Goa is undoubtedly one of India’s favourite vacation spots with its golden sand beaches, pristine blue waters, verdant paddy fields, and coconut trees bordering the coastline. Travellers are often drawn in by the magnificent fusion of Indo-Portuguese elements in its cuisine, culture, and architecture. Here are some luxury villas in Goa you might want to consider renting if you’re thinking about visiting there this season.
SaffronStays Stella Maris is a 5-bedroom pet-friendly beachfront estate in the fishing town of Redi, close to the Maharashtra-Goa border. Located just an hour (36.5 km) away from Mopa International Airport. This signature beachfront estate is equipped with a 3-bedroom villa and 2 Rajasthani-style tents overlooking the pristine coast of Redi. The yoga pavilion and the sunbathing/dining deck are the perfect spots to hang out and enjoy this tropical abode. Enjoy endless ocean views and a clean beach where you can catch waves or enjoy water sports, and explore the local town and culture of Redi. Fill your days by exploring the local attractions such as the Yashwantgad Redi Fort (less than 100 meters), Siddheshwar temple (1.2km) and Fort Tiracol (7 km). Enjoy authentic seafood bites popular in the region to experience local culture.
SaffronStays Amarah is a hidden gem located in the buzzing locale of Assagao, North Goa. This 5-bedroom pet-friendly, elderly-friendly pool villa is genuinely something straight out of Pinterest. With Moroccan interiors and Goan-Portuguese influences throughout the architecture, every corner of the home is curated to make all your Goan dreams come true. Enjoy the best of North Goa’s offerings with places like Thalassa (2 km), Gunpowder (4.7 km), Vinayak Family Restaurant (2.7 km), Artjuna Cafe (1 km) and more just a short distance from the home. Enjoy North Goa’s popular beaches such as Chapora Beach (2.3 km), Vagator Beach (3 Km), and Anjuna Beach (5.4 km).
SaffronStays Casa De Raga in Arpora is the ultimate luxury villa located in the heart of North Goa. With close proximity to the best spots in North Goa, this 4-bedroom pet-friendly villa is an ideal rental for families and friends. With plush interiors, impeccable sunrise views, and luxurious amenities this villa is perfect for a girl’s getaway, family celebrations and more in Goa. With every corner oozing with charm, find your perfect spot for the Gram! Explore Goa’s famous Night Market situated right next to the villa. Enjoy street shopping, live music and much more with your gang. Explore popular cafes and restaurants such as The Project Cafe (6.3 km), Black Vanilla (5.4 km), G-Shot Coffee Roastery & Cafe (5.1 km), and Jack Fruit Tree (6 km) all located within close proximity. Don’t skip exploring North Goa’s serene beaches such as Baga Beach (2.8 km), Anjuna Beach (5 km), Candolim Beach (5.8 km), Calangute Beach (5.9 km) and Vagator Beach (6.5 km) to enjoy sundowners, vibrant nightlife and more.
SaffronStays De La Mer is located next to Reis Magos Fort and Nerul Church, perched at a high elevation with uninterrupted views of the sea. This 4-bedroom private pool villa in Goa is a secluded retreat and was featured in Femina as “one of the best getaways you must consider travelling to.” Coco Beach, which is quiet and remote and is located down the road from Reis Magos Fort, offers views of the Mandovi River as it flows past the little town of Panjim. The Reis Magos Beach is a pebble beach with crystal blue seas that will only draw you closer to nature. The luxury villa boasts an expansive terrace, pool views and strong WiFi, that suit the needs of every occasion. Chapora Fort and the Basilica of Bom Jesus are both 17 km away from the home, respectively. SaffronStays De La Mer is 35 km from Dabolim Airport and approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes from Goa International Airport, and is ideal for those searching for an escape from the daily city grind.
