Hot Water Springs, Dolphins and Tandem Paragliding… sound like some exotic vacation? Guess what? These activities and some more, are right around Maharashtra. If you’re feeling the summer blues, fret not, because we’ve got a list of activities to kiss these feelings a sweet goodbye!
So what are you waiting for? Head out NOW!
Soak yourself in the Hot Springs of Dapoli
Take a dip in the healing waters of Unhavare
Did you know you could step into healing hot water springs so close to home? Well, now you do! Head over to Unhavare for a relaxing and rejuvenating weekend of peace and quiet. Our quaint little Villa 270 promises to be the best bet for your Dapoli stay. Cheggit out!
Set Sail in the Seas around Mumbai
Sailing by the shores of Mumbai is a great way to destress.
Discover the amazing coastline Mumbai boasts of with a quick sailing trip around the shore. Many clubs around the bay provide extensive sailing classes from introduction level to advance stages. If you are even a day over 15 year, join one of the special summer courses where you can learn to be a pro sailor in just a day!
Fly up into the air in a balloon with your family.
Always dreamt of going to Bristol or Cappadocia for a scenic Hot Air Balloon ride? Why look so far away when your neighbourhood has an equally eye-catching ride for you? The lush hills of Lonavala are a delight to see from 1200 ft and you must see it to believe it. Go and book your family a trip right now!
Go solo or fly tandem! Paraglide away the summer heat.
Want to fly like a bird, but don’t have the courage to go alone? Don’t worry! Tandem paragliding is an amazing way to get some wind under your wings, quite literally. Head out to Kamshet, the less boisterous version of Lonavala, to enjoy a ride. Or sign up for a certificate course and stay at the gorgeous L’attitude Villa while you grab the ropes of this daring activity.
Turn up your adrenaline with an adventurous river rafting experience. From: CSG Raft Gear Ltd
Getting into a pool of water is probably the best feeling during the summers. But why stop at that? Jump into a nasty river while you go white water rafting and it shall be one guaranteed great weekend. So gather all your friends and head over to Kolad for a gala time!
Catch a glimpse of these beautiful dolphins right around Mumbai.
Want another example of how ecologically diverse and rich Mumbai is? Hire a boat and head out just a few nautical miles off the coast of Maximum City and spot bottleneck dolphins with your own eyes! Does sound splendid right? Here’s another summer afternoon planned for you and your family.
Spring in India is a beautiful time to pack your bags and travel. Coffee and apple flowers are in bloom, the first flush of tea is picked, wildlife spotting is at its best and the mountains fill with colors – enough incentive to take a vacation with your family, friends or loved ones. SaffronStays recommends 8 places to visit this spring and some cottages, homestays and Villas that you can consider staying in while there.
#1. See the colorful rhododendrons blossom in Sikkim
Famously known as ‘the Coffee Cup of India,’ the months of March and April find the Coorg air filled with the heavy fragrance of snow white coffee blossoms. Enjoy the cool breeze that accompanies you through your exploration of the Coorg district, particularly so in the numerous wildlife sanctuaries in the area. Of great interest to nature lovers is the Brahmagiri Wildlife Sanctuary, where evergreen forests and high altitudes cause a further dip in temperature. The district is also known for the famous Bylakuppe Tibetan Settlement, home to around 70,000 Buddhists today, which houses a number of beautiful Tibetan monasteries.Watch the coffee flowers bloom by staying with the locals in a Colonial Bungalow dating back to the British Raj, in a rustic homestay in the coffee plantations or in a Farm House. Make sure to try the Pandi curry while there!
Located about 6,500 kilometres above sea-level, Kotgarh is situated about 75 kilometers away from Shimla. The scenic hill station hosts terraced fields dotted with apple trees and bungalows, and is famous for its many apple orchards and pine forests, all in full-bloom during the season of Spring. Places to visit include the Hatu Peak, from where one can stare, awe-struck, at a spectacular view of the Himalayan range, including the snowline. Other sites include St. Mary’s Church, a marvellous epitome of gothic architecture, built in 1872, and interestingly, the setting for Rudyard Kipling’s ‘Plain Tales from the Hills.’ There are two beautiful Homestays to choose from – one that lies in the midst of apple orchards, and the other that lies in a quiet spot surrounded by woods. Both homestay hosts gladly organise barbeques, orchard tours and village walks for guests.
