Mahindra Homestays » homestays

Monsoon Magic! 50% off Indian homestays

Mahindra Homestays — Thu, 17 Jun 2010 11:39:30 +0000

The monsoon season has arrived in India and with that in mind we’re offering a monsoon magic discount on Mahindra Homestays bookings.

This huge discount applies to bookings between 1st July and 15th October, you’ll get a massive 50% off the usual price! This offer applies to the majority of our homestay properties.

It’s the perfect excuse for a bargain break to experience the diversity of India. While you can expect some rain the monsoon doesn’t mean it will be raining all day and there are plenty of activities you can enjoy even while it is wet. You will find nature at it’s best with waterfalls and lakes at their most spectacular.

Just go over to our main site, choose a homestay that’s taking part in the offer, pick your preferred travel dates and see the discount price appear. Click and reserve your accommodation.

We also have three special India tours that are on special offer as part of the monsoon magic promotion:

Explore beautiful southern India with our South India Tour: The Kerala Spice Trail.

Enjoy the mesmerizing beaches of Goa with our Goa Holiday Tour: Go Goa!

Visit Delhi, Agra and Corbett and experience some of India’s most beautiful highlights with our Indian Sojourn: A North Indian Tour.

There has never been a better time to book a homestay experience.
So book now – this is a limited time offer and conditions apply.

The Commonwealth Games 2010: Where to stay in Delhi

Mahindra Homestays — Mon, 10 May 2010 04:53:42 +0000

The Commonwealth Games 2010 are scheduled to be held in Delhi between 3 October and 14 October 2010. The games will be the largest multi-sport event held in Delhi to date and will attract thousands of visitors to the city. If you are not sure where to stay during the Commonwealth Games 2010 consider one of our six new homestays in Delhi.

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.

Escape the heat of summer: Popular hill stations in India

Mahindra Homestays — Fri, 16 Apr 2010 04:31:50 +0000

With summer knocking at North India’s door, it’s time to plan the annual escape and head for the hills. But unlike the past, this season discover an unexplored side of the most popular hill stations in India by staying in a homestay.

1. Make the most of Manali
A short drive from the main Manali town is Manali Meadows (pictured above), a homestay enveloped by serenity and undisturbed natural beauty. The peace of the surroundings is carried into the décor of the house, which is soothing and warm. This homestay in Manali has three spacious and distinctly styled guest bedrooms, each with an ensuite bathroom and a balcony, which affords guests a different view of the region’s beauty. Tucked away in the foothills and surrounded by infinite cedar trees the homestay’s offers different vistas with every season. The homestay’s front lawn has a small camping tent for those who wish to rough it out for a night. The main Manali town, many monasteries, the snow clad Rohtang Pass and the over 400 year old Hidimba temple are all nearby the homestay. Treks, skiing, white water rafting and other adventure sports can be easily arranged for guests. For a more relaxed interaction with nature, you can go to a farm to enjoy orchard farming, honey collection and other rural activities.

2. The best of Bhimtaal
A testing climb from Bhimtaal will take you to an oak forest beyond Jangali Gaon (Wild Village) where you will come across Emerald Trail (pictured above), a homestay perched on the highest edge of the village. All the rooms in this homestay are large and offer enchanting views of the region’s grand hills and deep valleys. The home is bedecked with antique furniture and the generous use of wooden panels enhance the warm feel radiated by the home. The house has lots of open sitting areas, where children can run around and play for hours. At the homestay you can lend a hand in the daily chores which include milking the cows, picking vegetables and feeding the animals. Tours to the revered Kailash Mandir, Ranikhet, Naukuchiyataal, Bhimtaal, Saattaal and more can be organized with ease. Many nearby trails offer opportunities for walking, cycling and treks. Stargazers will find the family’s telescope handy when it comes to spotting bright constellations. Paragliding can be enjoyed from a site near the homestay.

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3. Homestays in and around Nainital
Set in 8 acres of land The Cottage (pictured above) radiates grace, peace and history. The homestay’s living room is believed to have been the site where Swami Vivekanada meditated under a tree. The home began hosting guests fifteen years ago with just one room but now five exquisite rooms are available for guests. Other than the sprawling home, the property also houses a fruit orchard and animals like the barking deer can be seen from the house. With many echelons the homestay is reminiscent of a playful maze, which surprises you with each turn and corner. Rare paintings done by famous artists as well as previous visitors adorn home and speak of the bond formed between the guests and the host. The bathrooms, much like the home, are cheerful, creative and aesthetically done. The homestay is close enough from Nainital, Bhimtaal, Sattaal and Naukuchiyataal for day tours to be comfortably undertaken then, in the evening, return to The Cottage for a bright bonfire and to see the lights of the region make an “Aum” symbol.

