The Structure and it’s History:
The mighty walls of the fort are about 18 meters high and run for 1.5 kilometres peripherally. It has three entrances – Bara Darwaza, Humayun’s Gate and the Talaqi Gate. The structure is primarily made of sandstone representative of the material used in other structures built under the regime of Humayun. White and coloured marble inlays have been used in places to give it deign interest. Parts of the fort reek of Mughal grandeur where architecture is concerned. This is seen in the elaborate balconies and pavilions.

It is said that Humayun built the qila as a refuge for the learned men for all Islamic sects. It was also known as the city of Dinpanah or ‘Refuge of the Faithful’! It is said that eminent thinkers used the venue for discussions on theology under the patronage of the emperor.

Purana Qila and the Modern Topography of Delhi:
During the Commonwealth Games, the Old Fort was one of the few monuments that were illuminated in the evenings to make the cityscape look impressive. If one went down Mathura Road during the games, the qila was brightly lit, making a resplendent setting.

Given that the fort is open to public all days, do not be surprised to see this monument double up as a venue for young couples and families to spend time.

Opening Times:
The summer timings of the Qila are 12.00 p.m to 7.00 p.m. In the winters, the timings change to 11.00 p.m to 6.00 p.m. Do check the timings before entry. The Purana Qila is open on all days

Entry Fee:
The fees for Indian citizens is Rs 5/- and for foreign nationals it is Rs 100/-. (These might be subject to change so please check at the counter).

What to See:
The light and sound show at the Purana Qila is choreographed to tell the story of the empire of seven cities within Delhi and the highlights the important features of the fort. This is a great way to add context to your trip instead of just seeing the structure. The show is held daily after sunset.

Find out more about Delhi and check out our list of attractions and sights to see in Delhi

Related posts:

1. The Crucial, the Quirky and the Hip: Top 12 Things To Do Delhi
2. A dreamy day at the Kingdom of Dreams in Delhi
3. An Architectural Extravaganza – The City Palace, Jaipur

Delhi – Amritsar – Dharamsala – Shimla

On this exciting highlights of north India itinerary you will venture off the beaten path and discover new areas of north India. Your trip with take you to Delhi, Hoshiarpur and Dharamsala giving you the opportunity to see some of India’s major attractions, experience rural life and immerse yourself in culture. Your trip will provide you with unique photo opportunities and the chance to experience real India.

Mahindra Homestays have prepared this special nine day itinerary, which can be tailored to suit your requirements. Instead of sharing your experience with a large group of tourists you will be able to enjoy your own private tour using local drivers and staying with Indian families in their beautiful homestays. Enjoy their warm hospitality and delicious home cooked cuisine as they share local highlights that you won’t find in any guidebook.  This itinerary combines fantastic value with responsible tourism.

Contact us to get the latest offers on this tour and to have it tailored to your requirements

Day 1: Delhi

On your arrival in Delhi you will be transferred to the Darshan Homestay where you will enjoy the warm hospitality of your hosts Col. Mohinder Walia and his wife, Sonia Walia in their sun-lit home. Suggested activities for the day include discovering the Indian art of Henna application, participating in an Indian cooking class or shopping in the local art and craft shops.

Visit Old Delhi where you will see major attractions such as Jama Masjid and Red Fort. There are plenty of activities to enjoy here, how about shopping in the famous Chandni Chowk market? Or head to Raj Ghat – the cremation site of Mahatma Gandhi and Shanti Vana – the cremation site of Jawahar Lal Nehru. Alternatively head towards historic sites such as India Gate, Rashtrapati Bhawan and Parliament House.

Day 2: Delhi
In the morning visit the Old Fort and after you have had your fill of sight seeing around the fort you can also enjoy boating in the lake. Humayun’s Tomb and Hazrat Nizamuddin Auliya Dargah are other destinations you can visit after the Old Fort. In the afternoon, visit the Akshardham Temple, Lotus Temple and Qutab Minar. In the evening explore the markets of Delhi where you can buy a range of items. Come back for a relaxed dinner at the homestay.

