The best way to stay is Homestay in Goa

Very often in India, when one plans a holiday they usually think of Goa first. There is not much of an explanation needed. Goa thrives on tourism. The beautiful roadsides wit stunningly beautiful flowers, the coconut plantations and the old villas set amidst the woods create a beautiful haven for those looking for a holiday.

Homestays in Goa are beautiful houses. They have a touch of elegance yet they make you feel comfortable like it’s your own home. Most homestays are eco-friendly leaning towards comfort of both their guests and at the same time trying to preserve the beauty of Goa. They use simple and resourceful techniques.

Experience homestay in Goa

The concept of homestay maybe relatively new but is widely being explored. What better place to explore it than Goa.

There are an array of resorts and hotels sprawling in Goa, but doesn’t your heart long to spend some quality time in that quaint little Goan-Portuguese house, under the shade of the coconut tree, eating the freshly caught fish.

Goa has much to offer for everyone. Though over the years Goa has become infamous for its drug culture and increasing crimes, Goa is still a beautiful haven of warm Goan people.

While most of the homestays in Goa are away from the tourist spots, they are worth the time spent there. The heritage villages of Goa like Saligaon, Assagaon, Parra and the likes are green, serene and beautiful. I would rather suggest you to stay in the countryside and travel to the beach than stay on the beach and visit the beach. This way you get to enjoy Goa’s splendid beaches as well as the heritage countryside.

While you may pick up a copy of Lonely planet before you make your trip, there are certain things that you can find out only by talking to the locals and the easiest way to find out is by choosing a homestay where your hosts would be more than glad to help you lunch at the best restaurants, get great deals and explore the unexplored.

Old Goan House and why they touched my heart

There is an unexplainable feeling about living in an Old Portuguese house. The old wooden furniture, huge backyard and frontyard and the lazy old rocking chair in your balcony add that special touch to Goa.

How often do you get to experience all this in your holiday, so don’t think twice book yourself a homestay in Goa.

Exploring the Goan culture

The best way to describe Goan people would be ‘bohemian’. Their easy going nature and their siestas make them rightly so. Unlike the rest of India, Goa is indeed very distinct in its culture. This is attributed to the 450 years of Portuguese rule in Goa.

If there is anything that is popular among the Goan people it has to be music, dance, food and feni. These seem to have become an integral part of a Goan lifestyle.

Music and dance are some of things one should enjoy in the company of a Goan. Though the music in Goa is now mostly a blend of the east and the west, Portuguese music can be still heard very often. Goa’s dance however is very inspired by the Portuguese.

The best way to stay is Homestay

There are many great things that come along with a couple of days spent in somebody’s home than in a boring hotel room. The rich and rare experience of exploring a new city, town or the countryside in a homestay is what The Other Home aims to offer.

Homestays are convenient, affordable, and functional. There is a hub of activities one can explore by choosing a homestay over a hotel. It’s a simple theory, the best way to explore a place is by ‘going local’, and by that I mean meeting the locals and getting to know about the best way to know their place.

There are many kinds of people who visit Goa, some come to explore Goa, while others come to jug beer on the beach. If you fall in the first category, you will realize there is so much more to do and learn.

So join a family and explore the untouristy corners of Goa.

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(Photo Courtesy: Rajan Parrikar)