There is a well-known saying in India, ‘Athithi Devo Bhava’, which means that the guest is equivalent to God and the Indian traditions and culture tend to reflect the same. And the growing popularity of homestays all around India reflects that our guests need more than just a room and a bed. Rather, they often crave inclusivity and a closer look into the local culture and traditions. Homestays are a similar concept to Bed and Breakfast (BnB). The guest is either provided a room within the same family home or is given separate quarters nearby. At homestays, you can be assured that you will definitely have a chance to have first-hand interactions with the locals, join in on cultural activities and enjoy some great places only known to the locals!
Coimbatore is a district located in Tamil Nadu and is well-known for its textiles and as an education hub in South India. But, it has transformed into a destination for tourists and travelers from all over the country owing to its natural sceneries. Surrounded by the Western Ghats, Coimbatore is blessed with beautiful hills and mountains covered with lush green forests, a multitude of flora and fauna, and gushing rivers and streams. Coimbatore also houses some of the most aesthetically pleasing temples in South India and expansive stretches of tea estates, all of which bring explorers and tourists to this bustling city. Apart from the many amazing spots that Coimbatore has to offer, the city is also closer to other tourist destinations like Ooty, Coonoor, Malampuzha, and Wayanad.
If you’re planning on visiting Coimbatore in the near future, we say, escape the cold monotony of hotel rooms and choose homestays instead! Homestays simply enhance the aesthetic quality of your trip, weaving in unforgettable memories and experiences. So, here are some of the best homestays in the city that would add to your Coimbatore experience!
Also Read: 5 Of The Best Homestays In India To Stay At During Covid
As the name suggests, the Misty Creek Homestay is a picturesque and serene place surrounded by lush greenery and mist cascading down the hills. Every room of the homestay offers an enthralling view of the evergreen hills shrouded in a delicate veil of mist, adding to the beauty and tranquility of the homestay. Each and every room here is well furnished and exudes a ‘cozy cabin’ feel.
The rooms come with attached balconies that overlook gurgling streams and misty hilltops. The nights bring with them starry and moonlit skies which seem to have all but disappeared amidst the hectic city life. The homestay is far enough from the hustle and bustle of the town without being totally inaccessible at the same time. If you feel like it, you can drive around the town and visit tea estates in the area. But, if you truly want to experience the all-local feel, you should try the small tea shops and cafes in the town and enjoy some local snacks while at it.
The homestay is run by Mr. Frank Benjamin and his team, who are known to be extremely hospitable, jovial, and welcoming to their patrons. Food suggestions made by the owner are simply delicious and give you a taste of the local flavor. The staff makes sure their patrons' requests are fulfilled to the best of their capabilities including a possible night safari tour if you are interested in exploring the wildlife around the hills!
Food Availability: Good news, you’ll get a fantastic breakfast upon your stay at Misty Creek Homestay. If you’re in the mood for trying some authentic Coimbatore delights, you could always visit the Sree Sabari Mess that is located nearby.
Accessibility: It is located around 120 km from the closest airport, Coimbatore International Airport. It is also located within close proximity to tourist attractions like Aliyar Dam, Balaji Temple, etc.
Ideal For: Families and couples.
Pet Friendliness: Unfortunately, Misty Creek does not open its doors to pets.
Rate: Starting from INR 1,500 per night.
Location: 8/410, Cooperative Colony Rd, Valparai, Tamil Nadu 642127.
The Briar Tea Bungalows in Valparai have an option between five beautiful and spacious bungalow estates to choose from, for your stay. The bungalows are located in the countryside, offering their visitors a captivating view of the hills, mountains, valleys, and tea estates. The bungalows themselves are from the colonial era, are well-maintained, and exude an air of timelessness. Every room is furnished with antique or vintage furniture.
Each of these estates provides you with options for a bungalow room, a wooden chalet, or a cozy tent set-up, based on your budget. But mind you, all of them have proved to be extremely comfortable and well-equipped with all the amenities. So, if you’re in the mood to be adventurous and one with nature, the tent set-up is absolutely perfect! The wooden chalets give the perfect feel of cozy and warm, a home away from home, and have an overall welcoming feel to them. The bungalow rooms provide you with every amenity required for the most comfortable stay and remind you of luxury resorts, just a more personalized version.
