Holiday in Indian homes, new tourism venture

LONDON: An Indian tourism firm has launched here a new concept of holiday accommodation to allow tourists get a taste of the real India.

Mahindra Holidays and Resorts will make the tourists stay in homes rather than hotels in select places all over India where they can gain an insight into the cultural traditions, history and everyday life of an Indian family.

Guests will also have the opportunity to enjoy authentic Indian food at its finest - home cooked with most hosts offering first hand cooking classes.

The concept, Mahindra Homestays, introduces a portfolio of over 50 unique family properties in stunning locations throughout India, starting with Delhi, Rajasthan and Kerala and Himachal Pradesh, all with a live on-line booking facility.

The properties are as diverse as the locations themselves, ranging from five unique homes in remote Spiti in the world's highest village, Komic, to private tea plantations in Kerala.

The tourists will also have options to choose activities such as yoga, ayurvedic treatments and massage, backwater rafting in Kerala and exploring tiger trails in the Periyar Tiger Reserve, each giving guests an opportunity to experience the specific culture and beauty of the area.

Ramesh Ramanathan told tourism web site Easier: "All the host families of the Homestays have been personally met by our people before they being recommended."