlet Farm House is strategically located in the buffer zone of Tadoba Andhari Tiger Reserve, while Madhya Pradesh's Salban Homestay provides easy access to Kanha National Park. These locations place guests squarely in prime tiger habitats. Shifting focus to heritage and local life, Jaipur's Rajan House offers a warm, lived-in family atmosphere. Laalee stands out with its unique pichwai art adorning the walls and themed rooms, complete with hands-on art workshops. In Jodhpur, the 19th-century Sukh Sagar Haveli provides a glimpse into the past, and Shahpura Bagh, a former royal summer residence, now operates as a garden retreat managed by the princely family's descendants. Gwalior's Krishnayan Heritage similarly transports guests back in time within an 18th-century haveli. Maharashtra also provides urban character and rural tranquility, with James Ferreira's historic bungalow in Mumbai's Khotachiwadi offering a taste of original East Indian architecture. Further afield, The Parekh Farm near Nashik provides a cozy farmstay experience with nearby vineyards, and Ayra Farms, situated between Mumbai and Pune, emphasizes home-style Maharashtrian cuisine and a rural setting. Atithi Parinay, managed by a mother-daughter duo, is a convenient stopover for travelers journeying between Mumbai and Goa.
Goa's Coastal Charms
Goa itself emerges as a premier destination for homestays, with properties scattered across its tranquil villages, lush interiors, and less-traveled beaches. In the southern part of the state, Casa Galgibaga provides a serene escape from the typical tourist crowds. Olaulim Backyards, located approximately thirty minutes from Panjim, embraces a leisurely village lifestyle within a garden-rich setting. North Goa features The Verve Estate, a meticulously restored century-old Portuguese mansion near Assagao, which beautifully blends historical architecture with convenient access to the region's vibrant dining and nightlife scene. Parijaat Goa, situated just minutes from Anjuna beach, is an ideal choice for those wishing to stay close to the coastline. For those seeking a more secluded experience amidst nature, Capella Forest Retreat and Homestay is perched on a wooded hillside in Parra, while Dudhsagar Plantation Homestay sprawls across a 50-acre plantation within Mollem National Park, offering a greener, more tranquil alternative.
Southern India's Plantation Retreats
South India, encompassing states like Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Kerala, and Tamil Nadu, offers homestays with distinct attractions such as serene backwater vistas, gentle sea breezes, and immersive plantation experiences. Many of these homes are situated on active farms, where the surrounding environment significantly influences the cuisine and daily activities. Coffee and Pepper Homestay is nestled within the spice hills of Thekkady, while Dhanagiri Homestay is spread across a coffee estate in Wayanad, both enveloped by dense foliage and coffee plants. In Coorg, School Estate and Bungalow 1934 are also located on expansive coffee plantations; the former was once the residence of a German missionary, and the latter overlooks the Brahmagiri range, built in a distinctive Kodava-British style. Philipkutty’s Farm, located on an island in Kerala’s backwaters, boasts a diverse 35-acre landscape of coconut, nutmeg, cocoa, banana, pepper, and toddy-yielding palms, much of which is utilized in their kitchen. Other farms, though smaller in scale, offer unique experiences. Nivriti operates from an 1800s house on a 10-acre spice and coconut farm, Velanga Orchard is situated on a 50-acre mango orchard in Andhra Pradesh's Bodabandla village, and Pannadikadu is nestled within a mango orchard in the Palghat Gap, bridging Kerala and Tamil cultures. Near Chennai, Pico is run by two grandmothers from their ancestral farm, serving meals prepared from their own harvests. Across these properties, guests can delve into the rhythms of daily farm life, from strolling through coffee bushes and touring spice gardens to savoring meals freshly picked from the surrounding land.
