It’s 21st century and the world is almost up to its neck with metro cities, multistorey buildings, lavishness, infrastructure, and chaotic lifestyles. When you want to get rid of this city life for some time and seeking for calmness, offbeat and rural travelling only can take you closer to the roots to rejuvenate your soul.

Rural tourism in India is slowly evolving to meet purposes – giving travelers a unique local experience of each tribes, community and their lifestyle and it also helps to strengthen rural economy by generating employment and earning revenue through tourism industry.

Rural destinations in India offer travelers to have rustic experiences in terms of their culture, heritage, food, connecting with nature, organic farming, traditions and working lifestyle, to satisfy the growing demand of offbeat, immersive and culturally rich travel experiences of travelers. These experiences are offered through the traveler’s involvement in ground activities, home-stays, local interaction, engaging volunteer programs, etc. that provide travelers a taste of rural and slow lifestyle that we seldom miss in today’s fast, cut-throat world. Traveler’s especially urban youths like the way of slow and offbeat travel to experience something new in their travel and so these days many rural tourism social enterprise has taken an initiative to promote village tourism around India and take you back to the good old days.

Here is a handpicked most beautiful home-stay option for you to explore the countryside of India

1. The Kafal house, a step to promote village tourism – if you really want to have the raw and natural experience of rural Uttrakhand, this small peaceful place, the Kafal house is an ideal place to explore.

The Kafal house is a cozy home stay nestled in the lap of beautiful Gaganaula valley in Uttrakhand about 321km from Delhi. This is a perfect weekend getaway for Delhiites, who want to connect with the nature and enjoy it. This hidden beautiful village is an abode of raw beauty and has kept its local charm alive.

We visited the place twice and were welcomed by the villagers who were so happy to have us with them in their village. It was truly amazing for us. We hiked to a beautiful valley, spent time at riverside, interact with locals, had their organic delicious meals which is one of a kind experience for us.

Thanks to our host, Dinesh for organized such a good trip in short time. We really enjoyed local food, stay, trek and interaction with friendly people around.

Cost per person including food (INR 2500) for overnight stay. The place is easily accessible from Delhi and other cities as well. Best time to travel this beautiful destination at anytime of the year.

2. Step into the unexplored paradise, Kanatal a hidden gem in Uttrakhand – Exploring Kanatal is like experiencing a unique feeling of calm and tranquility where you can find a combined glimpse of “Bandar Poonch – Thalai Sagar – ChouKhamba – Kedar Dome – Kala Pahar”.

Away from the urban uproar, Kanatal is an off-beat destination with stunning picturesque valleys, calm mountains, and a little blend of thrill and fun. It is a small hamlet nestled in the lap of majestic Himalaya, lush green pine forest.

From luxurious hotels to camping, here are multiple options to opt for but we preferred to stay close to nature at ZeroStay cottage under a shoestring budget. We had to trek to reach the homestay inside the forest which was quite adventurous.

This budget-friendly homestay will give you a heavenly view of Himalaya; get you a taste of organic local food, and rhododendron juice, and also warm Garhwali hospitality that makes your vacation memorable.

3. Dehene – Dehene is a beautiful destination in Maharashtra, a small hamlet nestled in the lap of the Sahyadri range. It is still untouched by the commercialization where you actually find the serenity and peace of village life while staying there. This village is located 120 km far from Mumbai and easily accessible from other states as well. Thanks to the Grassroutes a Mumbai-based social enterprise and responsible travel company that organized such an amazing village trip.

Cost per person including food and stay (INR 2500) for two days and one night. It was overall a memorable solo journey while staying with the locals and enjoyed every bit of this beautiful village all my way from Mumbai.

4. Sarmoli Homestay, Munsiyari – Sarmoli is a tiny hamlet situated above Munsiyari in the Kumaon region of Uttrakhand. This small village has unmatched spellbinding beauty with breathtaking views of the Panchachuli range.

The biggest charm in Sarmoli village is the homestay. It comes with an immense difference. The village has 25 homestays for tourists. It welcomes you with its scenic, freshly, serene atmosphere alongside the warmth of being at home! Homestays are a bit expensive in Sarmoli, but you get more stay options if you search well before visiting the place.

The most unique thing about the village is its homestay culture which profoundly helped locals to improve their livelihood and women as well to understand their core value in the development of the village.