You love to move around exploring the unexplored, yet the cozy comfort of a home never really leaves you. Tending to all your accommodation woes are homestays in India that make a perfect escape, way better than conventional hotels. The modern homestays are far too modish; luxe enough to give leading hotels a run for their money.
Goa, Maharashtra, and Gujarat comprise West India. Besides budget and luxury resorts and hotels, there are a number of homestays in West India, a few of which tower above the contemporaries. Their scoring points could be anything, from comfort and luxury to the way they treat their guests and the customized activities they offer.
Also, most of these homestays keep a distance from the chaotic city environment. A mere look, feel of the property, and offerings could tempt you into a stay there.
Here are the best of West India homestays.
Popular homestays in Goa
1. Capella – A boutique homestay tucked in the forested hill
Forested hill, secluded space, and a slumbering village in sight! Capella guesthouse in North Goa is an escape into the wilderness in the Mecca of Indian holiday destinations. The homestay’s close proximity to Calangute, Baga, and Anjuna Beach reiterates the fact that you aren’t too far from the city.
The homestay has all the amenities starting from spacious AC rooms, coffee dispenser, swimming pool, board games, and library. Other luxuries can also be availed by paying extra charges. There are three types of rooms offered:
Magnolia – room overlooking the courtyard with private balcony and a private gate opening into the forest
Heliconia – room overlooking the pool, mountains, and nature beyond with a separate seating space
Frangipani – room on the ground floor exclusively for couples, preferably sought after by those traveling with elderly parents
For more details on their website.
Activities: Bird-watching tours, dolphin/backwater river cruises, foot massage, South Goa heritage homes tour, South Goa spice plantation tour.
Tariff: INR 3000 per night onwards approximately
About the host: Jamshed and Ayesha are the hosts at Capella. Along with them their 13-year-old son and an assortment of pets live in the house.
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2. The Secret Garden – Slip into the home of peace and tranquility
Thinking of lying on a hammock while reading a magazine, listening to the chirp of birds around, and allowing the sun to play hide and seek from behind the shredded pine leaves! Live your fantasy at The Secret Garden. A stay here means you would be treated to some exceptional hospitality and great in-house services.
Other facilities include hammocks, lounges, library, swimming pool, and wifi come. More details can be found on their website.
Activities: Private yoga, Latin dance classes, BBQ, Private heritage tours, scooter and bicycle hire, and water activities are available.
Tariff: INR 4000 per night onwards approximately
About the host: Helene – Derrick Menezes and their children Harvey and Havana-Kay are your hosts at The Secret Garden. The homestay is Menezes’ ancestral home.
3. Casa Serendip – Feels so homely in the heart of Mapusa
At Casa Serendip, all the cottages look unique. They are designed and decorated differently, but look equally pretty and homely. Located on the ground of Portuguese Villa in the Mapusa town of North Goa, the homestay is enclosed by a lush green garden with mango, palm, banana, chickoo, and bamboo trees around.
The dense garden ensures the property is well-shaded from all around. The gracious rooms are well-maintained, tidy, and offer a homely environment to its guests, which underlines the fact that Casa Serendip Homestay is a popular stay option when you are in Goa. The home containing antique furniture has a history of over 600 years.
Tariff: INR 4000 per night onwards approximately
About the host: Pinto-Braganza family run the Casa Serendip Homestay. The village happens to be named after them.
4. Olaulim Backyards – Another secluded escape near Panjim
At the end of an exciting day in Goa, you will always want to return back to a comforting retreat that soothes you and takes away all the weariness. Olaulim Backyards, located in the Olaulim village, some 11 km from Panaji city, is that kind of a place. The homestay run by the Indian-Finnish couple has a set of 3 pretty cottage well adorned with antique and decor. The unique views of paddy fields and coconut groves create an awesome spectacle around; a sight that you can keep watching all day long.