Around 1.4 km from St. Cajetan’s Church, in Assagao, is where SaffronStays Bel Azur is situated. SaffronStays Bel Azur, a 5-bedroom luxury villa in Assagao, provides a home-crafted stay with a balcony and pool views. This villa features a garden and free parking. The air-conditioned pool villa has five separate bedrooms, five bathrooms, a seating area, and complimentary toiletries. Every morning, the fully-staffed villa offers an Asian breakfast. Dabolim Airport, which is 24 km from SaffronStays Bel Azur, is the closest airport. Perfect for milestone celebrations, corporate offsites & reunions, the villa caters to all your comforts with amenities such as internet access, parking, wheelchair accessibility, and more.
The SaffronStays villas mentioned above are excellent for a wonderful Goa holiday. These vacation rentals offer breathtaking views from the comfort of the balcony because they are situated close to Goa’s beaches. These are among the best villas in Goa. Due to their enormous size, these villas can accommodate large groups of people, whether they are travelling with family or friends. Plan a trip to one of these villas for a lavish yet peaceful experience.
Everybody loves beaches right? How about living at a home situated right near the beach? Seems as if taken out of a movie right? Well, you’re in for a ride as you savour the serenity of the pristine beaches with its grainy sands and breezy weather.
Perched on a virtually private beach with a breathtaking view of the Arabian Sea, SaffronStays Salt Rim is a 2-bedroom rustic beach home that is sure to leave you awestruck.
Those looking for a break from the frenzied city life, make this home your charming weekend getaway and savor the tranquility sought on this trip. This charming villa will let you experience all the Goan-Portuguese vibes right in Korlai!
Watch as the beach waves crash against the rocks. Also, enjoy the scenic sun-downers while relaxing in the huge verandas in the house.
With nothing but the moonlight along with shimmering stars to keep you company, this home is perfect for your gang of friends or colleagues to reconnect.
Your own little paradise of solace and solitude, SaffronStays Little Paradise a cosy waterfront villa is quite aptly named. With its own private beach, this 2-bedroom beach home is the perfect escape place for city dwellers to relax and tan.
Constructed in a minimalist log-cabin style, SaffronStays Little Paradise has two charming beach units facing the ocean. One with a single large room (Orchid) and the other with 2 bedrooms (Lotus & Tulip).
Feel the warmth of the sand between your toes as you lounge on the beach and enjoy the cool breeze flow through. If you’re more of an adventurous type, you could always try your hand at water sports available at Murud.
Sounds dreamlike right? But it’s true. This idyllic retreat is sure to leave our guests spellbound and delighted.
Located along the rugged coastline of Konkan: a god gifted land between the Western Ghats and Arabian Sea is SaffronStays Chirebandi. Quite the perfect getaway right on the sandy shores and pristine beach!
Nestled among the wavy coconut trees, this beach home with it’s high ceilinged hexagon shaped rooms will never let you miss the beautiful scenic views of the Velneshwar Beach. As you walk along the sandy beach and watch the waves crash against the grainy rocks, don’t fight the urge to dip your toes and body in the water. Fill your Instagram feed with photogenic pictures of the sunset and waves.
This sounds like a perfect getaway for all the beach bums. Pretty sure this beach home will leave you with a treasure chest full of fond memories.
Planning a beach vacay and not visited Goa yet? Experience the Goan and Portuguese charm at this quaint 3-Bedroom Villa. A perfect blend of Goan architecture and modern amenities, SaffronStays Casa Del Sol is sure to make way into your hearts.
Situated at a stone’s throw from one of Goa’s most famous beaches, this beach home provides comfort within the chaos. Up for some shopping? The Arpora night market lays out a variety of options to shop from.
This home is a few steps away from two of the most happening beaches of Goa: Calangute and Baga. This makes it perfectly situated for you to wake up to the sounds of the ocean waves.
Roll along the lush green slopes of SaffronStays Gardenia, a 4-bedroom modern duplex just 10 minutes away from the famous Kihim Beach. If you’re looking for a place away from the crowded cities, surrounded by beautiful picturesque nature and chilly winds with artsy atmosphere; this beach home is quite the ideal place for you to visit.
