Imagine sipping tea on a veranda, overlooking lush green gardens, with the only sound being the soothing monsoon rains. The earthy aroma of wet soil tickles your nostrils as you relax in this serene setting. Sounds like a perfect vacation?
Staying in homestays in India enhances the magical experience, allowing you to immerse yourself in nature and local culture. Nestled in picturesque locations ranging from Kerala’s backwaters to the tea estates of Darjeeling, these homestays offer an authentic slice of Indian life.
The Better India has curated a one can stay in this monsoon season.
Nestled in a lush green tropical forest in Kerala, the homestay is surrounded by water bodies that come to life during the monsoons. Started by Mustafa P A as part of his passion project, the area where the homestay stands was once barren mining land.
Now located amidst the tropical forest that Mustafa planted and encircled by seven water bodies, the homestay is the natural getaway of your dreams. The property offers three stay options — all made with natural materials like mud, straw, and wood, with zero cement used.
Book your stay .
While Goa is famous for its breathtakingly beautiful beaches, a different side of Goa comes alive during the monsoons. Named after the magnificent Dudhsagar falls, this homestay is perfect for a slow-paced getaway.
You can relax in one of the plantation’s or take a dip in the natural pool. Guests can also enjoy a feni-tasting session, join the host in planting organic vegetables, or trek to Tamdi Surla or Dudhsagar waterfalls.
Book your stay .
Located in the small town of Kalimpong in West Bengal, this sleepy hill station becomes a mist-covered haven during the monsoons. If you enjoy incessant rains and cold weather, then Palighar is the place to be in winter.
Hosts Ahana Gurung and Kabir Pradhan participate in the annual paddy plantation and invite interested guests to join them. You can also indulge in homestyle Nepali food and other local cuisines while staying in traditionally made
Book your stay .
Run by a mother-daughter duo, Prachi and Alka, this homestay sits on a hill overlooking the River Krishna. A beautiful escape from the city at any time of year, it becomes especially enchanting during the monsoons, when the landscape transforms into a lush green paradise.
The villa is a labour of love and will quickly feel like a second home. Guests can enjoy activities such as gardening, pottery, stargazing, and bonfires. Additionally, you can savour delicious home-cooked vegetarian meals made with organic, homegrown vegetables.
Book your stay .
Located in the picturesque village of Sribadam in West Sikkim, this homestay is situated at an altitude of 7,000 feet above sea level. It represents the host’s effort to preserve Sikkim’s culture, allowing guests to immerse themselves in its rich heritage.
The village is a paradise for butterfly and bird watchers. You can visit the Versey Rhododendron Sanctuary, walk to the cardamom plantations, or take a short uphill trek to a local waterfall. If you seek a pollution-free, slow-living experience, this is the perfect destination!
Book your stay .
Another gem in ‘God’s Own Country’—Kerala, Vagamon is a hill station that spans the Idukki and Kottayam districts, best visited during the monsoons. Vanilla Country, located in the Mavady Hills, is a Dutch-style eight-bedroom bungalow built in 1947 by V J Mathew Vallikappen. Mathew runs the place with his wife, Silu.
Guests can relax in the natural rock pools on the property, explore the plantation on foot, visit the nearby church, or enjoy a toddy-tasting experience.
Book your stay .
If you seek a tranquil and serene side of Goa, Shakuntala Farmhouse is the perfect retreat. Nestled at the foothills of the Chorla Ghats in the Western Ghats, this farmhouse offers numerous advantages.
Located within an hour’s drive from prominent attractions like Dudhsagar Falls, Mollem National Park, Bondla Wildlife Sanctuary, Arvalem Falls and Caves, Keri Foot Over Bridge, and Tambdi Surla, it’s an ideal base for exploring the region. After a day of adventure, you can enjoy delicious local cuisine and take a refreshing dip in the farm stay’s pool. Plus, your furry friends are welcome to join you!
Book your stay .
Chikmagalur, renowned for its rich biodiversity and breathtaking coffee estates, could be your dream destination. The region receives heavy rainfall during the monsoon, transforming it into a lush green paradise.
Nestled beside the serene Bhadra River, Shanthi Kunnj Homestay is the perfect spot to immerse yourself in the beauty of coffee plantations, waterfalls, and riverbanks. This homestay features charming log houses, superior villas, and premier rooms, offering a peaceful escape from the city’s hustle. Guests can savour delectable meals, enjoy plantation tours, and partake in nature walks, making it an idyllic retreat.
Book your stay .