Day 3: Amritsar
Take a train or flight to Amritsar and check into your homestay. You cannot miss the beautiful Golden temple and the delicious Punjabi food at your homestay. Then in the evening you can travel to Wagah Border to watch the flag lowering ceremony at the India – Pakistan border and come back to your homestay for dinner.

Day 4: Dharamsala
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. The Dauladar range views are magnificent over the valleys. Enjoy some lovely Chinese and Tibetan food at Dharamsala. Visit the hosts garden and enjoy a walk. Go to the cricket stadium and visit the temples nearby. In the evening enjoy a cooking session of Pahari food which is an experience in itself. Stay at Santushti homestay which is filled with surprising little offerings like a tucked away swimming pool.

Day 5: Dharamsala
Visit McLeodganj. Visit “Little Lhasa” which is miniature Tibet where you can shop for 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 the wonderful Dauladar range in the background. McLeodganj also has lovely restaurants with Israeli, German and French cuisine.

Day 6: Shimla
Drive from Dharamsala to Shimla and take the day easy. Take in the beautiful old English summer capital. Walk down the mall road, go people watching and relax with your hosts at the homestay Mid Hills.

Day 7: Shimla
Today you can use the day to see the various sites of Shimla. The mall road is the central point and the town centers around this. Visit the Ridge and Christ church. Sit at the many cafes and enjoy a coffee.

Day 8: Shimla
After breakfast, visit Kufri (2500 meters), which is a 2 hours’ drive from Shimla and is the Winter Sports capital of Shimla. Visit: Naldehra – famous Golf Course, Indira Bungalow, Himalayan Zoo. Enjoy a restful final evening at your homestay before catching an early morning flight back to Delhi for your connecting flight home.

Your tour includes:
Nine nights accommodation on a bed and breakfast basis. A private driver will be available for all ground transfers which includes airport pick up and drop off, inner city travel and sight seeing throughout the day. You will also be able to enjoy complimentary internet access, laundry services and tea or coffee anytime during the day as part of the package

FROM PLAINS TO HILLS TOUR PRICE

This package is available from £861/ 61950 INR / $1511 USD for two people sharing but can be fully customised to suit your personal needs and tastes. Please note that prices are subject to currency fluctuations. Prices are valid until March 2012.

Click here to make an online enquiry about this highlights of North India Itinerary Itineraries can be customized according to your needs.

Please note that all sightseeing are suggestions only and cost of entry, shopping, and other entertainment is not included in package.

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2. Golden Triangle India
3. Monuments and National Parks

The latest addition to list of attraction around the capital is one that outshines its counterparts across the world. It’s a fantasy themed region inspired by traditional Indian architecture, costumes, music, gypsies and mysticism. This larger than life place is called Kingdom of Dreams and here’s what you need to know about it.

ZANGOORA
The star of Kingdom of Dreams is the spectacular Bollywood musical, Zangoora. The show is based on the life of a prince who was lost as a child and grows up amongst gypsies. The show’s pyrotechincs, acrobats, music, dance, colour and spirit have compelled people to place it above most Broadway productions. Absolutely stunning. Steve Wynn is amongst the shows admirers and it has been reported that he’s taking Zangoora to his hotels in Las Vegas.

FOOD
Almost all Indian states are represented at the Kingdom of Dreams’ Culture Gully. Extravagant havelis represent Rahasthan and Lucknow, a massive kettuvalam houses the Keralite restaurant and a small manmade beach sits pretty next to little Goa. Shopping for the products that are iconic of each region is popular amongst guests albeit they are priced steeply.

DANCES
While you’re enjoying your lunch or dinner you can enjoy periodic dances which are performed outside ‘Lucknow’. Various Indian folk dances are performed after every 30 minutes or so.

