Homestays are getting popular as people are looking at experiencing local cultures and spending time more intimately. When homeowners open their doors to guests, they welcome them to their culture and lifestyle. Homestays give you the comfort of your home with services of a hotel. Here are 10 homestays across India for the best of nature and services!
1. Cardamom House: Dindigul
Overlooking the Western Ghats, just outside the small village of Athoor the 8 bedroom property was built in 1996 by British physician Dr Chris Lucas. It has three separate cottages and the rooms are fascinatingly named after Indian spices – saffron, cinnamon, coriander and peppercorn! Here you can wake up to two views from one window (lake and the mighty Western Ghats). Spend time walking to the village or in the garden or spot the many species of birds. The pool surrounded by flowers is eco-friendly and ideal for unwinding. The small joys of this homestay can be credited to the exceptional staff who have been working here for almost 18 years. They keep the place tidy and cook you nutritious local food made from ingredients sourced from the village!
Also read: 5 Destinations Perfect For Your First Holiday With BAE!
Tariff: ₹ 3,500 onwards (exclusive of meals and taxes)
Where: Cardamom House, Athoor Village, Dindigul, 624701, Tamil Nadu
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2. The Homestead: Corbett, Uttarakhand
If living by the jungle has been your dream all along, look no further than ‘The Homestead’. Nestled in the foothills of the Himalayas, Bunny and Amu’s homestay is charming. The property is strikingly contemporary set against ancient trees and climbing creepers. Equipped with modern amenities like a Jacuzzi, spa and ATV bikes, the house also oozes old world charm through its Hamam bath, a tree house and a library. To get the maximum jungle experience, the couple also arranges safari rides. Keep yourselves active by rappelling, rock climbing or river crossing. The pool is bliss after a long day of safari. Nights can be reserved for gazing at the Milky Way through the Homestead’s telescope and the evenings for reading at the verandah. Each corner of the room is decorated with souvenirs and prized possessions of the couple. The property has 3 suites, 5 rooms and one cottage and an outdoor area for bonfires and barbeques in winter!
Tariff: ₹ 6000 onwards
Where: Jim Corbett National Park, Peerumadara, Nainital, Uttarakhand 244715
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3. Dalethorpe: Kodaikanal
An English bungalow, rolling lawns, pine groves and the lush green slopes of Kodaikanal – Dalethorpe is a paradise, that too a budget-friendly one. This country side home made from solid stone and red tiles gives it a heritage touch. The wooden floors, stone walls, floral upholstery and lawn completed with a quaint bench, all add to the rustic charm of this homestay. With 2 suite cottages and four rooms, the property is spacious. Besides the vintage look, it’s the location that gives the property 100 points. The house is close to the tourist town, but sits secretly hidden behind a hillock. Kodaikanal itself boasts of scenic beauty and tranquility. The house nestled amidst the slopes is suited for anyone looking for a quiet holiday.
Also read: Top 10 Bike Routes Across India You Have To Experience If You’re A Rider
Tariff: ₹ 2000 onwards
Where: 1/72 A, Convent Road, Opp. Woody’s Depot, Kodaikanal, Tamil Nadu 624101
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4. Rampura Fort: Uttar Pradesh
Live like royalty in the 600-year-old house of the royalty. The Bundelkhand nobility turned their fort into a ravishing homestay to give its guests an experience of the feudal days. The homestay nestled in the Chambal ravines is grand and all-welcoming. If the palaces turned hotels don’t do the trick for you, Rampura Fort is your answer to heritage stays. Keshvendra Singh and Padmini (descendants of the royal family) are warming hosts and treat you like kings and queens! Padmini’s traditional cooking and Kehsvendra’s tales make you feel at home. The rooms named 100 years ago are adorned with artefacts and possessions of the rulers. With four bedrooms in all, Atiya on the terrace is the largest with a 360-degree view of the area. You can plan one-day trips to nearby temples, forts and palaces or enjoy the luxury of staying in the rustic building where time stands still!
Tariff: ₹ 10,000 onwards
Where: Bhairav ji Road, Kila Road, Rampura, Uttar Pradesh 285127
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5. Himalaica: Nainital, Uttarakhand
Himalaica is a haven for travellers who are looking for luxury with the comfort of home. Built by local artisans, the house has a traditional vibe and the amenities make it more modern. It could give any five-star chain a run for its money. The estate is chic, cosy and surrounded by forests on all sides – giving you ultimate privacy. With a glass conservatory, a living room, a separate reading room, a dining room, three bedrooms, a garden lawn and a guest cottage with three rooms – Himalaica is splendid! The soul of the house lies in the temple under the oak tree devoted to Earth God. The temple serves as a place of calm and allows you to pause, reflect and meditate. The spiritual vibes truly give you a rejuvenating ambience. Also, get your pooches with you as this property is pet-friendly!
