Logo
Making Meaningful Connections

Discover The Real Rural India

With Our Unique Short Break Experiences

Short Breaks

Escape to picturesque villages and discover a different type of holiday with Village Ways. Worlds apart from the bustling cities, we take you to peaceful, beautiful corners of rural India; perfect for a long weekend. That’s why so many ‘City Indians’ have enjoyed discovering their own country on one of our short breaks –  so you can make great use of your time, and with internal flights and trains you can be there and back quickly and comfortably.

What’s more Village Ways is a world leader in Responsible Tourism, so you’re doing your best for the environment by choosing us. 

As for choice, you’ll be spoilt for it. The Himalayas or the Rajasthan desert? Kerala backwaters or the spice gardens of Karnataka? If you want a longer holiday to discover more about the real rural India, especially if you are a foreign visitor, then simply link these short breaks together – our reservations team will help you plan it, and book it all for you. 

So, it’s all ready and waiting for you, which leaves only two questions: where and when? 

A special type of guesthouse

We think of the guesthouses as ‘village homestays’ – offering a unique opportunity to experience village life, as it is lived today. And these are so much more than typical homestays; as you are hosted by a village, rather than just one family and your visit benefits the wider community.

You connect with your hosts in a special way and enjoy life at the heart of a village, without feeling that you are intruding in anyone’s home. The guesthouses are simple and comfortable, most with en-suite. Go as a family group or with friends, and you’ll have exclusive use of our wonderful village guesthouses, and your own exclusive chefs and guides. 

A Glimpse into a Village Ways Short Stay situated inside Binsar Wildlife Sanctuary.

“We should all be exploring more of our own country in slow, intentional and sustainable ways that involve and empower the local communities.”  -Sharanya V

Which short break experience will you choose?

Relax or explore? Tailor each stay with village activities and great hiking routes – or simply relax and enjoy the beauty of your surroundings.

Previous slide
Next slide

Kathdhara, Binsar Wildlife Sanctuary: The Kumaon Experience

Enjoy the rhythm of life in the foothills in the scenic village of Kathdhara at the heart of the Binsar Wildlife Sanctuary. With a pleasant climate, Himalayan panoramas and forests of oak and pine, you’ll soon understand why this part of Kumaon was chosen as thesummer capital of the Chand Kings and location for Mahatma Gandhi’s Mountain Ashram. 

 

INCLUSIONS:
Previous slide
Next slide

Jaikuni Bugiyal, Saryu Valley: Hiking To Experience Himalayan Peaks At Dawn

For centuries, pilgrims have been hiking up to the hilltop temples on the 3,000m high ridge that separates the Saryu and Pindar Valleys, looking out at some of the most iconic and magnificent peaks. Now it’s your turn to experience dawn rising over these peaks with a stay in our exclusive tented camp  and discover why it’s truly a lifetime privilege.

INCLUSIONS:
Previous slide
Next slide

Supi Valley, Uttarakhand: The Himalayan Village Experience

A wonderful, eye-opening and thoroughly enjoyable experience in the foothills of the Himalayas where you can see some of the highest peaks as you enjoy lunch on your terrace. You stay in the heart of a thriving farming community where there is a feeling of warmth and liveliness in this an extraordinarily remote and beautiful place.

INCLUSIONS:

Binsar, Kumaon: Himalayan Wildlife Sanctuary Experience

Leopards, porcupines, wild boar, macaques, barking deer, and a huge variety of migrating birds have made the Binsar Sanctuary a special place. Your guides lead you along ancient paths between inspiring hamlets and forest paths, and you stay in the tiny village of Satri, with uninterrupted views to the Himalayan peaks. 

INCLUSIONS:
Previous slide
Next slide

Hacra, Rajasthan: The Desert Life Experience

Long before Rajasthan became known for temples and palaces, it had villages well adapted to thriving on the edge of its awesome desert. Now you can stay in traditional accommodation, and discover how their ingenuity and determination to succeed against the odds lives on today. On the edge of the great expanse of the Thar Desert, Hacra is a traditional Rajasthani village; a peaceful fascinating place, with proud, hospitable people.

INCLUSIONS:
Previous slide
Next slide

Houseboat, Kerala: The Cruise Experience

This is cruising, but as only the privileged few experience it. Nothing could be further from city life than living on a houseboat drifting along between lagoons and lakes, exploring off-the-beaten-track villages, and discovering fascinating local cultural traditions. This is the ultimate relaxing get-away-from-it-all short break that you’ll never forget.

 

INCLUSIONS:

Previous slide
Next slide

Mothakkara in Wayanad Hills, Kerala: The God's Own Country Experience

The high southern hills have a wealth of culture, plantations of pepper, coffee, tea, and a lifestyle all of its own. Discover the beautiful surroundings of Mothakarra, deep in Kerala’s Wayanad Hills, with views towards Banasura Mountain. This is a village full of life and activity, with wam and welcoming hosts. It all makes for an unforgettable and relaxing break.

INCLUSIONS:
Previous slide
Next slide

Hulgol, Karnataka: The Slow and Spicy Experience

Imagine living where the nearest ATM and petrol station are 13 kilometres away, and the nearest bus stop 4 kilometres away. Now imagine that being a joy and a privilege. Now imagine a beautiful village in gorgeous surroundings of spice gardens and tropical crops. Now discover why these villagers would never swap their lives for the city life. Enjoy the quiet rural charm of Hulgol village and walk to the Shalmala River to discover fascinating rock carvings.

INCLUSIONS:

FEATURED IN

LOGO
LOGO
LOGO
LOGO

"wonderful sights, views, mountains, birds and food-

the most lasting memories are of the people of these communities who are so welcoming. I can't wait to go back again (and again)." A very important aspect of these holidays is the aim of sustainable development to keep these communities thriving. This takes a great deal of hard work from everyone involved with Village Ways and it would appear they are now being rewarded for this.
~ JANET O