Why Homestays Are the Best Way to Explore North India?

Kumauni cottage - Uttarakhand tour

India is a land of diverse landscapes, vibrant traditions, and heartwarming hospitality. While luxury hotels and resorts have their charm, many modern travellers are now choosing homestays in North India to experience culture in its most authentic form. Homestays go beyond being just accommodation – they are windows into the local way of life, where every guest becomes part of the host family.

At Travassa, we believe travel is not just about ticking destinations off your bucket list, but about immersing yourself in stories, traditions, and communities. From the orchards of Dhanachuli in Uttarakhand to heritage homes in Varanasi, we bring you curated stays that allow you to live the true essence of North India.

Why Homestays in North India are Special

Himachal Tour

Unlike conventional hotels, North Indian homestays are often family-run, located in heritage properties, quaint villages, or scenic mountain hamlets. The architecture often reflects centuries-old artistry—think intricately carved wooden windows in Himachal, mud cottages in Uttarakhand, or royal havelis in Rajasthan.

  • Personalized Hospitality: Your hosts don’t just serve you; they welcome you like family.
  • Cultural Immersion: Participate in local festivals, farming activities, or traditional music nights.
  • Unique Architecture: Stay in 200-year-old havelis, Kumaoni cottages, or Himalayan chalets.

For travelers booking our Shimla Tour Package or Himachal Pradesh Tour Package , adding a homestay stay enriches the journey with authentic mountain life experiences.

Government Push for Homestays

The Indian government, under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of sustainable tourism, has been actively promoting homestays. Various state tourism boards like Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, and Uttar Pradesh are offering subsidies, training, and easy registration processes to local families who open their homes to guests.

Homestays are not only boosting eco-tourism but also ensuring livelihood opportunities for rural and small-town communities—making your stay a contribution to the local economy.

A Window into North Indian Culture

Aartis on the Ganga

When you book a homestay with Travassa Holidays, you’re signing up for much more than accommodation. You’ll:

  • Learn local crafts like Pahadi weaving or Madhubani art.
  • Join evening aartis on the Ganga if you’re staying in a Varanasi homestay during our Varanasi Ayodhya Tour Package.
  • Share meals with families who prepare age-old recipes passed down through generations.

For pilgrims travelling on our Char Dham Yatra Package or Kedarnath Tour homestays along the route offer comfort, warm meals, and stories of faith from locals who’ve lived in these holy lands for centuries.

The Flavors of Home: Culinary Experiences

Dal baati churma

Food is often the highlight of any homestay experience. Imagine waking up in Shimla to hot aloo parathas served with homemade butter, or enjoying dal baati churma in a Rajasthani haveli. Many homestays also offer cooking classes, so you can carry a piece of the journey back home.

During our Uttar Pradesh Tour Package, homestays often include cooking sessions where you learn to prepare Banarasi thali or even try your hand at making the famous street snacks like kachoris and malaiyyo.

Travassa’s Pick: Best Homestay Destinations in North India

  • Shimla & Manali (Himachal Pradesh): Quaint hillside homestays with apple orchards.
  • Nainital & Dhanachuli (Uttarakhand): Wooden cottages with panoramic Himalayan views.
  • Varanasi & Ayodhya (Uttar Pradesh): Heritage homes near ghats and temples.
  • Rishikesh & Kedarnath (Uttarakhand): Spiritual retreats with locals guiding you through rituals.
  • Jaipur & Jodhpur (Rajasthan): Royal havelis that tell tales of Rajputana grandeur.

Travassa makes it seamless to blend your homestay experience with curated holiday packages, ensuring comfort and cultural depth.

Why Choose Travassa for Your Homestay Journey?

  • Handpicked Homestays: Verified for comfort, authenticity, and hospitality.
  • Seamless Travel: Combine your homestay with our curated tours like Char Dham Tour, Shimla-Manali Holidays, or Varanasi Spiritual Trail.
  • Cultural Experiences: Activities, workshops, and guided tours for deeper immersion.
  • Local Support: On-ground assistance to ensure your journey is effortless.

Final Thoughts

If you’re seeking more than just sightseeing, homestays in North India open doors to stories, flavors, and traditions that hotels can never offer. With Travassa, your journey becomes more personal, enriching, and memorable.

So, whether it’s sipping chai in a Himachali balcony, listening to mythological tales in Ayodhya, or joining a family puja in Rishikesh—let Travassa Holidays take you closer to the heart of India.

Latest Tour Blogs

Dubai Shopping Festival
Why the Dubai Shopping Festival Is a Must-Visit This Year?
October 9, 2025
Bangalore to Coorg Road Trips
Best Road Trips from Bangalore for Long Weekends
October 8, 2025
Mumbai to Lonavala Road Trip
Best Road Trips from Mumbai for Long Weekends
October 7, 2025

Explore with Travassa

Plan your next trip with 

PEACE OF MIND !

QUICK ENQUIRY
QUICK ENQUIRY