After a hectic week at work, most of us look forward to a vacation. Himachal Pradesh is one of the preferred destinations for a holiday, especially for the people residing in NCR. Usually, one would look up a hotel and reserve a room. But I think with the proliferation of home stays in Himachal Pradesh, the experience offered to the visitors has truly changed. More and more tourists are now keen on experiencing the true Himachali culture through home stays over hotels.

The concept of home stays is not novel for India. There’s an old saying : Athithi Devo Bhava which translates to “The Guest is God”. To have the guests over at home is delightful for any Indian! This holds equally true for the people of Himachal Pradesh.

How home stays provide an authentic experience?

I think the foremost reason is living with the local people. There is no better way to understand the culture of a place than by spending time with the locals. Himachali people are known for their warm and welcoming nature. It is therefore an excellent way for an outsider to know about the lovely state of Himachal Pradesh from its people. Most home stays in the state are now immensely popular for their warm hospitality which truly represents the Himachali culture. As a bonus, you get to meet a whole family!

Homestays also offer local Himachali food. I think this is another reason which attracts people to homestays. Personally, I would prefer to explore the local cuisine over the same food that I can order elsewhere. 

Home stays also help you to explore the road less travelled. Once you strike a friendship with the locals who are hosting you, you are bound to discover the well guarded secrets of Himachal. Something that a simple guide book cannot provide. I also feel that learning about the local culture and customs is an essential part of the travel experience. This is best learnt when you live at a homestay. 

The culture of Himachal Pradesh is best experienced when you stay with the locals and observe their customs. What makes me happy about home stays is the fact that guests are treated as family. So you can expect an invitation to the local ceremonies too. A home stay in Himachal Pradesh is guaranteed to offer you more memories than a stay in a plush hotel. The level of personal experience provided by a home stay in Himachal Pradesh can hardly match the routine service of a hotel.

Since a lot of the home stays are located outside the main towns, there is unparalleled peace and quiet. The beauty of Himachal Pradesh and the majestic Himalayas is best appreciated when the surroundings complement it wonderfully. I don’t think the experience would be as pleasurable if you were to soak in the beauty of this wonderful state sitting in a crowded hotel. 

Home stays are much more affordable than hotels. The home stays in Himachal Pradesh are priced for every budget and provide a wholesome experience to the travellers. I think this also helps in attracting more tourists to try out a home stay. 

How the government is extending its support for the homestays

I am very happy to see that the Himachal Pradesh government under the leadership of Jairam ji is truly providing all the support for the home stays to flourish.  

The Home Stay Scheme was launched in 2008 which helps houses to register themselves as home stays with the government. A list of all the registered home stays is displayed on the website of Himachal Tourism. The government has been very strict in ensuring that only registered homestays operate within the state so that the travellers can have the best experience. The government wants to provide clean and affordable place for foreigners and domestic tourists and provide them the opportunity to stay with Himachali families to experience Himachali customs and traditions and relish authentic Himachali cuisine. 

It is also heartening to note that by promoting home stays in the state, the government is encouraging eco-tourism which is more sustainable. I am pleased to note that the government is taking all steps possible to minimize the damage caused to the environment due to reckless tourism.

 The government is also helping the local to generate income through the home stays. Tourism has always been one of the chief sources of revenue for the state. The efforts of the government to promote home stay have been another step in that direction.