Homestays in India that are pure joy and warmth

Why do you travel? How often have you asked yourself this “burning” question? Most of us will agree that we travel to unwind (though it is also true that travel can also get tedious at times), to experience new cultures and traditions. How often do we travel for the places of stay? We should do this more often because some of the properties can be surprisingly wholesome. Meaning, some of them can give you a comfortable stay, great local experiences, awesome food and a memorable time in general.

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We have handpicked some of the homestays that do just that. These homestays will give you a perfect holiday.

Popular as one of the oldest homestays in Kaza, Sakya Home Stay is a home away from home. The host’s warmth and immense knowledge about the place and local culture and traditions makes Sakya a great stay option for when in Kaza. You can call it a wholesome experiential stay. Also, the views of snow-covered mountains will be the best thing you will wake up to.

Located just 11 km from Munnar, River Rock is your riverside vacation that you will be talking about for a long time. Most of the rooms here are built on rocks, and have views of a gurgling water stream. Also, the stay is in the middle of a lush space, with alluring whiffs of cardamom, coffee and more riding the wind. Come for the view and the feel, and stay for the exceptionally good food.

If this is your first time in Sikkim, make Mayal Lyang a part of that first Sikkim experience. Located in Dzongu, home to the Lepcha people, the original inhabitants of Sikkim, Mayal Lyang will give you the great opportunity to interact with the locals and learn about the true Sikkimese culture and traditions. Your stay at Mayal Lyang will be a quiet and peaceful one as this homestay is located far from the hustle and bustle of the busy touristy towns. What you can expect from Mayal Lyang is refreshing mountain air, organic food and a lot of angling, if that’s your thing. And of course, an excellent view of Mt Kanchenjunga.

This lovely boutique guest house is located in Rajbagh in Srinagar. The homestay takes pride in the beautiful blend of traditional and modern that they have incorporated in the property. Experience the traditional Kashmiri style of architecture whilst you sip away refreshing cups of kahwa. Dove Cottage is great when it comes to location – just five minutes from the famous Dal Lake and 15 minutes from the Srinagar Airport. Talk about convenience!

Bed and Breakfast in style, is what’s on Sunnymead’s mind. Sunnymead exudes timeless Colonial charm. Be it the rooms or cottage’s garden area, you always stay in style at Sunnymead. The ancestral home-turned-B&B is pet-friendly too! In fact, the property’s dogs and kitties are more than welcoming.

Located in the backwaters of Olaulim village, this lovely homestay needs to be on your Goan itinerary. Why, you ask? Your stay in one of their rustic cottages will let you experience Goa the way you’ve never experienced before. Visit the local tavern for a drink of feni with the village residents, go fishing or crabbing in the local rivers or just hang out with the property’s popular pets that include dogs, cats, a horse, a donkey and a goat!

A very short distance from the capital city of Gangtok, this retreat is perfect for those who want peace and quiet and some time off from the touristy crowd. Spend relaxing days staring at the mighty Kanchenjunga whilst sipping the local millet wine – Chhang. It is possible that you may not want to leave the comfort of the homestay. It’s perfectly fine, just sit in the verandah and look at the Gangtok city and Rumtek Monastery. There you go!

In case you decide to stretch your legs, go for a pleasant nature walk around the property and explore the nearby orchid nursery.