Canadian blogger Violet Dear (pictured above) recently shared all the things she wished she’d known before she set out for India.
Among them, we were delighted to read, was a warm recommendation for the many benefits of India homestays.
Homestays are amazing – seek them out whenever possible. This is often the only place where you can get real homecooked Indian food made by a woman (women in the North do not work outside the home except in Delhi and Punjab) The food, the atmosphere, engaging people in conversation, participating in daily life – this is what traveling is all about. Forgo fancy hotels – I recommend as many homestays as you can do. My 2 favourites were Orchard Huts (ask for Nitin) in the Chamba Valley, and Green Palm Home (ask for Thomas) near Alleppey.
We’re very pleased that a traveller who has spent a serious amount of time observing the wonders of India recognises the joy of homestays.
Take a look at Violet’s 39 other insights.
If you are a first time India visitor you will find them helpful; if you are Indian you will no doubt find the outsiders’ perspective fascinating.
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Find out about the homestay experience and don't forget to check out our ideas on things to do in India or browse our India homestays.
September 8th, 2009 at 11:39 am
Nice article, I really believe in homestays, its like jumping in the deep end of any culture and you learn such a huge amount of information so quickly. In my opinion, if you really want to experience a country, you have to do a homestay and learn and live how the natives do.
I recently wrote an article on homestays
http://mithikal.wordpress.com/2009/08/05/live-with-an-indian-family/
Regards
Martin
http://mithikal.wordpress.com/
September 9th, 2009 at 9:12 am
Thanks Martin – it is a fantastic way to experience the real India. And we’re delighted with the guest feedback received to date http://blog.mahindrahomestays.com/five-stars-guests-rate-mahindra-homestays-highly/
We’re adding more excellent homestays and in some fantastic locations very soon.
September 11th, 2009 at 10:51 am
guys u forgot to mention about the train travel
http://www.bharatrail.net is the best for passenger reservation inquiry for traveling in India through train
September 11th, 2009 at 11:10 am
Thanks Rimi for the tip!
A blog post on travel advice would be a good idea.
March 28th, 2010 at 7:11 pm
Just landed on this post via Google research. I love it. This situation switch my perceptual experience and I am obtaining the RSS feeds. Cheers.
June 13th, 2010 at 5:00 pm
You have certainly been very busy writing up this great post, It was very interesting to read. Can’t wait to see what you write about in the next month
October 22nd, 2010 at 1:11 pm
Great Post. thanks for sharing. Very useful tips for Foreign Visitors.