For those seeking a hint of thrill can compete in the games room. They are equipped with a TT Table and a Snooker Table. You can also take a dip in the expansive infinity pool.
Watch right from the green slopes as the sky become the most beautiful shade of orange, pink and purple. Enjoy this tranquil atmosphere as you sip on wine and have soulful conversations with your closest of friends and family.
All the beach bums, book your villa: http://www.saffronstays.com For further details, contact us: book@saffronstays.com | +91 8424040040
Every now and then, we pack our bags and head off for an adventure with our friends. No friend in the group is similar and with everyone so different, there are bound to be fireworks along the way. The fuss and the excitement created by each of these species promises us nothing short of a trunkful of unforgettable memories.
So, let’s take a look at the different types of friends that may exist in your group.
The Checklist
Getting ready for the trip
Source – The Legacy Project
This perpetual planner who makes meticulous contingency plans that rival the Sergeant’s plans for a military coup. The lists will have lists which will drive the other friends crazy with it. But let’s face it, it’s that saviour’s planning that will make the vacation a bit sane and will fix anything that goes wrong.
The Madcap
Adventure is in the blood
Source – travel.jumia.com
This friend with his ‘dekh lenge yaar’ attitude is the one who will forget to fill the petrol tank of the car to maximum on the road trip. It is this friend who’ll think of it as an adventure when you lose your way and get lost either in the midst of a desert or a jungle. Looking for a rainbow at the end of a storm, the pal’s optimism and carelessness will get on the troupe’s nerves. But those antics will ensure an unforgettable journey.
You are envious of this friend’s ability to sleep anytime and anywhere. There might be a hard rock metal concert going on but will still be able to stretch out on the ground and pass out in seconds. But this lazy bum is going to irritate you with the habit of getting up at noon and being tired by doing even the tiniest of the things and wanting long naps.
The Juicehead
With a bottomless pit for alcohol and the motto in life, Daaru toh banti hai, this friend will be having a variety of booze bottles in different sizes at all times and will find the trip a waste if at least one bottle is not downed each day.
The most sensible friend in the whole group, who is constantly trying to broker peace. The one who is constantly trying to mediate and coming up with compromises to satisfy everyone. This referee makes the trip a success by seeing to it that all the characters of the group don’t end up killing each other.
This slave to the work will be constantly on the phone and checking the mails. This lost comrade will be counting down the hours to get back to the office’s distasteful coffee. The one who is always cribbing about not getting enough days off from work but once on the trip, will be raring to go back.
The Lovey-Dovey
This couple is busy turning the group trip into their honeymoon rendezvous. While they are indulging in their PDA, the group will give them either a wide berth or rag them, depending on the friends and the mood.
The Diva
The absolute Diva taking the center stage anywhere, everywhere
That snooty friend who is finding faults at every step of the way and will be expected to treated as royalty. From the linen of the bed to the water in the bathroom, from the food to the decor of the hotel, this friend will criticise till the tongue falls off. The Diva is the one who always wants to be the centre of attention.
The Luna Lovegood
The Luna Lovegood of the group is the one who actually believes in nargles and will be waging a war against the wrackspurts. The weirdo who is in another part of the universe, will spout out a philosophical comment and then go back to dreaming.
This lone wolf of the group is the one who is busy creating a utopia. Although with the group, this lost soul is still alone with the headphones on or is busy getting lost in the book. To talk to your buddy you’ll be constantly pulling the headphones or snatching away the ever so interesting book and shouting at the top of your voice to get your buddy’s attention.
So, do you recognise any one of your homie? Tag that eccentric friend!
Goa is synonymous with the stereotypical beaches, shacks, seafood, sun and all-night parties (ahem, sunburn). It is the ideal location to just let go and have some real fun. Sure, Goa photos also make for some great profile pictures! But, we have all been there, done that.
