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During the past 5 or 6 years, the trend of staying in home stays has caught on with tourists who visit Shimla not only from other parts of India but also from abroad. Only ten years back from now, local people living in the vicinity of Shimla were not aware of the concept of home stays. There were hotels and resorts that sprawled all over in and around Shimla, the Queen of Hills. People visiting Shimla for sightseeing didn't have any other option except staying in one of these highly expensive hotels, guesthouses and resorts that were owned by the select few Himachalis. As tourism made deeper inroads into Himachal, the state government came to recognize the potential of tourism in this hilly state that is also known as Dev Bhoomi (Land of Gods). Real Himachal that lies in villages and rural areas has for long remained hidden from the eyes of tourists and visitors.
The growing trend of tourists' preferring to stay in home stays has done a lot of good to local people of Shimla in particular and Himachal in general. Even tourists and people who visit Shimla have been benefited a lot from home stays that are now everywhere to be seen in and around Shimla. These home stays have, on the one hand, made local people economically self-dependent and secure, on the other hand they have provided more options to the tourists and visitors when it comes to staying at the place of their choice.
These home stays are quite affordable as you won't end up burning a hole in your pocket by putting up in them. Staying in one of these rustically designed houses also means you come to see and experience the real Himachal. You can acquaint yourself with the culture and traditions of local people with whom you can stay for as long a time as you want. You are treated as one of the family members in these home stays and that's what makes these home stays highly successful. Not only do you happen to live with local people, you also roam about with them and can go on drive in their vehicles that makes the experience of being there all the more pleasing and convenient.
When it comes to food, you are offered home-cooked Himachali dishes that are delicious and agreeable. Some of the dishes peculiar to Shimla and its surroundings are Sidu, Pakene, Mal Pue, Dhuli Daal, Kachori, etc. These Himachali dishes will linger in your memories for years and will urge you to returm to Himachal to make your sojourn an experience for lifetime.
The scenic beauty of Shimla and its surroundings is unparalleled. There is no pollution here and land sprawled with lush green forests offers a captivating and breathtaking view all around. The panoramic view of the hills and mountains will make your jaw drop with wonder and long after you have gone, the memories of these fascinating sights will keep you rejuvenated.
During winters, the snow-clad hills-tops will mesmerize your mind and heart. When it is extremely hot in the rest of India during summers, the cool climate in Himachal offers you a pleasant surprise. Thus whatever the season of the year may be, you can come here anytime and make your sojourn a memorable one. Do visit Himachal in North India and experience the hospitality of Himachali people by putting up in one of the beautifully designed home stays. There is no doubt that you will cherish the memories of having stayed in Himachal for lifetime.