Surabi in Mahe, Kerala

Tucked away from the normal tourist hotspots, Mahe is actually part of Pondicherry but lies 630km on the opposite coastline with the Arabian Sea on one side and much loved Kerala on the other.

This tranquil coastal town with its narrow streets bearing testimony to its French lineage is the perfect secret destination for relaxation.

One of our newest homestays, Surabhi offers a perfect blend of Indian hospitality and privacy in this quiet destination. Close to a temple and the river, head for a walk amongst the verdant surroundings of jack fruit trees. Surabhi is a great place to unwind with a book or ‘do nothing’.

Hillscape Inn and Green Paradise in Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir

Srinagar is a much loved hill-station in the beautiful Kashmir Valley. Two new homestays can be combined together to offer a perfect break in this North India summer refuge.

No visit to Srinagar is complete without a couple of nights in a houseboat allowing you to experience life on Dal Lake. The Green Paradise offers a fleet of super deluxe family owned houseboats, each with its own crew that takes care of your food and any activities that you want. These luxurious boats echo back to the time of Kings when it was decreed that no outsider could own land in Kashmir. The British got around this ruling by living on the water, employing Persians to build Cedar wood boats with elaborate wooden carved interiors.

Combine a few nights on a houseboat with a few days in the mountains. Hillscape Inn offers a beautiful view of Dal Lake and you can spend your days trekking in the mountains before heading back to your homestay for a bonfire dinner. The attentive hosts of Hillscape Inn have great knowledge of local artifacts and handicrafts and can guide you with shopping for the beautiful woodwork or the Pashmina shawls that Kashmir is known for.

Lakerose in Wayanad, Kerala

Wayanad in Kerala’s beautiful Western Ghats is a destination that visitors fall in love with; stunning views over coffee plantations, tea gardens and teak forests, crashing waterfalls with hidden swimming coves and a wildlife sanctuary where you might just spot a tiger.

New homestay Lake Rose is perfect for guests who want to be one with nature and soak up the tranquil environment. With the Karapuzha dam just meters from the house, wake up to the views (pictured above) of soft mist rolling over the water.

The house offers all the modern facilities you might need, including a fully furnished kitchen and three large units, great for accommodating families who are travelling together.

If you are planning your next break maybe one of these new homestays will tempt you! Don’t forget Facebook fans can claim 15% off their booking.