CHAPTER I
The clock had just struck 8:15 pm in the sleepy village of Mud, nestled high in the Himalayas of Spiti, Himachal Pradesh. At an elevation of 12,500 feet, the mountain air was crisp and the snow-capped peaks glistened under the fading light of the day.
Vinod Verma had just finished an early dinner and was settling into his cozy wooden hut, ready to retire for the night. A loud knock at the door jolted him awake as he began to drift off. Grumbling, he forced himself to rise and see who was disturbing the peaceful tranquillity of the evening.
When Vinod opened the door, he found the old Tara, accompanied by three weary-looking European travellers. “I’m so sorry to bother you, my friend,” Tara said. “These travellers have nowhere to go for the night. Would you be willing to share your room with them?”
Vinod took in the sight of the three foreigners, their faces lined with fatigue from what was surely a long and difficult journey. Without hesitation, he gestured for them to come inside, pointing towards a space in the modest but comfortable room. “Of course, please come in and make yourselves at home,” he said with a warm smile as he hurried back to his own long-awaited sleep.
It was only in the morning, as they sat together sipping hot tea, that Vinod had the chance to ask Tara about how he managed to host these unexpected guests. Tara’s reply was simple: “They just arrived, like so many others. We take care of all who come to our village.” Vinod nodded, intrigued by this insight into the hospitality of the Spiti Valley.
CHAPTER II
The small incident at Mud that night had left a lasting impression on Vinod. As he lay awake, unable to sleep, he found his mind returning again and again to the unexpected arrival of those weary European travellers and Tara’s simple yet profound response about welcoming all who came to the village.
It was then that Vinod realized the true potential of the homestay concept in India. He had experienced firsthand the warmth and hospitality of the local people, and he knew that this was something travellers from around the world would cherish. Yet, the sector remained largely unorganized, with no clear way for these kind-hearted villagers to connect with the growing number of adventurous tourists seeking authentic cultural experiences.
Vinod knew he had stumbled upon something special. Inspired by the chance encounter in Mud, he began to envision a way to bridge the gap between the remote corners of India and the travellers who longed to immerse themselves in the country’s rich traditions and breathtaking landscapes.
Teaming up with Shailza, a travel writer and explorer, Vinod set out on a journey across India, spending the next three years collecting data, content, and photographs. They wanted to truly understand the concept of homestays in India, from the perspective of both the hosts and the guests.
Their travels took them to the Himalayas, the deserts, the forests, and the cities, where they discovered a wealth of passionate, hospitable locals eager to share their way of life with visitors. Armed with this wealth of knowledge and experiences, Vinod and Shailza knew they had to turn their vision into reality.
In 2017, Homestays of India was born, starting with just five homestays in the Spiti Valley. This was quickly followed by expansion into Ladakh and other Himalayan regions, as Vinod and Shailza worked tirelessly to create a platform that would connect travellers with authentic, community-based experiences.
Today, Homestays of India is a government-registered enterprise and one of the most well-known brands in the country when it comes to delivering trustworthy, immersive travel experiences. With a presence in almost every state, the company continues to grow, driven by the team’s passion for showcasing the true heart and soul of India through the eyes of its welcoming, hospitable people.
Overcoming Challenges, Embracing Opportunities
As Homestays of India began to take shape and grow, Vinod and Shailza had faced a myriad of challenges that threatened to derail their ambitious venture. The concept of homestays was still relatively new in India, and both local Indigenous people and travellers alike struggled to grasp its potential benefits.
One of the biggest hurdles they faced was the hesitation and lack of understanding among the local villagers. Many were wary of opening their homes to strangers, unsure of what the homestay experience would entail. It was up to Vinod and Shailza to patiently explain the positive aspects of hosting travellers – not just as a source of additional income, but as a way to share their knowledge of lifestyle and culture with the world, and to foster community development within their own villages.
On the flip side, travellers who were accustomed to the comfort and familiarity of hotels and resorts were hesitant to embrace the homestay concept. It was a challenge to convince them that this alternative form of accommodation offered a truly immersive and authentic experience, allowing them to connect with the everyday lives of the locals and savour the true essence of the places they were visiting.
Faced with these obstacles, and with limited funds and manpower, Vinod and Shailza relied on their passion and determination to push forward. They saw beyond the challenges to the immense opportunities that lay ahead – the chance to truly enrich the lives of both the hosts and the guests, and to create a platform that acted as a voice and bridge for those living in remote areas who were eager to share their world with the wider community.
It wasn’t long before the tides began to turn. The locals and villagers, once hesitant, began to see the benefits of welcoming travellers into their homes. For many, especially the women of the house, the opportunity to earn an additional income was empowering and uplifting. And for the travellers, the chance to immerse themselves in the real lifestyle, food, and culture of the places they were visiting was a revelation.
Homestays of India quickly became a beloved platform for all involved, opening up a world of possibilities and showcasing the unlimited potential of the sector. As more and more people recognized the value of this unique way of travel, the spirit of community, connection, and authenticity that drove the founder’s vision began to flourish and spread, making a lasting impact on the lives of all who came into contact with the Homestays of India.
The homestay industry faced a formidable challenge with the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. Like all other industries, homestay was not spared from the black shades brought on by the crisis. As travel restrictions were imposed, reservations were cancelled, and uncertainty loomed over the survival of many businesses, the future of Homestaysofindia seemed bleak. However, Homestaysofindia, determined to weather the storm, adapted swiftly to the changing landscape. The team focused on enhancing safety measures, promoting organic food sourced locally, and cultivating a healthy, homely atmosphere for their guests. They believed in providing an unadulterated experience, one that would resonate with travellers seeking authenticity and connection.