IIFA Buzz Cafe
For Hindi movie buffs the Bollywood centric IIFA Buzz Cafe is a good place to sit back and enjoy a few drinks. The competitive pricing and unique theme keeps the people coming in after sunset.
PRICING: On weekdays the entry ticket for an adult is INR 500, 70% of which is redeemable in the form of food. On weekends the entry ticket goes up to INR 750 per adult. Prices for Zangoora start at INR 750 and are not included in the entry charges. The doors of Kingdom of Dreams open at 1pm.

LOCATION
Kingdom of Dreams is located in Gurgaon. Once near the IFFCO Chowk Metro station, well placed boards direct people easily to the destination. One can take a metro to this station and then reach by rickshaw otherwise taxis can be hired from Delhi itself.

STAY
Browse our homestay collection in Delhi

Images supplied with kind permission from Kingdom of Dreams

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1. Transport in Delhi – Getting Around on the Metro
2. The Crucial, the Quirky and the Hip: Top 12 Things To Do Delhi
3. Things to do in Delhi and the National Capital Region

TRANSPORT IN DELHI – MEET THE METRO
The Delhi Metro has changed commuting across Delhi and NCR. It’s made travelling for the locals and visitors cheaper, faster, safer and easier. For the first time, people in Delhi are not at the mercy of an auto-rickshaw driver’s whims. Here are the reasons why the Delhi Metro is the capital’s new best friend.

CONNECTED
The Metro network covers most parts of Delhi and the NCR. The Central Secretariat Station is the main station from where metros in all directions can be taken. Think of it as the Penn station or the Waterloo station of Delhi, the hub of transport in Delhi.

CLEAN
The word ‘immaculate’ is more appropriate when describing the trains as well as the stations. No corners are cut in their maintenance and littering is not tolerated at all.

SAFE
The Metro can boast of a great safety record. To date the network has been free from accidents. The first compartment of every train is reserved for women. Men should not board these even by mistake.

CHEAP
A metro ticket costs merely Rs. 15. For the Metros which will soon serve the airport the ticket is expected to be higher. Yet, in either case your basic fare will be significantly cheaper than any other mode of transport.

FAST AND PUNCTUAL
Metros are highly punctual and serve every station very frequently. The exact time of the next metro’s arrival is displayed clearly at every station. Journeys from South Delhi to Gurgaon which by car can take up to 90 minutes are covered in 15 minutes by the Metro.

CONS
The Metro is cheap, fast and safe. So no wonder it is crowded beyond belief during peak hours. This is especially true of the Central Secratariat Station. It’s best to avoid peak hours – around 9.30 am and 5.30 pm.

Find a homestay in Delhi

Other articles of interest:
Things to do in Delhi and the National Capital Region
Homestays in Delhi offer a warm welcome to visitors
10 great destinations to combine with Delhi

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Delhi is a vibrant melting pot of all things India. First time visitors can easily find themselves overwhelmed by the chaotic city packed full of ancient monuments, vibrant colours and buzzing activity. We discover some of the best things to do in Delhi and the National Capital Region to help you plan your visit.

1. Monuments in Delhi
The capital of India has innumerable monuments, most of which were built by the Mughals. Some of the most prominent monuments in Delhi are the Red Fort, Qutub Minar and  Humayun’s Tomb.

• The Red Fort is a huge and almost an entire day needs to be dedicated to it.
• India Gate is one of the most recognizable symbols of the Capital. It is open to all and gets packed with families and tourists in the evening.
• Don’t miss the lavish President’s House (The Rashtrapati Bhavan).
• Rajghat where Mahatma Gandhi’s Samadhi is seen is another historically important monument.

2. Places of worship In Delhi
There are many revered holy places in Delhi. Some of the most famous amongst them are the Bangla Saheb, Akshardham temple, Bahai’i temple (also known as the Lotus Temple) and Jama Mazjid.

• Jama Mazjid is one of the biggest mosques in the world.
• The Bahai’i temple is a very serene Buddhist temple famous for meditation and prayer.
• Bangla Saheb is a highly revered Sikh temple.
• The grand Akshardham temple, which is fairly new, is very popular amongst families.

