If you are thinking about where to stay in India, here is a complete guide to Indian homestays for foreigners. Homestays are one of the best accommodations in the world. You get to learn new cultures, you can get firsthand local experience, and homestays are also budget friendly. Read on to find out everything you need to know about homestays in India.
What is a homestay?
A homestay is a family-run property open to guests and travelers. A popular concept throughout the world, homestays are a front-row seat to the local culture of the region. Usually, families who love to host, have extra space, or need extra income open up a part of their house to guests. A homestay will not offer you hotel amenities like room service or housekeeping, but they often provide meals and offer you an insight into their daily lives. You will also get a lot of good local recommendations and cultural do’s and don’ts when you live in a homestay.
Who should stay at a homestay?
While a homestay is a fun and unique experience, it may not be for everyone. Who should stay at a homestay then? If you are a traveler who wants to go beyond the usual tourist stuff, a homestay may be a good option for you. It will allow you to immerse yourself in the culture of the region as you witness the day-to-day life of locals. This is also a good option for those who want to taste home-cooked authentic regional food.
Homestays are also great for budget travelers who don’t mind living with basic facilities, or solo travelers who are looking for local interaction. All in all, homestays are perfect for anyone who wants a unique experience, cultural insights, and can adjust to another family’s lifestyle and schedule.
See also: Best homestays in North India
How to book a homestay?
- Book through reputed platforms
To book a homestay, check out well-known and trusted platforms like Booking.com, Homestay.com, MakeMyTrip.com, and Airbnb.com, especially if you are booking from abroad for the first time. Many travel blogs and travel forums can also offer great suggestions.
- Research well
Research the place well. Is the property near your places of interest? What are the amenities provided? What is not provided? What are the house rules? Make sure you read everything thoroughly and check the neighborhood as well.
- Read the reviews
Read the review and see photos uploaded by previous guests. Often, you will find outdated pictures on the main listing, but customer reviews and pictures will be more recent.
- Contact host before booking
Before booking the stay, contact the host and ask any questions you may have. You should ask about the meal availability, payment methods, check-in and check-out times, and more. If you are a solo traveler, check the safety of the place and how many people stay there.
- Confirmation and payment
If you are booking through online platforms, they will usually accept cards or PayPal and you will usually get a confirmation email within 24 hours. If you are booking directly, the host may take a partial advance payment. Any way you pay, keep a receipt, screenshot, or email confirmation with you.
Read also: Best homestays in South India
What are the advantages of staying at a homestay in India?
- You get an authentic local experience. When you live with a local family, you get to see them live their daily lives. You can learn local customs, cooking techniques, and a new language. If you are around during a festival, you can also be a part of the festivities.
- Food is an important part of any place you visit in the world. In India, food differs from one region to another, sometimes from one household to the next! The food you get at a homestay are generational recipes you won’t get in any restaurant. Some hosts may also teach you to cook some local dishes.
- Homestays are budget friendly. If you are on a budget, not only do you get cheaper accommodation, you also get to learn a lot about the local culture. So it is a win-win situation.
- You get access to offbeat places and local insights. Your local hosts obviously know about the best transport, best local food, and cultural etiquettes, and most of them will willingly share their knowledge with you.
- With hotels, you have an idea of what to expect. With homestays, every single one is unique. Homestays are also a lot more personal. Guests are akin to God in Indian culture, and you will feel the warmth through your host’s hospitality.
- Many solo travelers, especially women travelers, feel safer in family homestays.
- The best part is that your money supports locals rather than going to large hotel chains.
What are the disadvantages of staying at a homestay in India?
- Homestays are extremely different from hotels. If you are booking a homestay, do not expect luxuries or even comfortable amenities that you would get in a hotel, such as housekeeping, toiletries, and room service. Every homestay is unique, and you cannot expect the same standard from them all.
- You will not get complete privacy. Living in someone else’s home means sharing common spaces with them, or sometimes even rooms.
- If you are planning to eat at your homestay, you will have to follow their schedule. You may ask in advance, but it seems rude. Eating meals with the family during their meal time is ideal.
- Every homestay comes with its own set of rules. You may have to be home on time, or avoid smoking or drinking in their house, and so on.
- Language can be a big barrier. If you are opting for a homestay in rural areas, many hosts may not speak English very well.
Read more: Our favorite homestays in India
Some tips for staying at a homestay in India
- Don’t expect too much. Homestays are not hotels, so go with an open mind and embrace the local culture. We are sure you will not be disappointed with your experience!
- Respect the house rules. In most Indian houses, you will be required to remove your footwear outside. Dress modestly, especially if you are staying in a rural area, and be on time for meals.
- Try to converse with the host family. Learn as much as you can about the local culture by asking questions, telling them about yourself, and being respectful of the new culture.
- Keep your valuables locked. It is a good idea to keep your belongings safe.
- Learn a few regional words or phrases – it can go a long way. Your hosts will appreciate it and be much more comfortable opening up to you and it is always a good idea to know a new language.
- Be culturally sensitive. Indian culture is very different from Western culture and there are many traditions and rituals that might be completely new to you. Watch from a distance respectfully. More often than not, you will be asked to be a part of the cultural event.
- Pack a flashlight, power bank, toiletries, and insect repellent, since you may not get it at a homestay. Carry decent and comfortable clothes.
Did you find this guide helpful? Let us know! At India Someday, we create personalized itineraries to India for you based on your likes and requirements. If you want to book the best homestays, we can do it for you so you only need to sit back and enjoy your trip! Contact us to plan your perfect trip to India!
Frequently Asked Questions
Many people believe that homestays are much safer than anywhere else. If you are a solo traveler, you may prefer family-run homestays over hotels, since the host can give you suggestions and advice about where you should go and what you need to avoid.
A homestay is a family-run accommodation where a part of the house is open for guests and travelers. On the other hand, a guesthouse is a more commercialized accommodation with less owner interaction and more privacy.
Yes, homestays are most of the time cheaper than hotels.
About Aishwarya Shete
Aishwarya Shete is a content writer at India Someday. Her passions are writing, photography, and more importantly, food. She hopes to travel the world someday and document it through her pictures and words.
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