Springtime at this hill-station is particularly fulfilling because of the apple and plum orchards that are in full bloom. These reside side by side with tall deodar trees, and birdsong is the only sound that fills the air. Whether you choose to visit the Jana Falls, Solang Valley or drive all the way to Rohtang Pass- you’ll see the snow melting away to reveal lush green landscapes and a weather that is it’s pleasant best. Avoid staying near the markets and choose homestays and cottages located in scenic locations instead – stay in an apartment en route Rohtang, in a cottage in the village of Shuru, or in a homestay in Bipasha Valley – all of which are run by locals and offer great hospitality.
Darjeeling has long since shaken off its colonial roots to become a destination that attracts travellers round the year. If you’re a tea lover, then we recommend you plan your trip in Spring to grab a cup of tea brewed from the first flush. Tea plantations abound in Darjeeling, and the first flush of tea is picked during this time. It is a beautiful sight to witness planters harvesting the fruits of their labour after many months of hard work. Darjeeling also has its own passenger ropeway that offers a splendid view of the many tea factories down below. Make the most of your trip by staying with the locals – stay with a warm family in Darjeeling town, in a beautiful farm house where you can also see orange flowers in bloom, or in simple homestays in the tea garden of Makaibari where you can learn about tea processing first hand.
Uttarakhand’s northern borders are largely comprised of the Himalayan mountain range, and thus, many of India’s major rivers find their headstreams located in this beautiful state. During spring, make your way to Uttarakhand to experience the rivers in fool flood. The snow that accumulated through the months of October through February begins to thaw in the valley at this time and the hamlets begin to fill with colors. Nature lovers and backpackers will be delighted to know that every year, Uttarakhand organises the Uttarakhand Spring Bird Festival, where bird watching camps are conducted at 25 birding destinations within the state. Also of interest is The Valley of Flowers in the Chamoli district, home to 300 different species of wildflowers and also a UNESCO heritage site. There are some beautiful stay options here – a homestay near Alaknanda river and Valley of Flowers, a lake view cottage in Naukuchiatal, and a beautiful cottage in Nathuakhan.
Mango plants are in full bloom in Kerala by the end of February. Thekkady, best known for its lush fields and the Periyar National Park, is the ideal place to be at this time. This is the time when many species of animals, from tigers to sloth bears, emerge from within the forests. It is also an ideal time to escape the holiday crowds who do not begin to flock here till later in the year. Homestays in Thekkady include rustic huts, tree-houses, and properties near jungles. You can choose to indulge in a farm experience in a beautiful farm house, soak up nature in a luxury tree house or stay in a homestay in the buffer zone of Periyar National Park.
The town of Mandla is situated in a loop, surrounded by the Narmada river on three sides. A short distance away is the Kanha National Park which is best visited in spring. The National Park is home to around 1,000 different species of flowering plants, and also boast open grasslands and aquatic plants in the little lakes that dot it. At this time of the year, the vegetation is lush and abundant, and chances of spotting tiger are more favorable as many resident naturalists will tell you. During your visit, choose to stay in a beautiful homestay which allows you to feel one with the forest – rooms with a view of the dense cover, a swimming pool, outdoor decks, private balconies and the option of dining in the open.
Where will you be welcoming spring this year? Share with us in your comments.
About the author: Alaric Moras spends most of his time reading, writing and interning with industries that read and write. He aims to become a clinical psychologist, providing therapy and catching Freudian slips during the day, writing and reading through the night. He likes all manner of animals, the smell of books, and the oxford comma.
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.
Winters, coincidentally, also happen to be the months of weddings and subsequent wedding anniversaries. If you’ve already ticked a great honeymoon off your list and are looking for new ideas and ways to spend a romantic holiday with your spouse, we’ve got it all covered for you.
#1- Go Wild
After wildlife safaris in the day, spend the evening by the pool with a glass of wine. Photo by our host, NeeleshLuxury tree houses in Periyar National Park at a height of 30 feet. Photo by our host, Saji
There’s something very wildly romantic about being with your partner, surrounded by acres of forest and knowing very well that the only thing separating you from the wild is a concrete wall. You could be in Kanha, waking up to the sight of the dense forests from the large windows in your luxurious room or in a tree house in Periyar where at a height of 30 feet, your private balconies will give you the best sight of bisons, elephants and barking deer. If you’re looking for something more adventurous and rustic, head to a homestay flanked by the forest in Dandeli or the earthen cottages in Jim Corbett National Park, accessible after a 2 km trek, where you can explore the magical forest on foot.
