VI
EN
For authentic and wonderful experiences of the lifestyle and culture of this South Asian nation, homestay is the ideal form of travel. Below are 5 of the 15 best places to experience homestay in India, as recommended by India Today Travel Plus.
1. Samthar Farm House, Kalimpong City, West Bengal
Nestled amidst nature, in the remote mountains 80km from Kalimpong city, Samthar Farm House is a secluded homestay offering tranquility and breathtaking views of Khangchendzonga, the world's third highest mountain. It's ideal for nature lovers, honeymooning couples, and those seeking unique destinations.
Samthar Farm House was renovated from an abandoned Lepcha tribal farmhouse into a fully equipped retreat in the countryside, yet it retains its original stone and wood structure. The house is surrounded by pine forests and natural terraced fields that reach the hilltop.
Activities: Take a walking tour of the Samthar Valley, cross the Teesta River by cable car, learn cooking, and experience local skills...
>>> Cost: From 8,550 rupees and up per person for 2 nights, including all expenses such as accommodation, meals, guide, and transportation.
>>> Getting there: West Bengal is located in northeastern India, 1,416 km from the capital New Delhi. From Bagdogra Airport or New Jalpaiguri Railway Station (there are direct trains from New Delhi), take a jeep through Bagrakot to Samthar, which takes about 4-5 hours. Note that the roads in this area are quite poor.
>>> Contact:
Samthar Farm House
Basti and Post Office Samthar, Kalimpong, 734301,
Dist Darjeeling, Kalimpong, West Bengal, India – 734301.
Tel: 0091 94340 47372 or 0091 90026 92611
Email: awakeandshine@gmail.com
Website: www.awakeandshine.org
2. Nelpura Heritage Homestay, Kerala state
Nelpura, a restored 150-year-old house, is located in the Allapuzha district of Kerala on a canal overlooking the Pampa River. Nelpura, meaning "grain storehouse" in the local language, refers to a place for storing rice and crops for the next harvest. Nelpura sits next to the ancestral home of Mr. Chacko (the owner of Nelpura) and his family. The building showcases the distinctive features of traditional Kerala architecture and wood carving. The rooms of Nelpura are mostly constructed from lumber and retain their original splendor from 150 years ago. Nelpura Heritage Homestay is ideal for those seeking peace and quiet, and looking for extended stays, such as writers and artists.
Activities: Walking, boating, fishing, visiting local churches and temples, cycling tours.
>>> Cost: 7,000 rupees (including all meals)/day, children over 5 years old are charged an additional 1,500 rupees.
>>> Getting there: The state of Kerala is located in southwestern India, more than 2,500 km from the capital New Delhi; the state capital is the city of Thiruvanatopuram.
• By road: From Cochin International Airport, it's about 100km to Alappuzha district, or you can fly to Thiruvanathapuram International Airport. Alappuzha is 175km from the capital Thiruvanathapuram (about a 3 hour 30 minute drive).
• By train: From Cochin, take the Southern Border Railway on the Alappuzha line. Get off at Alappuzha station. Nelpura Heritage Homestay is 12km from the town and can be reached by both water and land. Guests can arrange to be picked up from Alappuzha station or bus terminal in advance.
>>> Contact:
Nelpura Heritage Homestay
Edayady House, Monkompu. PO
Alappuzha 688 502, Kerala, India.
Tel: 0091 477 2702336 or 0091 94474 73432
Email: info@nelpura.com
Website: www.nelpura.com
3. Pabu Ki Dhani Eco Farm, Rajasthan state
Surrounded by the golden sands of the Thar Desert, Pabu Ki Dhani leaves an unforgettable impression of the traditional desert life and livelihood of Rajasthan in mud huts with thatched roofs. There is no electricity here; people use solar panels for lighting, charging phones and other small devices. The huts are quite simple and furnished with charpoy beds – a traditional type of bed made from a wooden frame and knotted rope – in a rustic style.
Built in December 2010, Pabu Ki Dhani offers visitors the opportunity to explore the desert in the most authentic way, while also supporting the NGO Malenbai by helping communities living in the desert.
