Mumbai ---

Born & Educated here, I share some views about this City we have all come to Love. Mumbai teaches us a lot about Life and Living. probably No other City in India teaches you as much as Mumbai. Once you spend Time here, you would not like to leave the City.
Mumbai buzzes with activity all the 24 hours. The Lifeline of Mumbai, the local trains are worth experiencing. Mumbai seems perpetually a City in Progress, with all the digging, laying and resurfacing being done.
The food in Mumbai is very cheap. In the restaurants of Mumbai we can observe how in a limited space, maximum number of tables can be accomodated for the benefit of the customers.
The food of all states is available as per their choice and budget and eating out is a lively thing there.
The human waves at Andheri, CST, Dadar, and Churchgate are the tings to watch, and new comers asking the commuters which side of the train is the next station or how many stations is another away.
No new comer to the city would feel that he is a stranger here.

The feelGood about Mumbai is the friendly people thay have. They always guide the people, even if they are in a hurry, because they understand the problem of others. To understand life better, you need not have to have read many books, talk to people etc. If you live in Mumbai your outlook would change and you would feel that you are with a friend.
Despite underworld activities and other mafia gang operations, the city is peaceful and women are safe. In the Trains you see many women travel late at night without fear, and causing no anxiety to their kith and kin at home.
Innumerable number of Markets around Railway stations, and the Malls, Juhu beach, Malabar Hill and of course Navi Mumbai and others provide many opportunities for enjoyment and window shopping. This is the City where you don't feel lonely.
When you are in this city you will feel that sayings like, "Nothing is Impossible", and "Sky is the Limit" are true. Anyone who has to leave 

When you are in this city you will feel that certain sayings like "NOTHING IS IMPOSSIBLE", " SKY IS THE LIMIT", are really true.The man who is transferred out of Mumbai would always come to Mumbai at the earliest opportunity. People from all states live in harmony without any barriers for religion or caste or language. The concept of Mera Bharat Mahaan is really felt only in Mumbai.

Further as many people say, the city never sleeps. This is absolutely true. Some people who reached Mumbai without a penny in their hand have become millionaires through dint of hard work. Some of them who slept on the railway platforms became ministers as well. I may say the city is a  city of opportunities and prosperity. If you want to work you will always find some opportunity to earn your livelihood without depending on others.

In short Mumbai is a foreign destination within India where you can live without the requirement of  a visa. If some thing is happening, it  is happening only in Mumbai.

The taxi wallahs in Mumbai are the honest... the reasons could be attributed to many reasons......

I have a first hand experience  to narrate.....

When I was new to mumbai..... one sunday my friend invited me to his house for lunch..... I was to go to his house in Andheri from Chembur.....I was not knowing neither chembur nor andheri....

Further , i was also not aware of the laziness of the trains on the harbour line.....on sundays......due to attributable maintenance.....

My friend told me how I should reach andheri.... from chembur....he said that he will be waiting for me at a particular place on the platform to  receive me....

I boarded the train at chembur.... after reaching tilaknagar... there was news that  the train would not go further..... After waiting for some time... I saw a taxi... near the tilaknagar station ...  I asked him to take me upto andheri... he refused... As we are used for paying extra money for autos/taxis....out of our experience of living elsewhere.... I offered him that I would pay extra... He politely refused saying that it would be a very costly affair for me and advised me to walk down up to kurla which is very near by to take anothr train coming  from somewhere to  reach andheri.

In fact he guided me as to how i should follow  the other passengers who are walking towards kurla...... he requested one such passengers to help me to go  reach andheri........If it is some other place the tazxiwallaha could have made a forutne out of the ignorance of the innocent travellers.....I still remember this incident and I express my gratitude to that unknown taxiwallaha through these columns of sulekha.