#2 – Whisk her off to an exotic land
The breathtaking view from Kurseong. Photo by SaritaThe scenic village of Kongthong in Meghalaya. Photo by our host, Aniduhan.A luxury cottage in Sikkim with a dense beautiful forest at the backdrop. Photo by Sarita
When you live in a country like India, you need not look elsewhere for an exotic idea. The states in East and North-east India, untouched, scenic and extremely beautiful, make for some of the most romantic getaways. If you think Darjeeling is touristy, choose its lesser-known neighbour, Kurseong. Here, you can stay in a charming heritage property with some of the most characteristically-designed rooms or retire to Chimney, a scenic village with a dense juniper forest on one side and a bird’s-eye view of Teesta River and Siliguri on the other side, and enjoy long walks together. In Sikkim, you can stay in beautiful cottages that lie tucked in the midst of misty forests, with only the songs of birds and the whistling wind for company. You can also escape further to Meghalaya, to a resort by the lake in Shillong, to a farm house near the Sacred Grove Forest in Mawphlang or to remote villages like Kongthong and Mawphanlur where, after long scenic treks, you can sit together on a hill top and watch a gorgeous sunset together.
#3 – Treat her like a Queen! Live like Royalty
A beautiful room, once occupied by the Maharani, in a Heritage Haveli in Jaipur. Photo by SaritaStep out of your luxury rooms and right into a pool like this in a Heritage Haveli in Jodhpur. Photo by Sarita
It’s your anniversary and we think that’s a great reason to be treated royally. Yes, we are referring to some beautiful heritage havelis in Rajasthan where you can soak up the winter sun in the traditional courtyards or on a sundeck by the swimming pools or simply never step out of your lavish rooms that come with antique four poster beds and jharokas. In the romantic city of Udaipur, you can stay in rooms by the Lake Pichola and sip wine in your very own private terrace. Then there are Colonial Bungalows surrounded by coffee plantations in Coorg, complete with Victorian furniture, large verandas and manicured lawns, where you’ll have plenty of scenic private space for yourselves.
#4 – Get snowed in!
The beautiful hill town of Kotgarh turns white and magical in December. Photo by our host, Shezad
Who wouldn’t want to be tucked under a blanket in a heated room and watch the streets outside get covered with snow or perhaps go out there and get into a snow fight? You can take your pick from beautiful cottages surrounded by apple orchards in Manali or in Kotgarh, a quieter alternative to Shimla, where the temperatures will be low and snowfall plenty. There’s the haven of romantics, Srinagar, where charming bungalows and villas offer plenty of luxury, privacy and comfort on snowy days. The beautiful hill town of Nainital makes for a great option too.
#5 – Escape to a virgin beach/river island
Spend an evening in a beach in Ratnagiri with a hundred odd migratory sea gulls. Photo by SaritaWatch the world go by with your soulmate, as you dip your feet in the river from the pier of this wooden house. Photo by our host, Capt Leo
We’re sure you’ve spent many holidays in Goa and seen all the beaches, but it is in the beautiful, lesser-known Divar Island, accessible by ferry from Old Goa, and in a wooden chalet on the banks of the Mandovi river that you can truly experience the Goan Susegad life. If you aren’t fussed about the luxuries of a high end resort, Coastal Maharashtra offers some pristine and unexplored beaches. Perfect for those endless sunset walks on soft sand and long conversations with your feet dipped in the cold water. All this with the promise of not a soul around.
#6 – Sail on tranquil waters for days
The picturesque backwaters of Kerala. Photo source: insightsindia.blogspot.inHeritage houseboats in Dal Lake make for one of the most romantic stays. Photo source: asiaexplorers.com
There’s no denying that the backwaters of Kerala make for some of the most scenic destinations in India. Imagine having a lovely room to yourself, complete with dining and seating arrangements at the deck of your luxury houseboat, and floating in the backwaters for days. If this idea interests you, you can also opt to stay in a heritage houseboat in the beautiful Dal Lake of Srinagar. No meal or conversation can ever be devoid of romance when you’re floating in these tranquil waters. Enjoy the star-lit skies, count the shooting stars from the deck, and you can almost hear the notes of the santoor playing.
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.
