Not sure about booking an Indian homestay for your vacation? Do you think homestays in India are just cheap accommodations without any facilities? Well, think again! Here’s our pick of some of the finest homestays in India, which are so lovely that you need to bookmark them right away.
1. Mistletoe Munnar
How about staying at a boutique homestay and soaking in the scenic views of Munnar? Experience all of it at Mistletoe Munnar! This premium homestay offers five gorgeous rooms with attached balconies overlooking the beautiful Chokkanmudi peaks, Lakchmi hills and Kanan Devan plantations of Munnar. All rooms come with plush interiors, which are as good as any hotel except that you will find all of this within the confines of a warm home in Munnar. Run by a Kerala Syrian Christian family, this homestay also features a traditional clay oven bakery, a small cafe, and a library. As for food, you can enjoy their home-cooked meals and barbeque facilities on prior intimation. This homestay is well-suited for all types of travellers, including couples, families, solo travellers and women travellers.
If baking interests you, you can participate in their traditional baking classes organized by the hosts for an additional charge. What’s interesting to note here is that unlike baking on a microwave or an oven, the baking experience at this homestay is completely different. Baking is done on firewood or natural fuels like coconut shell and similar fuels! So, look forward to the tempting aroma of freshly made bread, cookies and cakes during your stay!
2. Meena Bagh Shimla
If you take one look at this homestay, you’ll be awestruck by its charm! Nestled in Shimla, Meena Bagh is a cozy homestay with beautifully done interiors. The wood-panelled and mud-plastered walls along with the handpicked furnishings lend a much soothing rustic touch to the property. This eco-friendly property is well-suited for those travelling with families, groups, and solo-travellers. Guests love to stay here due to its warm and serene vibe.
Meena Bagh Shimla offers three separate units or suites –
- Himachali Cottage, which features 4 bedrooms, a living room and a kitchen
- Pahari Cabin, which features 3 bedroom, a living room, a terrace and a Pool table.
- Khaddu’s Den, which are budget-friendly rooms recommended for couples. However, kids or infants are not allowed in this type of accommodation.
This homestay in Shimla provides authentic Pahari or Vegan food prepared by their on-site cook. There’s also a caretaker and help at the property to attend to the guests. Love a lazy vacation where you can just curl up in a blanket with a good book, soothing music and stare right out of the window for the stunning Himalayan views? Just book your stay at Meena Bagh Shimla!
3. Ibni Springs
Needless to say, Coorg is one charming destination, which is well-known for its economical and well-managed homestays or farmhouses. In fact, there’s no better place to experience the serene country life vibe of Coorg than its beautiful homestays. After all, that’s where you’ll find the authentic local flavours of this region. So, here’s our pick from the best homestays in Coorg!
Wake up to scenic views of lush green coffee plantations, misty landscapes and hills covered with forests by staying at Ibni Springs in Coorg. Guess what? This homestay features a natural waterfall within the property! As far as accommodation options go, Ibni Springs features spacious cottages, which are hugely sought after by couples and small families visiting Coorg. The best part about this homestay is its perfect location, which is not too far from away the main city and offers easy access to the market. While you can spend your day exploring the coffee and spice plantation trails, you can enjoy a delightful barbeque and bonfire during the evenings.
4. Ging Tea House
Would you skip a hotel stay just to grab a chance of staying right in the middle of lush green tea gardens in Darjeeling? This heavenly farmhouse will give you one good reason to do so!
Check out Ging Tea House, a colonial farmhouse that’s nestled in the picturesque Lebong Valley of Darjeeling. This Victorian style country house dates back to 1864 but still retains the old world charm of the Colonial era. Before opening its doors for tourists around the world, Ging Tea House was tastefully renovated with charming interiors and all modern comforts necessary for a luxurious stay. Located far away from the crowded tourist spots, this farmhouse in Darjeeling is well-suited for families, group travellers, and anyone who needs a detox from the hustle and bustle of city life. The property offers luxurious suites overlooking the sprawling tea gardens, a children’s playground, barbecue facilities and boasts of impeccably high standards of hospitality
You’ll find 6 types of luxurious suites at Ging Tea house. Each suite comes with a unique décor theme
- Blue Lady Suite
- Spring Suite
- Empress Teal Suite
- Peony Blush Suite
- Chevron Suite
- Royal Assam Suite
Ging Tea House also features a Billiards pool table, a library with an ancient stone fireplace, barbeque and bonfire facilities, a vast play area for kids, well-maintained private gardens and a host of other facilities. Whether you want to sit tight in one place, go for adventurous treks, or spend quality time with your family, Ging Tea House promises to be an absolute delight!
5. Casa Menezes
If you’ve been to Goa and never stayed at any of the traditional Goan homestays, you’re missing out big time! Although there are hundreds of great homestays in Goa, we totally heart this one.
Located just 3.8 km away from the Siridao beach, Casa Menezes is a heritage homestay that’ll surely lure you with its rich Portuguese architecture and beautiful rooms. Run by hosts, David and Nicole, this homestay in Goa is the perfect blend of history meets modern luxury.
Casa Menezes is one of the most booked homestays on MakeMyTrip and there are a good number of reasons why guests love this homestay. This is not a basic homestay. It’s got so much to offer that we don’t know where to begin! Starting from the location of this homestay to its top-notch hospitality, you just can’t get enough of this place. Casa Menezes features a restaurant, a gym, and a host of local activities. Enjoy mouth-watering Goan dishes and cocktails, served at 304 Kitchen and Tavern. Go birdwatching at the nearby Batim Lake and cycle around the village. Don’t forget to check out the local salt harvesting pans nearby!