Here I had to necessarily mention the patience of my friend.. I reached andheri after one and half hours of delay... But my committed friend still waiting there unmind ful of the delay... There were no cell phones at that time with me as well as my friend.... I also salute my friend for having shown faith in me that i would definetly reach andheri some time or the other....

It is a pleasant experience to narrate this incident after  a long time....and feeling good to narrate..

Mumbai ----- the City of Dreams

Born & educated here I share some views about this city we all have come to love.

Mumbai teaches us a lot about life and living.  Probably no other city in India teaches you as much as Mumbai. Once you spend time here you would not like to leave the city.

Mumbai buzzes with activity all the 24 hours. The life line of Mumbai, the local trains are worth experiencing. Mumbai seems perpetually a City in Progress with all the digging, laying and resurfacing being done. 

The food in Mumbai is very cheap. In the  restaurants of Mumbai we can observe  how in limited space maximum number of tables can be accommodated for the benefit of the customers. The food of all states is available as per their choice and budget and eating out is a lively thing there.

The human waves at Andheri, CST, Dadar and Churchgate are the things to watch and  new  comers asking the  commuters  which side of the train the next station is or how many stations is another away. No new comer to the city would feel that he is a stranger here. The feel Good about Mumbai is the friendly people they have. They always guide the people properly even if they are in a hurry because they understand the problems of others

To understand life better, you need not have to read many books, talk to people etc.. If you live in Mumbai your outlook would change and you would feel that you are with a good friend.

Despite underworld activities and other mafia gang operations, the city is peaceful and women are safe. In the trains you see many women travel in the late night without fear and causing no anxiety to the kith and kin back home.

Innumerable number of markets around the Railway stations and the malls, Juhu beach, Malabar hills, and of course Navi Mumbai  and others  provide many opportunities for enjoyment and window shopping.This is the only city where you don't feel lonely. 

When you are in this city you will feel that certain sayings like "NOTHING IS IMPOSSIBLE", " SKY IS THE LIMIT", are really true.The man who is transferred out of Mumbai would always come to Mumbai at the earliest opportunity. People from all states live in harmony without any barriers for religion or caste or language. The concept of Mera Bharat Mahaan is really felt only in Mumbai.

Further as many people say, the city never sleeps. This is absolutely true. Some people who reached Mumbai without a penny in their hand have become millionaires through dint of hard work. Some of them who slept on the railway platforms became ministers as well. I may say the city is a  city of opportunities and prosperity. If you want to work you will always find some opportunity to earn your livelihood without depending on others.

In short Mumbai is a foreign destination within India where you can live without the requirement of  a visa. If some thing is happening, it  is happening only in Mumbai.

The taxi wallahs in Mumbai are the honest... the reasons could be attributed to many reasons......

I have a first hand experience  to narrate.....

When I was new to mumbai..... one sunday my friend invited me to his house for lunch..... I was to go to his house in Andheri from Chembur.....I was not knowing neither chembur nor andheri....

Further , i was also not aware of the laziness of the trains on the harbour line.....on sundays......due to attributable maintenance.....

My friend told me how I should reach andheri.... from chembur....he said that he will be waiting for me at a particular place on the platform to  receive me....

I boarded the train at chembur.... after reaching tilaknagar... there was news that  the train would not go further..... After waiting for some time... I saw a taxi... near the tilaknagar station ...  I asked him to take me upto andheri... he refused... As we are used for paying extra money for autos/taxis....out of our experience of living elsewhere.... I offered him that I would pay extra... He politely refused saying that it would be a very costly affair for me and advised me to walk down up to kurla which is very near by to take anothr train coming  from somewhere to  reach andheri.

In fact he guided me as to how i should follow  the other passengers who are walking towards kurla...... he requested one such passengers to help me to go  reach andheri........If it is some other place the tazxiwallaha could have made a forutne out of the ignorance of the innocent travellers.....I still remember this incident and I express my gratitude to that unknown taxiwallaha through these columns of sulekha.

