Top 5 Apps for Booking Homestays Easily in India

Traveling in India has evolved significantly over the last decade. Gone are the days when travelers had to call local agents or rely solely on word-of-mouth recommendations to find accommodation. Today, with just a few taps on a smartphone, you can explore countless options for stays—from budget-friendly rooms to luxurious villas—and book them instantly.

Homestays, in particular, have gained immense popularity in India. They offer a unique chance to experience local culture, interact with hosts, and enjoy a more personal touch compared to traditional hotels. Whether you’re traveling solo, as a couple, or with family, the right booking app can make your search for a homestay smooth and efficient.

Here’s a curated list of the top 5 apps for booking homestays easily in India, starting with Bag2Bag, followed by other well-known platforms like MMT, Booking, Treebo Hotels, and Cleartrip.

1. Bag2Bag

When it comes to convenience and flexibility, Bag2Bag stands out as a go-to platform for travelers seeking homestays in India. While it is widely known for offering short-term and hourly hotel stays, it also provides a wide selection of homestays across various cities.

One of the unique advantages of using Bag2Bag is its flexible booking options. Travelers can book for a few hours, an entire day, or multiple nights depending on their needs—something particularly beneficial for road trippers, business travelers, or anyone on a quick city visit.

The platform is easy to navigate, with clear filters for location, budget, and property type, making it simple to discover homestays that match your preferences. For example, you can filter listings based on amenities like free Wi-Fi, pet-friendly policies, or proximity to landmarks.

Why Bag2Bag works well for homestays:

• Flexible booking durations (hourly, daily, or longer)

• Transparent pricing with no hidden costs

• Multiple property types, including homestays, hotels, and service apartments

• Availability across both popular tourist destinations and lesser-known towns

Whether you’re planning a weekend getaway in the hills or need a quiet home-like stay in a busy metro, Bag2Bag ensures the process is straightforward and quick.

2. MMT (MakeMyTrip)

MakeMyTrip (MMT) has long been a trusted name in the Indian travel booking industry. Known for offering everything from flights and trains to hotels and vacation packages, it has also expanded its reach into homestay bookings.

MMT’s homestay section includes a diverse mix of properties—ranging from rustic countryside cottages to sleek urban apartments. Its interface allows you to browse by city, price range, or even specific themes, such as “heritage stays” or “nature escapes.”

Another strength of MMT is the sheer number of user reviews and ratings available for each listing. This makes it easier to gauge the authenticity and quality of a homestay before you book. Frequent deals, cashback offers, and seasonal discounts are also common on the app, which is great for budget-conscious travelers.

Key highlights of MMT for homestays:

• Large inventory of properties across India

• Detailed user reviews and photos

• Multiple payment options and deals

• Reliable customer support network

Whether you’re booking a houseboat in Kerala or a heritage haveli in Rajasthan, MMT offers both variety and trustworthiness in its homestay listings.

3. Booking

Booking.com—commonly referred to simply as “Booking”—is an international platform that has made a strong mark in India’s accommodation market. It’s particularly known for its user-friendly interface and extensive property listings, including hotels, hostels, guesthouses, and of course, homestays.

One of Booking’s strengths is its emphasis on flexible cancellation policies. Many homestay hosts on the platform offer free cancellations up to a certain date, which is helpful for travelers whose plans may change.

The platform also excels in providing comprehensive details for each listing. You’ll often find in-depth descriptions, high-quality photos, a list of amenities, nearby attractions, and even the host’s preferred languages for communication.

Why Booking is ideal for homestays:

• Extensive filter options (amenities, location, ratings, property type)

• Transparent guest reviews with real traveler photos

• Global standards in booking security and customer service

• Frequent free cancellation options

For those who like to plan their trips in detail and value transparency, Booking offers a clear and straightforward way to secure a homestay.

4. Treebo Hotels

While Treebo Hotels is primarily recognized for its chain of budget-friendly hotels, it has gradually expanded to offer a selection of homestays and serviced apartments in India. The key selling point of Treebo properties, including its homestays, is consistency in quality and cleanliness.

Treebo tends to partner with well-maintained properties that follow a standard set of amenities—like clean linen, Wi-Fi, complimentary breakfast, and air conditioning—making it a reliable option for travelers who don’t want surprises upon arrival.

The booking process is simple, and the app is designed to quickly match you with available properties in your chosen city. For homestays, this ensures you can find something that feels like home but comes with the reliability of a professional hospitality network.

Treebo Hotels’ advantages for homestays:

• Standardized amenities across listings

• Budget-friendly rates

• Easy-to-use app with quick booking

• Reliable quality checks for properties

For those who prioritize consistent service and affordability in their homestay experience, Treebo Hotels can be a dependable choice.

5. Cleartrip

Cleartrip is another well-established player in India’s travel industry, offering not just flights and trains but also hotels and homestays. While it may not have as vast a homestay inventory as some of the others on this list, its platform is designed for simplicity and speed.

Cleartrip’s homestay listings often feature unique and boutique properties, giving travelers a more curated selection to choose from. It’s especially useful for those looking for something different—like a cliffside cottage, a river-view villa, or a farm retreat.

The app also occasionally bundles accommodation with other travel services, such as local activities or transportation, making it convenient for those who want to book an entire trip in one go.

What Cleartrip offers for homestay bookings:

• Curated list of unique properties

• Simple and fast booking process

• Bundled travel deals

• Competitive pricing

Cleartrip’s strength lies in its ability to streamline travel planning, so if you value speed and simplicity when booking your homestay, it’s worth checking out.

How to Choose the Right Homestay App for You

While all five platforms—Bag2Bag, MMT, Booking, Treebo Hotels, and Cleartrip—offer excellent options for booking homestays in India, your choice may depend on your travel style and priorities. Here are a few tips:

• For flexibility and varied stay durations: Bag2Bag is ideal if you want to book for a few hours, a day, or longer without hassle.

• For deals and large inventory: MMT is perfect for travelers who like browsing through many options and finding the best discounts.

• For transparency and global standards: Booking.com works well if you want comprehensive property details and flexible cancellation.

• For consistency and cleanliness: Treebo Hotels is suited for travelers who want standard amenities across all stays.

• For simplicity and curated stays: Cleartrip is great for those who prefer quick, easy bookings and unique property types.

Final Thoughts

The rise of homestays in India has made travel more personal, cultural, and immersive. Instead of the uniform experience of traditional hotels, homestays open the door to authentic interactions, local flavors, and distinctive spaces that tell a story.

With platforms like Bag2Bag, MMT, Booking, Treebo Hotels, and Cleartrip, finding and booking your ideal homestay has never been easier. Each app has its strengths, so the best choice depends on what you value most—whether that’s flexibility, variety, transparency, consistency, or simplicity.

In the end, a good homestay booking app doesn’t just help you secure a roof over your head; it shapes your travel experience from the moment you start planning. So next time you set out to explore India’s diverse landscapes—from the snowy peaks of Himachal to the sandy beaches of Goa—consider using one of these apps to make your stay as memorable as the journey itself.