Sunshine Dharma Stay

A. General

1. When is it the best time to visit?

South Indian tours are best from October to March. However, travel to Goa is also great between June, July and August because the overcast, cloudy weather and occasional pleasant monsoon showers can also be great fun! Plus you avoid the Sun!

2. What about ATMs and connectivity?

Connectivity can be a challenge for travel in rural India. However, there are some network service providers that work better than others: BSNL, IDEA and JIO are really good in Goa.

ATMs

For foreigners travelling in India, ATMs are something of a quest. International cards are not accepted and that leaves you heavily dependent on cash transactions. During peak season and especially long weekends, the ATMs run out of cash very quickly, so come prepared!

3. What can I do in the area?

Check the ‘Things to do’ section of each rural homestay in Goa to know more. You could also book an experience with us on ‘Dharma Experiences’ or customize your own. 

B. Cost: Where Does My Money Go?

1. How does my trip benefit the local community in Goa?

The majority of revenue we generate through you goes  directlyto our partners in Goa and to the local partner families of the area. They are from or in a rural area and are trained either directly by us or our ground partners to provide hospitality services. These services may include budget homestay accommodations in Goa, food, transportation, experience hosting and guide services. 

In all of our work, we try to create the impact on two levels: individual and community. 

Individual Level

Our aim is a 25% increase in annual income for our low-income partner families. Increasing cases of irregular rains, possibly due to changing climatic conditions are affecting harvests. With some of our families, where farming is a primary source of income, the extra revenue through tourism goes a long way. Another challenge is market linkage. Getting regular sales and fair prices are some of the biggest challenges that rural families face. We hope to enable regular supplementary income through our work. 

Community Level

In collaboration with guests like you, we work with our high-income partner families to promote social development activities in and around the villages where we are present. As much as possible, we take up specific initiatives in the areas of education, waste management and agriculture. 

2. Where does the money go?

From the rural families in Goa who host hospitality services to people like you, the guest who chooses to book with us, is a chain that includes several links. 

Food

As much as possible, we provide an Indian food experience with local families in Goa. Sometimes, due to dietary restrictions, preferences of our guests or logistics, we also include other options. Prices can be comparable to any restaurant price in India, sometimes, less expensive, sometimes a bit more (depending on the ingredients, logistics etc.).

Rural and Community-run Homestay Accommodations in Goa

Unless requested by guests during certain Dharma Experiences, we book all rooms directly with local families in their Goa homestays. They are safe and clean. 

Transportation

The travel part of travel is a big part of all this. We work with local partners and families to provide transportation as much as possible. However, quite often, either due to guest requests or other logistical reasons, we do also choose other options. 

Activities Hosting 

The best part of travel in India is the people we meet. Our activities are hosted by local community members who love to share their stories. Your trip to Goa will certainly be filled with a vibrant range of experiences. 

Advertising 

A large part of our work, apart from directly training local families or supporting ground partners who do, is in linking people doing good work to guests like you. Our technology platform takes into consideration rural realities. Our vision is to link guests like you to the heart of rural India. 

3. Why do prices vary at times for the same experience?

As a general rule of thumb for travel in India and also for our tours in Goa, the larger the group size, the lesser the price. This is because of transportation and activities hosting. 

C. Safety

This is a very big priority for us. Here’s what we do:

Each state in India has its own homestay registration process. This involves getting approval from the local authorities to ensure that rules are met. Further, in the case of foreigners travelling in India, homestay owners are also required to submit documents to the local police station. Local authorities keep track of activity. This is a huge factor that ensures both guests and families are safe. In some cases, homeowners also have security cameras as an added measure. 

Other considerations:

Any food allergies and special health concerns you may have should be informed to us well in advance. Our biggest priority is to ensure that your travel in Goa is safe. Don't forget to check with local food providers if they have cooked with any ingredients you may be allergic to. 

D. Accommodations

1. Is it a private bathroom?

Please check in the ‘Facilities’ section of each homestay in Goa to find out what type is available.

2. Will I be staying with the family in the homestay or is it a separate house?

In some cases, yes, and in some cases no. Whatever may be the case, the room you book will always be private. Please check in the ‘Facilities’ section of each accommodation to find out what type is available. If more clarification is needed, don't hesitate to let us know in the enquiry form and we will get back to you as soon as possible. 

3. Are there any house rules?

Yes, there are some rules, depending on the family and the area you are visiting. Please check in the ‘Facilities’ section of each homestay in Goa to find out if there are any rules specific to the area. 

4. Can I book the whole house?

In those cases where the family does not live in the homestay, it is possible to book the whole place. Please check in the ‘Facilities’ section of each accommodation to find out more. 

E. Logistics and Transport

1. How do I get there? And who do I speak to?

We will send you a location link or detailed directions to your homestay in Goa once we have confirmed your payment. Our coordinators will be there to assist you with any challenges 

2. How far is it from the main attractions? 

Check the ‘Description’ and 'Things to do' section of each homestay in Goa to know more about what is available in each homestay. 

3. Can you book local transportation for us? 

Yes, this is definitely possible. Convenience charges may apply. Please mention your requests in the booking enquiry form given at the end of each homestay page. 

4. Any special things I should pack and wear to travel responsibly?

We recommend the following:

• Water bottle: Please avoid plastic bottles. Carry your own water bottles. It allows you to refill as and when you want.
• Mosquito repellent
• Hat
• Cash: always carry cash, because local ATMs might be empty and rural India still runs largely on cash.
• Medicines: carry any medications you may need, because unlike in urban areas, 24-hour medical shops are tough to come by. 

F. Food

1. What sort of food do you serve?

Local, traditional and home-cooked food: this is what we aim for. 

NOTA BENE: Please let us know in advance if there are any allergies, as many people in rural India are not aware of food allergies as a serious concern. 

2. What are some of the good places to eat around the area?

Check with our local co-ordinators to know more.