3. Shopping in Delhi and NCR

Shopping for handicrafts is high on most visitors lists of things to do in Delhi. The ideal places for ethnic products are Janpath and Dilli Haat but for high-end indulgence people can head for the opulent Emporio Mall.

• Dilli Haat is known as mini-India because all Indian states are represented at this open air complex. Artists from every part of the country showcase their talent in the form of handicrafts, furniture, apparel and even dying skills. It’s not just a shopping complex as food stalls dedicated to each Indian state also serve up an endless plethora of cuisines.
• Locally known as C.P. is Connaught Place where one finds the notorious Palika Bazar, an underground market where knock-off gadgets and pirated goods are sold.
• Very close to CP’s main area is Janpath, a favourite amongst trendsetters for its ethnic items.
• Gurgaon is known for its malls and the biggest amongst them is Ambience Mall. At this mall there are rides, endless stores and a multiplex.
• Big Bazaar is where crowds head for major bargains.

4. Golfing in Gurgaon
Enjoying a game of golf is a popular thing to do in Delhi. There is an important Golf club in Delhi but the one in Gurgaon is considered more prestigious. The DLF Golf Club is a great place to enjoy a relaxing game of golf or just unwind watching others play.

5. Surajkund
This is the site of the famous annual festival. It is usually held in February, in Faridabad. It’s a favourite not just amongst shoppers but also photographers.

6. Golden Triangle
The trinity of Delhi-Agra-Jaipur is called the Golden Triangle. Most operators in these cities provide dedicated tours that cover all three. Tours to suit all budgets and which cover the main parts of these cities are easily available.

• Explore the Golden Triangle with our seven day package

7. Neemrana Fort
Two and a half hours drive from Delhi and en-route to Jaipur is Neemrana fort. This fort is a leading heritage resort, a glamorous place where people come to enjoy lunches and even weekend getaways. Day tours from Delhi can easily be arranged.

• Tourists can learn about the fort’s history, flora and fauna while at the same time enjoying a unique heritage aerial adventure experience with the Flying Fox zipwire.

Practical Information

• Where to stay: take a look at some of our Delhi homestays which are all located in prime locations.
• October-March are the best months to visit Delhi. December and January can get quite cold and foggy at night, monsoon lasts from the end of June to mid-September, May and June are very hot and dry.
• Delhi is served by the Indira Gandhi International Airport (IGI). The International Terminal is 23km from the centre and the Domestic Terminal is 15km from the centre. To get to the town it is possible to take a taxi or airport coach.
• There are three main railway stations: The New Delhi Station near Connaught Place, the Hazrat Nizamuddin 5km south of Connaught Place and the Old Delhi (Main Station), 2km north of Connaught Place.
• Most historical sights are open from sunrise to sunset, but many attractions are closed on Mondays
• Discover more about Delhi and the National Capital Region.

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1. WHAT IS IT?: Diwali is widely and aptly known as ‘the festival of lights’. In its most popular form it is celebrated amongst Hindus to celebrate the homecoming of Lord Rama after slaying Ravana. In essence, it the celebration of good over evil. Historically, the people of Ayodhya lit lamps to welcome Lord Rama and Lakshmana after their victory and this tradition is carried on by Hindus. Over centuries some changes have come about in the rituals. Oil lamps have been replaced to some extent by candles and lights, particularly in urban area. Firecrackers, which used to be a big part of the festival as recently as 15 years ago, have now become mostly obsolete. This was largely due to initiatives taken to boycott them due to their adverse environmental impact and practices of their manufacturers in employing child labour. But still, the simple and integral prayer ceremony is performed in every single Hindu home on Diwali.

2. WHEN IS IT?: The Diwali festival falls every year in November or sometimes in late October. Diwali is a two day festival. The first day, called ‘Chhoti Diwali’, is when a small prayer is performed at home. The following day is when all the festivities happen. Diwali is celebrated exactly 20 days after Dussehra and coincides with Amavasya (a no moon night). In 2010 Diwali falls on the 5th November and on the 26th October in 2011.

