Why Stay at an Indian Homestay and What Does It Entail?

The phrase “Athithi Devo Bhava” (literally, “The Guest is God”) is used in India. Indians go above and above to make guests feel special and appreciate having them in their house. Nothing compares to the hospitality of India. Unfortunately, most tourists that travel to India and stay in hotels never get the opportunity to enjoy authentic Indian hospitality. The good news is that all of this is beginning to change as homestays become more and more common in India.

Indian Homestay Benefits

There are several reasons why lodging at a homestay rather than a hotel may be more advantageous. Among the advantages are:

Unique and Individualized Accommodations

Are you sick of clean hotels? Homestays provide an unrivalled chance to discover India’s extraordinary variety and joys. There are several possibilities available, such as distant rural cottages, antique havelis (mansions), plantation bungalows, and forts. You can, however, spend a night or two with a royal family. An ethnic family on the other hand. There’s no more effective approach to communicate with Indians of all backgrounds!

Tailored Assistance

A homestay often has fewer rooms than a hotel does. It is operated and hosted by the family who lives there. This ensures that each visitor will receive a great deal of personalized attention. You are free to interact with the host family for as long or as little as you would like. While some visitors want to converse with them for hours, others choose to just have dinner with them. Either way, the best way to learn about Indian culture is to stay with an Indian family. Many visitors and hosts discover that they form such strong bonds with one another that they stay in touch long after their trip is finished.

Security

You will be looked after by a family at a homestay whether you are a girl traveling alone, first-time to India, or simply worried about your safety. They will provide you advise, and they could even send a car with a driver or pick you up from the airport.

Regional Expertise

Making plans for what to see and do is made easy by the hosts’ extensive knowledge of the region. Having such local knowledge is crucial to making the most of your trip. A lot of hosts are happy to give their visitors tours of their neighborhood, giving them important insider knowledge that can’t be obtained from a guidebook. In addition to having trustworthy connections, hosts can help in booking trips.

Home-cooked cuisine

The cuisine prepared in an Indian home and that which is offered in restaurants and hotels varies greatly. You may sample freshly prepared, genuine Indian cuisine while staying at a homestay. Compared to restaurant meals, it is significantly lighter and has more flavor and variety. Certain homestays even invite their visitors inside their kitchen, where they may see and take part in the culinary process.

Separate Activities

The emphasis of a homestay is on you, the visitor, and your interests and preferences. Usually highly accommodating, the hosts will go over and above to arrange things that you will find interesting. These will change based on where you are. Among the activities were visiting a coffee farm in Coorg, taking in a polo match in Rajasthan, herding animals in a remote area of northern India, visiting villages, going on picnics, and touring temples. Weddings frequently extend invitations to guests as well.

Honoring Holidays

Spending time with an Indian family is the best way to enjoy all of India’s festivities. Along with getting to take part in the customs connected with the celebration, you’ll acquire a profound appreciation and comprehension of its meaning. This is especially true during the unique family holiday of Diwali.

Avoiding the Tourist Track

Rather than in popular tourist locations, homestays are typically found in local districts. This implies that you won’t have to deal with any touts, tourist traps, frauds, or other inconveniences.
Immersion, as opposed to passing through, is the main goal of an Indian homestay experience.

Selecting Your Indian Homestay

Although the concept of a homestay may seem charming and enticing, it’s crucial to make an informed choice when selecting a homestay. Similar to the majority of lodging options in India, the caliber varies greatly. Instead of staying in rooms in the family house, those who value their privacy can feel more at ease in a homestay that offers private accommodations for visitors. Take note of the kind of food that is being offered as well. For those who can’t get enough meat, some homestays solely provide vegetarian food!