Top 12 Homestays in India
Homestays have gained a lot of popularity within the tourism industry for travellers looking beyond the cookie cutter experience. They want authentic and meaningful ways to connect with a destination.
This is where homestays have seen a steady rise as a choice of accommodation amongst travellers. Eye catching landscapes, home cooked food, warm and pleasant interiors, organic farming and personalized attention from the hosts, make homestays an ideal pick for a holiday.
The Indian homestay experience comes with a dash of culture, heritage and the impeccable Indian hospitality. Royal residences, tranquil countryside cottages, houseboats, farm stays to refurbished family homes, they give you an opportunity to explore the side of India that you wouldn’t have seen otherwise.
Here are, 12 homestays across India that uplift you and are just perfect to catch a break from the daily chaos.
1. Philip Kutty’s Farm House (Kumarakom, Kerala)
If you want to get a taste of real Kerala, Philip Kutty’s Farm House offers a beautiful opportunity of a memorable stay with a caring family.
Arrive in a humble country boat and settle in your independent spacious villa as you transport yourself into the serenity of nature. Kerala style cottages enhanced with antiques, ample opportunities to spot myriad bird life, spice farm tours and home cooked meals on the quaint terrace, Philip Kutty’s Farm House is a delightful and invigorating experience filled with generosity.
Philip Kutty’s Farm House (Kumarakom, Kerala)
2. Killa Bhawan (Jaisalmer, Rajasthan)
Located right inside the striking Jaisalmer fort, Killa Bhawan presents a special stay amidst a dramatic setting.
The former town houses within the fort have now been restored into exquisite heritage rooms that preserve the history of the fort. Delicious regional and Continental fare, stunning views of the desert countryside, artistic terrace along with sunset dinners, Killa Bhawan welcomes you into its simple ambience radiating the mood of an Arabian night setting.
Killa Bhawan (Jaisalmer, Rajasthan)
3. Aranyakam Homestay (Wayanad, Kerala)
Snuggled inside the luxuriant natural landscape of Wayanad, Aranyakam is a unique and pleasant homestay offering a classic Kerala experience.
An ancestral home of a coffee planter, this elegant abode has heritage bungalows, tree huts and suite rooms that harmonise with the environment around the homestay. Enjoy nature walks, trekking, camping and traditional Kerala cuisine as you dive into the raw beauty of nature at Aranyakam.
Aranyakam Homestay (Wayanad, Kerala)
4. Colonel’s Retreat (New Delhi)
Located right at the centre of Delhi, this simple yet comfortable guest house run by a colonel and his wife is just the home you need during your visit in the capital city.
A peaceful roof terrace, rooms with simple aesthetics and bright colours, a well-stocked library, delicious afternoon tea, lovely home cooked meals and lots of kind interaction with the host make your stay here truly outstanding. Do try their homemade banana bread, it is just divine!
Colonel’s Retreat (New Delhi)
5. The Bangala (Chettinad, Tamil Nadu)
Get to know the Chettinad community one moment at time at The Bangala heritage homestay. In the quiet town of Karaikudi, Bangala is an endearing restored hotel run by the family for over 100 years. 25 rooms decorated with teak and antique furniture, soothing gardens to read a book, yoga sessions or relaxing session by the pool, there is lots to do to unwind.
What stands out the most is the authentic Chettinad meals at the hotel with recipes passed down through generations. The lavish spread is catered to every guest’s palate preferences, with delectable meat dishes and array of vegetarian options too. If you are a foodie, the chef can also conduct a private Chettinad cuisine masterclass and an afternoon cooking demonstration too.
The Bangala is a stunning heritage haven giving one a true flavour of historic Tamil Nadu.
The Bangala (Chettinad, Tamil Nadu)
6. Devra (Udaipur, Rajasthan)
This family home stands on a hill part of the Aravalli range and gives one sweeping view of the countryside.
Just 15-mins away from the romantic city of Udaipur, Devra is equipped with all essential modern amenities along with a rustic wooden design. Take leisurely walks, relaxing massages or just wander through the city of Udaipur to soak in the history of this gorgeous city. The hosts are friendly and are great cooks, so be assured of delicious meals during your stay. Devra gives one an insight into the life of one of Rajasthan’s most famous cities.
Devra (Udaipur, Rajasthan)
7. Dev Shree (Deogarh, Rajasthan)
Want some rural peace and a flavour of heritage, stay at the Dev Shree hotel an alluring eight-room homestay.
With a view of the lofty Gokul Fort perched on a hill, the design is inspired from a traditional haveli and wide green courtyards give a flavour of Rajput architecture and style. Airy rooms, heritage décor with a modern twist, large migratory birds gracing the property and Merwar specialities to tingle your taste buds, Dev Shree is a fabulous getaway from the bustling cities of Rajasthan right into the lap of the serene countryside.
Dev Shree (Deogarh, Rajasthan)
8. Kalaketty Estate (Kottayam, Kerala)
Built in 1930 and enveloped with 150 acres of greenscape, Kalaketty Estate is a humble bungalow run by a farmer’s family.
This ancestral home has been occupied by three generations and is situated within lush green foliage and rubber trees. With wooden carved ceilings and pillars, it exudes a vibe of traditional Kerala architecture. With warm and simple food, great conversations with the family and therapeutic views of nature around, makes Kalaketty Estate a place where one can enjoy the slow and gentle pace of life.
Kalaketty Estate (Kottayam, Kerala)
9. Haveli Hauz Khas (Delhi)
Vibrant, intimate and set inside the quaint district of Hauz Khas in South Delhi, this homestay is where you can relax after a frenzy day within the capital city.
The décor showcases traditional Bannihandi craft from Gujarat, photographs from Ajanta caves and a room dedicated to the floral beauty around the property. Tasteful designs, warm furnishings, gracious hosts, Indian breakfast and steaming cups of tea at the patio make for a pleasant stay at Haveli Hauz Khas.
Haveli Hauz Khas (Delhi)
10. Fateh's Retreat (Ranthambore, Rajasthan)
Built on the edge of Ranthambhore and tucked away amidst the Aravalli ranges, this beautiful home of legendary Fateh Singh Rathore is a paradise for nature lovers.
A conservation hero, Fateh Singh is your host in this family run home that offers spectacular views of the hills. Secluded lawns, infinity pool overlooking the forest, home cooked lunch and dinners on request, jungle stories by the host or an occasional roar from a distance all combine into a magical experience within this jungle retreat.
Fateh's Retreat (Ranthambore, Rajasthan)
11. Dera Mandawa (Jaipur, Rajasthan)
Welcome to this 11-suite boutique property built 125 years ago by Thakur Jait Singhji of Mandawa.
Now looked after by the great grandson, a stay at Dera Mandawa is filled with fascinating stories and royal splendour. Wonderful rooms with classic furniture, sumptuous Rajasthani morning meals and days filled with exploring the eclectic city of Jaipur or just unwind with a book, Dera Mandawa gives guests an amazing experience of royal Indian hospitality.
Dera Mandawa (Jaipur, Rajasthan)
12. Shahpura Bagh (Rajasthan)
Immersed in the royal terrain of Rajasthan, Shahpura Bagh invites guests to the former residence of the rulers of Shahpura.
A lovely blend of luxury, comfort and space it has nine suites with modern and traditional designs along with a minimalist feel. Sublime Rajasthani dishes, home grown ingredients, inspiring chats with the host and a variety of activities like boating, nature walks or rustic village excursions, Shahpura Bagh is a legacy that gives one a flavour of the bygone era.
Shahpura Bagh (Rajasthan)
