5 unique homestays across rural India

Live like a tribal at these rural homestays in Bastar

The tribal hinterland of Bastar in Chhattisgarh conjures up two images. The first is a conspicuous stereotype that has shaped public perception – a grim-faced identikit composed by the region’s long-drawn insurgency. But the news often misses smiley faces that greet intrepid tourists venturing into Bastar’s hidden belly, a breathtakingly beautiful landscape of primordial forests, untainted air, and mirror-like clear water. As more tourists travel in-country and get drawn to the mystique and myth of Bastar as a remote land, tribal villagers near Kanger Valley National Park in Jagdalpur district are forging a new path by establishing quality homestays. These rural homestays focus on giving the visitors a rural life experience and highlight the regional characteristics of Bastar based on its folk customs, jungle setting, artistic creativity, and unique combination of tribal food and culture. Find more details about these homestays in Bastar here. 

Vacation for a cause at Navtej Johar’s village homestay

If city life is getting too chaotic for you to handle, head to this quaint little rural homestay in Punjab’s Chamaru village to reclaim your peace. It was the farmers’ protest of 2020 that took Sangeet Natak Akademi award-winning dancer and yoga expert Navtej Singh Johar to this hamlet located in Patiala district. Chamaru has become his second home, where he has been living for over a year and a half now. “Within months, I wanted to create a space to hold retreats for yoga and other somatic practices in the village. This led to renting another home inside the village to host my students. I’ve been able to hold a few retreats so far and the participants have all loved the space and want to keep coming back,” said Navtej. Know more about Navtej Johar’s village homestay in Punjab’s Chamaru village here.

Rural charm meets royal heritage at this 250-year-old haveli

It’s not often that a dimly lit road in a small hamlet leads to a surprising sight. But when you open the unassuming gates of Burja Haveli, a vibrant stage with amphitheatre seating awaits, accompanied by a charming ‘bar’ sign. Just a short walk away lies the laden-with-old-world-charm mansion, a well-preserved testament to Rajasthan’s traditional architecture. It is inherited by Upender Singh Rathore, a scion of the erstwhile zamindar family of Burja. Standing tall like a time capsule from 250 years ago, the haveli is meticulously maintained to evoke the feeling of stepping back in time. Its enchanting ambience instantly transports you to a bygone era. The haveli has been welcoming guests for almost two decades now. It offers a pleasant experience in a small village with a population of just over 3,500. “At Burja Haveli, we aim to treat every guest like royalty, ensuring a memorable and regal stay,” Vaibhav Kaushik, the manager of the property, said. Know more about the Burja Haveli homestay here. 

Unique homestays in Munsiari

In Sarmoli, a border village situated on the India-Nepal-Tibet tri-junction, 5 am is a perfect time to watch the Panchachuli mountain range of the Himalayas. However, for Bina Nitwal, it is the start of her day. That includes cooking breakfast for her homestay guests, tending her backyard kitchen garden, getting her daughter ready for school, and most importantly being at Himal Kalasutra Forest festival, a two-week-long festival that celebrates the revival of a forest pond. Nitwal is also the backbone of this festival and also of Himalayan Ark, a culture, nature and adventure tourism enterprise. The homestays started by this enterprise not only offer avenues for thrill seekers but also provide a livelihood for many locals. Know more about the unique homestays in Munsiari here.

Rural homestays in MP for solo, offbeat travellers

Sipping nimbu pani to beat the heat, star gazing, listening to birdsong and harvesting vegetables are what travellers at a rural homestay in Ladpura Khas near Orchha in Madhya Pradesh do. Few can resist the temptation of this place with its towering cenotaphs dedicated to erstwhile kings and the calm blue of the Betwa River. Ladpura Khas is near Orchha, a UNESCO world heritage site. Mughal emperor Jahangir had set foot in Orchha and the ornate Jahangir Mahal in Orchha Fort was built in his honour. The grandeur of its past is giving way to the exploration of rustic simplicity amidst hills and forests. Away from the bustle of its busy by-lanes and crowded temples is Uma Pathak’s homestay, Mahua Hill View, where nearly 400 travellers from India and abroad have stayed since it started taking shape in 2019. Get all the details about the Orchha rural homestay here.

Edited by: Teesta Rajan