Why More Travellers Are Choosing Sustainable Homestays?
Let’s face it—travel isn’t just about ticking off places anymore. People are searching for something different. Something that feels real. A growing number of travellers now want stays that tell stories, feed local families, and leave the land better than they found it.
That’s where sustainable homestays quietly step in.
These aren’t luxury resorts wrapped in green slogans. They’re family homes, earth cottages, bamboo huts—built with care, run with purpose. They use what’s local, waste little, and share a lot. Often, your morning chai comes from the garden, and your host knows the forest trail better than Google Maps ever could.
All across India—whether it’s in a high-altitude village in Ladakh or along Kerala’s rain-soaked coast—these sustainable homestays offer more than a bed. They offer connection.
Also Read: How Indian Tribes Master Sustainable Living?
If you’ve ever thought, “I want to travel better,” this list might be your starting point.
Bon Farmhouse – Kewzing, Sikkim
You know those places where time moves slower, conversations linger, and the only sound at night is crickets? Bon Farmhouse in Sikkim is exactly that.
It’s not fancy. You won’t find infinity pools or buffet breakfasts here. But what you will find is warmth—the kind that comes from a family cooking you dinner from their own garden, or showing you how they harvest cardamom the traditional way.
Built and run by a Bhutia family, the house is solar-powered and meals are entirely homegrown. Their philosophy is simple: live light, waste little, share generously.
- What it’s really like: Mornings are cool and misty, perfect for birdwatching. Afternoons might involve helping on the farm or chatting with monks nearby. No schedules, no noise.
- Eco creds: Solar energy, kitchen gardens, no plastic bottles, and strong local roots
- Good for: People who don’t need a “resort” to feel rested
- What you’ll spend: ₹4,000 a night for a private room and big local breakfast (source)
- Pro tip: Don’t expect phone signal—and that’s a good thing. Pack a book and a pair of sturdy walking shoes instead.
The Other Side – Near Kochi, Kerala
Across the river from the city’s chaos, there’s this patch of green called The Other Side. No Wi-Fi. No concrete. Just water, trees, birds, and space to think.
Built entirely with reclaimed wood and local stone, this off-grid stay runs on solar and lives gently. You won’t find switches everywhere—because you won’t need them.
- Why it stands out: It’s the kind of place where hammocks outnumber people
- Eco creds: Solar-powered, rainwater-harvested, repurposed architecture, and totally off the grid
- Best for: Writers, digital detoxers, people who don’t mind frogs in the bathroom
- Budget: ₹2,500–3,500 per night
- Pro tip: Bring a headlamp—electricity is limited after sundown, and your phone’s torch won’t last forever.
Himalayan Ark – Munsiyari, Uttarakhand
This one’s for travellers who like their mountains raw and real. Nestled in a sleepy village in Munsiyari, Himalayan Ark isn’t your typical hill stay—it’s a group of homestays, all run by women from the region, most of whom grew up farming and walking these trails barefoot.
You’ll eat what grows nearby, sleep under thick quilts handmade by your host, and if you’re lucky, be invited into the kitchen to learn how mandua (finger millet) is ground and cooked over a chulha.
There’s no gloss here, no curated Instagram corners. But there’s heart—so much of it.
- What makes it memorable: The stories your host shares, the sound of Panchachuli peaks whispering in the distance, and chai served without asking.
- Sustainability in action: Zero packaged food, village-grown vegetables, solar lamps, and tourism run entirely by local women (source)
- Perfect for: Slow walkers, thinkers, solo backpackers, or anyone needing to catch their breath
- What it’ll cost: ₹1,800–2,500 a night with meals included
- Little advice: Bring a notebook—stories you’ll hear here deserve to be remembered.
Nirvana Organic Farmstay – Near Nainital, Uttarakhand
If your idea of travel involves digging your hands into the soil, waking up to the moo of a cow, and eating food that still remembers where it came from—Nirvana might just be your happy place.
The hosts are kind, the routines are earthy, and there’s something healing about being part of their slow rhythm. You can learn to make candles or just sit under a tree and watch bees do their thing.
It’s not for everyone—but if you’re the type who likes going to bed with the sound of frogs instead of Netflix, you’ll fit right in.