3. WHERE IS IT?: A Hindu family whether located in Delhi or Denver will celebrate Diwali in the best way possible. Markets, homes, hotels are all lit up beautifully. Diwali fetes of varying sizes spring up in every colony of Delhi, offering games, food, and amusement of many kinds. The fete of Old Delhi is particularly famous and a great experience for those who don’t mind crowds. The celebrations can be loud and noisy, but there are plenty of good places to watch the fireworks and join in.

4. SPECIAL TIP FOR VISITORS: Diwali, save visiting the fetes, is mostly a family festival. One of the best ways for outsiders to enjoy it, is by staying with relatives, friends or in a homestay. This allows guests to enjoy all the festivities first hand and even participate in their own little traditions. A visit to a temple with the family is also a moving experience.

5. THE LESSER KNOWN DIWALI: While the Diwali known commonly is the one celebrated by Hindus, the Jains also celebrate Diwali. Their celebration is to honour the day when their Saint Mahavir attained moksha. Most of the rituals are similar to Hindus. Home are lit up by families and a prayer is performed in the evening followed by a feast with relatives and sometimes friends. The only major difference is that the family goes to a local Jain temple in the morning and offers a ‘laddoo’ made entirely of sugar.

6. GAMBLING AND DIWALI: Gambling is illegal in most of India but in the weeks following up to Diwali everyone tries their luck at least a little. This is because Diwali is also the festival of Goddess Laxmi, the Goddess of wealth, and it is said that she is generous with her followers at this time. In fact, many homes don’t even lock their doors on Diwali as they believe Laxmi visits the house of her devout followers and should not find it locked. To take advantage of her generosity, game nights are very popular.

If you want to celebrate Diwali in a family homestay get in touch with us or leave us a comment and our reservations team will be happy to help you plan your celebrations.

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While parts of the city are still subject to last minute building work and finishing touches our homestays are located away from this activity in prime colonies in areas of South Delhi that are known for their smart homes. With large rooms, lush lawns and big backyards you will find a relaxing refuge from the sometimes frantic streets of the city.

The homestays are located in guarded colonies offering reassurance about safety and before they become a member of the Mahindra Homestay family, background checks of the host families are performed by the local police.

If you are looking for somewhere to stay in Delhi take a look at our recent blog post:
The Commonwealth Games 2010: Where to stay in Delhi

If you want to get out of Delhi and see some more of India during your read:
10 Great Destinations to Combine with Delhi

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On this exciting north India tour you will visit Delhi, Agra and Corbett giving you the opportunity to see some of India’s most beautiful highlights. From a visit to the iconic Taj Mahal to tiger spotting in the breathtaking Corbett National Park your trip will provide you with unique photo opportunities and the chance to experience real India.

Delhi – Agra – Corbett

Mahindra Homestays have prepared this special seven day itinerary, which can be tailored to suit your requirements. Instead of sharing your experience with a large group of tourists you will be able to enjoy your own private tour using local drivers and staying with Indian families in their beautiful homestays. Enjoy their warm hospitality and delicious home cooked cuisine as they share local highlights that you won’t find in any guidebook.  This itinerary combines fantastic value with responsible tourism.

Contact us to get the latest offers on this tour and to have it tailored to your requirements

Day One: Delhi
On your arrival in Delhi you will be transferred to the Darshan Homestay where you will enjoy the warm hospitality of your hosts Col. Mohinder Walia and his wife, Sonia Walia in their sun-lit home. Suggested activities for the day include discovering the Indian art of Henna application, participating in an Indian cooking class or shopping in the local art and craft shops.

Visit Old Delhi where you will see major attractions such as Jama Masjid and Red Fort. There are plenty of activities to enjoy here, how about shopping in the famous Chandni Chowk market? Or head to Raj Ghat – the cremation site of Mahatma Gandhi and Shanti Vana – the cremation site of Jawahar Lal Nehru. Alternatively head towards historic sites such as India Gate, Rashtrapati Bhawan and Parliament House.

