In the far-flung corners of the country (well, no so far-flung anymore), the Northeast offers a wealth of unexplored beauty and cultural richness. While travelers are familiar with tourist magnets like Shillong or Kaziranga, much of the Northeast still exists in a state of serene anonymity. It is in these untouched landscapes where some of the most unique homestays and eco-retreats are nestled—hidden havens run by locals, often rooted in sustainability and tribal traditions. These are not just places to stay; they are windows into a way of life that remains harmoniously connected with nature.
Chapter 1: Into the Bamboo Valleys of Arunachal
Tucked away in the hills of Ziro, Arunachal Pradesh, a small homestay called Donyi-Polo Trails welcomes guests with bamboo-floored cottages, Apatani meals served on leaf plates, and views that stretch endlessly across pine-covered hills. The host, Rutu Tamang, a retired forest officer, explains that he built the homestay to preserve the local way of life. “People come here expecting hotels. We give them hearth fires, millet wine, and night skies,” he smiles.
The retreat uses harvested rainwater, solar panels, and bio-waste management systems. Guests participate in farming activities, learn bamboo weaving from local artisans, and trek through pine forests with community guides who share stories of Apatani mythology.
Chapter 2: Forest Living in Tripura’s Jampui Hills
Few travelers venture to the Jampui Hills of Tripura, but those who do often find themselves at Reang Nest, an eco-village built by members of the indigenous Reang tribe. The community-run initiative features mud cottages with thatched roofs and panoramic sunrise views over the Lushai Hills. Days begin with herbal tea brewed from foraged lemongrass, and end with community bonfires where elders recount stories of migration and resistance.
It is not luxury that draws people here, but the authenticity of experience. Guests like Tanya Rao, a documentary filmmaker from Pune, describe it as “an unfiltered look into life in harmony with the land.”
Chapter 3: Rivers, Rain, and Revival in Meghalaya
In the wettest place on earth, Mawsynram, homestays have grown around caves, waterfalls, and sacred groves. A standout is the Skyroot Homestay, run by the Khongsit family. Built entirely from reclaimed wood and stone, it stands near a living root bridge that draws the occasional hiking group. The family includes guests in everyday activities: milking cows, fetching spring water, even joining the Khasi women at the local haat (market).
Tourism has revitalized local pride here. Younger villagers who once considered migrating to bigger cities now help manage logistics, social media pages, and booking platforms. According to the owner, Merila Khongsit, “The income is secondary. We want people to see our way of life and understand it.”
Chapter 4: Nagaland’s Warrior Hospitality
Nagaland’s hill villages once known for their warrior past now welcome guests in homestays that reflect their rich heritage. In the village of Khonoma—India’s first green village—a boutique homestay called Morung Memories offers mahogany-furnished rooms with handwoven throws, overlooking rice terraces.
Hosts Sashi and Naro Kithan, both descendants of the Angami warrior clan, organize night walks through the village where lanterns light up ancient paths. Guests learn how the village uses traditional forest laws and clan consensus to protect their ecosystem.
“The old ways taught us how to take only what we need,” says Naro. “We teach that to everyone who comes.”
In a Nutshell it is a Journey Worth Taking
Hidden homestays and eco-retreats in the Northeast are not about ticking boxes on an itinerary—they are about immersion, understanding, and slowing down. For those willing to step off the beaten path, they offer more than rest. They offer renewal.