In 2020, Homestaysofindia introduced its workation vertical, which emerged as an incredibly effective and popular platform among young travellers, office executives, and even business travellers. During the extended lockdown period due to the COVID-19 pandemic, this service allowed people to resume their work in the comforting setting of a home away from home, with homemade meals, while also providing the much-needed respite in the tranquillity of nature and the mountains. This initiative also helped the local communities to gradually return to their earning days.
As the world gradually emerged from the grips of the pandemic, Homestaysofindia stood resilient, with its values of sustainability and community at the forefront. The perseverance and dedication of the team paid off as more and more people began to appreciate the benefits of homestays. The safety, personal touch, and genuine experiences offered by Homestays became increasingly attractive to those craving a break from the monotony of commercial accommodations.
CHAPTER END
As the story of Homestaysofindia unfolds, it is evident that the farm has stood the test of time, growing stronger and more resilient with each challenge it faces. The pillars of authenticity, trust, and delivery, which form the foundation of the venture, stand tall and unwavering against the winds of competition.
The support of the central and state governments has provided a significant boost to the homestay industry, recognizing its potential as a cultural and economic asset for the country. Homestaysofindia has seized this opportunity to collaborate with various government initiatives, working hand in hand to provide training, promote sustainable practices, and expand the reach of homestays across India.
In a landscape where big players are increasingly turning their gaze towards the homestay industry, competition has intensified. However, Homestaysofindia remains steadfast in its belief in its originality and the unique experiences it offers to travellers. The team’s confidence in their core values and commitment to providing a truly authentic and enriching experience set them apart in a crowded market.
As Homestaysofindia continues to evolve and grow, its story serves as a beacon of inspiration for all those who believe in the transformative power of authentic travel experiences. With unwavering dedication to its vision and a spirit of innovation, Homestaysofindia embarks on a journey towards a future where homestays are not just a place to stay, but a gateway to a richer, more meaningful way of exploring the world.
“We started this enriching HOI journey in 2017, and our growth has been phenomenal since then. We aim to expand further, discover new destinations, and build more partnerships to create a lasting impact. HOI is dedicated to supporting local communities, preserving culture, and celebrating India’s diversity. Our vision is to lead India’s homestay sector and promote sustainable tourism, touching the lives of many along the way.” Shailza Sood Dasgupta, Co-founder
AWARD AND RECOGNITIONS
- National Business Leadership Award – 2019
The team is presented National Business Leadership Award 2019 for exemplary work in Travel and Tourism. It is an acknowledgment of the quality and authenticity of the homestay experience that the team strives to bring to every single customer worldwide.
- National Women Excellence Award – 2020
Co-founder Shailza Sood Dasgupta is felicitated with the prestigious National Women Excellence Award 2020 organized by the Indo-European Chamber of Small and Medium Enterprises (IECSME). Shailza was chosen for her remarkable work in rural India and empowering women by developing homestays.
- YOUTHPRENEUR by the Directorate of Sports & Youth Affairs, Haryana.
HOI partnered with the YOUTHPRENEUR initiative by the Directorate of Sports & Youth Affairs, Haryana. Using an intelligent mix of real-life case studies and authentic data, the team from HOI facilitated sessions and trained more than 200 youngsters
- Ecotourism & Homestay Development, Chhattisgarh
Through the ‘Eco-tourism & Homestay Development Project’ the idea is to put GPM on the tourist map and create multiple livelihood opportunities for the villagers. Homestays of India was chosen as a valued partner in this project.
- Rural Business Incubator, Uttarakhand
One of the many youth and employment-centric initiatives the Government of Uttarakhand promotes is the Rural Business Incubator (RBI), a collaborative program set up and managed by the Department of Rural Development. HOI provided the affiliated incubates with strong advisory support, detailed marketing support, recommendations on technical capacity building, and most importantly guidelines on financial management to enhance revenues and drive business profitability.
- WEBSITES: www.homestaysofindia.com
- PRESENCE:
- STATES: Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Bihar, Chhattisgarh, Goa, Gujarat, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, Jammu and Kashmir, Karnataka, Kerala, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Manipur, Meghalaya, Nagaland, Odisha, Punjab, Rajasthan, Sikkim, Tamil Nadu, Telangana, Uttarakhand, Uttar Pradesh, West Bengal
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- UNION TERRITORIES: Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Chandigarh, Delhi, Ladakh, Lakshadweep, Pondicherry
“Homestays are not just a place to stay, but a window to the heart of a community, where the warmth of genuine hospitality and the essence of local culture intertwine to create an unforgettable experience. From a humble mountain hut to a nationwide network of 900 homestays, our journey is a testament to the power of embracing tradition while adapting to evolving trends. However, as the popularity of homestays soars, it becomes crucial to preserve their unique identity and educate both hosts and guests, ensuring that the true spirit of local living remains the cornerstone of this transformative travel experience.” Vinod Verma, Co-founder
Author: Jaun Shahi
Journalist, Sub-Editor, Travellers’ World Jaun is a soft-spoken and gentle soul who thrives as a Journalist with his exceptional observation skills and an eye for intricate details. He is a true multitasker who efficiently handles various tasks and always brings a professional approach to everything he does. His genuine team spirit makes him an integral part of the TW family, as he consistently collaborates and supports his colleagues.
