Top 10 Homestays in India

Traveling across the country to discover the unknown is an excellent pastime for many Indians and tourists worldwide. Amping up the wanderlust experience, choose to opt for a homestay experience on your upcoming trip, no matter the destination. Homestays are getting popular by the minute due to how intimate and vivid the whole experience can be. When homeowners open their doors to guests, they welcome them to a world of culture and lifestyle to enjoy and explore. Homestays add a personal touch while providing top-notch services of a hotel. Here are ten homestays across India for the best of nature and services!

Cardamom House: Dindigul 



A perfect view of the Western Ghats, located near a quaint little village of Athoor, the eight-bedroom property was built in 1996 by British physician Dr. Chris Lucas. It includes three separate cottages, and the rooms are quirkily named after Indian spices – saffron, cinnamon, coriander, and peppercorn! Soak in the beauty of mother nature by walking to the village or in the garden or spotting many birds. With an exceptional staff that keeps the place tidy and cooks you local delicacies; Cardamom House is a must-visit homestay experience. 

Tariff: 3,500 onwards (exclusive of meals and taxes)
Where: Cardamom House, Athoor Village, Dindigul, Tamil Nadu


The Homestead: Corbett, Uttarakhand



If the jungle life keeps calling out to you, then look no further than ‘The Homestead.’ Situated in the foothills of the Himalayas, Bunny and Amu’s homestay is charming. A new setup against ancient trees and exotic creepers. Fully furnished with modern services like a Jacuzzi, spa, and ATV bikes, the house has an old-world charm. A few notable places around the vacation home are its Hamam bath, a treehouse, and a library. To amp up the full jungle experience, the couple also arranges safari rides. There’s plenty to do for all adventure lovers, including rappelling, rock climbing, or river crossing. Nights here are surreal if you have a star gazing in mind through the Homestead’s telescope, and the evenings can be exceptionally comforting with an array of reading choices from the library. The property has three suites, five rooms, one cottage, and a verandah for bonfires and barbeques in winter! Jacuzzi at The Homestead. 

Tariff: 6000 onwards
Where: Jim Corbett National Park, Peerumadara, Nainital, Uttarakhand


Dalethorpe: Kodaikanal



Originally an English bungalow, with sprawling lawns, lush groves, and the green slopes of Kodaikanal – Dalethorpe is a paradise, one that is also a budget-friendly alternative. This countryside home is constructed with solid stone and red tiles that give it an anglo touch. The wooden floors, stone walls, floral upholstery, and lawn polished off with a quaint bench give off a rustic aura to this homestay. With two suite cottages and four rooms, the property has ample space. Besides the vintage look, The house is close to the Kodaikanal but sits peacefully hidden behind a hillock. Kodaikanal itself boasts of scenic beauty and tranquillity. The home nestled amidst the slopes is suited for anyone looking for a quiet holiday.
The lush green lawn of Dalethorpe. 

Tariff: 2000 onwards
Where: 1/72 A, Convent Road, Opp. Woody’s Depot, Kodaikanal, Tamil Nadu 6


Rampura Fort: Uttar Pradesh



Live life king size in the 600-year-old house of royalty. The Bundelkhand nobility revamped their fort into a regal homestay to give its guests an experience of the grand old days. The homestay nestled in the Chambal ravines is elegant and royalty at it’s best. Keshvendra Singh and Padmini (descendants of the royal family) are heartwarming hosts and treat you like the royalty you are! Padmini’s traditional cooking and Kehsvendra’s lively stories will keep you happy and entertained. The rooms named 100 years ago are adorned with artifacts and embellishments 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!
The Royal Vibes at Fort Rampura. 

Tariff: 10,000 onwards
Where: Bhairav Ji Road, Kila Road, Rampura, Uttar Pradesh


Himalaica: Nainital, Uttarakhand


Himalaica is a haven for travelers who are looking for a luxurious homestay vibe. Built by local artisans, the house is a perfect blend between traditional vibes and modern amenities.  The estate is chic, cozy, and surrounded by forests on all sides – giving you a serene, laid back experience. 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 all you can wish for !! The house has a spiritual connection with the temple under the oak tree devoted to Earth God.  The spiritual vibes honestly give you a rejuvenating ambiance. Also, get your healthy pets with you as this property is pet-friendly!

Forest, the grand Himalaica surrounds it. 