Tariff: ₹ 10,000 onwards
Where: 2.6 km on Bhowali-Ramgarh Road, Ramgarh Block, Nainital District, Kumaon Hills, Shyamkhet, Uttarakhand 263132
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6. The Wilds at Northern Hay: Masinagudi, Tamil Nadu
Situated at the edge of the Mudumalai Wildlife Sanctuary, Wilds at Northern Hay is your escape to the wilderness. The bed and breakfast has seven bedrooms and 98 acres of beautiful coffee plantations for a view. The best offering of the homestay besides the jungle-décor and tree houses is the wildlife itself. Surrounded by the magnificent Nilgiri Hills this dense jungle has abundant wildlife species. The urge to stay indoors and enjoy the luxuries of the homestay is strong. But if you’re looking at maximum experience then a ride to the jungle is a must. Depending on the season, you’ll get to see bison, birds, butterflies and tigers at this biodiversity hotspot. Sometimes they make their way to the property too! The guided tours and safaris can teach you a thing or two about them. Explore the terrain yourself or hop on the jeep and be enthralled by the many animals and birds you see.
Also read: 5 Places In India That Make The Perfect Retirement Spots
Tariff: ₹ 4500 onwards (exclusive of taxes)
Where: Singara Post, Dist. The Nilgiris, Masinagudi, Tamil Nadu 643223
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7. Olaulim Backyards: Goa
Experience the other side of Goa at a typical Goan Casa, The Olaulim Backyards. 30 minutes from the touristy beach belt, this casa has been designed to give you the joys of the simple life. Savio and Pirkoo’s house is eco-friendly as they blend foliage with the sprawling house. The three cottages with bamboo, palm, stone and coconut elements give it a rustic vibe. With the Olaulim River by the house, you can indulge in some kayaking and fishing. A pool, a tree house, outdoor dining and a backyard full of tropical fruits are extra bonuses. Cooked on a traditional wood-fire, the food is made from local ingredients and is pre-dominantly Goan. Which means it’s delicious! If you’re still not convinced by this, their 8 pets should do the trick! That’s right. EIGHT. A cat, 5 dogs, a goat and a donkey, you’ll only find pawsomeness at this homestay!
Tariff: ₹ 4000 onwards (exclusive of taxes)
Where: Olaulim, North Goa, Goa 403523
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8. Atithi Parinay: Kotwade, Maharashtra
An authentic rural experience can be had at Kotwade’s Atithi Parinay. Ancestral home of mother-daughter duo Medha & Vasudha Sahasrabuddhe, this homestay is designed to give you the experience of the long forgotten farm life. Medha gives the house its ecological elements combined with rustic ambience and Vasudha adds the soul to this beauty! The boutique homestay, tucked in the heart of the Konkan belt is 15 km from Ganpatipule and Ratnagiri. With a stream by the house, a lush green lawn and the beaches of the Konkan, this is where you can unwind by untouched beaches and live in harmony with nature. For a true-blue ethnic experience do pick their non-A/c cottage with stone walls, cow-dung flooring and Mangalorian roof tiles. The Indian upholstery adds to the rural vibes. The property also has tent rooms, a tree house and a/c cottages! Atithi Parinay is fit for family holidays too if leisure is all you’re looking at!
Tariff: ₹ 4300 onwards (exclusive of taxes)
Where: Aare-ware Beach road, Kolagewadi, Kotawade, Ratnagiri, Ganpati Pule, Maharashtra 415617
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9. Thippanahalli Home Stay
A grand mansion built 230 years ago should be your calling for a stay-cation. 10 KM from Chikmagalur, the homestay gives you a breathtaking view of Mullaiahnagiri (tallest peak of Karnataka). Located on the Bababudanagiri Hills, this bungalow of the Araluguppe family has 28 rooms out of which 5 are available to tourists! The family has been a pioneer in coffee plantation and a stay with them will teach you everything about coffee and Chikmagalur. Their fine collections of paintings, chandeliers, carpets and antiques give you a true heritage experience. Red and white in colour, a manicured lawn, a garden that boasts of a 50-year-old cactus and a view of several acres of plantations, this house is perfect for those looking to just be at a place and rejuvenate in the calm around them. If you do get the will to step out of the property, you can trek on the mountains or visit the nearby temples.
Tariff: ₹ 2750 onwards (exclusive of taxes)
Where: 160, Thippanahalli Estate, Chikmagalur, Karnataka 577130
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10. Jilling Terraces: Nainital
At Jilling Terraces waking up to a view is an understatement. The 80-year-old house is situated in the South Gola Range of the Himalayas. What does that mean? View of the Nanda Devi and the mighty peaks from the mighty peaks. The Chestnut House gives you all the warmth one would need in a cool place like this. With 2 suites and 2 large rooms, the décor and design have been inspired by flowers and berries. The colour palette of each room resembles the flowers. Be it curling up, reading a book, sipping on hot chai or just drifting away with the cool breeze, the house ticks all the boxes. The homestay also comes with planned itineraries for you to explore the wilderness. The way up to the house is a journey. On your climb up you’ll pass through the luscious forest, apple trees, waterfalls and rosy-cheeked Himalayan kids. That exactly is the spot where you begin to fall in love with the place! The dining room is where you’ll be served food made from fresh produce. Furry friends are always welcome to the terraces.
Also read: The Historic Boat House Club In Nainital Lets You Go Yatching
Tariff: ₹ 11800 onwards
Where: Bhatelia-Dhanachuli-BhimtalRoad, SOUTH GOLA RANGE, Nainital, Uttarakhand 263136
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First Published: October 03, 2017 12:20 PM