So, this time, soak in the real Goan atmosphere at these stays, and wonder, why is this side of Goa not always the talk of the town! Go on, brag about it to your friends…
The house is magnificent yet warm and pleasant. Here you can spend quality time with loved ones and enjoy complete privacy. The décor is a stunning manifestation of elegance and simplicity. Every piece has been carefully selected and aesthetically placed. Every element of the house brings a sense of peace and calm. Several sit outs have been created in various parts of the house for you to enjoy a tet-a-tet with loved ones.
The villa is decorated with interesting wooden picture frames and curios collected from the Owner’s travels across the globe. Pictorial frames on the wall give you a flavour of street art from Greece to Paris and all somehow comes together in this Portuguese little home. The quirky furniture gives a cheerful, warm feeling to the entire house. The rooms are well lit and tastefully furnished; it’s a perfect stay for young families with children. The highlight of the villa is a lovely, shaded porch from where one can spend afternoons reading a book, and take a dip in the pool thats just 5 feet away. It is the perfect place to enjoy a meal or a cool drink outside. Or simply take long naps, like the Goans do.
This duplex flat of over 3000 sq ft built area in a gated community is situated on a hilltop in Dona Paula which is like Malabar hill of Goa. Designed and furnished to truly echo the tropical setting, the villa is dressed in a neutral palette of earthly tones, brought to life with bursts of warm colours reminiscent of the typical Goan-Portuguese style. The Cliff Haven consists of the living room, the dining area, bar counter, a fully furnished kitchen and three fully air-conditioned master bedrooms with individually connected private balcony, pleasuring you with the panoramic view of Zuari bay and Arabian sea.
This gorgeous wooden chalet, built in 1730, underwent major restoration works which were completed in 2012. The Ribandar church, which was the first resting place of St. Francis Xavier is close-by, and so is the Salem Ali Bird Sanctuary which is right across, is visible from the rooms of the villa. The lower deck of the villa opens onto a paved patio which is on the river edge. It has docking facilities for a reasonably sized yacht.
In the evening, savour a pint of chilled beer and smoking barbecue on the deck, with your feet dipped in the calm river and watch the sun melt into the water. C’est la vie, right?
Set on a hilltop in Saipem, a quiet neighbourhood close to Candolim, these twin cottages offer an incomparable, mesmerizing view of the small rivulets, paddy fields and the greenery below. Wake up to the sound of birds chirping and marvel at the beauty of the rising sun and kaleidoscopic butterflies flitting around. These cottages also boast a private jacuzzi where you can let those tensed muscles loose, with soothing house wine. Sounds like heaven on earth, no?
Constructed amidst coconut and palm trees, a mere walking distance from a sparsely populated North Goa beach (one of the rare ones in North Goa). Its very close to the breeding site of Olive Ridley turtles, its a nature lover’s delight. This place is ideal for loosening up and spending some quality time with your friends and family. Oh, and be sure you don’t leave those DSLRs at home!
Situated by Goa’s largest river, Mandovi, you can experience a breathtaking scenery of the river and the mountains beyond during the monsoons. It is provisioned with all the requisites that you would want in your home. The restaurant nearby is a locals and tourist favourite owing to the lip-smacking seafood preparations. Yacht owners can go on short ferries across the river and then anchor it at the wooden jetty outside the house.
Constructed in the tranquil village of Thivim, this homestay is surrounded by lush green fields and a closeby river. This is the perfect example of a Portuguese house. Away from the busy towns, this lazy village is perfect for the worn-out city dwellers. If you’re travelling as a close group, the Calangute and Arambol beaches are about a half-hour drive away. You can also take a nice boat ride across the river. Splash about in the pool or simple just laze around during the day and give yourself a much-needed break. The Aravale waterfalls is close from the homestay and sight-seeing tours can also be arranged.
About the Author: Aatreya Bhat spends a major part of the day reading, writing and jamming. The rest of the day, he spends explaining his name to others. He loves reading political books and is a big fan of the caped crusader. Skydiving and experiencing a Manchester derby at the Trafford will always top his bucket list.