Tariff: 10,000 onwards
Where: 2.6 km on Bhowali-Ramgarh Road, Ramgarh Block, Nainital District, Kumaon Hills, Shyamkhet, Uttarakhand


The Wilds at Northern Hay: Masinagudi, Tamil Nadu


Situated at the edge of the Mudumalai Wildlife Sanctuary, Wilds at Northern Hay is your gateway to the wilderness. Bed and breakfast has seven bedrooms and overlooks 98 acres of coffee plantations. The best part of the homestay beside the jungle-décor and tree houses is the wildlife that inhabits the area. Surrounded by the magnificent Nilgiri Hills, this superb jungle has a whole range of wildlife species. While staying indoors might seem tempting, nothing matches up to a ride to the jungle. Depending on the season, you’ll get to see bison, birds, butterflies, and tigers at this animal haven. The guided tours and safaris can teach you a thing or two about them. Explore the terrain yourself or catch a safari and be thrilled by the many animals and birds you see.
The cozy Wilds at Northern Hay. 

Tariff: 4500 onwards (exclusive of taxes)
Where: Singara Post, Dist. The Nilgiris, Masinagudi, Tamil Nadu.


Olaulim Backyards: Goa


Experience the cooler side of Goa at a typical Goan Casa, The Olaulim Backyards. 30 minutes drive from the mainstream beach belt, this Casa has been designed to give you the luxury of the simple life. Savio and Pirkoo’s house is eco-friendly as it infuses foliage with the sprawling house. The three cottages with bamboo, palm, stone, and coconut elements give it a hippie vibe. With the lovely Olaulim River flowing by the house, you can try your hand at kayaking and fishing. A pool, a treehouse, outdoor dining, and a backyard full of luscious fruits will leave you happy and content. Traditional wood-fire culinary makes the food much more authentic predominantly Goan. Which means it’s delicious! If you need an extra push to visit, their eight pets should do the trick! That’s right. EIGHT. A cat, five dogs, a goat, and a donkey, you need to experience the wonders of this homestay!

The rustic vibe of the Olaulim Backyards. 

Tariff: 4000onwards (exclusive of taxes)
Where: Olaulim, North Goa, Goa


Atithi Parinay: Kotawade, Maharashtra



An authentic rural experience is what awaits you at Kotwade’s Atithi Parinay. The Ancestral home of mother-daughter duo Medha & Vasudha Sahasrabuddhe, this homestay is designed to give you the experience of the ultimate cottagecore farm life. The boutique homestay, nestled in the Konkan belt’s heart, is 15 km from Ganpatipule and Ratnagiri. With a stream by the house, a green lawn, and the Konkan beaches, you can unwind by wild beaches and connect with nature. For an authentic ethnic experience, pick their non-A/c cottage with stone walls, cow-dung flooring, and Mangalorean roof tiles. The Indian styled furniture adds to the rural vibes. The property also has tent rooms, a treehouse, and around three a/c cottages. Atithi Parinay is suited best for family holidays at home from away. 
Stone Walls and Cowdung Floors at Atithi Parinay

Tariff: 4300 onwards (exclusive of taxes)
Where: Aare-ware Beach road, Kolagewadi, Kotawade, Ratnagiri, Ganpati Pule, Maharashtra


Thippanahalli HomeStay: Chikmagalur


A grand mansion built around 230 years ago poses for an enigmatic stay-cation. Located at 10 KM distance from Chikmagalur, the homestay gives you a breathtaking view of Mullaiahnagiri (tallest peak of Karnataka). Situated on the Bababudanagiri Hills, this bungalow of the Araluguppe family has 28 rooms, out of which only five are available to tourists! The family operates coffee plantations, 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 memorable experience. This house is perfect for those looking to be at a place and rejuvenate in tranquility. If you desire to seek a breath of fresh air, 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


Jilling Terraces: Nainital


At Jilling Terraces, waking up to a never-seen-before view is a reality.  The 80-year-old house is situated in the South Gola Range of the Himalayas. The Chestnut House gives you all the warmth one would need in a cool place like this. With two suites and two large rooms, the décor and design include carvings of flowers and berries. The color palette of each room includes touches of floral patterns. Be it curling up, reading a book, sipping on chai, or enjoying the cool breeze, the house ticks all the boxes. The homestay also comes with planned itineraries for you to revel in the wilderness. The house is surrounded by a picturesque landscape that includes luscious forests, apple trees, waterfalls, and rosy-cheeked Himalayan kids. This is precisely 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 on the property.

Tariff: 11,800 onwards
Where: Bhatelia-Dhanachuli-Bhimtal road, South Gola Range, Nainital, Uttarakhand

Also Read

Comments are closed.