The five bungalow estates, namely Sirukundra Bungalow, Stanmore Garden, Monica Bungalow, Villa Fair Winds, and Puthutotam Annexe, each offer an expansive variety of activities like tea estate viewing, tea factory visit and tea tasting, bonfire, trekking, and based on the choice of the bungalow estate, bird-watching, and wildlife tours. The bungalows are also stocked with indoor and outdoor games to have a wholesome and fun time if you’re staying in a group.
Food Availability: For a limited time, there is room service available. Since the region is known for its tea, there are occasional tea tasting sessions that take place in the homestay.
Accessibility: Briar Tea Bungalows are very accessible as it is around 120 km from the Cochin International Airport and around 6.2 km from the Valparai New Bus Station. You can always avail of the airport shuttle services that the Bungalow has in place if you’re flying into Coimbatore. If you are coming by train, you would have to travel around 139 km from the Poonkunnam Railway Station to the homestay.
Ideal For: Families and couples.
Pet Friendliness: Pets are now allowed in Briar Tea Bungalows.
Rate: Starting from INR 8,229 per night.
Location: Woodbriar Group 10, Damu Nagar, Coimbatore – 641 045, Tamil Nadu.
Also Read: Experience The Coracle Ride At Hogenakkal Falls
The Waterfall Estate is situated atop the Annamalai hills in Valparai and overlooks the breath-taking view of the Aliyar Dam and Pollachi plains. The estate is surrounded by evergreen forests and is located within the Indira Gandhi Wildlife Sanctuary and National Park. The estate is spread across 2,000 acres of land, a quarter of which is dedicated to tea plantations while the rest includes streams, valleys, other plantations, and the bungalows themselves.
The clouds and occasional mist cover the surrounding forest, making the view all the more enchanting. The estate receives not one but two monsoons, which maintain the climatic conditions of the area at a constant cool. The estate, like the Brian Tea Bungalows, comprises three bungalows and are divided according to their locations - Waterfall East and Waterfall West. The bungalows, namely, Indraprastha, Valley View, and the Tennis Court Bungalow are all colonial bungalows and have been maintained to keep the colonial heritage intact.
The bungalows have extremely spacious rooms and each room is well-equipped with the necessary amenities. Since the estate is literally in the middle of a wildlife sanctuary, it is not surprising to see wild animals wander a little too close to the estate grounds. For this reason, the guests are advised not to leave their rooms after 7:00 pm in the evening as there have been sightings of wild boars, Nilgiri langurs, and elephants previously!
Food Availability: You can taste the true South Indian cuisine at the Valley View Restaurant at the homestay. The estate staff prepares food as per your preferences. Here, there are vegetarian and non-vegetarian options to choose from. There is also a kitchenette facility and a cozy dining area if you’re in the mood to cook up a storm.
Accessibility: The Estate is located around 100 km from the Coimbatore International Airport. Upon prior request, you can avail of luxury cabs or Sumos for airport pickup service.
Ideal For: Couples, as each room is designed to hold only two occupants.
Pet Friendliness: Pets are not allowed on Waterfall Estate.
Rate: Starts from INR 7,100 per night per room. Rates for additional rooms are lower.
Location: Waterfall Estate Post, Valparai Taluk Pollachi Via, SH 78, Valparai, Tamil Nadu 642105.
Also read: Find the Best Hotels in Coimbatore
CornerStay Services provide short-stay accommodation ranging from guest houses, bed and breakfast and homestays to vacation homes and service apartments in Coimbatore. CornerStay’s Service Apartments are a great choice for short-duration stays at pocket-friendly costs. They are perfect for corporate and business travelers, medical tourists, family vacationers, and solo travelers.
The CornerStay Service Apartments is located at Race Course Road, which is at the heart of Coimbatore. This makes the apartments a great choice of accommodation if you’re planning to visit the GeDee Car Museum or the G. D. Naidu Industrial Exhibition, both of which are just 15-20 minutes from the apartment. Furthermore, the apartments are located in a posh locality, which is a quiet neighborhood. The apartments are fully furnished, spacious, cozy, and provide all necessary amenities. CornerStay’s staff, caretakers, experienced cooks, and management teams are very hospitable and available round the clock, to make sure that your stay is absolutely hassle-free and memorable!
