Homestays in India: Best Offbeat Heritage Stay Options

There is no better way to travel around India and learn the local culture than by staying in a homestay. However, what can be better than a homestay where you not only relax and study the local culture, but also learn a bit about the history of the region, through interesting anecdotes. Therefore, here’s a list of best offbeat heritage homestays in India, which will introduce you to their respective regions in a completely unique way:

Arakal heritage homestay, Alapupuzha

Arakal Heritage Homestay

Situated in Alappuzha, Kerala, the Arakal Heritage is located amidst village houses and thick groves. It is the ancient home of the Arakal family, which sits under the thick tree cover and a small walk away from the beach. These small cottages are all under the tree shades, and has their own sitting area that is enclosed by the carved Kerala railing. A perfect place to relax, Arakal Heritage’s hosts are full of warmth and provide you with the excellent services. The food is great and the room are simple but equipped with the modern facilities. Moreover, one of the host is a trained beautician, capable of giving you soothing facials. This is one of the top offbeat heritage homestay in India in terms of service, and location.

Hollonghabi Tea Bunglow, Assam

Hollonghabi Tea Bungalow

Situated at a short distance from Digboi, this is one place where you can experience the whole process of tea making. The owners of this independent tea estate, Ranjit & Indira Baruah, welcome you to their tea bungalow, where they’ve created two spacious guest rooms. Well, the bungalow itself has its own charm, like a typical tea bungalow it has wrap around verandahs and sloping roofs. Plus it is also full of mementos from Ranjit & Indira’s travels around the world. The food cooked by Indira is excellent while Ranjit will ensure that you’ve an interesting stay in this small world of tea making. Hollonghabi is one of the best homestays in India where you’ll get to experience a different kind of lifestyle, revolving around tea making.

Rashid Kothi, Indore

Rashid Kothi

When you’re in the central part of India, and want a taste of Malwa region, visit the Rashid Kothi, an enchanting homestay away from Indore’s bustling center. As you enter the property, a vibrant garden leads you to the white home of the Dubey’s, the hosts. The rooms are well-decorated with Indian prints, and the place has only two guest rooms, but they ensure the guests feel right at home. With some yummy food at Rashid Kothi, you can revisit the old colourful and interesting history of Indore with the family in this one of the offbeat heritage homestays in India.

Bo-Ville homestay, Shillong

Bro-Ville Homestay

If you’re visiting Shillong, then Bo-Ville homestay is the best place to stay and get introduced to the local history and the people. Your hosts Bill and Enid Richmond knows the place better than anyone else, and since they’re great foodies, you’re going to be treated to some of the exotic recipes of the region. This is one of the best offbeat heritage homestays in India, and is a pleasant villa with some traditional touches, plus mementos and photos from the hosts’ travels across the world. The guest rooms in the villa are overlooking a small garden, they’re well-furnished and spotlessly clean.

Cardamom House, Tamil Nadu

Cardamom House

A unique homestay in Dindigul (Tamil Nadu), with an interesting name, Cardamom house is owned and managed by a retired British physician. The best part about this homestay is that the daily activities are planned according to the needs of the guests. The homestay has 6 double rooms and a suite, with all of them facing the Kamarajar lake and the western ghats. The close proximity of the mountains ensures a cool climate and an abundant birdlife. Moreover, you can have an occasional glimpse of the leopard and the black panther as well.
While the morning beverage is served in the verandah outside your room, the lunch takes place at the Four Winds, an area cooled by the natural breezes, while in the evening you can enjoy the sunset with the drinks on the rooftop terrace at this one of the best offbeat heritage homestays in India.

Blog post originally written by Abhinav for the Tierra’s Travel blog