Day Two: Delhi
Spend your second day in Delhi exploring and discovering some of its most famous sites. Visit the Lotus Temple, Qutub Minar, Ladhi Garden and the Red Fort. Your own private driver will be available all day to take you to the sites you choose to visit.

Day Three: Agra
Travel from Delhi to Agra, home to India’s most iconic landmark the Taj Mahal. Make sure you also visit the Agra Fort and Itmad-ud-Daula’s Tomb. Once again your own personal driver will accompany you around the city. Spend the night at the delightful Garden Villa, where you can enjoy tea in their lovingly maintained garden.

Day Four: Agra
Visit India’s most iconic landmark the Taj Mahal and Fatehpur Sikri. You can choose to have an evening cooking class with homestay owners with a traditional North Indian meal that you can then enjoy for dinner.

Day Five: Corbett
An early start to Corbett by road/train should get you there before lunch. Spend a relaxed afternoon and later take a jeep drive to the nearby jungle accompanied by your host at Camp Corbett. Come back sit with your hosts to enjoy some great tales they have to share on Jim Corbett and the national park. Jim Corbett National Park is a favourite getaway for explorers and wildlife lovers. The park houses many endangered species such as tigers, chital and sambar.

Day Six: Corbett
Day visit to Corbett National Park with a safari and some chances to spot the elusive tiger. Explore the landscape on a jeep or elephant safari and keep your camera ready with stunning panoramic views of the Shivalik and the Himalayas. The afternoon is free to go fishing. Take a cooking class and learn some Indian delicacies. A bonfire dinner is a perfect end to the day.

Day Seven: Delhi
Drive back to Delhi and if you are up to it visit Delhi Haat, Chattarpur Mandir, Purana Qila, Bahai temple or take it light today and spend a relaxed evening at your homestay before flying back.

Your Monuments and National Parks tour includes:
Seven nights accommodation on a bed and breakfast basis. A private driver will be available for all ground transfers which includes airport pick up and drop off, inner city travel and sight seeing throughout the day. You will also be able to enjoy complimentary internet access, laundry services and tea or coffee anytime during the day as part of the package.

Special offer
This package is available from £587 / 42200 INR / $1030 USD total price for two people sharing but can be fully customised to suit your personal needs and tastes. Please note that prices are subject to currency fluctuations. Prices are valid until March 2012.

Monuments and National Parks Tour Telephone Reservation Assistance:
Open from Monday through Saturday from 09.00 – 17.00 (GMT).

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2. National Parks of India – The Great Himalayan National Park
3. National Parks of India – Eravikulam National Park

HOMESTAYS IN DELHI

Located in gurgaon’s Hero Honda Chowk is Birchwood homestay, a warm homestay with three spacious and comfortable rooms. The homestay’s large living and dining areas, it’s small garden and backyard are great places to unwind.  The home is close to all the great mall of Gurgaon and Sultanpur Bird Sanctuary.

For those who appreciate old world charm, history and the spirit of Purani Dilli (Old Delhi) Casa homestay is the perfect choice. Located in an old residential building in Daryagunj, this homestay has large guest bedroom with en-suite bathroom, dining and living area. Casa is a short drive from Chandni Chowk, which offers a uniquely Indian shopping experience and has some of the best street food served in India.

Delhi Bed and Breakfast is a centrally located in Delhi and in close proximity to all of the city’s most famous tourists destinations. The house has a vibrant décor with Rajasthani influences. The homestay rooms are sweet and warm with en-suite bathrooms. The communal area is designed to let in natural light.

Built in 1974, House of Lords is located in the posh Friends Colony.  The House of Lords homestay has two large guest rooms, a big living room and a dining area where homemade dishes are served. The living area has an attached balcony where one can sit and enjoy people watching. Most of Delhi’s popular landmarks and shopping centers are just a short drive from the homestay.

