Vistara Home Stay

Nice place in Bodhgaya, not far from the main temple, nice staff!

a week ago

This homestay is good value for money. The location is not bad but not the best one, however staff is friendly and helpful. Try always to negotiate any rate in advance even if donation services are offered (free guide tours) that will make your stay easier at both ends. That should be always taken into account in general in Bodhgaya, not only in this homestay (as opposed to other places in India) negotiate and fix a donation before accepting any service.Even when you visit Mahabodi don’t allow anyone to get close to you and give you a free explanation (they will be in most cases expecting a donation or to persuade you to visit a shop , or pay for a service, etc.) that may also happen with some of the monks. Be aware that Bihar is a real poor area where people are in need. There are some amazing community projects to help the most impoverished families. Visits to these places (schools, etc.) will imply a donation and that will be expected, this is the understandable reality of poverty, so be very clear and consistent about your donation limits, and take for granted that almost everyone is expecting a donation even if they tell you that they are not. Taking all this into account and if you’re looking for a cheap decent place, this homestay could be a great option for you.

a year ago

Very helpful guys, Chunu and Mohammed, helped me with all, dropped me after checkout, whatever i asked for (mosquite repellent device, toilet paper, towel, recommendations, laundry), they solved it immediately with a smile on their faces. Also had nice chats in the evenings. Mohammed is great guide, kind person, patient, helpful and honest. He also has interesting charity projects for the locals (water pump + school), which you are free to visit. One of the best treatment I got in India, great hospitality, very affordable.

a year ago

Arrived early december 2016 and the staff could not have been kinder or more accomadating to me. The rooms are clean and beds comfortable, bathrooms immaculate, and in the perfect place to walk to most locations in bodh gaya. More than just a guest house I have bee treated as family here.

8 years ago

People were very friendly and accommodating. Helped with everything that I needed. No questions asked. It was a very great and loving experience. A true Buddhist home stay

a year ago

One of the best places I stayed on my trip around India, very cheap, clean, quite, comfy bed, even hot shower. Chunu the owner is very helpful, highly reccomended. Thank you very much. Andrea

a year ago

The owners treat you as a scam target rather then as a guest. Do not accept any help from them on the basis of 'hospitality' as a 'donation' will always be required. The owner also took me on a 'free tour' of the surrounding places and at the end, brought me to a remote village(see Kathleen's review below) where he gave me details of their plight, gave exact figures for the supplies they needed and tried to guilt-trip me to donating a substantial amount to their 'cause'. Also, all the 5-star reviews here seem highly suspect as they are all either from locals(take a look at their profiles) or from Japanese sources(from where one of the owners has relatives staying)

5 years ago

A great place, which is really close to all the temples. The hosts are very kind and helpful. I recommend this nice place, it is calm, quiet and very clean. If I go to Bodh Gaya for sure I'll stay in this place again.

7 years ago