Food Availability: The service apartments offer healthy and delicious home-cooked meals at nominal charges. Breakfast is primarily vegetarian, You can also cook your own meals or visit other restaurants that are close by including Coffee Day, Annapurna, and Achees NV Restaurant.
Accessibility: The homestay is only around 7 km from the Coimbatore International Airport, making it incredibly accessible by flight. It is 3 km from the Coimbatore Railway Station and 4.5 km from the Coimbatore Bus Station. Despite this, if you’re traveling by your own car, you’ll be glad to know that there are free parking facilities available here.
Ideal For: Couples and families, as extra beds will be provided upon request
Pet Friendliness: CornerStay is not pet-friendly, so you’ll have to leave your pet friends at home.
Rate: Starting from INR 999 per night.
Location: 4/1, Abdul Rahim Rd, off Race Course Road, Opp. DIG Office, Red Fields, Puliakulam, Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu 641018.
Also Read: 7 Temples In Tamil Nadu To Visit For A Spiritual Experience
If you wish to find accommodations that simply illustrate the ‘home away from home’ essence, then Happy Home is the place for you. The Happy Home is complete with a living room, a dining room, a kitchen, and two bedrooms. The house is fully furnished and provides all the necessary amenities.
Another great aspect of Happy Home is that it is pet-friendly! You wouldn’t have to worry about your furry friend being left alone, you could simply bring them along and spend a relaxing vacation with them. The homestay further provides amenities like free Wi-Fi, air-conditioning, and free parking space. The Brookefields Mall, Fun Republic Mall, and Tidel Park are within traveling distance from the homestay.
The Happy Home is run by Ms. Smitha who herself is a traveler and loves exploring new cities. She is known to be quite a lovely host and ensures to provide a great stay experience for all her guests.
Food Availability: Food will not be provided but the kitchen is complete with a gas stove, a microwave, a refrigerator, a water purifier, and utensils for cooking and serving. So if you wish to cook food according to your palette preferences, you are all set to do just that!
Accessibility: Happy Home is very convenient to reach as it is just 13.5 km from the Coimbatore International Airport. The railway station and the Gandhipuram Bus Station are both located within 10 km of the homestay. It is located approximately 6.5 km from the city center.
Ideal For: Primarily families with kids.
Pet Friendliness: Pets are welcome here at no extra charge.
Rate: Starting from INR 3,000 per night.
Location: 2 - 252JKVK Nagar Vadavalli PO, 641041 Coimbatore.
The ZuriEL suite is situated in Nanjundapuram Road and is quite centrally located in Coimbatore. The homestay is an independent villa located in a calm and quiet neighborhood with accommodation features like a shared lounge, kitchen, free private parking, a garden, and a terrace.
Since the property is located at the heart of the city, it is easily accessible to important business locations, various food outlets, and restaurants as well as within traveling distance of Brookefields Mall and the Fun Republic Mall. The staff is very helpful in terms of arranging cab or taxi services for their patrons.
The homestay is well-equipped with all necessary amenities including air-conditioning and free Wi-Fi access. The villa has spacious interiors and an open lounge area where you can sit back and relax with a steaming cup of coffee. The staff is extremely friendly and hospitable and makes sure that their guests have a pleasant stay.
Food Availability: There is room service available at ZuriEl Suite. There is also a shared kitchenette facility where you can whip up delicacies of your own. If you’re in the mood for some food from outside, you could Swiggy in from nearby restaurants like Subway, Hotel Annapoorna, Hema’s Kitchen, and Dominoes Pizza. You could also get groceries delivered to the homestay at an additional charge.
Accessibility: ZuriEL Suite is located around 13 km from the Coimbatore International Airport while the Coimbatore Railway Station is merely 4 km away. It is located around 6 km from Brookefield as well as the Fun Republic Mall, so the homestay is quite well-connected to the city center.
Ideal For: Couples and families, as there are dedicated family rooms to spend quality time with each other.
Pet Friendliness: Sadly, pets are not allowed on the property.
Rate: Starting from INR 2,500 per night.