Serene homestay acts an oasis within the chaos of Delhi’s urban life. The homestay has an earthy, warm and soothing ambience. It has three spacious double bedded rooms with well stocked ensuite bathrooms and a huge living room with a small balcony attached. Located in South Delhi it is nearby the major shopping and dining hubs of Delhi like Connaught Place, Janpath, Hauz Khas Village and Dilli Haat.

The Estate is peaceful homestay in Mehrauli, far from the hustle bustle of the main city. It has four guest rooms with private balconies facing the lawn and a family suite. The lawn has a hammock and a swing seat and is great place to relax. The homestay is close to the Qutab Minar and the beautiful temples in Chhattarpur.

WHY CHOOSE A HOMESTAY?

There are lot’s of advantages for staying in a homestay for the Commonwealth Games 2010:

• Spacious rooms: These homestays have large rooms, big terraces, lush lawns and sometimes even big backyards. Most Mahindra homestays are located in prime colonies and these areas of South Delhi are known for their smart homes.
• Safety: As many of our homestays are found in prime locations they are inherently safe. The colonies are well guarded and before they become a member of the Mahindra Homestay family, background checks of the family are performed by the local police.
• Service with a smile: Hosts at the homestays truly give meaning to the age-old Indian adage: Atithi Devo Bhava (Guest is God). Most homestays are small which enables the hosts to give personal attention to their guests. Food is always freshly prepared at home and includes continental cuisines and regional delicacies.  The hosts are almost always fluent in English.
• Modern facilities: When a homestay ties up with Mahindra Homestays it comes with a guarantee of modern facilities at par with most hotels. Rooms come with en-suite bathrooms with hot and cold running water and internet and Laundry services are provided. On request pick-ups and drops to airports, train stations as well as customized sightseeing tours can be arranged easily from the homestay.
• High standards: Before associating with a homestay, the home is audited and checked for cleanliness, safety and comfort. Mystery audits are conducted regularly to ensure strict adherence to standards. Honest feedback, as received from the guests is posted on the website.
• Extend your visit: A trip to enjoy the Commonwealth Games can be part of a longer exploration through India. Custom tour packages are easily available. Our  homestays range from forts and palaces in the Indian heartland to sprawling farms overlooking Kerala’s backwaters. Even homestays located in the midst of wilderness are available to enchant you from Ladakh to Sikkim and way down South.

Find out more about staying in a homestay or browse our Delhi collection.

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2. Rooms In Delhi: New Homestays Offer Space And Comfort
3. The Mighty Old Fort in Delhi

Eleven Delhi

Delhi homestay bedroom

Eleven Delhi is an elegant and spacious homestay, located in one of Delhi’s premium areas on a tree-lined road. Although just two years old, it has become very popular through word-of-mouth. Glowing guest reviews from single travellers and young families, plus recommendations on top travel site TripAdvisor have made this homestay a popular choice. A friendly and proficient staff of five attend to guests’ needs, and owner Mr Anand maintains the homestay’s four fully-equipped rooms, two spacious common areas and its lavish garden. These are some of the most attractive rooms in Delhi – and they’re less than 1 kilometre away from Humayun’s Tomb, Nizammuddin Railway Station and the India Habitat Centre.

Trendy B&B

Delhi homestay owner

With its mix of modern and contemporary interior and use of colours like red and maroon in contrast with peach or white backgrounds, this South Delhi homestay lives up to its name. The rooms are neatly furnished and spotless. It’s about 15 minutes ride from Connaught Place market and run by social and warm Madhu Taneja, who has been there for 40 years. Madhu is a former teacher and has many friends spread across the world. She enjoys chatting with guests about Hinduism, culture, her experiences in life and also learning about guests’ cultures and lifestyles. The homestay is homely and comfortable. Its double-bedded rooms are elegantly furnished with modern bathrooms attached to them.  If you’re looking for rooms in Delhi that are close to spots like India Gate, the Lotus Temple and Humayun’s tomb, this is a good choice.

To book homestays in Delhi and see the other rooms we have on offer, take a look at our Delhi homestays page.

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