What makes India so special?

“Everyone arriving in India for the first time wants to change the country; but when they leave they realise that it has changed them!”

This saying is so true but whether a visitor to India experiences the truth fully will depend on whether they see the Real India and or just a façade of the country.

I first visited India in 2000 when I was fortunate to join a canoe expedition down the Ganges River from Farrukhabad to Varanasi, led by the intrepid adventurer David ‘Vid’ Blakeney. On this trip I experienced so much of India but what struck me most was the generous hospitality and the warmth of the Indian people.

I subsequently returned to India on very many occasions and established wonderful friendships with so many people and was privileged to be invited into their homes. What I discovered was that the Real India so often talked about, was to be found in the Indian family home.

Shortage of Reasonably Priced Accommodation

On my visits I also found there was a noticeable shortage of accommodation in India. 5* hotels and backpackers’ hotels seemed all that was available. 5* Indian hotels are ridiculously expensive and you could be anywhere in the world, while the backpackers’ hotels are, quite frankly, OK for a gap year but no place to see the best of India.

When I suggested to families that they should take international visitors into their home there was universal enthusiasm, even from the DGR, the organisation for retired services officers and their wives.

Simultaneously the Government of India launched a bed and breakfast scheme so I found it simple to recruit quality Homes to join Home and Hospitality as members.

“Home and Hospitality” was then born.

Independently Chosen & Reviewed

I have chosen a variety of homes for you to choose from, ranging from the fabulously opulent, through to the simple and basic. What they all have in common is genuine hospitality and a high standard of hygiene.

Most people are reluctant to step out of the tourist ‘package’ quite understandably, but staying with an Indian family in a B&B or as a guest in their home, will give real security and open the door for you to the richness of the Real India.

Andrew Gardiner

PS. Madhur Jaffrey, the famous Indian cook has said, “The best curries are served not in restaurants but in homes. My advice is to wangle an invitation to an Indian home”

…but you don’t need to wangle an invitation; you are invited!