Although, India is a home to many religions, but one sole culture of attending to your guest is practiced by all Indians. Guests are welcomed, irrespective of their religion and status. “Athithi Deva Bhavo” expresses that “a guest is a God” – which is exactly a reason that a guest is always kept on a pedestal. Indian hospitality is known around the globe. India has been a centre of attraction for the foreigners for its unexplored beauty. The government has now come up with a unique idea of homestay to promote tourism in India.
The modern homestay in India is not humble, you do not have to share a common bathroom or have your bedding on the porch! You can now share a self contained room with the host or can live in an outhouse or a quarter. There are a number of reasons why we should opt for a homestay.
Reasons
1. Attention: Guests receive undivided attention while staying under the same roof with the host. The guests can acquire a vast knowledge about the Indian culture. They can communicate with the host and create a bonding.
2. Local cuisine: Home cooked food is much more delicious than the food served at hotels. You can get the taste of the local authentic cuisine and the way it is served. The guests are welcomed to try their hands in the kitchen and learn a few local recipes.
3. Knowledge: They can meet new people and merge with them to gain knowledge of the local area. They are toured in the area by the guest thus gaining more invaluable knowledge of that area.
4. Activities: The guests can take part in the day to day activities of the locals, viz. cutting grass, collecting fruits or planting. They are invited to attend marriage ceremonies and festivals.
5. Feel at home: Guests can enjoy the privacy and feel relaxed with separate accommodation offered by the host. The friendly service and the homely atmosphere makes you feel at home.
Thus a homestay in India has more advantages compared to staying at a resort or a hotel.
You plunge yourself in the cultural beauty and the natural beauty of India when you visit the breath taking places such as Kerala, Rajasthan, Uttarakhand, Goa and many other remarkable places. Let us begin with a Holiday in Uttarakhand – One of the most beautiful places that India possesses.
Main features
Uttarakhand is a beautiful State in North India that is also known as the “Dev bhoomi”, the land of the Gods! A beautiful place spared by the pollution of noise and dust. It is famous for its scenic beauty and tourist centres. It is a sight to behold with a wide range of the fauna, flora and migrating birds. Parts of the Himalayan range borders the northern part of Uttarakahand. The two important rivers the Ganga and the Yamuna originate from the glaciers of the mighty Himalayan peaks.
It is admired for its natural beauty, the snow covered peaks and the massive stretch of forest. The Corbett National park and Tiger reserve are the main tourist attractions. Mussoorie, Ranikhet and the hill stations of Nainital and Bhimtal are frequented by tourists. Yamunotari, Badrinath and Kedarnath are some of the holy places visited by the devotees. Maha Kumbh, Kailash Yatra and Char Dham Yatra have given this place uniqueness.
In order to promote tourism in the state Uttarakhand Tourism is trying to promote homestay development. A holiday in Uttarakhand can give the tourist a comfortable and a “feel at home” experience while opting for a homestay. They can learn about the cultural and tradition lifestyle of the local people and be a part of the village.
Martin Wynn