In my last blog post (Read: 11 Reasons I choose a Homestay over a Hotel, everytime! ), I shared my insight about homestays and gave you reasons to choose one for your next vacation. Now, hoping I have tempted you enough, I arm you with 10 essentials for choosing the right homestay through our website.
Read on, get booking and keep your travel gears ready.
Tip # 1. Ask yourself what you want from your vacation
Stay in this quaint cottage nesting in the Himalayas for a quiet vacationKewzing village in Sikkim is inhabited by the Bhutia community and offers a unique cultural experience to travellers
The first and foremost step is to decide the kind of experience you are seeking from your vacation. You could be looking for a quick weekend getaway to one of Coastal Maharashtra‘s unexplored beaches from Mumbai or to a hill station in Uttarakhand from Delhi. Some of you might want to experience what staying in a Haveli in Rajasthan or a Colonial Bungalow in the coffee plantation feels like, while others might prefer to stay with the Bhutia community in Sikkim or a weavers’ village in Meghalaya. Options are plenty and you can choose your stay in heritage homes, colonial Bungalows, tree houses, boat houses and tents.
Most hosts add great value to your vacation by going that extra mile. Some of our hosts are professionals in the fields of bird-watching, wildlife and trekking, and can conduct some great trips for you. There are others who are great cooks and conduct live cooking sessions for guests on request. Some hosts would be happy to include you in their daily activities like a puja in the family temple or Diwali and Onam celebrations. At the very least, hosts are a treasure trove of the history and culture of the location and take immense pride in sharing stories of their home state and culture. So make the most of this.
Tip # 3. Who are you travelling with?
Homestays are the best option when travelling with family.
The people that you are travelling with largely determine where you should stay and what facilities you should look for. If you’re travelling with your family and have kids or elders along with you, you might want to look at the finer details. Not all homestays have lifts, air conditioners or western-style bathrooms. A few homestays, especially in remote regions, require a small trek that elders may find difficult to undertake. Many homestays allow you access to kitchen, so you can cook special meals for your parents and a simple suji kheer for your child. Do you have a pet and it breaks your heart to leave him/her in a kennel when you travel? Most hotels don’t allow dogs, but a lot of homestays do, so it’s advisable to check in advance. And if you’re travelling as an unmarried couple, check with the homestay if it’s okay with it.
Tip # 4. Make note of the amenities that your preferred homestay provides
If you’re staying in our host, Shezad’s homestay in Himachal, you definitely need a heaterClick on the Filters tab to modify your search as per your exact requirements.
Depending on who you’re travelling with and when you’re travelling, check the amenities provided by the homestay. You might want to check for provision of air conditioners in a homestay in Rajasthan and for heaters in Srinagar. If you’re looking for city comforts, check the availability of laundry facilities, Cable TV, Wi-Fi and power backup.
Tip # 5. Check whether meals are available
Pandi curry is a must try during your stay in a Coorg homestay.
Like we always say, the best part about staying in a homestay is undoubtedly the delicious home-cooked food. Most homestays have breakfast included in their tariff while others, especially the ones located in remote locations, with fewer eateries around, include all meals in their tariff. You might also want to check for the cuisines provided by the homestay and see if they’ll be happy to serve you local food. If you’re a strict vegetarian, you could specifically look for the many homestays that serve only veg food.
Tip # 6. Look for places of interest, landmark and transport facilities around the homestay
We’ve curated few select places with top things to do. All you have to do is click on the “Map View” tab to enable the feature and watch the screen light up like a Christmas tree. It gives you a good idea of the distance from the nearest airport or train station and a perspective of whether you are in a shopping district or a party hub or some far flung suburb of Mumbai. If you know precisely what you want to do during your vacation, you might want to specifically search for homestays around the area. For example, Goa Sunburn is held in Vagator beach and if you want to stay close by, all you have to do is zoom into the beach on the map and you can view homestays in that particular area. It makes your search simpler, faster and easier!