Here I had to necessarily mention the patience of my friend.. I reached andheri after one and half hours of delay... But my committed friend still waiting there unmind ful of the delay... There were no cell phones at that time with me as well as my friend.... I also salute my friend for having shown faith in me that i would definetly reach andheri some time or the other....

It is a pleasant experience to narrate this incident after  a long time....and feeling good to narrate..

The Japanese Experience

Steeped in tradition and culture, Japan is a country with lots to offer—especially when it comes to one-of-kind experiences. 

From forging your own Samurai sword or going behind the scenes in a Sumo stable, to learning the craft of calligraphy from a master, make sure you get away from the crowds and under the skin of Japan’s wildly unique art, music, cuisine and philosophies. 

Be prepared to experience the land of the rising sun like never before. Learn more about

Crafting with clay ; Visit a Sumo stable; Learn Sushi from a local chef; Master the art of calligraphy; Explore Kyoto with a Local Architect; Do a Tea ceremony with a master; Visit a private Geisha performance; Discover the hidden gardens in Kyoto; Tour Nara’s tea fields; Visit a film set; Learn to Meditate with a Zen master; Learn to forge your own sword

Reasons why Leisure Travelling Should Be Your Priority This Year!

Since the inception of the year, travel dreams have entered many hearts. We’re into the New Year and not many have traveled anywhere beyond their routines. We have all dreamed of traveling, probably even made plans and cancelled them. The reason for cancellation may vary but we all can overcome them. What if we told you that it is possible to travel to your hearts content this year? Makes you happy, doesn’t it? It makes us happy to share with you the reasons why leisure traveling should be your top priority this year.

#1. Adrenaline rush  
Traveling now at the start of the year will give you the much needed adrenaline rush. You’ll want to travel more, see more, do more. Traveling will give you the energy push you need, to live happy every day for the rest of your life.

#2. Moments to adore, all year long
Believe us when we say this, the trip you take never ends. Even after you come back, it’s with you. The memories of the trip will keep taking you back to the place, all year long. One short trip will leave you feeling so much happier for a long time.

#3. Planning for your trip will make you creative and organized
Planning a vacation is not a piece of cake. You’ll need to consider all your needs in advance. This will indeed bring out your creativeness. And when you successfully come back from the trip, it will leave you feeling a lot more organized.

#4. Variety of food
If you’re a foodie, there is no bigger reason than this one to ensure that you travel. The different types of food that you can taste while on the journey will satisfy your taste buds extremely well. You might also realize that the food that you eat in your routine life is a lot more different and tastier in the alien land.

So start planning the life changing vacation which you were avoiding for a long time now! Don’t you already want to pack your bags? Wait, before you go pack your suitcases…book! Book a place to reside in; with budgetstays you can book cottages and residential homes in advance. Wait no more, adventure awaits you!

The Homestay Experience

Our guests choose to stay in a homestay for all kinds of reasons. For some who want to experience authentic culture by staying with a local, away from the hustle and bustle. 
As a wander bug, do you spend some time of the year on the move? 
Staying with a local host offers the comforts of home during your travels and also a friendly local to give an insight into the area and advice on the must-see spots.

It’s always a surreal experience, waiting for your host to pick you up and along comes a life of adventure. First thing in the morning you may get for breakfast with fruit freshly picked from the host’s garden. You simply can’t get that from a hotel for sure.

Some of our hosts pride themselves on providing guests with as much fresh produce from their garden as possible. As you can witness they leave no stone unturned when it comes to making sure you have the best of their home grown fruit and veggies. They will make sure that guests eat healthy from the garden and make it a part of the experience.

Apart from taking in the views and fresh air, there are plenty of great local pubs, restaurants, and shops where you can take in some local cuisine and traditional music. Listen to their recommends.

Travel is all about the people you meet and having that direct connection with a local, staying with them in their cosy home and feeling comfortable in a homely environment is a unique way to experience a country and spend your holiday.

