For travelers who wish to truly connect with Indian culture, homestays offer a warm, personal, and enriching experience. Staying with a local family opens the door to regional traditions, homemade cuisine, and everyday life—something no hotel or resort can offer.
1. What is a Homestay?
A homestay involves staying in the home of a local host, where guests are treated like extended family.
Hosts often share meals, stories, and even involve guests in cultural or seasonal activities.
Homestays range from modest village homes to heritage properties and boutique stays in cities and tourist towns.
2. Where Are They Popular?
Himalayan regions like Ladakh, Himachal Pradesh, Sikkim
South India: Coorg, Kerala, Tamil Nadu countryside
North-East India: Meghalaya, Nagaland, Arunachal
Rural Rajasthan, Punjab, and Maharashtra
3. Experience Highlights
Authentic home-cooked meals
Participation in local festivals or farming activities
Language and culture exchange
A sense of belonging and community, especially for solo travelers
4. Budget and Booking
Homestays are usually very affordable, starting from ₹800 to ₹3000 per night, depending on location and facilities.
They can be booked through platforms like Airbnb, MakeMyTrip, Booking.com, and state-run tourism websites.
Travel Tip:
Always check if the homestay is government-approved or certified by local tourism boards for safety and quality standards.