This pleasant stay by the Goan backwaters is the perfect place to hang out if you are looking forward to a different stay experience in Goa. And your favorite beaches – Baga, Calangute, Candolim, Anjuna, Vagator are a 30-minute drive.
Activities: Swimming, kayaking, fishing, canoeing, cycling, nature trails, and bird watching
Tariff: INR 4500 per night onwards (October to May) and INR 4000 per night (June to September)
About the host: Pirkko and Savio Fernandes are the owners at Olaulim Backyards. The couple has 2 children Manuel and Shameena and 3 dogs for their company in the house.
5. Mawi Infinity Villa – What-a-pleasant stay in Arambol!
Arambol is certainly one of the most popular beaches in Goa. The fascinating sunset view and mud bath in Arambol make it an eye candy for tourists. If you want to stay in the vicinity of the beach, you can’t overlook Mawi Infinity Villa, which is a 2-minute walk from the beach. The sea facing villa in the traditional Fisherman’s Village (that’s what Arambol is locally known as) offers most of the basic in-house facilities sought by a traveler.
The huge living space has an attached kitchen that tends to all your gastronomic cravings, while outdoor eating space provides a perfect dining experience in the company of refreshing sea breeze. Not to forget the plush interiors of the home will make your stay pleasant one. A swimming pool in the campus and a perfect rooftop with majestic sea view and pool view make Mawi Infinity Villa the stay you have been looking all this while.
Tariff:
INR 14,500 per night for couples – single room
INR 50,000 per night for 8 guests – whole villa
About the host: Marry is the host of Mawi Infinity Villa who has been a thoroughly amazing host, tending to small needs of the fellow guests
6. Casa Tropicana – Villa Caroline – A home away from home
Tucked in the picture-perfect surroundings of Dona Paula region, the Casa Tropicana Villa Caroline homestay has all the requisites to make your stay a pleasant one. The homestay grants splendid views of Dona Paula Bay and the ships around the Mormugao harbor.
Sophisticated interiors and the large sit-out area must be mentioned, for they enhance the aesthetic beauty of the homestay. Other noteworthy features include en-suite bathrooms, wireless internet, mini-bar, outdoor swimming pool, and sundeck garden. You can always contact them on their website for more a detailed information.
Tariff: INR 15000 per night onwards
About the host: Enjoy one of the most comfortable stays in Goa in the able hosting of Bryan.
Remember, the rates of the homestays in Goa vary according to the season. Don’t forget to check with the respective owners of the house or before you make a booking.
Homestay in Diu
7. Heranca Goesa – For a quick access to the best of Diu
If you are looking for a homestay in Gujarat in budget range then Heranca Goesa homestay could be your best bet. Comfortable space, quiet and relaxing environs and wonderful hosts make your stay in Diu a memorable one. The homestay is run by a sweet fun loving Indo-Portuguese family who is known for their prompt service.
Activities: As you plan a stay here you get an uninterrupted access to caves, virgin beaches, the Diu Fort, bus terminal, and Portuguese Churches nearby. The only renowned homestay in Diu is truly a traveler’s delight. Read what happy travelers on TripAdvisor said about their stay.
About the host: Gomes & da Cruz family are the perfect hosts who treat you like one of their family members taking care of all your little requirements.
Homestays in Maharashtra
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8. The Viki Holiday Home – An escape into the wilderness
Committed to only one family at a time, the Viki Holidays Home in Goa is the place where you can enjoy complete privacy. The aesthetically designed bungalow is owned by the Raut family based out of Malgund-Ganpatipule region. Viki Holidays is probably the best way to seek respite from the hectic life and also if you are tired of the conventional hotels.
Activities: There are quite a few places of interest around the homestay to make sure that your trip remains eventful. Some of the places of interest are Ganpatipule Temple and Beach, Malgund Beach, Jaigad Fort, Kolisare, Aare-Ware Beach, Ratnadurg Fort, Light House, Mandavi Beach, Thiba Point, and Aravali Hot Water Springs. For more detail, you can reach out to them through their website.