2014 has been a remarkable journey for us. We launched our website and travelled to different parts of the country to bring some beautiful properties to you. As the year draws to an end, we want to leave you with plenty more reasons to travel in 2015 through our curated platform – great adventures, friendly locals, delicious food, beautiful landscapes, and warm experiences irrespective of where you decide to go. Out of the 800, we’ve painstakingly chosen these 12 beautiful stay options across India that we think you should add to your bucket list – one destination for every month of 2015!
1. Surround yourself by luxury, nature and tens of spotted deer – Udaipur, Rajasthan
You’ll always be surrounded by nature in this luxury homestay.
Amidst verdant and scenic hills of the Aravali mountain range in Udaipur is Shikarbadi. Once the chosen big game hunting area of the royalty of Mewar, Shikarbadi today is home to this beautiful, luxury property that allows you to experience an untouched side of the White City. The six themed suites of the homestay have been set around a manicured garden on a floor above the host’s rooms. Here, you can listen to the songs of the birds and often spot deer, porcupines and foxes trotting outside the fences of the house. Rest assured you can experience true Rajasthani hospitality here through the friendly service and delicious local food, recipes of some of which have come straight from the royal kitchen.
2. Getaway from Mumbai to a hilltop farm overlooking the valley – Chiplun, Coastal Maharashtra
Plunge into this inviting pool and enjoy the view of the mountains and the valley.
If you’re looking for an offbeat getaway from Mumbai, this farm house in Chiplun, built on an 18 acre land, on a hilltop overlooking the valley, is just the place for you. The rooms are very simple, but you’ll have peacocks and friendly dogs here for company, an inviting open pool that you can plunge into, and home-cooked Maharashtrian fares, prepared on the traditional wood-fired stoves under a mango tree, to relish. During your stay, you can spend your day floating on a boat in the Vashisth estuary and your nights either watching a star studded sky from the terrace or driving through the jungle in a jeep. Not a dull moment here! (Also read: A Surprise Anniversary Getaway )
3. Escape to a royal Villa overlooking the Dal Lake – Srinagar, Jammu & Kashmir
This beautiful Villa in Srinagar is owned by the descendants of Maharaja Hari Singh.
Overlooking the Dal Lake and facing the Zabarwan range, this beautiful Villa is home to the descendants of the last ruling Maharaja of the princely state of Jammu and Kashmir. Nestled amongst apple, cherry and plum orchards, it is a part of their larger private estate, one where they organise fortnightly farmers market and the annual Darah Shikoh Festival. With a 36 feet high central atrium, tastefully done rooms and a lounge that comes with a view, it makes for a perfect retreat when in Srinagar. During their stay, guests can enjoy strolls in the walking trail around the estate and the nearby pond that attracts a large number of migratory birds. If you are lucky you may even come across a Himalayan Black Bear!
4. Stay with one of India’s best birding guides – Kewzing, Sikkim
Enjoy the unspoilt beauty of Sikkim while you stay in this Log House.
If you’re a birding enthusiast, this is just the place for you. Mr. Bon, your host, and one of India’s most renowned Ornithologists, has been leading birding tours around Sikkim, Assam, Arunachal Pradesh, Bhutan and Nagaland since 2001. During your stay, you can take guided birding tours to Maenam Wildlife Sanctuary, Borong and on trails that lie close to Doling Monastery in Ravangla and Mambru Monastery that is perched on top of a hill. The homestay itself is located next to a monastery. You can choose to stay in the log houses, suites or the family rooms, and eat delicious organic meals with a view of the Kanchenjunga during your stay.
5. Stay in a charming cottage surrounded by apple orchards – Manali, Himachal
The homestay lies surrounded by apple orchards and green mountains
Located in Bipasha Valley near Manali, this charming cottage lies nestled by apple trees and offers a scenic escape from the chaos of city life. The bedroom comes with a number of windows and a small personal balcony overlooking the hill station of Manali. There is a small garden outside where you can spend time enjoying the view, writing or sipping a cup of hot tea. The friendly hosts also whip up a delicious meal using fresh organic produce from their garden. During your stay, you can go for short treks around the cottage, on a trail leading to the Some River and another to a beautiful waterfall.