What are your thoughts on homestays having tried one? 

Tell us about your homestay experience.

Send us your video diary and we shall post them here for you.

9 Ways to attract Tourists to your Homestays

1. They want an authentic local experience

Travelers these days are seeking an authentic experience whilst travelling. That is why they travel. They do not want to be “hoarded off” onto another tour bus or brought to another tourist joint for a meal. Instead, they too want to go where the locals go, immersing themselves fully to experience and learn about a new culture.

2. They want to learn new things

Tourists today are more likely to seek out educational and cultural experiences. Once retired, they seek out “serious leisure”, may it be in cultivating a hobby or joining a volunteering organisation to enhance their lives. What they really want is to be intellectually stimulated, which is why an experienced and well-trained guide is necessary to attract them to your stay & tours.

3. They want adventure

There are two types of Tourists - the “old at heart” and the “young at heart”. While the former group prefer slower paced experiences, the latter are actively seeking out adventure and sometimes push themselves to their physical limits as a form of self-discovery.

The key to organizing an ideal adventure tour or activity for them is by creating adventure in a controlled environment. Your travelers want to know that they can experience new adventures while being safe. Some precautions usually taken by companies includes ensuring that travelers meet a certain level of health and fitness by having them fill out a simple questionnaire.

Another thing you can do is to inform your customers about the sort of “rugged” adventure they would be going on.

4. Use “Traditional” social media avenues to reach them

Despite being over 50 years old, this market is spurring the growth of social media. The key is to find out which platforms they’re on and engage with them there. Many marketing experts agree that the “traditional” social media platforms such as Facebook and Twitter are where you will find a majority of them.

5. Don’t forget about the rest of the world wide web too!

A lot of their decisions are also based on searches through search engines and recommendations from others, may it be on peer review sites or from friends and family. So yes, that means your website is pretty important in attracting customers from this segment to your tours.

6. They are active not passive tourists

By this point, you should have concluded that these are very active travelers, with an emphasis on what they can learn and do while on their trips. This is important when you market your tours to them.

Focus on the different activities they’ll be able to engage in and the unique experiences they’ll gain from it. Craft out content and messages that speak to them in this way.

7. Do not underestimate the value of travel agents

Some are budget conscious but they aren’t deterred by paying that little bit more if they are convinced that it will make the trip that much more memorable. Work to make sure that your tour or activity is their preferred choice. Partner up with travel agents, allow them to book your trips for their customers and give them the commission they deserve. Everybody wins.

8. They are more likely to take their children and grandchildren on their next trip too.

Imagine planning a trip for your whole family, it sounds like a nightmare. This is probably why they’re likely to use a travel agent to organise their next holiday. For tour and activity operators, you will need to make sure that your activities appeal to at least two different generations. If all else fails, make sure there’s good ol’ WiFi to keep everyone satisfied.

9. You need to be a considerate Tour and Activity operator

This is probably the most important point when it comes to attracting them onto your tours and activities. It is difficult to highlight exact guidelines for this point so I’ll just give you a few examples to give you a better understanding of what I mean: Your guides should be aware of the various physical capacities of your customers, and perhaps schedule in a few breaks during that 5 hour hike.

Having prior knowledge about your customers’ dietary requirements usually leaves a better impression. Some first-aid knowledge is probably useful as well.

Get a better idea of who your target audience is.

Choosing a Home Stay

People choose to stay in Home Stays for various reasons.
Experiencing different Cultures, Cuisines and discovering new friends, knowing there is a face to greet you when you return home at the end of a day.

The choice of a home stay can be one of Convenience, Costs, with the amenities included. Of course it's really good when the Hosts are Nice and Welcoming. Not forgetting the ample Public Transportation available, that adds to the Convenience.

At times we are hesitant to share space with strangers, until the experience proves otherwise. Time to plan your next holiday at a home stay. Do check our stays at  http://www.budgetstays.com/