A big part of travelling is where you stay, and our favourite type of accommodation includes boutique hotels and homestays. The personal touch, the warmth and hospitality and a glimpse of the traditional culture is what makes them so special. India is dotted with a wide range of such offbeat accommodations in every region. The highlight of some of the best homestays in South India is their location, delicious food and the peaceful ambience.
With plenty of these to choose from, it’s difficult to pick the ideal homestay while travelling to South India. Here’s our list of some of the best homestays in South India. Nestled in the lap of nature, they’re ideal for some downtime during your holiday!
Must Read: The best homestays in North India
Kochi is a gorgeous destination for homestays
1. Lazar Residency Homestay, Kochi
A trip to Kochi is like a journey into the past. With a blend of it’s rich heritage, vibrant colours, and the aroma of spices carried by the wind. Lazar Residency Homestay is the perfect accommodation choice while exploring this exciting town. A homestay that allows you to experience the best of the traditional culture.
The friendly host’s Joy and Jaicy make this one of the best homestays in India. They are always up for a chat or to help you make the most of your stay in the city. The rooms are basic yet charming and cosy. It is comfortable and affordable and located in the city center. What’s not to love?
Kochi is beautiful during January, but it’ll be crowded
2. Backwater Heritage, Kumarakom
Backwater Heritage, sited just a little bit outside Kottayam town, allows you to embrace the laid-back village life in the best way possible!
The rosewood-and-teak home is over a century old and sits on the bank of the Meenachil River. It offers most facilities and amenities that you’d get in a modern hotel. Almost all rooms come with an attached veranda or sit-out, and there are plenty of great common spaces to lounge in. To top it all off, the food here is authentic Kerala fare at its best!
With a mesmerizing view of the Meenachil river, relax and rejuvenate at this pristine abode. (Photo Credit- TripAdvisor)
3. Dhanagiri Homestay, Wayanad
Situated amid one of the oldest coffee plantations in Wayanad, high in the Western Ghats, there’s no doubt that Dhanagiri Homestay is one of the best homestays in South India.
There are three rooms on this property, with acres and acres of coffee plantations surrounding them. Days here are about excellent meals, plenty of great walks and conversations with your host Anand, and a whole lot of doing nothing!
It’s also a great base from which to explore the nearby sights and sounds – if you can get yourself to leave the bungalow, that is!
Must Read: Best things to do in Wayanad during your Kerala holiday.
Nestled in the midst of nature, experience sheer tranquility and solace at this lovely homestay in Wayanad.
4. Olaulim Backyards, Goa
Away from the busy beaches, Olaulim Backyards is a glimpse into a side of Goa very few visitors see. This rustic getaway is nestled on the banks of a creek, with lush grounds and the scent of firangipani in the air.
Savio and Pirkko have created this little paradise to provide refuge from the traditional image of Goa that travellers have. And they’ve succeeded! The five cottages, each named after a bird local to the area blend into the nature that envelops them. You will feel like you’ve the entire world to yourself!
Olaulim Backyards is one of the most pleasant and luxurious homestays in South India (Photo Credit – http://www.olaulimgoa.com/gallery.php)
5. Indhrivanam, Thekkady
As far as boutique hotels in South India go, few do it better than Indhrivanam. Here, the luxury is all about having a place completely to yourself – it’s just one cottage, nestled in its own little forest! Indhrivanam calls itself a ‘vegan eco retreat’.
All the food served here is vegetarian and dairy-free, and the focus is on being sustainable. The cottage is constructed with locally sourced material, they practice rainwater harvesting, and use dry toilets. This is a great choice for visitors looking for a quiet retreat immersed in nature!
A mountain retreat situated in a private forest with a charming stone cottage. (Photo Credits – Indhrivanam.com)
6. Mysore B&B
When you’re staying at the Mysore B&B, you’ll feel like you’re staying with friends! Manjula and Stephen rent out three rooms of their comfortable, clean home in Mysore. The resident dog, Lucie welcomes all new guests with great joy, setting the tone for the rest of your stay.
The rooms are cosy, and have a fan but no air conditioning and the house is in a quiet lane about 10 minutes away from the Mysore Palace. We really like how much of a personal touch Stephen and Manjula offer to all their guests – they’re full of great ideas and suggestions on how to make your trip that much better!
Mysore BnB is a great place to appreciate the gem that is Mysore
7. GreenMagic Homestay, Munnar
Robin and his team have put together a lovely little homestay in Munnar’s rolling hills. Green Magic is definitely a charmer. It is a great place from which one can enjoy the surrounding landscapes!
Don’t miss the home-cooked meals here – the food is delicious, and you’ll invariably be dining with travellers from across the world.
Green Magic homestay gives you a chance to see the tea plantations in Munnar up close
8. Marari Leena Beach House
The gorgeous Mararikulam Beach has a reputation that precedes it, and if you’re planning to spend some quality time lounging on these sands, Marari Leena Beach House is a great place to stay!
This option, situated five minutes from the tranquil Kattoor Beach, is delightfully welcoming, and easy on the wallet to boot. The rooms are basic but comfortable, and you’ll definitely have great meals which are lovingly prepared by the family.
If you are looking for something more luxurious, then here is our detailed guide on opulent hotels in India!
Marari Leena Beach House is off the charming coastline of Maraikulam beach! (Photo Credit – Dany Kallery)
Still not sure what’s best suited for you? We can help you find the best homestays in India, whether its homestays in South India or the North. We’ll plan your dream Indian vacation, too!
About Harsh Sonawala
Harsh Sonawala aaa is the co founder of India Someday and since his childhood, he has travelled to different parts of India and the world. The thrill of travelling and sharing his experiences with others was the reason behind starting India Someday. Other than the office where he is conjuring up marketing ideas, he can be found scuba diving in the Andamans or relaxing in a chalet in the Himalayas.
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