Tip # 7. Have a look at reviews and ratings
Look for these icons on our website
“Reputation is the currency of the online world“. We realize that you’re looking for reviews and ratings that you expect the homestays to have painstakingly acquired over the years. Given that we have recently come to the party, we decided to personally verify every homestay and even gather the homestay experience ourselves. How did we do that? We selected some top photographers and travel writers and offered them a once-in-a-lifetime sabbatical opportunity, our TravelNinja program. We gave them a circuit to follow, they researched for homestays and spoke to a hundred odd hosts there. In most cases, the homestay owners were warm enough to extend their hospitality to us and referred us to other hosts. A bit of luck and serendipity did the rest. We have taken the effort of curating content for the homestays and marked out a few as ‘Featured’ – these are homestays we believe are special, either in terms of the location, the host or the hospitality and facilities provided. We’d recommend you to rely on us, search within the featured homestays and enjoy your stay! Do not forget to come back and give us a review on our site. It will help the next traveller to make an informed decision.
Tip # 8. Talk to the host
Our host in Udaipur, Shurveer, gladly answers guest queries and makes arrangement as per their requestsOur chat feature “Talk to Host” allows guests to communicate directly with the host.
“I like your homestay and want to spend a weekend there with my partner. Could you arrange a special dinner for us?” “Do you have a caretaker who can cook special meals for my parents? Does my 6 year old kid need an extra bedding?” Have a number of such questions while booking and find yourself going in circles?
Through our new chat feature “Talk to Host” we now allow our guests to communicate with our hosts directly to have their queries answered. Likewise, the Host may ask you a few questions too. After all, you are going to be sharing the space in his/her personal home. It is important to be comfortable, accept each other and then make the booking.
Tip # 9. Use the Dreamstays feature to save and share your preferred homestays
Use the “DreamStays” tab to share your favourite homestays with loved ones
If you still aren’t sure about your choice and want a second opinion of your family (always helps to get the wife’s nod, right?), add your selections to the DreamStays tab and inbox them to your spouse/travel partner. It’s far easier than directing them with names, rows and columns on the site.
Tip # 10. Make easy payment and enjoy your stay.
Once you’ve made your decision, all you have to do is send a booking request and wait for the host to accept it. That done, you can easily make payment using your credit card, debit card, internet banking or Paypal.
About the author: Tejas Parulekar is a first generation entrepreneur who has (ad)ventured into a domain that is traditionally dominated by large hospitality chains and other travel portals. A Banker by experience and Chartered Accountant by training, she is aspiring to leave an imprint in the hospitality sector by bringing together the little fish (Homestays) to take on the mighty shark. Encourage her and her homestay hosts by booking your next stay on www.saffronstays.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.
Over the last few months, we’ve travelled to different parts of India, from its remotest corners to its most touristy belts. Our team of photographers and travel writers visited more than 700 homestays and personally interacted with as many hosts and locals. We also discussed the concept with a lot of friends, colleagues and like-minded travellers to understand why they indeed travel, and what has prompted them to move from hotels to homestays. All this has led us to believe that we are truly onto something magical.
So, while we at SaffronStays are busy curating our website with beautiful properties and travel experiences, I leave you with these reasons to choose a Homestay for your next holiday.
We believe that the concept of travel has tremendously evolved in India over the years. While you’d like to visit the Mehrangarh Fort in Jodhpur, you’d perhaps also like to dine at a historic restaurant that doesn’t feature in tourist guides. With the little time that we all squeeze into our lives for travel, it is only important that we make the most of it. A Homestay lets you do just that. When you live with a local, you are exposed to local sights, sounds and flavours. A brochure in a hotel’s reception will never match up to that.
Homestays are largely run by families or a small staff personally appointed by them. Whether it be a sprawling Farm House in Meghalaya or a simple two bedroom home in the mountains of Sikkim, the hosts themselves take care of everything. It is in their own interest to ensure that theirs is a safe place for travellers to have a pleasant stay in. While living with a family gives you company and makes you feel safe, hosts also ensure that you have enough privacy by letting out rooms in a separate floor or an adjoining building some times. Both safety and privacy are ensured here.
Reason #3: “We can savour home-cooked local delicacies”
The best part about staying in a homestay is undoubtedly the delicious home-cooked food. It allows you to understand local cuisine and even learn what goes into the preparation as most hosts willing share secret recipes with you. A lot of homestays in Rajasthan, for example, hold active cooking classes during meal hours. Without the effort of hunting for local restaurants, you can indulge in Pandhi (pork) Curry in Coorg, Gatte ki Sabzi in Jaipur and Malvani Fish Curry with Solkadhi in a quaint village called Parule near Tarkarli.
