Northern Escapes Await
When the Indian summer intensifies, the northern regions beckon with cool mountain air and picturesque landscapes. This area boasts a significant number
of homestays, nestled in valleys, forests, and charming hill towns. Himachal Pradesh offers stays like Gone Fishing Cottages near the Great Himalayan National Park for wildlife enthusiasts, and The Forest Edge and Kudrat Boutique Homestay in Tirthan Valley for nature lovers. For architectural charm and stunning mountain vistas, NORTH in Naggar provides a traditional Kathkuni experience, while Kashi Villa near Kasauli offers a peaceful retreat. Bir, a hub for paragliding, features The Jungalow, conveniently located near flight sites and local cafes. The region also presents diverse landscapes, including coastal getaways like Praana Experience near Udupi and backwater retreats like Svarna Homestay. In the hills, Mountain Villa in Vagamon provides cottage stays, and Baan Nimbus in Sakleshpur showcases a blend of Malnad and Thai design. Karnataka further enhances the offering with urban heritage in Bengaluru's Dhakshini Vintage Project and colonial charm at Ooty's The Kelso House. Kerala homestays focus on local artistry, with Paddyview Homestay showcasing handwoven crafts and Nazrani Tharavadu in Kottayam celebrating family history through antiques and traditional cuisine.
Eastern Charms Unveiled
Eastern India, while having a more concentrated selection of homestays, excels in providing deeply personal and thoughtful experiences. West Bengal is a prominent location, particularly in Shantiniketan, the birthplace of Rabindranath Tagore's educational institutions. Here, Amoli is a duplex run by Tagore's descendants, Nayana's Homestay offers a screen-free environment with ample outdoor space for families and pets, and Srirangam Homestay is an art aficionado's dream, featuring paintings, sculptures, and even a private basement gallery. Beyond Shantiniketan, West Bengal offers stays in serene hill stations by rivers. Birdsong & Beyond in Mirik invites guests for walks along the Ranghbhang River and through tea estates, while PaliGhar in Kalimpong is close to the Relli River, a haven for avian life. Sikkim adds to the allure with Yangsum Heritage Farm offering panoramic views of Kanchenjunga, Eagle's Nest, hosted by football star Bhaichung Bhutia near Gangtok, and Turuk Kothi, steeped in numismatic history and managed by the fifth generation of a family instrumental in introducing coins to the region. The eastern region also caters to wildlife enthusiasts with Svanir Wilderness on the outskirts of Bhubaneshwar in Odisha, and Medini Homestay bordering Assam’s Kaziranga National Park, famous for its one-horned rhinos.
Western & Central Adventures
The homestays in West and Central India cater to two distinct travel preferences: immersive wildlife experiences near renowned nature reserves and culturally rich stays in historic locales. This region provides a dynamic mix, from tiger sanctuaries and ancient havelis to working farms and coastal villages, often within easy reach of major cities. For those seeking wildlife encounters, properties like Baaghini near Ranthambore National Park in Rajasthan, The Spotted Owlet Farm House in the buffer zone of Tadoba Andhari Tiger Reserve, Maharashtra, and Salban Homestay near Kanha National Park, Madhya Pradesh, serve as excellent bases for tiger safaris. Beyond wildlife, heritage homes offer glimpses into local history and daily life. Jaipur presents Rajan House, a welcoming family home, and Laalee, known for its vibrant pichwai art and art workshops. Jodhpur features Sukh Sagar Haveli, a grand 19th-century residence, and Shahpura Bagh, a former royal summer retreat. Gwalior's Krishnayan Heritage provides a journey back in time within an 18th-century haveli. Maharashtra also offers urban character, such as James Ferreira’s 200-year-old home in Mumbai’s Khotachiwadi, and countryside tranquility at The Parekh Farm near Nashik. Ayra Farms between Mumbai and Pune focuses on authentic Maharashtrian cuisine and a rural setting, while Atithi Parinay serves as a convenient stopover between Mumbai and Goa. Goa itself is a homestay paradise, with options ranging from tranquil beachside stays like Casa Galgibaga to the slow village life at Olaulim Backyards. North Goa boasts The Verve Estate, a restored Portuguese mansion, and Parijaat Goa near Anjuna beach. For secluded escapes, Capella Forest Retreat and Homestay and Dudhsagar Plantation Homestay offer lush, natural surroundings.
Southern Serenity Found
Homestays in South India are characterized by their serene backwater views, gentle sea breezes, and picturesque plantation settings. Many of these homes are situated on working farms, meaning the local produce directly influences the culinary experiences and daily activities. In Thekkady, Coffee and Pepper Homestay is nestled amidst spice hills, while Dhanagiri Homestay in Wayanad is set within a coffee estate. Coorg's School Estate and Bungalow 1934 are also located on extensive coffee plantations, offering historical and scenic perspectives. Philipkutty’s Farm in Kerala's backwaters provides an immersive experience on a diverse 35-acre estate brimming with coconut, nutmeg, cocoa, and pepper plants. Smaller farms also offer unique stays, such as Nivriti, an 1800s house on a spice and coconut farm, and Velanga Orchard, a mango orchard estate in Andhra Pradesh. Pannadikadu, located in the Palghat Gap, bridges Kerala and Tamil cultures within a mango orchard. Near Chennai, Pico operates from an ancestral farm run by two grandmothers, serving meals made from their own harvests. Across these properties, guests can engage in farm activities, from walking through coffee bushes to touring spice gardens and enjoying meals prepared with freshly grown ingredients.
