Traditional Indian meal at Honey Pot Homes, Coorg.
Sharell Cook
I remember the first time I ate home cooked food in India. It was simple fare, but it was so incredibly tasty and unlike what I was used to being served in restaurants. I was amazed at the difference. Being inside someone's home in India was also so fascinating for me.
When I first started traveling around India, I had a deep interest in Indian culture and way of life but very little means of experiencing it first hand. This was almost 10 years ago, when the concept of homestays in India was quite unheard of, and there certainly weren't many quality homestays to be found.
Fortunately, that has changed now. Homestays have caught on in a big way in India. There are so many options for staying with Indian families, and eating their home cooked food, all over the country. Many of these homestays even provide separate accommodations for their guests, with just as much comfort as a reputable hotel.
I recently had the pleasure of staying at two such places, located on coffee plantations in India -- Glenora in Wayanad Kerala and Honey Pot Homes in Coorg Karnataka. Both are high quality establishments offered by Mahindra Homestays. It was an unforgettable experience. The things that really made it special were the unique environment, peacefulness, opportunity to learn about India from the hosts, and of course the renowned Indian hospitality. When it came time for me to depart, I felt like I'd been staying with friends rather than strangers.
Want to know more about why you shouldn't miss an Indian homestay experience?