A Homestay isn’t simply somewhere to stay; many Homestays offer a range of activities which give guests the unique opportunity to experience the specific culture of the area. With everything that Homestays have to offer, they aren’t just a base from which to spend a few days exploring the local area, they are a holiday destination in themselves.
Hotel featured or similar:- Delhi - The Estate, Corbett, Homestead, Hoshiarpur - Citrus Country, Dharamshala - Om Mahal.
The Estate (Delhi)
Close to the airport, The Estate is a luxury home in tranquil South Delhi. Beautifully designed, the five guestrooms have private balconies. The hammock in the garden offers a peaceful interlude after a busy day exploring the city. No. of rooms: 7/ Perfect for: Couples, Families, Singles/ Corporate long stays/ Unique Experiences: Qutab Minar and the Hindu temple complex at Chattarpur.
The Homestead (Corbett National Park)
This sprawling farm bordering Corbett National Park offers not only access to one of the leading wildlife reserves in India, but also one of the warmest welcomes available from a host. A five hour drive from Delhi or Dehradun, The Homestead offers a cottage, three rooms and spa area to its guests (fitted out with an infinity pool, Jacuzzi and Turkish Hammam). No. of rooms: Cottage and 3 rooms / Perfect for: Couples, families and singles / Unique Experience: Safaris and elephant rides in the national park; fishing; stargazing; a complete farm experience; treehouse for the kids
Citrus County (Hoshiarupur Punjab)
Citrus County is located amidst picturesque village in Hoshiarpur. An ideal place to stay if you want to experience village life of colorful Punjab. Consisting of four rooms and six luxury tents, the homestay provides for five star facilities in a home like environment. Enjoy a refreshing swim at the homestay or a game of tennis with the host at their club. Orange twist, the lounge in the front lawn is an ideal place for chilling out or making interesting conversations. No. of Rooms: 4/ Perfect for: Couples, families, singles/ Unique experiences: Jungle safari, village safari and a tour of the family owned citrus county, shopping for handicrafts, astrology readings, cooking sessions
Om Mahal (Dharamsala)
The lavish colonial bungalow Om Mahal situated within a sprawling apple orchard, reflects the splendour of a bygone era. The original 44 room royal property was built in 1906 and has been renovated recently to suit modern living and tastes. The lovingly maintained homestay, with the mighty snow covered peaks of the Himalayas as a backdrop, is the home of one the leading statesman of the region. No. of rooms: 3/ Perfect for: Couples and families/ Unique experiences: An audience with His Holiness The Dalai Lama, Visit to Palampur tea plantations and tea tasting, paragliding at Palampur, Tibetan settlements and monasteries.
Itinerary:
Day 1: Arrive Delhi
Arrival and transfer to Homestay – “The Estate”
Evening , visit Old Delhi where you will see major attractions such as Jama Masjid and Red Fort. Also eat at Karims for Mughlai and do some shopping in the famous Chandani Chowk market. Next, head to Raj Ghat - the cremation site of Mahatama Gandhi, Shanti Vana, the cremation site of Jawahar Lal Nehru lies adjacent to Raj Ghat. Next, visit Jantar Mantar. Further, move towards historic site India Gate, Rashtrapati Bhawan and Parliament House.
Day 2: Delhi
This day in the morning visit the Old Fort, apart from a wondeful sighting you can also enjoy boating in the lake. Later visit to Humayun’s Tomb. In the afternoon, visit Lotus Temple and Qutab Minar. In the evening explore the markets of Delhi where you can buy a range of items. Enjoy shopping in Janpath and Connaught Place market. Come back for a refreshing swim at the homestay.
Day 3: Delhi / Corbett by surface
Early start to Corbett by road should get you there before lunch. You’ll find yourself loving it as soon as you get to “The Homestead”. Spend a relaxed afternoon and later take a jeep drive to the nearby jungle accompanied by your host and a short walk and visit to Mango and Litchi Orchards. Come back for a swim in the pool and sit with your hosts and enjoy some great tales they have to share on Jim Corbett and the national park.
Day 4: Corbett
Day visit to Corbett National Park with a safari and some chances to spot the elusive tiger. The afternoon is free to go fishing or enjoy the spa. Sit back and relax or work out a sweat at the gym. Take a cooking class and learn some Indian delicacies. A bonfire dinner is a perfect end to the day.
Day 5: Corbett / Delhi
Drive back to Delhi and if you are up to it visit Delhi Haat or take it light today and spend a relaxed evening at “The Estate”.
Day 6: Delhi / Hoshiarpur by surface
Get an early start for Hoshiarpur, reaching there by the afternoon. Experience true Punjabi hospitality and luxe at “Citrus County”. Have a relaxed lunch and get to know your hosts and the lovely house, take an evening tour of the farm with tea served there. Take a refreshing swim. Learn to cook Punjabi Chicken in a traditional tandoor Indian style. Relaxed bonfire dinner.
Day 7: Hoshiarpur
Have a late Breakfast. You can take a village safari on a village tractor or a bullock cart. Come back for lunch. The evening calls for jungle safari or you can spend your afternoon with the host at their club playing tennis, go out to the nearby village and shop for handicrafts, the lovely handmade handicrafts are great for gifting and are a must buy.
Day 8: Hoshiarpur / Dharamshala by surface
Drive to Dharamsala and on the way you will be stunning by the view and the changing landscapes. Dharamsala waits for you with its Namgyal Monastery funded by Japanese. Beautiful valleys, the Dauladar range views are magnificient. Enjoy some lovely Chinese and Tibetan food at Dharamsala. Visit the hosts garden and enjoy a walk. Go to the cricket stadium, the temples nearby or by. In the evening your hosts and treat you to a cooking session of Pahari food which is an experience in itself. You will be staying with erstwhile royalty at “Om Mahal”.
Day 9: Dharamshala
Visit McLeodganj. Visit "Little Lhasa" which is miniature Tibet where you can shop, see handicrafts. You can visit the Dalai Lama's house and temple and if His Holiness is in town you can even get an audience with him. Sip some coffee in cafes with wonderful dauladar range in the background. McLeodganj also have lovely restaurants with Israeli, German and French cuisine.
Day 10: Dharamshala
Today you should head out to Palampur which is a short drive away. Visit the tea plantations and have a tea tasting ceremony. Spend the day taking joy riders with paragliders, visit some temples that are nearby or even do a trek.
Day 11: Dharamshala / Delhi by flight
You can fly back to Delhi and overnight stay
Day 12: Delhi / London Heathrow
Morning in time transfer to international airport to board flight for London heathrow
Offer Includes:
- Returns flights from London Heathrow to Delhi on Virgin Atlantic
- Domestic flight by Kingfisher Red services for the sector Dharamshala / Delhi
- Airport taxes
- 11 nights accommodation on bed and breakfast board basis
- All transfers and sightseeing tours by air-conditioned transportation
- Services of local English speaking guide
- 1 Jeep safari at Corbett National (by shared jeep)
- Representative for assistance on all arrival and departure transfers
