In a world filled with hotel chains, urban noise, and predictable travel packages, rural homestays offer something far more meaningful—authenticity, peace, and personal connection. But what exactly makes a rural homestay perfect in the eyes of travelers? 🌾✨
We asked real guests who stayed at VanGhar-listed rural homestays across Gujarat, Maharashtra, and Madhya Pradesh to share their favorite moments. Their answers were heartwarming, honest, and often unexpected. Let’s dive in!
Table of Contents
🌅 1. The Wake-Up Call… from Nature
🗣️ “I woke up to peacocks outside my window!”
– Asha P., stayed at a homestay near Saputara
Forget alarms and buzzing phones—at many rural homestays, nature becomes your morning companion. Chirping birds, distant cowbells, rustling leaves, and cool breezes create a tranquil start to the day.
🌿 Guests loved:
- Fresh morning air 🌬️
- Views of forests, farms, or misty hills 🌄
- Natural sounds that soothe and reset
🍲 2. Food Made with Love (and Firewood)
🗣️ “The ragi (naagli) rotla with ‘red chilly-garlic chutney’ tasted better than anything I’ve had in a 5-star hotel.”
– Kunal S., stayed in Ahwa
Most rural hosts cook meals themselves using local ingredients—often organic, grown right in their backyard. Whether it’s a simple dal or a festive tribal thali, the freshness and soul in every bite are unforgettable. 🍛
🔥 Guests loved:
- Wood-fired cooking 🪵
- Seasonal, homegrown ingredients 🥦
- Cooking with the host family 👩🍳
👨👩👧👦 3. Real People, Real Stories
🗣️ “We laughed with the kids, helped grandma in the kitchen, and even danced to tribal songs.”
– Reema & Aarav, stayed in Dang
The magic of rural homestays lies in the people. Guests often return with cherished memories of bonding with the host family, learning folk songs, or understanding local customs firsthand.
❤️ Guests loved:
- Genuine hospitality 🤝
- Cultural immersion 🌍
- Making new friends across languages 👋
🧵 4. Learning Something New
🗣️ “I tried Warli painting for the first time—it was both humbling and joyful.”
– Shruti M., stayed near Shabari Dham
From spinning yarn and basket-weaving to milking cows and grinding masalas, rural homestays often let guests do rather than just see. These hands-on experiences add depth to any holiday.
🎨 Guests loved:
- Craft workshops 🎭
- Farming activities 🚜
- Cooking, painting, and more! ✍️
🌌 5. Nights Under a Billion Stars
🗣️ “I hadn’t seen the Milky Way since childhood. Here, it felt like I could touch it.”
– Devansh R., stayed in Chopna
With zero light pollution, nights in the countryside are magical. Guests often sit around campfires, listen to local tales, or simply gaze at the stars in silence. ✨
🔥 Guests loved:
- Stargazing 🌠
- Campfire chats 🔥
- Peaceful silence 🕊️
✅ 6. The Perfect Homestay Checklist (According to Guests)
✔️ Clean, simple rooms with character
✔️ Friendly and respectful hosts
✔️ Authentic local food
✔️ Unique experiences (crafts, farms, festivals)
✔️ Cultural transparency, not commercialization
✔️ Safety, especially for solo travelers
✔️ Close-to-nature location 🌳
💚 Final Words: What Guests Remember Most
In the end, it’s not marble floors or minibar snacks that make a homestay perfect—it’s how you feel while you’re there. The comfort of being treated like family. The joy of eating food grown with care. The thrill of discovering a different way of life.
These are the treasures guests carry home—and often, they return for more.