The Hive (pictured above) is a buzzing homestay, which was built in the 1860’s. It boasts of a British colonial architecture complemented by impeccably maintained landscapes. The home has a rich history as it was the home of Christopher Corbett, Father of Jim Corbett. Today The Hive serves as a prestigious homestay for guests of Nainital. Perched on the Ayarpatta hill, The Hive is within walking distance to the Mall road but far enough from its noise and chaos. The homestay has four large and welcoming suites, all with ensuite bathrooms. From the patio you can enjoy picturesque vistas of the region that’s rich with flora and fauna. The home has an old world charm with a warm and earthen ambience that’s enhanced by the generous use of wood and sunlight. The homestay has a private restaurant but also an outdoor verandah – perfect for enjoying snacks and tea in the company of vibrant flowers. The home is just 100 meters away from the protected forests of Ayarpatta hill allowing you to be close to nature and protecting the home from the ill-effects commercialisation. Major attractions near the homestay are the Naina Lake, Nanda Devi temple, St. John’s church and Naina Peak. The Mall is an ideal place for walks, shopping for locally produced goods and trying lip-smacking street food.

Cloaked by the majestic Shivalik range is The Nest Cottage, a peaceful retreat overlooking the Jim Corbett National Park. The homestay has seven lovely private cottages perched on different echelons of the property, offering divines sunsets to guests. A charming fireplace and use of stone and wood in each room augments the natural feel of the property. A rain water harvesting pool feeds the homestay’s greenhouse. Organic cereal, fruits and vegetables are grown on the owners’ farm nearby which are used for self-consumption and sale. The region is rich in trekking trails, which are also suitable for quiet strolls. Picnics in the jungle are great fun followed by bird watching in Kumaon. Popular sightseeing destinations like Nainital, Bhimtaal, Naukuchiyataal, Sattaal etc. are a short drive away. Lesser known gems of the region like natural springs and the ancient caves of Pangot are also nearby. Horse riding can be arranged for children who also enjoy picking fresh produce at the family’s farm.

4. Where to stay in Shimla
Deep Jyoti (pictured above) is a quiet homestay, just 15 kilometers from Shimla town. Located at the base of Tarab Mountain, the homestay is neat and comfortable. The common dining area has a large attached kitchen where vegetarian delicacies are served. The homestay’s three cozy rooms have en-suite bathrooms and all the rooms have large windows to let guests interact with nature. A trek from the home to the top of the Tarab Mountain will lead visitors to the Tara Devi temple, which offers panoramic vistas of the region. A visit to the nearby villages and sightseeing to Solan’s many forts, sanctuaries and temples can be arranged.

Mid Hills homestay is perfectly located between areas of protected forests, protecting it from development so it retains its peace. The homestay is set to the background of rich forests, apple orchards and more. The homestay is split into two with one section is for the hosts and the other a dedicated area for guests. This affords guests privacy but keeps them in contact with the family. The guest rooms are modern and charming. Their large windows allow sunlight to filter in and wake up guests with a glorious view. The homestay’s two balconies are available for the pleasure of guests and from here one can soak in divine vistas of the region around. Village tours can be organized for guests’ cultural education and walks.

Find out more about staying in a homestay

India Business Travel: Why Homestays Make Sense

luke — Fri, 13 Nov 2009 05:44:59 +0000

India Business Travel - Homestays Make Sense

Photo: Hyougushi

Our new India business travel podcast

India homestays are proving to be a popular choice over hotels for travelling business people.

With facilities and extras like wi-fi and highly attentive staff, they more than match the offering from hotels. Yet with expert local knowledge, homecooked cuisine and friendly family hosts, there’s so much added value to enjoy in a homestay.

And of course they are often more economical, which keeps finance chiefs happy in these prudent times.

We got the chance to speak to one of our recent UK guests. Company director Alison has just returned from meetings across India. She is an enthusiastic user of homestays and she told us why. Listen to our first podcast in the player below and hear the voice of a real homestay guest and her experiences as a lone businesswoman travelling the real India.

“Overall the homestays completely exceeded my expectations,” says Alison. “They would certainly match probably a four or five star hotel. The food was superb. The help from hosts was fantastic. All in all it was very good value and I would recommend them.”

Listen to Alison’s interview and let us know your thoughts.

We have homestays in many India cities as well as popular tourist areas, and our network is growing rapidly..

Credits
Podcast music under CC license with thanks to pingnews

If you want to download this India business travel podcast and listen later, right click on this link and save.

Deewali Accommodation – Book Now, Limited Rooms Available

luke — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 16:12:01 +0000

Deewali rooms (Image CC: sowri)

Deewali is coming (16, 17, 18 October) and we still have some homestays available if you are planning to travel to celebrate the festival.

The following locations all currently have room space: Delhi, Goa, Coorg, Mysore, Alleppey, Bangalore, Thekkady, Kottayam, Munnar, Wayanad, Cochin and Kumarkom.

Many of these are running our new discount offer, recently announced.

