Now Foreigners Can Pay ₹2000 Per Night And Stay In Mumbai’s First ‘Slum Homestay’

Every year hundreds of tourists from foreign countries visit the Indian mainland to soak in the rich cultural heritage and diversity of our country. Our foreign visitors are forever in search of new experiences when they visit India so that they can reminisce the memories when they reach home.

Among these travel destinations, is the city of dreams, Mumbai which sees an influx of a large number of tourists, enjoying the quirks and the beauty of the city. But adventure seeking tourists can now experience the world of the Mumbai slums, thanks to a local man, Ravi Sansi, who has opened his home to an innovative idea.

Ravi who sold maps in 2015, was hired by a non-profit organisation after Google maps made his work of selling maps redundant. The idea was suggested by 32-year-old David Bijl from the Netherlands. The family warmed up to the idea of people living in their home in a slum, in Golibar Road in Khar (East), as they were in need of money.

Bijl even started a Facebook page called Slum Homestay Mumbai and posted pictures of the slum where Sansi stays. Spending a night at Sansi’s place will cost around ₹2000 and the entire amount will go to the host family.

But, if you’re up for something other than just the scenic beauty, try swapping your luxury hotel room for one in a slum.

As reported by Times of India, Bijl believes that staying in these places will help people re-evaluate their notions of them and also give them valuable perspective.

You might argue that the stay might give a negative impression of the country but Bijl believes that a homestay will offer tourists a way to interact with residents. He says,

“Here, you are actually staying with Ravi’s family, you are learning about their lives. You’re not just passing by and taking a selfie for your Facebook page.”

The guests will lodge in the family’s newly acquired home which boasts of a flat screen TV, a new mattress (only for two people), and air conditioner. However, the guests have to use the same community toilet as the rest of the slum.

So, guess they better hold off on the spicy food, no?

Talking about the provision of food for the tourists, Sansi says that while they will be happy if the guest eats with them, they have no qualms about guiding them to restaurants. Although the road to the slum is narrow and full of open drains, Bijl is certain that people who opt for this experience will not mind the discomforts.

Since Bijl has spent a night in the loft, he is certain that a seasoned traveller will not fall sick. The family is even willing to go out of their way to host unmarried couples as long as they are foreigners and are even okay with guests not opening their shoes before entering the home.

Although, they have not managed to get permission from the Government they plan to maintain a register and fill up an online form for every guest.

Among so many ideas popping up to drive up the tourism influx in the country, it will be very interesting to see how this unique idea of ditching the hotel room for a slum, will be received by our foreign guests.