Planning your vacation? Wondering where to stay? Tired of the sterile hotels? Don’t you feel it is all the same, staying in a five star in Dubai or London? Then do something different. Instead of booking a standard room in one those hotels, book a room in a homestay and experience the local place and its people.
Trust me it is one of the most inspiring ways to see your own country.They are a kaleidoscope of the country’s vibrant culture. Rural homes in Sikkim to heritage bungalows in Goa and quaint cottages in the backwaters of Alleppey, they attract the new age discerning traveller. From majestic palaces and historic forts to colonial mansions, some of the most impressive houses the subcontinent have opened their doors to tourism. Jaw-dropping locations, affordable prices and interacting with the hosts to tap into their local knowledge make it an experience of a lifetime. Rather than being a spectator, you are a participant.
The family is the host and the wealth of information one collects is immeasurable. Local stories, anecdotes, food-everything about a homestay is so authentic. There’s no better way of knowing it other than living under the same roof. You get an insight into the local life and open a new window. If you are one of those who doesn’t like to visit tourist infested places, homestay is your best bet. You get offbeat as homestay folks are the experts of the region. Staying in a homestay also cuts down on your expenses, so if you have a shoe string budget but really need a break, don’t think twice and book yourself a homestay.
A largely disorganised sector, there has been some maturity in this space in recent times. There has been a huge growth in the last few years in not only the number of independent stays but also in the number of people interested in travelling this way. You get sensitized to the local area, its people and culture. As a trend, experts believe it is here to stay that is why many locals and villagers are getting their homes registered as homestays.
Choose from Arco Iris in Margao in Goa, a 120-year-old Portuguese mansion or the 700-year-old Fort Rampura, in the Jalaun district of Uttar Pradesh, Glenora Homestay in Wayanad, Kerala, Spiti Homestay in Himachal, Meenachil Enclave in Kottayam, Kerala.