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.
Hotels featured or similar:- Delhi - The Estate, Jaipur - Madhu Pushp Bhawan, Udaipur - Pahuna Haveli, Pali - Castle Bera, Jodhpur - Surya Kunj, Delhi - The Estate
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.
Madhu Pushp Bhawan (Jaipur)
One of the more grand houses in the Mahindra portfolio. Of traditional Rajasthani architecture and filled with an impressive collection of traditional art and antiques, this home is run by a prestigious Raiput family. The host’s father used to be the Chief-Conservator of wildlife in Rajasthan, whilst his sister is a fashion designer.
No. of rooms: 7 / Perfect for: Couples and singles / Unique Experience: Cooking lessons; traditional Raiput customs and traditions; yoga master classes; in-room massages; visiting local temples; dancers and musicians performances at the house
Pahuna Haveli (Udaipur)
This 100 year-old, award-winning Haveli is a heritage home in Mewar, a traditional Raiput village. Rooms are lavishly and traditionally decorated, adhering to ancient ‘vastu’ principles. The host is a renowned gardener/artist. No. of rooms: 6/ Perfect for: Couples and Singles/ Unique Experiences: Cooking classes, nearby markets, in-room massages, bird watching, local folk singers perform at the house.
Suryakunj (Jodhpur)
A modern, yet traditional family home, Surya Kunj is close to the fort and Umaid Bhawan Palace. The host is an expert in the history and religions of Jodhpur and the family have an illustrious past with several military ancestors. No of rooms: 5/ Perfect for: Couples, Family/ Singles/ Unique Experiences: Open fi re dining; jeep, camel and horse safaris; archaeological sites, Bishnoi village dining , folk dancing, Ayurvedic massage.
Castle Bera (Pali)
This 280 year old royal fort was built by the Maharaja of Udaipur. Your hosts are erstwhile royalty and great company. This majestic Haveli with opulent rooms situated near the Jawai Bandh dam offers panoramic views of the Aravalli hills. Two of the four guestrooms have balconies that overlook the artistically landscaped garden. No. of rooms: 4 double rooms / Perfect for: Couples, families and singles, wildlife enthusiast, photography enthusiast / Unique Experiences: Safaris to spot leopards, crocodile, hyena and birds, village tour, visit to the local Devi cave temple, trekking, Ayurvedic massages.
Itinerary:
Day 1: Arrive Delhi
You will be meet at the airport be a representative and escorted to your transportation to “The Estate” a Homestay. After breakfast, visit Old Delhi where you will visit popular attractions such as Jama Masjid and Red Fort. Stop off at Karims for a quick bit before heading to the famous Chandni Chowk market. You tour continues to Raj Ghat - the cremation site of Mahatama Gandhi, Shanti Vana, the cremation site of Jawahar Lal Nehru lies adjacent to Raj Ghat. Other historic sites and popular attractions you visit today include Jantar Mantar, India Gate, Rashtrapati Bhawan, Parliament House, Janpath and Connaught Place market.
Day 2: Delhi
This morning you visit the magnificent Old Fort and have the opportunity to enjoy boat ride on the lake. Humayun’s Tomb and Hazrat Nizamuddin Auliya Dargah are other destinations you can visit after Old Fort. In the afternoon you visit the famous Akshardham Temple, Lotus Temple and Qutab Minar. During the evening you can explore the markets of Delhi where you can buy a range of items. After your day of sightseeing return to the homestay for an overnight stay.
Day 3: Delhi / Jaipur by surface
Today you head to Jaipur, famous for its marvelous architecture and town planning. You will reach Jaipur by late afternoon. After check in at “Madhu Pushp Bhawan”, have have the opportunity to visit the colourful bazaars of Jaipur and the City Palace complex with the delicate Palace of Winds and an interesting medieval observatory. Your evening is free to roam the markets of the old city and shop or watch a Bollywood movie at the art deco cinema hall of Raj Mandir.
Day 4: Jaipur
Before breakfast enjoy an early morning yoga session. Today you visit the magnificent Amber Fort where you can enjoy an elephant ride to the top of the hill where the fort is situated. After a light lunch near Amber Fort, you visit Tiger Fort and the battle fort of Jaigarh. An evening of entertainment and elaborate dinner awakes you at Choki Dhani.
Day 5: Jaipur / Pushkar / Udaipur
After an early breakfast you depart for Udaipur, en-route visiting Pushkar home to the only shrine dedicated to Lord Brahma in the world. Pushkar's Lake has 52 ghats and an array of temples along its banks. During the evening you reach your beautiful and award winning homestay “Pahuna Haveli”, where your hostess will be ready to greet you. Don’t forget to share your itinerary with her as she has wonderful tips to give you, like buying all your entrance tickets at one go as it is cheaper that way.
Day 6: Udaipur
After breakfast you visit Sahelion Ki Bari, Jagdish Temple where you can shop for souvenirs, Rana Pratap Memorial & Bharatiya Lok mandal. Enjoy lunch at a restaurant recommended by your hosts. During the afternoon to visit the City Palace, crystal gallery, Jag Mandir and watch the sunset on the boat ride on Lake Pichola and enjoy a light show in the City Palace.
Day 7: Udaipur / Bera by surface
After an early breakfast you continue your tour to Bera. This afternoon take in the history and grandeur of the royal “Castle Bera”. Relax for a while with your host before setting out for an evening safari, leopards are often seen during safaris. After an exciting safari enjoy dinner and a cultural program by a local musician.
Day 8: Bera
This morning you enjoy an early morning safari , watch crocodiles on the banks, migratory birds and local wildlife. After morning tea at Jawai Dam, you can enjoy a picnic overlooking the dam. The tour also visits the village and local temples . The evening calls for a vigorous "Tel Malish" by a local of the region, a safari to spot leopards and other animals like Blue Bulls and a relaxed dinner.
Day 9: Bera / Jodhpur
Today you have an early start, after breakfast you continue your tour to Jodhpur. During the afteroon you reach “Suryakunj” homestay, after check in let your host take you to the Bishnoi village where you can enjoy lunch. This evening you visit the Mandore Gardens, Balsamand Lake and local markets.
Day 10: Jodhpur
After breakfast enjoy a full day sightseeing including a half day at the Camel camp and the afternoon at Mehrangarh Fort, Umaid Bhawan Palace and Jaswant Thada.
Day 11: Jodhpur / Delhi by flight
Today you visit Delhi Haat, Chattarpur Mandir, Purana Qila, Bahai temple. The evening is a leisure to relaxed with a game of croquet or pampering yourself with the range of spa treatments they have available for you.
Day 12: Depart Delhi
Morning in time transfer to international airport for onward flight
Offer Includes:
- Return flights from London Heathrow to Delhi on Virgin Atlantic
- Domestic flight by Jet Airways for the sector Jodhpur / Delhi
- Airport taxes
- 11 nights accommodation on bed & breakfast
- All transfers and sightseeing tours by air-conditioned transportation
- 1 Elephant ride at Jaipur (subject to availability)
- 1 Boat ride on Lake Pichola at Udaipur (by shared boat)
- Services of local English speaking guide
- Monument entrance fees as per the itinerary
- Representative for assistance on all arrival and departure transfers