- What gives it soul: Real farm chores, forest walks where no one’s trying to sell you anything, and a sky that remembers stars
- Eco roots: Permaculture farming, compost toilets, solar-heated water, no junk, no plastic
- Best suited to: Families, quiet couples, or anyone looking to remember what ‘real’ feels like
- How much you’ll spend: ₹2,100–2,200 per night per person, meals included (source)
- Insider tip: Ask to join them when they milk the cows—it’s oddly meditative.
Dera Mandawa – Jaipur, Rajasthan
If palaces feel too grand and modern hotels too sterile, Dera Mandawa sits beautifully in between. This ancestral haveli in the heart of Jaipur doesn’t just host you—it welcomes you into a slice of history still very much alive.
The rooms are colorful and old-world, but the values are refreshingly modern. Rainwater harvesting, supporting local artisans, minimal plastic—everything here breathes intention.
- What you’ll feel: That blend of Rajasthani warmth and quiet luxury that doesn’t scream, just smiles
- Sustainability details: Restored heritage property, greywater reuse, all things local—textiles, food, even performances
- For whom: Couples, history buffs, or anyone who’d rather hear a sitar than a city horn
- What it costs: ₹5,000–7,000 per night (Source)
- Traveller’s Tip: Don’t skip the block-printing workshop—they’ll let you keep what you make.
Pangot Homestay – Near Nainital, Uttarakhand
Birdsong is a lifestyle in Pangot. Tucked in the hills just outside Nainital, this little eco-homestay has front-row seats to over 200 species of birds. Even if you’re not a birder, you’ll be surprised how quickly you become one here.
The cottage is simple but snug, with stone-and-wood construction that blends into the forest. Don’t expect room service—do expect to fall asleep to the hoot of an owl.
- What you’ll love: Zero noise, lots of green, and a sky that shows off at night
- Eco elements: Natural building materials, bird-friendly gardening, zero plastic policy
- Great for: Nature lovers, solo wanderers, couples who like early mornings
- Expected cost: ₹1,500–2,000 per night
- Tip: Binoculars aren’t optional here. Also, skip perfumes—the birds hate them.
Tirthan Valley Homestays – Himachal Pradesh
Tirthan isn’t your average touristy Himachal town. It still smells like pine needles and trout streams. And the homestays here? They’re all about local connections.
Many are run by farming families who’ve turned a room or two into guest spaces. You eat what they eat, walk where they walk, and if it rains—you sit around and listen to stories.
- Why it clicks: Peaceful days, riverside breakfasts, and treks without a trail fee
- Eco choices: No construction fads here—just mud, stone, and wood. Compost pits are more common than swimming pools.
- Best for: People who want the mountains without the Manali crowd (Source)
- Price range: ₹2,000–3,000 per night
- Tip: Pack out everything you bring in. There’s no garbage truck coming up that mountain.
Dakshinayan – Poombarai Village, Kodaikanal, Tamil Nadu
This is one of those places where silence is a sound of its own. Set in a quiet village near Kodaikanal, Dakshinayan is made of earth—literally. The walls breathe, the light changes with the sun, and the meals are grown feet from your room.
Don’t expect TV, Wi-Fi, or even a menu. Do expect mustard greens on your plate and time to hear your own thoughts.
- What you’ll notice: You start waking with the sun and sleeping better than you have in years
- Eco thinking: Cob-and-bamboo cottages, zero chemicals, composting, solar energy
- Good for: Mindful travellers, solo writers, and those who need to hit pause
- Cost: ₹1,200–1,800 per night
- Tip: Bring layers—it gets surprisingly chilly at night, even in Tamil Nadu.
Ayang Okum – Majuli Island, Assam
Majuli isn’t just an island—it’s a floating world of culture, art, and bamboo. And Ayang Okum lets you live right in the middle of it, in a stilted bamboo hut that feels like it belongs more to the river than the land.
Your meals? Cooked by the host family and served on banana leaves. Your mornings? Spent watching fishermen cast nets into the Brahmaputra.
