To soak in a contrasting way of life of rural Rajasthan and immerse oneself in the village life, a stay at characterful family-run homestays in Rajasthan is the best recommendation I have for you. Touring Rajasthan is inevitably try to pack in as much as possible and this seems incomplete without a stay in Rajasthani Homestay. Have a look at my 3-best authentic worth the homely stays with warm hospitality from the excellent hosts, making you feel home away from home!
Dev Shree
Sitting in a stunning Verandah overlooking the manicured lawn and a palm-fringed pool, with a view of serene Ragho Sagar lake to one side and the fort to the other, Dev Shree reminds me my one of the best experiential homely stays in Rajasthan, India. As I drove into Deogarh from the hustle of Udaipur city, with few turns and some narrow streets, suddenly open into the bygone era of grandeur. Run by the Scion of the Deogarh family, the welcoming owners Shatrunjai, Bhavna, and their sons, are extremely hospitable who could not do more for their guests. As they say, they have no chefs but the family cooks who have mastered the age-old Marwari recipes with some delicious homemade jams and marmalades. Food is the highlight of this heritage boutique homestay. I guess not least the best coffee in India!
Just about 4 km off from the Jaipur Udaipur interstate highway or 2 hrs drive from Udaipur Airport, this single floor property with 8 aesthetically charming and very comfortable large rooms set around a central courtyard. In fact, you will be amazed how cool the rooms were despite the blazing sun overhead, we barely thought of air conditioning despite 30 to 35 degrees temperature outside.
There are lots of interesting excursions with my favorite leopard spotting, the morning walk to the hilltop temple, a walk around the lake with an excursion to the ancient hilltop fort.
Chanoud Garh
Sprawling over 5 acres, this 300-year-old ancestral palace of Chanoud Garh, awestruck me the moment I gazed it with my nearing car. Under the perfect hospitality of Thakur Ajeet Singh and the family and of course their three dogs, this family-run palace will surely flashback you in the grandeur of yore and the era of gallant rulers of Rajasthan.
Looking through all the family’s antiquities, they have collected through the generations, I must say this is surely a royal Rajasthani, not-to-be-missed experience.
Do not miss a jeep ride to have the perfect glimpses of rural farm life, a walk through the village where children chase you to have a perfect snapshot, and last the wonderful cookery class by the Lady of the house, Anuradha.
Evenings around the fire pits are unforgettable, giving a perfect opportunity to chit-chat with fellow guests. It’s more like a house party than a hotel stay.
Devra Udaipur
Uniquely exquisite and what an out-and-out homely retreat! Home to the charming couple Major Durga Das & Jyoti Jasol, Devra Udaipur is my favorite country homestay with a tranquil, warm and rustic feel. The best part is, it’s a mere ten minutes’ drive from the Udaipur city center so hardy you will miss any famous attraction while leaving the city’s bustle aside. For perfect know-how of the Udaipur City, have a morning walk around the estate with Major Durga Das. From morning yoga on the veranda facing an 800-year-old temple to the heavenly home-cooked Local delicacies mostly made with homegrown veggies, Devra will simply make you immensely blessed. What best setting one can expect spending the day reading in the lawn with two friendly dachshunds and four tortoises around!