Tariff: INR 2500 per night onwards
About the host: Raut family runs the homestay who are pet loving as well.
9. Aajol – The Village Homestay – Your ultimate dose of awesomeness
A stay at Aajol – a homestay in Khopoli, Maharashtra enveloped in greenery and promoting sustainable tourism is the perfect dose of awesomeness. Boasting of amazing ecology and well maintained green environs, the homestay promotes an organic way of living and makes you feel home. Come fall in love with nature at this heavenly abode. For bookings, you can head to their website.
Activities: Barbecue, camping, and stargazing. If you plan to explore the surroundings, visit nearby attractions – Adlabs Imagica Theme Park, Lonavala, Donvat Dam, Zenith Waterfall, Mahad, Gagangiri Ashram, Ballaleshwar Pali.
Tariff: INR 4000 per night onwards approximately
About the host: Ritesh and Yogini are the wonderful compassionate hosts who offer specialized attention to their guests to make the stay a memorable one
10. Nandan Farms – A rustic home in the South Maharashtra
Nandan Farms is a quaint hideout located in Sindhudurg, South Maharashtra that boasts of great location, decent basic amenities, and well-laid rooms. The charming stay opens up two guest rooms overlooking a verandah surrounded by a lush green farm comprising of cashews, pineapples and coconut palms spread over a 12-acre area. Enjoy a day at leisure lying in one of the hammocks of Nandan Farms or taking a nature walk.
For those having itchy feet, there are a few places of interest nearby like Amboli and Vengurla. Also, North Goa is a 30-minute ride from here. Here are the reviews from other travelers on their stay at Nandan Farms.
Activities: Excursion to Sawantwadi Lake and Amboli Waterfall
Tariff: INR 3000 per night onwards
About the host: Amruta is a cordial host known for her friendly and humble behavior. She ensures that guests are provided homemade food.
Homestays in Gujarat
11. Devpur Homestay – Ageing and still going strong
Devpur Darbargadh, a royal home turned homestay, is a hot favorite place to stay in the Kutch area of Gujarat. The architecture that dates back to 1905 is massive and comprises of the portico, courtyards, stucco pavilions, and lots of pillared halls. The heritage rooms are massive and quite comfortable for a laid-back retreat. Bathrooms, living, and dining area are embellished with modern amenities and make for an amazing experience.
Activities: The homestay arranges volunteering activities at The White Eagles School, a tour of Devpur, and Kutch all on their own vehicle. There are places of interest nearby like Mandvi, the Black Hills along the Tropic of Cancer, and the Great Rann of Kutch. More details can be found on their website.
Tariff: INR 4500 per night onwards
About the host: Krutarthsinh Jadeja and his family run the homestay. The hosts are warm, humble, and quite knowledgeable about the surroundings.
12. Aranya Eco Farm Homestay – A stay in the lion’s den, closest to nature
Aranya Eco Farm Homestay is an ideal stay option for anyone traveling in a group. The homestay located in the vicinity of Gir located right amidst the nature with lush green mango orchard, and other fruit and vegetable plantation around. The stay is spread over an area of 6 acres and offers plenty of activities to make the guests feel home.
Dam and Devaliya Park make for short excursions from Aranya Eco Farm Homestay.
Activities: Because the homestay is grand and has a huge campus there are activities like swimming, bird watching, stargazing, village trail, barbecue, and campfire in the offering to make your stay an eventful one. Find more details on their website here.
Tariff: INR 9000 per night onwards for a group of up to 6 members, can accommodate 15 members
About the host: Vishal is the owner of the homestay that is also registered with Gujarat Tourism.
A home is will always be a home at the end of the day. Experience the unmatched hospitality in these homestays in West India. Your family in the unknown awaits you.
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A perpetual nature seeker, Amit is on a mission to explore the best of planet Earth. Much famed as the Whistling Hound, Amit’s is currently based out of Wroclaw in Poland, and is experiencing the best of his life in Eastern Europe and Scandinavia.
