Heritage Homestays of India

India has a rich offering of heritage homestays where you can experience the authentic culture, traditional ambiance, local architecture, and regional cuisines—all wrapped in warm hospitality. These heritage homestays are often centuries-old havelis, mansions, bungalows, or ancestral homes lovingly restored and opened to guests.

Here’s a curated, state-wise list of notable heritage homestays across India. Explore and start planning your journey for a truly memorable heritage experience:

Rajasthan

  1. Dev Shree Deogarh, near Udaipur – An elegant heritage homestay run by the royal family, with Mewari architecture and traditional Rajasthani cuisine.
  2. Dera Mandawa, Jaipur – A family-run homestay in a 19th-century haveli with cultural immersion activities like turban-tying and cooking demos.
  3. Rawla Narlai, Pali – Set in a 17th-century hunting lodge with stunning Marwari culture and cuisine.

Kerala

  1. Vembanad House, Alleppey – A traditional Kerala-style home by the backwaters, offering authentic Kerala Sadhya on banana leaves.
  2. Philipkutty’s Farm, Kumarakom – A heritage backwater homestay on a private farm island, with delicious home-cooked Syrian Christian meals.
  3. Akkarakalam Memoirs, Alleppey – A 150-year-old wooden home offering a rich peek into the heritage of Kerala’s inland waterways.

Tamil Nadu

  1. Chettinadu Mansion, Karaikudi – A grand 100-year-old Chettiar home offering Chettinad cuisine and architectural marvels.
  2. Visalam, Karaikudi – A beautifully restored mansion with Tamil cultural experiences and traditional décor.
  3. Svatma, Thanjavur – Not a homestay in the strict sense, but a heritage stay offering Vedic rituals, Bharatanatyam performances, and traditional South Indian cuisine.

Himachal Pradesh

  1. Raju’s Cottage, Gushaini (Tirthan Valley) – A cozy heritage homestay in the lap of nature with organic Himachali food.
  2. The Judge’s Court, Pragpur – A 300-year-old heritage country manor in India’s first heritage village.

Uttarakhand

  1. Itmenaan Estate, Almora – A restored Kumaoni-style stone house with panoramic views and slow-cooked local meals.
  2. The Himalayan Village Sonapani, Mukteshwar – Charming stone cottages and authentic Kumaoni hospitality.

Goa

  1. Casa Menezes, Batim – A Portuguese-style heritage home in a serene village setting with Goan-Portuguese cuisine.
  2. Siolim House – A 300-year-old restored Portuguese manor house in North Goa with antique furnishings and Goan feasts.

West Bengal

  1. Rajbari Bawali, near Kolkata – A restored 300-year-old zamindar palace offering Bengali culinary and cultural experiences.
  2. Glenburn Tea Estate, Darjeeling – Colonial charm, tea estate heritage, and Anglo-Indian cuisine in the Himalayas.

Assam & Northeast

  1. Brahmaputra Jungle Resort, Guwahati – Heritage-themed cottages offering Assamese cuisine and village experiences.
  2. Konyak Tea Retreat, Nagaland – A tribal homestay offering an authentic taste of Konyak heritage and food.

Karnataka

  1. Thippanahalli Homestay, Chikmagalur – A British-era bungalow in a coffee estate with Malnad cuisine.
  2. Heritage Plantation Homestay, Coorg – Colonial-era bungalow with Kodava traditions and cuisine.

These homestays are ideal for:

  • Cultural immersion
  • Authentic regional food
  • Traditional art and music
  • Architectural appreciation
  • Personal interactions with local families

More Hidden Gems

We definitely have more hidden gems to share! These are lesser-known but truly authentic heritage homestays across India—not repeats from above—offering a genuine experience of India’s cultural roots, traditional architecture, local cuisine, and warm family hospitality.

Madhya Pradesh

  1. Ahilya Fort, Maheshwar – Run by the descendants of Maharani Ahilyabai Holkar, this riverside fort-palace homestay exudes regal charm and offers traditional Maheshwari hospitality.
  2. Jehan Numa Retreat, Bhopal – Though boutique-style, it retains colonial heritage elements and offers Nawabi cuisine and experiences.

Punjab

  1. Kothi Gulnar, Amritsar – A beautifully restored heritage bungalow with vintage decor and homemade Punjabi food, hosted by a warm local family.
  2. Punjabiyat, Gurdaspur (by Itmenaan) – An agrarian-style Punjabi farmhouse with traditional architecture and earthy village experiences.

Gujarat

  1. Divan’s Bungalow, Ahmedabad – A 150-year-old restored haveli located in the old city, offering heritage architecture and authentic Gujarati meals.
  2. Orchha House, Bhuj – A charming heritage-style home with Kutchi aesthetics, folk music evenings, and hand-crafted décor.

Nagaland

  1. Shalom Guest House, Kohima – Family-run home reflecting traditional Angami Naga culture, food, and warm tribal hospitality.
  2. Kisama Heritage Village Homestays – During Hornbill Festival, heritage homes open up to guests, offering deep cultural immersion.

Maharashtra

  1. Fort JadhavGADH, near Pune – A 300-year-old Maratha fort converted into a heritage homestay with cultural performances and traditional Maharashtrian cuisine.
  2. Neemrana’s Verandah in the Forest, Matheran – Colonial-era mansion nestled in the forest with antique charm and Parsi-Goan dishes.

Odisha

  1. Dhenkanal Palace, Dhenkanal – The royal family still lives here and welcomes guests into this 19th-century palace with traditional Odia hospitality.
  2. The Belgadia Palace, Mayurbhanj – A living palace of the Bhanj Deo family offering curated tribal experiences, royal tales, and Odia-British fusion cuisine.

Sikkim

  1. Yangsum Heritage Farm, West Sikkim – A 19th-century farmhouse in the hills with traditional Lepcha and Bhutia cuisine and lifestyle.
  2. Bon Farmhouse, Kewzing – Traditional Sikkimese homestay run by a Buddhist family with organic food and monastery visits.

Jharkhand

  1. Khunti Heritage Homestay, near Ranchi – A traditional tribal-style homestay offering indigenous cuisine, folk music, and cultural tours (available via curated eco-tourism operators).

Chhattisgarh

  1. Kanker Palace Homestay – The former royal residence of the Kanker rulers, offering Bastar tribal arts, traditional meals, and guided local experiences.

These stays are perfect if you want to go beyond hotels and dive deep into the soul of India—where time slows down, hospitality is sacred, and heritage lives on.