The winner of the Wild Asia Responsible Tourism Award for Community-based Homestays is part of the Mahindra Homestays programme that provides visitors with an insight into the culture, traditions, history and everyday family life in Spiti in the trans-Himalayan belt of Himachal Pradesh in India.

Homestay guests can experience Spiti�s �breathless� beauty at an average altitude of 4000m by staying with a choice of 15 families in their homes, some located in Komic, the world�s highest permanently inhabited village. Adrenaline junkies can opt for high-altitude trekking, mountain biking, river rafting or a yak safari.

Tourism to this region provides sustainable livelihoods for the community and a means of preserving the natural and cultural heritage. The local people also earn extra income from guiding, handicraft sales and cultural performances. Tourism now provides significantly additional income to the local community and helps these communities to improve their livelihoods.

This is the third year of the Wild Asia Responsible Tourism Awards, set-up by conservation group, WA. The Awards showcase exemplary resorts and small- community based ventures that are committed to sustainable practices.

Cut off from the rest of the world for six months of the year, the best time to experience this stunning region of India is from April to October. The cost including a guide for the duration of the Spiti Homestay is �35 per couple per night and includes all meals. For further information and reservations visit www.mahindrahomestays.com or call 0203 140 8422.

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Notes to Editors MAHINDRA HOMESTAYS Mahindra Homestays is an effort by Mahindra Holidays and Resorts India Limited to organise the growing Homestay industry in India and market it under a strong brand. Mahindra Homestays has set up a pan-India network of homes that delivers the real India through an enriching host- guest interaction. A Homestay is accommodation provided in a private home, with no more than eight rooms available for guests, run by the homeowner. Mahindra Homestays has implemented a stringent quality inspection system to ensure that the affiliated homes provide services and ammenities that meet the expectations of the discerning traveller. The Mahindra Homestays are situated in cities and tourist destinations across India and offer good value-for-money accommodation and a unique experience. MAHINDRA HOLIDAYS AND RESORTS INDIA LTD

Parentage Mahindra Holidays & Resorts India Ltd. is a part of the USD 6.7 billion Mahindra Group, one of India�s leading Industrial Houses. The Group has interests in various sectors such as automotive, farm equipment, trade and financial Services, infrastructure and information Technology.

Company Mahindra Holidays & Resorts India Ltd., (MHRIL) is a part of the Mahindra Group. Started in 1996, the company�s flagship brand �Club Mahindra Holidays� now has a fast growing customer base of over 75,000 members and 24 beautiful Resorts at some of the most exotic spots in India and abroad. MHRIL launched its third holiday brand, �Zest� in the month of November 2006. As at 1st April 2008, Zest has a member base of 2,172 members. For more details on Mahindra Group please visit: www.mahindra.com

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