6. Explore an exotic village while staying in the midst of a community forest – Mawlongbna, Meghalaya
Your cottage lies a walk away from this breathtakingly beautiful spot.
The beautiful village of Mawlongbna in Meghalaya, tucked away from local tourists, houses two cottages for the adventurous travellers. Reaching the village involves a walk through the community forest, with little streams, brooks and a waterfall en route. During your stay, you can set off with the locals to discover fossils of sea-creatures (remnants of an era when the entire area was covered by the expanse of the seas), go fishing or kayaking in a water reserve nearby, and visit the local markets. The best part? Dining on local Khasi cuisine with a view of the plains of Bangladesh! (Also read: The Bridges that Grow )
7. Experience a lesser-known Ladakh by the cliff bank of River Indus – Uleytokpo, Ladakh
Set on the banks of the Indus river, these cottages let in a stunning view of Ladakh’s landscape.
Set at the cliff bank of river Indus, 70 Kilometers into Sham valley is the village of Uleytokpo. Here, set amidst apple and apricot orchards is a beautiful eco property that allows you to experience luxury, serenity as well as a lesser-known side of Ladakh. The rooms are large and spacious with a large number of windows where you can wake up to a view of the vast mountains. During your stay, you can pick from one of the many books in the cosy library, indulge yourself with a refloxolgy session in the in-house spa, or venture out for river rafting and hiking.
8. Spend the night star gazing from an attic room – Chimney, Darjeeling
The stunning bird’s eye view from the village of Chimney
Located in a charming little village called Chimney that lies at an altitude of 6800 feet, this homestay is your window into a side of Darjeeling that not many know or talk about. The best part about the location is the bird’s eye view of Teesta River, Siliguri and neighbouring regions from its roads. On the other side is a beautiful misty juniper forest, and there are a few waterfalls and viewpoints that lie a short hike away. Stay in this cosy attic room, taste some delicious Nepalese food, and spend your night star gazing or watching lights flicker in the valley below. (Also read: Memories of a Dreamy Village )
9. Experience the lavish plantation life in a Colonial Bungalow – Coorg, Karnataka
Experience the lavish plantation life in this Heritage Bungalow in Coorg
Surrounded by sweeping vistas of the ever picturesque Kodagu Hills, this Heritage Bungalow is fit for royalty. With large, spacious rooms, fireplaces, Victorian furniture and manicured lawn, the Bungalow takes you back to a bygone era with its old world charm. During your stay, you can eat scrumptious meals of Coorg delicacies like Pandhi (pork) or Koli (Chicken) Curry, Akki Roti (Rice Roti), Kadumbuttu (Rice Dumplings), Wild Mushroom and Mango Curry. While there, other than strolling through the coffee plantations, you can take a trip to Abbey Falls, Nagarhole National Park and the Namdroling Tibetan Monastery.
10. Stay in a rustic cottage in the heart of a forest – Corbett, Uttarakhand
These rustic cottages allow you to be one with the forest.
These cottages make for a very special wilderness destination where you can be in, and one with the forest. Situated on the banks of the Ramganga River in Corbett National Park, and accessible on foot, it’s for true forest lovers and those that seek the wild in its original, pristine form, away from the crowds, the vehicles and heightened human activity. The cottages here are beautiful and have been constructed with locally sourced clay, savannah thatch and wood inspired by traditional Vangujjar tribal style. While here, soak up the wilderness from your verandas, enjoy some delicious meals, explore the forest on foot, enjoy birdwatching, butterfly spotting, or look for signs of the big ones.
11. Watch the sun set over lush fields from a hill top Bungalow – Kottayam, Kerala
Enjoy a gorgeous sunset from your balcony in the hill top Bungalow.
