Make Memories, Not Reservations: India's Must-Visit Homestays

In an era where travel enthusiasts seek unique and authentic experiences, homestays have emerged as a popular choice for those looking to connect with local cultures and immerse themselves in the heart of a destination. The charm of homestays lies in their ability to offer travellers a home away from home, allowing them to live like a local while exploring new places. If you're planning your next getaway and desire a genuine experience, here are the top homestays in the country that promise to make your journey memorable.

Taara House, Himachal Pradesh

At 6,600 ft above sea level, this charming chalet offers a unique experience with its remarkable features. Inside, a dining room with a glass roof and ample windows provides breathtaking views of the surroundings. Crafted from exquisite Burma teak, English oak, and pine wood, the two-bedroom Manali homestay showcases bespoke furniture by Anthologie Design, delightful Scandinavian lighting, and an impressive art collection. With a highly skilled in-house chef, you can savour delectable Kashmiri, Indian, or Italian dishes that will tantalise your taste buds. Whether you opt for the warmth of the crackling fireplace or stargazing through the transparent ceiling, you're guaranteed a memorable experience. This is the perfect spot to relax and unwind beneath the starry skies of Himachal Pradesh. For more details, check out their website.

Nandan Farms, Maharashtra

Located in the Sindhudurg region of southern Maharashtra, there is a warm and cosy adobe-style house with two guest rooms that open onto a spacious verandah overlooking the 12-acre farm of Ammu and Ashish Padgaonkar. The farm is filled with cashews, pineapples, and coconut palms and offers a peaceful escape from the usual tourist spots. The house provides proper bathrooms with hot water and a fantastic location. To the east lies Amboli, a charming hill station in the Sahyadri hills, and to the west, the beaches of Vengurla, both less than 33 km away. Additionally, travellers retain the accessibility of the nearby Sawantwadi station (on the Konkan Railway) and reach northern Goa in just half an hour. You can enjoy local experiences at the farm, like a bullock-cart ride, relax in a Nandan Farms hammock, or savour Ammu's delicious cooking, featuring dishes like fried mackerel and Malvani-style chicken curry.

Nelpura Heritage Homestay, Kerala

Nestled in the tranquil Kuttanad region of the Kerala backwaters is a "heritage homestay" that was once a 150-year-old family home of Chackochan Edayady and his wife, Salimma. Both are academics, with Chackochan being a pharmacy professor and Salimma teaching chemistry. Despite their academic pursuits, the couple still manages the family farm, which consists of a few acres of lush rice fields and coconut palm trees near the River Pampa. The homestay is housed in a granary building with carved wood, a spacious verandah, and a unique pagoda-like tiled roof. There are three guest rooms, two of which have air conditioning, and the meals served here are always fresh, hearty, and plentiful. While staying here, you can visit the magnificent St. Mary's Forane Church at Pulinconnoo, interact with the friendly locals, take a leisurely ride in a country boat, or embark on a backwater journey to places like Alappuzha, located just 19 km away. For more details, visit the Kerala tourism website.

Capella, Northern Goa

Jamshed and Ayesha Madon live in a beautiful house surrounded by lush tropical gardens in a peaceful village between Mapusa Market Town and Baga Beach in Goa. The house is built in a traditional style and is owned by the proud owners of a successful Italian restaurant in Baga called J&A's. The place offers three comfortable guest rooms: two inside the house and the third in a separate cottage in the garden. All the rooms have stylish modern bathrooms and antique beds. Guests can relax on the verandah or in the sala (the Madons' living room), enjoy homemade lunches such as curries, rice, and salads, have a drink from the honesty bar, or take a 15-minute drive to the beach. For further information, visit their website.

Dove Cottage, Kashmir

Nestled amidst stunning natural beauty, Dove Cottage in Srinagar offers comfortable accommodation and is conveniently located near Jhelum View Park. The property has two floors and offers seven well-maintained rooms, each equipped with amenities like comfortable beds, a flat-screen TV, a sitting area, an intercom, a wardrobe, and a private bathroom with hot/cold water supply. The cottage also provides various guest services, such as a front desk, luggage storage, airport transfers, and a travel counter. Additional conveniences include laundry, ironing, wake-up calls, on-call doctor service, security, and room service to ensure guests' comfort. The cottage is located near Srinagar Kashmir Railway Station (9.5 km) and Sheikh Ul-Alam International Airport (11 km). Nearby attractions include Indira Gandhi Memorial Tulip Garden (7.5 km), Pari Mahal (10.5 km), and Dal Lake (11.5 km). For more details, visit their website.

Bayul Homestay, Sikkim

Lachung is a peaceful mountain village approximately six hours from Sikkim's Pakyong Airport. The village enjoys mild temperatures throughout May, making it an ideal destination for travellers seeking pleasant weather. If you're looking for a cosy and comfortable place to stay, Bayul Homestay is a great option. This two-room homestay is managed by Pema Wangyal and his wife, Rinchen, who take great care to ensure their guests feel at home. They serve delicious homemade meals and brew local wine from wild blueberries. The rooms at Bayul Homestay are simple but impeccably clean. While in Lachung, you can take strolls around the village or drive for just one hour to reach the Shingba Rhododendron Sanctuary, where you can enjoy the vibrant blossoms. Visit here for more details.