Activities: Explore the desert by jeep, ride camels, visit craft villages, learn to cook.
Cost: 2,300 rupees per person per day (including all meals and drinks)
>>> Getting there: Rajasthan is a state located in Northwest India, 435km from the capital New Delhi. The state capital is Jaipur. From New Delhi, you can take a direct train to Jaisalmer, then a jeep to Pabu Ki Dhani (28km from Jaisalmer). A jeep ride costs 700 rupees.
>>> Contact:
Pabu Ki Dhani Village
Pohra, Baramsar Jaisalmer, Rajasthan 345001, India
Tel: 0091 96025 34344
Email: contact@pabu-ki-dhani.com
Website: www.pabu-ki-dhani.com
4. The Green Paradise Houseboat, Jammu & Kashmir state
The ideal place to admire the breathtaking beauty of Dal Lake and the "underground paradise" of Kashmir. Situated right on the vast lake, adjacent to floating gardens and towering hills in the distance, this houseboat offers an extremely comfortable stay. Green Paradise Houseboat provides guests with spectacular views and a unique onboard experience. The individually designed rooms are well-equipped with elaborately carved furniture reminiscent of a bygone era. Additionally, the boat features open spaces where guests can enjoy meals and watch stunning sunsets.
Activities: Sightseeing, visiting landmarks such as the Old City, Pahalgam, and Gulmarg.
Cost: 4,200 rupees/2 people/night.
>>> Getting there: Jammu-Kashmir is a state located in North India, 1,166km from the capital New Delhi; its capital is Srinagar. Fly to Srinagar airport, then travel to Green Paradise Houseboat (15km from Srinagar).
>>> Contact:
The Green Paradise Houseboat
Dal Lake, Srinagar, Jammu-Kashmir, India
Website: www.homestay360.com
5. Nina Kochhar's Homestay, Federal Territory Delhi
If you want to experience homestay accommodation right in the capital city of New Delhi, Nina Kochhar's Homestay is the ideal place. Here, you can easily explore a capital city that harmoniously blends modernity and antiquity, bridging Old Delhi and New Delhi.
Nina Kochhar's Homestay is decorated in vibrant colors and offers spacious areas with refreshing, green views. The rooftop features a vaulted garden with various flowers and vines, perfect for morning and evening tea time. The owner, Nina Kochhar, has worked for a large hotel group for over 20 years and has traveled extensively around the world. She is very familiar with Delhi and other Indian cities and can guide guests to the best places to eat and stay, as well as cultural and artistic activities to participate in.
Delhi is not a state but a federal territory of India (India has 28 states and 7 federal territories), comprising 9 districts, including New Delhi. Delhi is the old part (Old Delhi) while New Delhi is the modern part; there is no clear boundary between the two, but you can feel the intermingling and blending of the two parts of this territory.
Activities: Visit famous Delhi landmarks such as the Red Port, Jama Masjid, visit and shop at Chandni Chowk, enjoy Old Delhi cuisine…
>>> Cost: 3,000 rupees per person per night, including breakfast.
>>> Getting there: You can get to Nina Kochhar's Homestay by any means of transport as it's very close to the central train and bus stations. It's 24km from the International Airport, 7km from New Delhi Railway Station, and 3km from Old Delhi Railway Station. From there, you can take the metro to Nina Kochhar's Homestay.
>>> Contact:
Ms. Nina Kochhar
43A, Oberoi Apartments, 2, Shamnath Marg, Civil Lines
Delhi – 110054, India
Tel: 0091 98110 22326
Email: nina.kochhar18@gmail.com
Website: www.delhibedbreakfast.com
Additional information:
The peak tourist season in India typically runs from October to March of the following year. During this time, the weather in India is quite pleasant, with average temperatures ranging from 25-10 degrees Celsius, and it's also the season for festivals and weddings across the country.
+ 1 Indian rupee is approximately 332 VND (as of September 12, 2013)
India is a multi-religious, multi-lingual country. The official languages are English, Hindi, and 21 other languages.
