Homestays

28/02/2013

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Take a boat for about 4-5 hours from Puno on Lake Titicaca and you will arrive at Amantani Island.  These remote Aymari-speaking islanders have organised themselves to take turns in hosting guests who want to stay on the island.  Facilities are basic but adequate, but the welcome is invariably friendly.  Here is what a recent traveller said of his stay here:
“The family were most welcoming and nothing was too much trouble for them even when I had a fall on top of the mountain!  The accommodation was better than we expected, comfortable beds and the food was excellent and were most impressed that hubby helped in the kitchen!!”

Barwara Kothi

This might not be what you think of when imagining a homestay!  It is actually a charming colonial mansion house in Jaipur, and has 9 guest rooms.  However it really is a homestay, and offers a warm welcome, good home cooking and friendly hosts.

If you want a trip where homestays feature strongly, I’d highly recommend our Malabar Adventure in India.

This excellent 14-day adventure gives you a varied look at Kerala, taking in highlights such as Cochin, the backwaters, the beaches of Kannur and the wildlife and spice gardens of Wayanad. However it has another aspect which is that it offers privileged insights into the culture and traditions of the local people – artists, musicians, dancers, and other craftsmen.