Homestays in Cherrapunji - Here Are 5 Reasons To Go For It.

Imagine waking up to the first rays of the morning sun, breathing in the fresh, crisp breeze, beholding the splendour of mother nature, up close. Holidaying in Cherrapunji is all about experiencing nature in all its glory.

Also known as Sohra, Cherrapunji is a district in the East Khasi Hills district in Meghalaya. The traditional capital of ka hima Sohra, Cherrapunji has been acknowledged as the wettest place n Earth. With 9,300 millimetres of rains in July 1861 and 26,461 millimetres between 1 August 1860 and 31 July 1861, Cherrapunji holds the record for the highest rainfall in the past.

Owing to the scenic landscapes, lush foliage, and abundance of miraculous gems of nature, such as caves and waterfalls in Cherrapunji,this place attracts travellers from all over the world. But you know what can make your stay in Cherrapunji all the more enriching? A homestay. yes, a homestay in Cherrapunji can be one of the best ways to experience the natural beauty of the place.

Why choose a homestay in Cherrapunji?

Cherrapunji is all about witnessing nature at its rawest and nothing could make this excursion more memorable than a homestay. When you choose to stay in a homestay in a certain region, you choose to experience that particular region, first-hand. Homestays are a perfect option when you are looking for a home away from home. Homestays in Cherrapunji are best known for their warm hospitality and homely atmosphere. There’s more than one reason to stay at a homestay in Cherrapunji and we are listing some of them here so that you know why a homestay in Cherrapunji is a must-try experience.

• Experience the real Sohra

Homestays allow you to live your days like a local, and you always get to see and experience more when you are a local and not a mere tourist. Homestays are usually run by locals, most probably a family. And when you choose to stay in a homestay in Cherrapunji, you get to experience the daily life of a local, and learn their culture and traditions better. Homestays often conduct tours and treks so you may also get to have a tour of the local market, nearby tourist destinations, and other important places with them as a guide.

A homestay in Cherrapunji can be an extremely enriching experience.

• Authentic cuisines

Most homestays in Cherrapunji have a menu of home-cooked food, another reason to choose a homestay over anything else. You may get to taste the authentic taste of all local dishes such as pork rice and Shora rice etc. and nothing will ever beat the homelike essence of the food served. Also, the people of Sohra are known to be generous and nice so you can expect amiable chitchat over the evening tea. If you are in a homestay in Cherrapunji, you may want to try out the traditional Khasi food. You can simply request the homestay owner and you will see how warmly they treat their guests.

• Save some moolah

Although there are many reasonable and great hotels in Cherrapunji, living in a homestay is a one-of-its-kind experience that allows you to save as well. Homestays are an absolute viable when in Cherrapunji. With safety, meals, and utility services at reasonable prices, homestays are more than just mere accommodation. There are some of the best and cheapest homestays in Cherrapunji that have been hosting guests for decades, and they know exactly what people visiting Cherrapunji need and prefer. These homestays also offer homemade food so that’s an extra saving on the food as well.

As mentioned earlier, some of these Cherrapunji homestays offer tours and treks at reasonable prices. All you need to do is to book in advance and look for the best homestay in Cherrapunji that is offering reasonable services.

• A home away from home

Living in a homestay is like living in a home away from home. You get homemade food, cooked and served with love. You also get to be a part of the family meals, exchanging stories, watching television, strolling around the house, and what else could be more homelike. This distinct quality of homestays is what makes them a preferred choice of many. If you are in Cherrapunji, a homestay will only add to the pleasant experience.

• Travel solo, travel safe

If you are travelling solo, homestays are an ideal alternative. Living at a homestay in Cherrapunji means sharing space with a family, a family that ensures a safe place for their guests. Plus, these families running homestays in Cherrapunji are always willing to give company so you do not have to worry about travelling alone to the local attractions. If you are up for it, there will be plenty of kindhearted people to join you.

Things to remember while booking a homestay

 1. Reviews and Ratings

The first and foremost thing to look at is the reviews, feedback, and ratings of the shortlisted homestays. Although most homestays in Cherrapunji are popular for their warm hospitality reading reviews and testimonials will give you a better idea of what to expect. An even better option would be to consult a family member or friend for recommendations. Someone else’s experience will help you choose the best homestay in Cherrapunji. Or, you can get in touch with a travel company and request a homestay in your itinerary. It would be way more convenient.

2. Choose the location wisely

When selecting a homestay, pay attention to the location. If you are looking for a peaceful time amidst nature, you may want to go for homestays that are away from the main city. And, if you want to stay close to the local markets, then you may choose accordingly. It would be ideal to go for a central location that is both close to the main city and important tourist attractions. Also, make sure that the place is accessible by a different mode of transportation. There are many places to visit in Cherrapunji, if you choose the location of your homestay wisely, you will be able to save a lot of money and time for travelling.

3. Guidelines and rules

Before visiting, make sure you have gone through the rules and guidelines set by the homestay. It is being responsible on your part. If they have a website, go through it carefully and if not, then call up the homestay and understand whether they have any sort of restrictions. You need must gather information about the meals their offer, whether they allow pets or not, will they allow smoking and drinking within the home or not, etc. It is just to make sure that you have a good homestay experience.

Cherrapunji is a beautiful place with lush greenery and scenic beauty. And homestays are there to ensure that people get to experience Cherrapunji at its rawest, at its best. If you are visiting Cherrapunji, do try homestays, you won’t regret it.