Edited by Pranita Bhat
Staying in homestays in India enhances the magical experience, allowing you to immerse yourself in nature and local culture. Nestled in picturesque locations ranging from Kerala’s backwaters to the tea estates of Darjeeling, these homestays offer an authentic slice of Indian life.
The Better India has curated a one can stay in this monsoon season.
1. Greenara, Kerala
Nestled in a lush green tropical forest in Kerala, the homestay is surrounded by water bodies that come to life during the monsoons. Started by Mustafa P A as part of his passion project, the area where the homestay stands was once barren mining land.
Now located amidst the tropical forest that Mustafa planted and encircled by seven water bodies, the homestay is the natural getaway of your dreams. The property offers three stay options — all made with natural materials like mud, straw, and wood, with zero cement used.
Book your stay .
2. Dudhsagar Plantation, Goa
While Goa is famous for its breathtakingly beautiful beaches, a different side of Goa comes alive during the monsoons. Named after the magnificent Dudhsagar falls, this homestay is perfect for a slow-paced getaway.
You can relax in one of the plantation’s or take a dip in the natural pool. Guests can also enjoy a feni-tasting session, join the host in planting organic vegetables, or trek to Tamdi Surla or Dudhsagar waterfalls.
Book your stay .
3. Palighar, Kalimpong
Located in the small town of Kalimpong in West Bengal, this sleepy hill station becomes a mist-covered haven during the monsoons. If you enjoy incessant rains and cold weather, then Palighar is the place to be in winter.
Hosts Ahana Gurung and Kabir Pradhan participate in the annual paddy plantation and invite interested guests to join them. You can also indulge in homestyle Nepali food and other local cuisines while staying in traditionally made
Book your stay .
4. Avabodha, Panchgani
Run by a mother-daughter duo, Prachi and Alka, this homestay sits on a hill overlooking the River Krishna. A beautiful escape from the city at any time of year, it becomes especially enchanting during the monsoons, when the landscape transforms into a lush green paradise.
The villa is a labour of love and will quickly feel like a second home. Guests can enjoy activities such as gardening, pottery, stargazing, and bonfires. Additionally, you can savour delicious home-cooked vegetarian meals made with organic, homegrown vegetables.
Book your stay .
5. Sribadam Homestay, Sikkim
Located in the picturesque village of Sribadam in West Sikkim, this homestay is situated at an altitude of 7,000 feet above sea level. It represents the host’s effort to preserve Sikkim’s culture, allowing guests to immerse themselves in its rich heritage.
The village is a paradise for butterfly and bird watchers. You can visit the Versey Rhododendron Sanctuary, walk to the cardamom plantations, or take a short uphill trek to a local waterfall. If you seek a pollution-free, slow-living experience, this is the perfect destination!
Book your stay .
6. Vanilla County, Vagamon, Kerala
Another gem in ‘God’s Own Country’—Kerala, Vagamon is a hill station that spans the Idukki and Kottayam districts, best visited during the monsoons. Vanilla Country, located in the Mavady Hills, is a Dutch-style eight-bedroom bungalow built in 1947 by V J Mathew Vallikappen. Mathew runs the place with his wife, Silu.
Guests can relax in the natural rock pools on the property, explore the plantation on foot, visit the nearby church, or enjoy a toddy-tasting experience.
Book your stay .
7. Shakuntala Farmhouse, Goa
If you seek a tranquil and serene side of Goa, Shakuntala Farmhouse is the perfect retreat. Nestled at the foothills of the Chorla Ghats in the Western Ghats, this farmhouse offers numerous advantages.
Located within an hour’s drive from prominent attractions like Dudhsagar Falls, Mollem National Park, Bondla Wildlife Sanctuary, Arvalem Falls and Caves, Keri Foot Over Bridge, and Tambdi Surla, it’s an ideal base for exploring the region. After a day of adventure, you can enjoy delicious local cuisine and take a refreshing dip in the farm stay’s pool. Plus, your furry friends are welcome to join you!
Book your stay .
8. Shanthi Kunnj Homestay, Chikmagalur
Chikmagalur, renowned for its rich biodiversity and breathtaking coffee estates, could be your dream destination. The region receives heavy rainfall during the monsoon, transforming it into a lush green paradise.
Nestled beside the serene Bhadra River, Shanthi Kunnj Homestay is the perfect spot to immerse yourself in the beauty of coffee plantations, waterfalls, and riverbanks. This homestay features charming log houses, superior villas, and premier rooms, offering a peaceful escape from the city’s hustle. Guests can savour delectable meals, enjoy plantation tours, and partake in nature walks, making it an idyllic retreat.
Book your stay .
Edited by Pranita Bhat