You must’ve heard of plenty of women rocking the travel space – be it in the aspects of influencing, operating tours, and even hospitality. There are plenty of women, who with their homestays, are making travel accommodation more comfortable for fellow women travelers. So, here are the 5 women-owned homestays in India that you should consider staying at on your next trip!
5 Women-Owned Homestays In India
The Kokum Tree, Maharashtra
First on our list is The Kokum Tree located in Maharashtra’s Raigad district. This experiential homestay is being run by two sisters – Sneha and Anuja in the wonderful orchards their grandmother has cultivated for decades. The homestay invites all to immerse themselves in nature in the most holistic way possible. Their orchard is filled with fragrant trees of mangoes, cashews, bananas, chikoos, and of course kokum!
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The Kokum Tree was a place rooted in Sneha and Anuja’s childhood as they longed for a life that embraces the slow, organic life. Years later, they left their jobs in Mumbai to return to the place where they felt the most like home. While you’re here, you’ll be able to participate in different activities nostalgic of your childhood. Be it fishing in the streams, trying out pottery, and even screening films, you’re in for a wonderful experience closer to nature.
Address: Rajmala, Y Point, Joshi farm, Lonere, Maharashtra – 402103
Seeking Slow Farm Stay, Himachal Pradesh
Situated in the quaint hilly town of Naggar, Seeking Slow Farm Stay is about to fulfil your dreams of staying amidst scenic hills. Co-founded and owned by Swati Seth, Seeking Slow Farm Stay is the right place for women travelers, especially those traveling alone.
While the property initially only hosted solo female travelers, they recently tried a pilot program where they hosted families, couples, and mixed groups. The homestay is situated amidst pine and cedar forests and is lined with picturesque orchards, offering stunning views of the valley. The property is a humble five-bedroom house built using traditional methods and local materials. As for the food, you’ll be in for a treat full of Himachali flavors.
Address: Village Nashala, Near Maa Chamunda Temple, V.P.O. Larankelo, Village, Tehsil, Naggar, Nashala, Himachal Pradesh – 175104
Aura Life, Punjab
Aura Life was founded by mother-daughter duo Anuja Lath and Anya Gupta. While Anuja is also the founder of Aura Pottery, a leading pottery studio, Anya handles the business part of Aura Life. This homestay in Chandigarh has a total of 4 bedrooms, with two of them open to guests.
Thanks to Anuja’s expertise in design, the property is no less than a haven for design enthusiasts. Equipped with a grand staircase, deck, swimming pool, an open courtyard, sprawling lawns, as well as elaborate en-suite bathrooms, the property makes sure that every minute of your stay here feels like a luxury experience.
Address: Aura Farm, #192 Village Manakpur Sharif, Tehsil:, Dist, Kharar, Punjab – 140110
Ayra Farms, Maharashtra
Noopur Chaughule, a Toronto-based chef, visited India just before the Covid-19 Pandemic and stayed here with her parents. As she stayed with her during the lockdown and became the mother of a lovely daughter, she realized that living the farm life is what she enjoyed the most. Today, her brainchild Ayra Farms is a stunning property offering the most authentic farm life in Maharashtra.
Stay at one of its two cottages and you’ll be glad to try out authentic Maharashtrian food made using traditional cooking methods. Also, the homestay is big on sustainability – from eco friendly toiletries, an upscaling workshop, and even sustainable building materials. So, if you’re looking for a sustainable, authentic, yet comfortable stay right in Maharashtra, Ayra Farms is the place for you!
Address: House #655, BrahminVadi, Talavli village, Chikhali, Guhagar, Ratnagiri, Maharashtra – 415719
The Blue Sheep, Himachal Pradesh
The last one on our list of women-owned homestays in India is Tirthan Valley’s The Blue Sheep. Owned by Sheena, the property is a delightful little homestay with four cozy cedar rooms, five dorms including ones for solo women travelers. Here, you’ll be surrounded by verdant green fruit orchards and gardens that sprawl across acres.
Plus, Tirthan valley is a haven for birdwatchers where you can observe many exotic avian species. And if you’re craving for some delicious bites, the place also has an in-house cafe! So, make sure you visit this homestay the next time you are in Tirthan Valley.
Address: Village, Khundan, PO, Banjar, Himachal Pradesh – 175123
Summing Up
Women in travel are not just redefining travel routes and shaping up new stories, they are also providing safe and comfortable accommodations for other women travelers. Be it Sheena’s The Blue Sheep or Noopur’s Ayra Farms, these homestays not only empower women hosting them but also the women staying here.
