Garo Homestay
A homestay that will always be known for the irreplicable hospitality of the hosts and the amazing food on offer. This homestay also appeals to those looking to deeply understand the process of traditional weaving and dying.
-
Reviews 0 Reviews0/5
-
Vacation Style Holiday Type
-
Activity Level Challenging
-
About the village
The Garo village in Sonitpur district lies in the foothills of Eastern Himalayan Range. With a homegrown holistic farming approach, the Garo people have made a tremendous effort to keep their village green and clean. They are experts in handicrafts, weaving, fishing and cultivating economically important plants. The history of how this village came into existence is quite interesting. Garos who are mostly based in present-day Meghalaya were brought in by the British to be used as rubber plantation labours. The Garos were excellent in climbing trees and that was one of the chief reasons for employing them. Many left, and most stayed back. This is their village.
Distance from the main town
How to reach
Food
Breakfast isn’t a part of Garo tradition but the spread that is presented by the host, Mrs Sushila is something to look forward to. Puri sabji, eggs, butter bread, milk and something traditional that will be decided on the day you visit.
For lunch and dinner, the hosts prepare a completely traditional meal where you will be spoilt for choice. Garo food is rare to find commercially and once you taste it you would be surprised as to why there aren’t more restaurants serving it!
Know your host
You wouldn’t probably meet a lady in a village with more foresight and uncrushable confidence. Her body language exudes such positivity and determination that you hope the same for every rural woman in India. She is an orator. Only if she knew the English language you would know how good she is. She is totally up for conversations in Hindi as well, albeit it isn’t as strong as her Assamese. As a widow of a martyred soldier in the Indian army, Sushila Sangma lives with her daughter who is equally invested in helping her mother and taking forward the work of promoting Garo culture and the village’s lifestyle through the opportunity of tourism. You are certain to come back with fond memories and a stretched belly.
Activities
- Rafting on Kameng river
- Learning to make traditional recipes of the Garo and you would love it if you are a foodie.
- Trying your hands at traditional loin loom/ handloom weaving and organic dyeing
- Playing games with village children like you probably did when you were in school, in their sprawling compounds
Points of interest:
Nameri Tiger Reserve, Tipi orchidarium, Bhalukpong rafting point
Facilities
- The rooms have coffee, tea and milk powder sachets in case you want to make your own drink.
- Charging points for devices are also available (yes, it is a village so this needs to be mentioned specifically)
- Toilets are not attached but it is just behind the house and the bathroom is clean with a western toilet.
- Toiletries and towels are also available. However, we request you to carry your own toothbrushes to avoid wastage and be eco-friendly in the simplest way possible.
- Bonfire is a part of the experience.
- Ample space for parking.
- Hot water can be arranged for on request.
Rules and restrictions
1. Smoking is allowed in open outside the compound of the house.
2. Alcohol consumption is strictly prohibited since the village is against it
3. There is no restriction in terms of check in and check out time but it is a homestay so we expect visitors to be considerate