Set in the hills of the beautiful town of Kottayam, this bungalow lets you soak up the rich natural surroundings of Kerala away from the tourists trails. The charming rooms open up to a view of lush green fields and backwaters, which can be enjoyed with multiple cups of tea from the veranda. Other than enjoying delicious Malayali meals, you can enjoy cycling by the hilly countryside, take long leisurely walks through the fields and go for backwater rides through sleepy villages.
12. Stay in a Wooden Chalet on the banks of a river – Ribandar, Goa
The beautiful wooden chalet by the Mandovi river in Goa.
Situated on the banks of Goa’s largest River, Mandovi, is this beautiful wooden chalet that looks straight out of a Hollywood movie. Built in 1730, the property comes with three bedrooms, one of which opens up to a paved patio by the edge of the river, living rooms, dining hall, kitchen, sun decks and even a convenience store. The house is designed perfectly to allow the view of the river, the Salem Ali Bird Sanctuary and adjacent islands from every location in the house. During your stay, you can enjoy fishing or rent a bike to explore the town of Ribandar.
Which one of these homestays would you add to your 2015 Bucket list? Tell us in the comments section.
About the Author: Born and raised in Assam, Sarita Santoshini has been travelling around India and penning down her experiences over the past year. She currently works as the Content Editor for SaffronStays. You can read more of her travelogues on her blog-http://crumbsfromyourtale.wordpress.com.
As travellers, we’re always on the look out for restaurants and dhabas that will give us a taste of local food, irrespective of whether we’re in a city or somewhere exotic. Sometimes, we stumble upon, or are directed to the right food joints, but other times, we come back from a beautiful place with no idea what the food there tasted like.
Call us lucky, but when we travelled, we managed to satisfy both our curiosity and cravings without stepping out of the comfort of the home stays that we were staying in. Our team and some of our favourite travel bloggers share their stories about discovering local food in home stays across India. Get your taste buds tingling.
New found love for Bamboo shoot – tasting Assamese cuisine in Guwahati
Delicious and flavoursome Assamese cuisine. Photo by Tejas Parulekar
“We’d reached Guwahati after a long day of travel and once in the beautiful home stay run by Mrs. Sheila, we began pining for some authentic local food. So, at a short notice, our cook-cum-caretaker, prepared a flavoursome chicken curry with bamboo shoots – a traditional Assamese dish. I was reluctant at first as I recalled the vegetable curries infused with bamboo shoots that we make back home in Maharashtra and one that I am not a big fan of for its pungent flavour. But as I slowly took a bite of the chicken, I was in for a surprise. It was delicious and the chicken seemed to balance the flavours perfectly well. Just when I thought I was done, the cook served us with another surprise – a delicious chocolate pudding – not a local cuisine but it’s definitely one of the best desserts I have ever eaten.” (Click here to book a stay with Mrs. Sheila)
– Tejas Parulekar (Co-founder, SaffronStays)
Stress busting menu – Cocktail and hot Nepalese cuisine in Sikkim
Delicious Nepalese cuisine in Sikkim. Photo by Sarita Santoshini
“I reached the village of Chota Singtam after a long day in Gangtok and stepped into Mrs. Lalita’s large, stand-alone Bungalow a little more tired than usual. The whiff of fresh vegetables being cooked in freshly grounded spices welcomed me through the verendah and lifted my spirits instantly. After a long chat, she set the table with bowls of hot vegetable soup and a plate full of chicken momos –delicious Nepalese dishes that are a part of most locals’ everyday diet in Sikkim. We also took long swigs of Bay Breeze, a delicious cocktail of white rum, cranberry and pineapple juice perfected by Mrs. Besnett in minutes. Breakfast next day was home-made bread, mayonnaise and peanut butter. Needless to say, I am a huge fan.” (Click here to book a stay with Mrs. Lalita)
Not just another bread, but a delicious souvenior – Tasting Poi in Goa
Poi with Chicken Xacuti makes a perfect set for a dinner spread. Photo by Amrita Das
“It was a memorable moment for a non-bread lover, the first time poi’s light husk fell on my fingers in a home stay. I remember tearing the perfect round bun into two and as my thumbs gently broke into the soft texture of the fresh dough, I knew this would soon become a part of my every day diet. Poi is a Goan local bread which is served with almost everything from rasa omelette to chicken xacuti. It can be had with anything or nothing. As a part of my seasonal job as a property manager of a boutique homestay in Goa, I was expected to know the local delicacies. However, poi wasn’t just another local delicacy in the state. Very subtly spiced and hollow in the centre, one fresh poi is good to set you throw the day as a part of your breakfast. My friends and guests have packed poi and returned to their homes, as if it were a Goan souvenir.”
