The allure of homestays lies in their authentic touch, offering a genuine taste of local life that captivates travellers. Here, homestay owners are free to immerse guests in the true essence of the region, making their stay wholesome and unforgettable. Among the myriad ways to enhance the authenticity and appeal of these homestays, the magic of food stands out as a heartwarming way to connect with guests on a profound level. Across India, these five handpicked homestays excel in crafting culinary experiences that leave a lasting impression, ensuring that every visitor's heartstrings are delicately tugged by the flavours and traditions they encounter.
Hushstay x Hygge, Himachal Pradesh
The most beautiful elements of nature surround this majestic four-bedroom cottage. With fruit orchards growing alongside it, this quaint homestay is perfect for a weekend getaway to the mountains. This luxury farm stay cottage is situated in a private estate with many exotic fruits like cherries, nectarines, mariposa plums, frontier plums, kiwi, apricots, peaches, and persimmon, along with apples and pomegranates. It is located in Raison, a small cluster of villages on the banks of River Beas, about 12 km north of Kullu and about 28 km from Manali. The complimentary continental and Indian breakfasts at Hygge House include omelettes with masala, vegetable vermicelli, packed parathas, pancakes, and aloo puri. On request, the cottage also provides lunch and dinner. The cooks at the retreat provide mouth-watering dishes of Himachal, North Indian, and worldwide comfort food utilizing the finest local ingredients. Their specialities include The rainbow trout and the Himachali Dham. Book here.
Dudhsagar Plantation, Goa
An authentic experience of rural living at its best, this homestay is located on the Dudhsagar plantation. The cottages in the middle of the bushes provide the feel of a traditional Goan village home, complete with a big, spacious bedroom, stone beds with a Mediterranean flair, an inspirational study table, and windows that let the sound of the birds and a light breeze in. With a farm-to-fork philosophy, they promise to provide their guests with fresh food they grow on their plantation, like coconut curry, jackfruit seeds etc. Book here.
Amoli, West Bengal
Nestled in the essence of nature, heritage, culture and peace, Amoli is a homestay in Santiniketan that embraces Rabindranath Tagore's ideas of art, peace and solitude. It also offers non-stop indulgence in food prepared with as much love and warmth as it was created. The menu often changes because Tagore adores discovering new delicacies from other cuisines. The hosts are pleased to recommend nearby restaurants to visitors who like to go out, but they are free to order food if they prefer to stay in. The all-time favourites remain Orange Caramel Upside Down, the garlic spiced chicken, Shepherd's Pie and Banana Walnut Slice. Book here.
Ayra Farms, Maharashtra
Noopur Chaughule's trip home from Toronto marked a turning point when her parents decided to relocate to their ancestral village of Guhagar in Maharashtra. Ayra Farms, which she founded, provides lodging, food, activities, and organic farming. A nature lover and foodie's dream, Ayra farms cottages open to numerous hiking trails, gardens and a tiny pool. Everything is cooked in the in-house kitchen using sustainable fuels. Get more information here.
Sage Cottage, Uttarakhand
Located in Jangalia Gaon, Uttarakhand, Sage Cottage is a paradise for nature lovers. It is filled with forests, lakes and lush greenery. The restaurant's distinctive dishes are the Kumaoni chicken curry and bhatt ki dal, served with fresh rotis or parathas. The cook, a native of the area, also makes Chinese and Indian food for tourists. Here, the guests do not shy away from indulging in hot evening tea coupled with Maggi and pakoras, which taste even better when enjoyed in the warm embrace of the natural surroundings. Book here.
Cover photo credits Shutterstock
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