In much of the North East, a homestay is not a budget fallback. It is often the best way to experience a place. Hotels still make sense in some situations, so here is how to decide.
Choose a homestay when
- You want local food. Many hosts cook traditional meals, from Assamese thalis to Khasi and Naga dishes.
- You are visiting villages, such as Mawlynnong, Ziro or Khonoma, where there may be no hotels at all.
- You want local advice on trails, festivals and transport from someone who lives there.
Choose a hotel when
- You arrive late or leave very early, for a flight or a safari.
- You need a front desk, lifts, a restaurant on site or business facilities.
- You are travelling in a big group and want several similar rooms.
What to check before booking either
- Hot water and heating, especially in the hills between November and February.
- Power backup, since outages happen in some areas.
- Parking and how close the road is, if you are driving.
- The cancellation terms and how much advance you pay now.
- Recent guest reviews.
On Luit Homes you can see both hotels and homestays for a town in one search. Start a search or browse by state: Meghalaya, Arunachal Pradesh, Assam.
More travel guides
- Best Time to Visit North East India, Month by Month
- Sivasagar Travel Guide: What to See in 2 Days
- Inner Line Permit (ILP) for North East India: A Simple Guide
- Kaziranga Safari Guide: Zones, Timing and Where to Stay
- 7-Day Assam and Meghalaya Itinerary