A hearty Malayalam breakfast – eating Puttu right for the first time in Kerala
When in Kerala, make sure to try a hearty breakfast of Puttu. Image Source : mydiversekitchen.com
“Puttu, honestly, is not something I thought I liked. But after having tasted it at Maranat Mana, I realised I hadn’t eaten the right stuff till then! Imagine alternating layers of ground brown rice and coconut, steamed in bamboo cylinders and then tumbled onto your plate in neat sections of white and light brown. This is then topped and surrounded by a dark, rich kadala or gram curry. Roughly ground coconut against the soft texture of rice chased by spicy curry that breaks through the sweetness of that coconut. What you have is a breakfast that could easily masquerade as lunch! But it didn’t end there. This was washed down with a cup of strong filter kaapi, and then sealed with sticky and sweet steamed plantains. Excuse me, can you ask for a stretcher please?”
Simple, authentic and delicious – Feasting on a Malvani spread in Maharashtra
A delicious Malvani spread . Photo Source : Mid-day.com
“It’d been a nasty ST bus journey from Mumbai to Velas. The sight of the welcoming shore was something to feast on. But the body demanded a real feast or at least some nourishment. Settled on the floor right next to our homestay host’s kitchen from where the aroma of hot pipping food engulfed our nostrils, we decided to play the let’s-guess-what’s-been-cooked game. In true Malvani style, coconut was the mainstay ingredient permeating the air. Our lunch spread comprised of steamed rice, nachni/ragi (cultivated in their fields) bhakris along with ladiesfinger/okra prepared with groundnut, and – the icing on the cake – prawns, fried as well as prepared with the local curry (on special request just for us). Right from the rice, which wasn’t the basmati a hotel would serve you, and the bhakris roasted over the embers, everything was authentic in spite of the simplicity. Or may be because of the simplicity!”
A non-vegetarian’s confession – Enjoying Dum Aloo in Kashmir
Enjoying a preparation of Kashmiri Dum Aloo in Srinagar. Image Source – tasteofindiafoods.com
“After the long and tiring jourey from Mumbai to Kashmir, the only thing keeping me up was my craving for Kashmiri food. There was a curfew and going to a restaurant wasn’t an option. This is when the cook at our pure -veg homestay served me some delicious Kashmiri dum aloo, prepared with perfectly fried baby potatoes and the right amount of spices, with a stack of rotis. I am not a fan of vegetarian fares, but this was definitely an exception.” (Click here to book a stay with Mrs. Anita)
– Greeshma Soley (Travel ninja, SaffronStays)
Developing a taste for Organic food – Home made meals in Chikmagalur
Delicious home cooked food in Chikmagalur. Image Source – sugarandspice-nz.com
“Our trip to Sunkasale was made pleasant not only by the heavenly location, but also by the scrumptious meal prepared by Guna aunty in her homestay. The stark contrast of the spicy baby cabbage curry and sweet rice made for a hearty lunch. Homemade butter and rice papads kept us seated on the dining table and chatting even after we had greedily wiped the plates clean. I realised then that there is something different about organically grown food which makes you yearn for more even though your belly screams no!” (Click here to book a stay with Mrs. Guna)
– Sameer Tambe (Travel ninja, SaffronStays)
Have you ever discovered and enjoyed local food in ahomestay during yourtravels? Share your experience with us.
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