Reason #4 : “Sometimes, I need my own local Sherpa”
Nobody knows a place better than someone who was born and raised there. Online research is great but usually, all you have to do is ask and your homestay host will share his local insight and vast network with you in minutes. Whether it be the contact number of a reliable auto driver, closing time of a local museum in Shillong, the timing of a special event in a Fort in Jaipur, the best eateries in Mysore and the dishes you should order or the direction to a virgin beach in Kerala – you’ll get this information from no one but a local and your homestay host is the best person to rely on.
Reason #5 : “I need warm glass of turmeric milk at 10 pm for my 5 year old daughter who has a sore throat”
A host in Sikkim who gladly opens up her kitchen and large kitchen inventory to guestsA SaffronStays host in Ladakh
By staying in a homestay with another family (host) around, you can be assured that you’re not alone in case of a medical emergency. As a mother, I sometimes need access to the kitchen to be able to cook khichdi (simple rice and lentil dish) for my parents-in-law or prepare a glass of warm turmeric milk for my kids. A lot of homestays will allow you to use the kitchen or willingly help you deal with different situations.
Reason #6 : “Home stays are comparatively affordable”
Hotels have become prohibitively expensive. Especially during peak season, hotels could charge you an arm and a leg. Homestays, however, offer a clean and affordable alternative and come with better experiences. While you might pay the same price in some places, you do so for the personal care and service that you receive in return.
Travellers are extremely curious and want to soak up as many stories as they can. Staying with a family gives you access to a lot of such stories during your many conversations with them. Most hosts have interesting background – some have ancestors who were the rulers or royal Diwans of the local state or Governor General of India or are simple families with deep cultural roots in the place that has been inherited over centuries. In Sikkim, we heard a host play a traditional Bhutia instrument called Damney while in Jodhpur, we heard stories about the Maharaja of Jodhpur – each a lasting experience.
Reason #8 : “Home stays generates income for locals”
Homestays help women, like our host Mayadevi, gain income and take charge of the household.
Homestays are simple establishments run by local families to augment their family income. These families tend to open their homes to locals for want of company or for the sheer passion for hospitality. We’ve visited a number of community run homestays during our travels and have realised that the income that is generated from their operations is usually with the aim of making the women in the families more independent. By staying in these homestays, you contribute to their income.
If you’re someone who adheres to strict rules when it comes to food, home stays give that option to you. The temple town of Pushkar, for example, is perfect for vegetarians as you can be assured that the hosts cook and serve just that in their homes. Homestays will also prepare and set up your meals in a specific way and with special care for your needs.
Reason #10 : “We travel as a large Indian joint family”
Host families, like that of Tanuja & Dilip’s, enjoy the company of those travelling as a joint family and take special care for their comfort.
As Indians, we like to travel as one large joint family. Most often, you’re not looking for luxury but a caretaker or a host who takes care of all your simple needs. You could simply be looking for a place where mattresses are laid out on the floor and you are allowed the space and privacy to have a good time with your family. While you could be restricted to do so in a hotel, a large number of homestays are all about joint families and accommodate these simple requests.
Reason #1 1: “Because, there is no better place than a home”
Homestays leave you with a warm, everlasting experience.
While we travel to get away, how amazing would it be to find second homes and make new connections with people that become like family by the end of your trip! We believe that in this busy, chaotic world, travel should leave you with an experience like that. By staying in a homestay, rest assured you’ll never be away from home.
About the author: Tejas Parulekar is a first generation entrepreneur who has (ad)ventured into a domain that is traditionally dominated by large hospitality chains and other travel portals. A Banker by experience and Chartered Accountant by training, she is aspiring to leave an imprint in the hospitality sector by bringing together the little fish (Homestays) to take on the mighty shark. Encourage her and her homestay hosts by booking your next stay on www.saffronstays.com.
It was a great experience staying with Dr.Joseph and his family for 3 days.Very well organised rooms and well designed interiors. All the rooms are designed keeping in mind the point that families can be accommodated comfortably. The surrounding area is known for its sea food and scenic beauty of Kovalam beach. Perfect place to visit if planning for a short trip.
This place is basically a renovated Kerala heritage home.The rooms have been redesigned and decorated considering the modern needs and the usual urban necessities. The best part is the little lawn in the backyard, its at its best during the winter. One more point to choose this stay is, its within the town and all the tourist attractions are within a 20 mins travel. Visiting Sri Krishna Udupi temple was also a good experience.