- What’s unforgettable: The rhythm of life here—it’s unhurried, undemanding, and deeply human
- Eco factors: Bamboo construction, solar lights, organic meals, waste-free living
- Ideal for: Cultural explorers, solo drifters, and anyone curious about Northeast India
- Stay budget: ₹1,000–1,500 a night
- Tip: Support the local satras (monasteries) by picking up handmade masks—they’re one of a kind.
Kasar Rainbow Yoga Retreat – Almora, Uttarakhand
There’s something special about Kasar Devi—the light hits different, the air feels charged. Tucked here is Rainbow Yoga Retreat, where days begin with sun salutations and end with fire circles and herbal tea.
Built to nourish both body and soul, the place avoids packaged food, grows its own veggies, and keeps everything plastic-free. It’s not just a yoga place—it’s a whole vibe.
- What makes it unique: Spiritual energy, barefoot gardening, mountain meditation
- Green steps: Organic food, no plastic, solar lighting, permaculture practices
- For: Wellness seekers, yogis, and digital escapees
- Cost range: ₹2,200–3,500 per night
- Tip: Don’t bring loudspeakers, meat, or strong cologne—it ruins the retreat for everyone.
FAQs: What You Might Wonder About Sustainable Homestays
1. So… what is a sustainable homestay, really?
You’ve probably seen the term thrown around a lot — “eco,” “green,” “sustainable” — but what does it actually mean?
Think of it like this: it’s a stay that respects the land it sits on and the people who live nearby. Usually, the place is built using local materials, powered (at least partly) by clean energy, and run by folks from the area. There’s minimal plastic, lots of greenery, and often some quiet chickens strutting around.
2. But how do I know they’re not faking it?
Honestly? Some places do greenwash. I usually look for real signs:
- Do they mention how they manage waste or energy?
- Are meals made from produce they grow or source nearby?
- Does the staff include people from the village or just big-city hires?
Also, reviews help. People will call it out if the eco part is all talk and no practice.
3. Will it cost me a fortune to stay at these places?
Surprisingly, no. A lot of sustainable stays are simple — and simple often means affordable.
I’ve stayed at places for ₹1,000 a night where the food was homecooked and the silence was golden. Sure, some premium eco-retreats charge ₹6,000+ per night, but that’s if you’re going for luxury with your sustainability. There’s room for all kinds of budgets.
4. I want to take my kids. Are these places safe or too remote?
Most are perfectly safe. In fact, some are better for kids than typical hotels. There’s space to run around, things to touch and learn from, and hosts who often treat kids like extended family.
Just check with the host in advance — especially if you have toddlers — about basic stuff like drinking water, heating, or how far the nearest hospital is. That said, a lot of these places are family-run, so they get it.
5. Where should I go? Like, which parts of India are good for this?
Hard to pick just one! Here’s a rough idea:
- Love the mountains? Try Tirthan Valley or Kumaon.
- Want a green coastal vibe? Go for Kerala’s backwaters.
- Into culture? Rajasthan’s heritage homes are doing great eco-work.
- For offbeat magic? Head to Sikkim, Majuli (Assam), or the Nilgiris
- Wherever you go, ask yourself: does the stay belong to the place, or does it look like it was just dropped there?
6. Is Airbnb okay for finding these places?
Sort of. You’ll find gems there, but it takes some digging. Don’t rely on the “eco” tag alone — that’s often just a checkbox.
What I do:
- Read the reviews. Someone will mention if it felt authentic or not.
- Message the host. Ask about how they manage waste, if the food is local, etc.
- Or use dedicated platforms like Homestays of India or Responsible Tourism India. They do the homework for you.
7. Anything I should pack that’s different from a normal trip?
Yeah, a few things help:
- Your own toiletries (plastic-free if possible)
- A refillable bottle (most hosts have clean filtered water)
- A flashlight or headlamp (especially in off-grid places)
- Something warm — even Kerala can get cool at night in the hills
- And maybe a good book. These stays aren’t about Wi-Fi and flat-screens. They’re about slowing down.
A Final Word
Choosing a sustainable homestay isn’t just about where you sleep—it’s about how you travel, what you support, and the footprint you leave behind. These aren’t hotels. They’re homes. They’re small ecosystems, deeply rooted in their land and people.
And when you stay in them, you don’t just travel—you belong.