Location: 131 3rd Street Sreepathy Nagar Nanjundapuram Road, 641036 Coimbatore.
Also Read: Top 7 Things To Do In Tamil Nadu
The Relaxing 2 BR Estate House is situated at the Nianna Tea Estate and is surrounded by luscious tea plantation terraces, organic vegetable farms, and freshwater streams. The estate is a beautiful stone dwelling and each room is fully furnished and well-equipped. A spacious patio overlooking the tea estate is the perfect place to sit back and enjoy the early morning chirping of birds. The villa includes 3 bedrooms, a living room on the lower level, and a sitting area on the upper floor as well as two outdoor decks from where wild animals such as bison and deer can be spotted.
The estate is a great place to appreciate and enjoy the quiet solace, play family games, dive into a great book or take in the freshest air you will ever experience! The neighborhood and the town of Deenaty are very wonderful and charming to visit. Deenaty is a very quiet and sparsely populated village, which explains the tranquility of the area. The neighboring town of Kagguchi has some lovely tea shops with locally made food that is worth the visit! Ooty and Coonoor are approximately 15 km away from the villa. You can trek to nearby waterfalls and if you’re lucky, you might even spot some wildlife nearby!
Food Availability: While there is a kitchenette and dining facility available in the homestay, the estate is known for its organic vegetable farm. And if you are looking for a farm-to-table experience, then this is just the place for you! You can go around the farm picking out fresh and organically grown carrots, radish, beetroot, red cabbage, tea, and more. The caretakers and in-house cook will then prepare your meal with your own handpicked veggie.
Accessibility: While the Coimbatore International Airport is 56 km from the homestay, the Calicut International Airport is around 100 km away. If you’re traveling by train, you can get down at the Ooty Railway Station and traverse the distance of 132 km from there by bus or cab. Other attractions that are close to Relaxing 2 BR Estate House include the Ooty Doddabetta Peak, Ooty Fernhills Palace, Dolphin’s Nose, and the Ooty Rose Garden.
Ideal For: Families and couples.
Pet Friendliness: The homestay does not allow pets on its premises.
Rate: Starting from INR 4,200 per night.
Location: Nianna Tea Estate, 643206 Coimbatore, India.
Why Do People Choose Homestays?
Homestays tend to provide a culturally authentic experience. With homestays, you get to interact directly with locals and get to know some insider knowledge about the place you are visiting. While hotels are more readily accessible, they can be quite similar to one another. They can seem quite a lonely place to return to at the end of your touring day. Homestays offer distinctive stay options and tend to offer an inclusive and ‘family-like’ belongingness that reminds you of home.
Are Homestays Cheaper Than Hotels?
Homestays are generally cheaper as they usually include meals, lodging, laundry, and some type of cleaning service bundled together. The main reason people choose homestays over hotels is due to the fact that they don't come with hidden costs. While you might pay the same price in some places, you do so for the personal care and service that you receive in return.
What Is Coimbatore Famous For?
Coimbatore is mainly known for its booming textile industry and as a major educational hub in South India. But apart from these, Coimbatore is also known for its luscious forests, beautiful hills and mountains, diverse flora and fauna, expansive tea plantations, wildlife sanctuaries, and some of the most well-constructed temples.
What Are Serviced Apartments?
A serviced apartment is a fully furnished apartment that provides the guests with all necessary amenities for daily living. Some apartments might also provide amenities like room service, fitness centers, and laundry rooms. Serviced apartments are available for both long-term and short-term stays.
What Food Is Famous In Coimbatore?
Kozhi Urundai, Puttu, Murrukku, Rasam, Idli, and Dosa are the most famous foods in Coimbatore.
Is Coimbatore Safe To Live?
The city of Coimbatore is known to have one of the lowest crime rates in India. It is a very safe place for all visitors coming to Coimbatore as tourists.
Is Coimbatore Worth Visiting?
Absolutely! Coimbatore has pleasant climatic conditions and has many tourist attractions in and around the city.
What Can One Buy In Coimbatore?
Coimbatore is known for its silk, spice, and cotton markets. You can find great examples of these items can be found in all corners of the city. However, the locals will be the best people to tell you where to shop from.
