A homestay is similar in concept to that of a bed and breakfast. Guests are either accommodated in the family home, or in separate quarters nearby. Nowadays, most homestays provide their guests with just as much comfort as a reputable hotel.
Benefits of Homestays in India There are a number of reasons why staying at a homestay can be preferable to staying in a hotel. The benefits include: Distinctive and Characterful Accommodations — Homestays offer an unparalleled opportunity to experience the incredibly diversity and delights of Kerala. The options are almost endless and include plantation bungalows, historic mansions, remote rural cottages. One on hand, it’s possible to stay with a royal family. Personalized Service — In contrast to a hotel, a homestay usually only has a few rooms. The family who resides there runs it, and acts as host. This guarantees that guests receive plenty of individual attention.
You can spend as little or as much time with the host family as you like. Some guests choose only to dine with them, while others spend hours chatting to them. Regardless, staying with an Indian family is the easiest way of finding out about Indian culture. Many guests and hosts find that they bond with each other so much, they keep in touch long after the vacation is over.Safety — If you’re a solo female traveler who is visiting India for the first time or are simply concerned about staying safe, you’ll have a family who looks after you at a homestay. Local Knowledge — The wealth of information that the hosts have about their local area makes deciding what to see and do a breeze. Such local knowledge is extremely helpful in getting the most from your visit. Many hosts are delighted to show their guests around their local area, providing them with invaluable insights that simply aren’t available from a guide book. Home Cooked Food — By staying at a homestay, you’ll be able to taste authentic Indian home cooked food, made to order. It’s a lot lighter, and has more variation and flavor than restaurant food. Some homestays even welcome their guests into their kitchen, and let them watch and participate in the cooking process.Unique Activities As a guest at a homestay, the focus is on you, and your likes and preferences.
The hosts are typically very accommodating and will put a great deal of effort into arranging activities that are of interest to you. Celebrating Festivals — The ideal way to celebrate India’s many festivals is with an Indian family. Getting Off the Tourist Trail — Homestays are commonly located in residential neighborhoods, rather than tourist areas. This means you’ll be away from all the tourist traps, touts, scams and other hassles.
