There’s no denying that India is a massive country – spanning over 3,287,000 square kilometres, it’s no wonder that most of us have seen very little of our vast homeland. We’re staunch believers in seeing a place through the eyes of a local though and had previously put together a list of gorgeous homestays to get you started on those travel plans. This time around, with lots of long weekends on the horizon, we’ve got four more options that are sure to evoke wanderlust.
Prabhakar Homestay, Assam
The hills of Assam that lie above the bustling capital city of Guwahati form the base of this charming bed and breakfast. Widely travelled couple Shiela and Mahesh Bora have opened up four rooms in their house to guests, and go out of their way to make your stay comfortable. The rooms are well-appointed and comfortable, but what stands out most is the delicious local food prepared to order by the host. Sip your morning cuppa on a warm sunlit verandah, enjoy the tranquil gardens that are abundant with flora, and get some pro-tips on lesser-known places to visit nearby as you experience a unique north-eastern sojourn.
Cost: Rs 4,200 onwards per night for a double room
Make reservations here
Shahpura Bagh, Rajasthan
While most of us picture Rajasthan as a land of sun-baked deserts, we often overlook the stunning lakes that are found aplenty in this state. Midway between Udaipur and Jaipur, surrounded by two lakes on a 45-acre property, this estate gives you an authentic Rajasthani experience fit for a king. While the descendants of the erstwhile king of Shahpura reside in their own quarters on the property, a manor has been converted into nine luxurious suites for discerning travellers. The host family are known for their hospitality and impeccable taste in food that reflects in the perfectly laid table you’ll find yourself dining at. The heated infinity pool lies secluded amidst trees, giving you the right amount of privacy to sunbathe and take a dip. Time freezes at this beautiful property, perfect for a couple of days of pampering and rejuvenation.
Cost: Rs 12,950 onwards per night for a suite
Make reservations here
Hodko Zeel, Rann Of Kutch
Can you keep a secret? We’ve got a big one for you! When driving toward the Rann of Kutch, keep an eye out for a small village named Hodka that’ll appear en route. Turn in to discover this quaint little homestay run by three Gujarati brothers that offers traditional bongas – mud huts with conical roofs. The huts are painted with local artwork and filled with basic furniture, with an en suite bathroom that’s fitted with modern amenities. Enjoy a homely dinner with the host family as they recount anecdotes about how superstar Amitabh Bachchan spent time here while filming for an advertisement (they’ve got picture proof too)!
Cost: Rs 1,500 onwards per night for a double room
Make reservations on +919429810379, +919712590618 or +919409175589
Acres Wild Farm, Conoor
Nestled in the Nilgiris, about 20 kilometres from Ooty, this farm stay is spread along three levels across one side of a hill. The 100% organic farm has poultry and cattle as residents, and houses a successful cheesemaking unit in its premises. Live in one of the three cosy cottages – the two bedroom villas Haloumi House and Cheddar House, or the one-bedroom Colby Cottage. Each of them comes with an attached bath and a small kitchenette, in case you’d like to whip up your own meals. Take a two-day cheesemaking course (Rs 8,000), stroll along the hills, learn about farm life and preservation techniques from the owners, or take a coracle ride in one of the two ponds on the property. Fresh cheese, cows, and stunning green fields – who needs to head to Switzerland, right?
Cost: Rs 3,000 onwards per night for a double room
Make reservations here
There’s no denying that India is a massive country – spanning over 3,287,000 square kilometres, it’s no wonder that most of us have seen very little of our vast homeland. We’re staunch believers in seeing a place through the eyes of a local though and had previously put together a list of gorgeous homestays to get you started on those travel plans. This time around, with lots of long weekends on the horizon, we’ve got four more options that are sure to evoke wanderlust.
Prabhakar Homestay, Assam
The hills of Assam that lie above the bustling capital city of Guwahati form the base of this charming bed and breakfast. Widely travelled couple Shiela and Mahesh Bora have opened up four rooms in their house to guests, and go out of their way to make your stay comfortable. The rooms are well-appointed and comfortable, but what stands out most is the delicious local food prepared to order by the host. Sip your morning cuppa on a warm sunlit verandah, enjoy the tranquil gardens that are abundant with flora, and get some pro-tips on lesser-known places to visit nearby as you experience a unique north-eastern sojourn.
Cost: Rs 4,200 onwards per night for a double room
Make reservations here
Shahpura Bagh, Rajasthan
While most of us picture Rajasthan as a land of sun-baked deserts, we often overlook the stunning lakes that are found aplenty in this state. Midway between Udaipur and Jaipur, surrounded by two lakes on a 45-acre property, this estate gives you an authentic Rajasthani experience fit for a king. While the descendants of the erstwhile king of Shahpura reside in their own quarters on the property, a manor has been converted into nine luxurious suites for discerning travellers. The host family are known for their hospitality and impeccable taste in food that reflects in the perfectly laid table you’ll find yourself dining at. The heated infinity pool lies secluded amidst trees, giving you the right amount of privacy to sunbathe and take a dip. Time freezes at this beautiful property, perfect for a couple of days of pampering and rejuvenation.
Cost: Rs 12,950 onwards per night for a suite
Make reservations here
Hodko Zeel, Rann Of Kutch
Can you keep a secret? We’ve got a big one for you! When driving toward the Rann of Kutch, keep an eye out for a small village named Hodka that’ll appear en route. Turn in to discover this quaint little homestay run by three Gujarati brothers that offers traditional bongas – mud huts with conical roofs. The huts are painted with local artwork and filled with basic furniture, with an en suite bathroom that’s fitted with modern amenities. Enjoy a homely dinner with the host family as they recount anecdotes about how superstar Amitabh Bachchan spent time here while filming for an advertisement (they’ve got picture proof too)!
Cost: Rs 1,500 onwards per night for a double room
Make reservations on +919429810379, +919712590618 or +919409175589
Acres Wild Farm, Conoor
Nestled in the Nilgiris, about 20 kilometres from Ooty, this farm stay is spread along three levels across one side of a hill. The 100% organic farm has poultry and cattle as residents, and houses a successful cheesemaking unit in its premises. Live in one of the three cosy cottages – the two bedroom villas Haloumi House and Cheddar House, or the one-bedroom Colby Cottage. Each of them comes with an attached bath and a small kitchenette, in case you’d like to whip up your own meals. Take a two-day cheesemaking course (Rs 8,000), stroll along the hills, learn about farm life and preservation techniques from the owners, or take a coracle ride in one of the two ponds on the property. Fresh cheese, cows, and stunning green fields – who needs to head to Switzerland, right?
Cost: Rs 3,000 onwards per night for a double room
Make reservations here