There’s still time to secure yourself a room and enjoy Deewali along with the warm hospitality and comforts that Mahindra Homestays delivers.

Happy Deewali!

Announcing Our New Winter Discount

luke — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 04:05:02 +0000

Today we announce our new special offer for the winter season.

When you book three nights or more with us, you’ll get an attractive 25% discount from the price.

Book two nights and we’ll give you 15% off.

This offer applies to a wide selection of our comfortable and friendly India homestays.

We’ll be running this significant price reduction from 1 October 2009 until 31 March 2010. This offer will not be valid for stays between the 20th December 2009 and the 1st of January 2010.

Take a look at all our homestays across India and choose your favourite.

Dogs Welcome: Pet Friendly Accommodation

luke — Wed, 30 Sep 2009 14:15:46 +0000

Pet friendly hotels - dogs welcome

If you’re a dog owner and you’ve ever tried to take your pet on holiday you may have noticed: India has very few pet friendly hotels.

But choose Mahindra Homestays and you are unlikely to have a problem.

Many of our beautiful properties will welcome your dog – and they’ll even provide free food for him or her. And if you want your pet to stay in your room with you, that usually isn’t a problem.

So if you cannot find any pet friendly hotels, take a look at what we offer across India. Our network includes popular destinations such as Munnar, Nainital, Udaipur, Coorg, Jaipur and Ooty.

Even dogs receive a warm and friendly welcome with Mahindra Homestays.

Take a look at our India homestays.

Front page image credit: Orre

40 India Travel Tips For Foreign Visitors

Mahindra Homestays — Thu, 03 Sep 2009 08:32:43 +0000

Canadian blogger Violet Dear (pictured above) recently shared all the things she wished she’d known before she set out for India.

Among them, we were delighted to read, was a warm recommendation for the many benefits of India homestays.

Homestays are amazing – seek them out whenever possible. This is often the only place where you can get real homecooked Indian food made by a woman (women in the North do not work outside the home except in Delhi and Punjab) The food, the atmosphere, engaging people in conversation, participating in daily life – this is what traveling is all about. Forgo fancy hotels – I recommend as many homestays as you can do. My 2 favourites were Orchard Huts (ask for Nitin) in the Chamba Valley, and Green Palm Home (ask for Thomas) near Alleppey.

We’re very pleased that a traveller who has spent a serious amount of time observing the wonders of India recognises the joy of homestays.

Take a look at Violet’s 39 other insights.

If you are a first time India visitor you will find them helpful; if you are Indian you will no doubt find the outsiders’ perspective fascinating.

Jodhpur, Rajasthan: 5 Photos That Burst With Its Colour

Mahindra Homestays — Wed, 26 Aug 2009 03:00:09 +0000

Been to India’s ‘Sun City’? We’re currently collecting Jodhpur tips and highlights in preparation for another of our popular things to do articles. We’d love to know what you rate as the best sights and activities in this popular Rajasthani city. Please leave your comments below.

In the meantime we’ve been trawling Flickr for images that show off the vibrant colours that Rajasthan is famous for. Below we’ve handpicked our favourites.

Although Jodhpur is known especially for its dominant blues, the city is washed in brightness and startling contrasts. As these photos illustrate.

A Western visitor takes a Jodhpur baby onto her lap

The city rooftops

The Sadar Bazaar in Jodhpur is one of the oldest markets in India

Mehrangarh Fort

Smiling locals

Need a colourful holiday? See our Jodhpur homestays.

British Actor Hooked By Kerala – Extreme Fishing Adventure

Mahindra Homestays — Fri, 21 Aug 2009 03:00:26 +0000

We are active on Twitter and were interested to see recently that UK drama star Robson Green has been sharing his India adventures on the popular social networking site.

Green is currently filming series two of Extreme Fishing for the British TV channel, Five. The programme sees him attempting to land some of the wildest and most elusive sea creatures in the world alongside some of the globe’s most skilled fishermen.

All through his trip Green has been Twittering his experiences and photos.

On 12 August he landed in Kerala and announced he would be “catching a snake head along with a bout of kalaripayattu..(sword fighting) may be my final tweet!”.

He went on to update followers with tales of crocodile infested swamps, boat rescues and the many uses of a coconut. Locals invited him to take part in a Kathakali performance. Appropriately he was awarded the role of a fish.

Although he decided in retrospect he decided it was a bad idea to fish Kerala during the monsoon season, he concluded his trip in a happy fashion by celebrating Independence Day on Vembanad lake.

We look forward to seeing this installment of Green’s TV travelogue when it is broadcast on Five.

In the meantime if you’d like to experience some extreme fishing in Kerala yourself, or even just a gentle spot of line-hanging on calm waters, take a look at the vast number of homestays we have there. You’ll land yourself a half price holiday if you book before 30 September.

You can follow Green’s continued fishing adventures on Twitter.