A relaxing and private stay away from the bustle of the city at this friendly family-run homestay
Location: Peacefully tucked at the base of Mysore’s Chamundi Hills, Gitanjali Homestay offers a calm retreat just beyond the bustle of the city. A family-run homestay in Southern India, it offers a more personal and authentic experience than a hotel, where guests are welcomed like old friends rather than visitors. It’s the perfect base for discovering Mysore’s charm, from its royal palaces and art galleries to its leafy parks and colourful markets. Guests can wander through nearby gardens, cycle quiet country lanes, or visit the grand Mysore Palace and Jaganmohan Art Gallery before returning to the homestay’s peaceful gardens. With Ayurvedic spa treatments next door, a golf club and heritage landmarks nearby, and easy access to birdwatching at the Ranganathittu Sanctuary, this location balances convenience with tranquillity.
Rooms: With just five cosy rooms set in individual cottages, Gitanjali Homestay feels intimate and personal. Each spacious room includes air-conditioning, private bathrooms, and a shared verandah that overlooks the leafy gardens. The design is simple and elegant, combining local materials with homely touches that reflect the property’s family roots. You’ll find modern conveniences such as Wi-Fi and tea and coffee facilities, but the real luxury is the peace and privacy, accompanied only by the sound of birdsong.
Amenities: This is a true home-from-home experience, offering the warmth of family hospitality with thoughtful comforts. Guests can relax in the gardens, enjoy yoga classes, or request traditional Ayurvedic treatments at the spa next door. Home-cooked meals are a highlight, prepared using family recipes and local ingredients, with cooking classes available for those keen to learn. There is complimentary Wi-Fi throughout, free on-site parking, laundry and ironing services, car and bike hire, and special diet menus on request.
Activities: Guests can take part in yoga or cookery classes, enjoy a guided tour of Mysore’s cultural and heritage landmarks, or explore the surrounding countryside by foot or bicycle. Birdwatching within the property grounds is especially rewarding, with more than 80 documented species to spot. The homestay also offers tours focused on local culture, village life, and regional cuisine. Golf, horse riding, and day trips to the Ranganathittu Bird Sanctuary or nearby lakes can be arranged through the hosts.
Sustainability: Gitanjali Homestay takes a gentle, mindful approach to hospitality, keeping its footprint small and its atmosphere authentic. The family’s respect for Mysore’s natural surroundings is reflected in their care for the gardens and local birdlife, as well as their use of local produce and support for neighbouring small businesses. Guests are encouraged to embrace the slower pace of life, connecting with both the land and the local culture in a meaningful, sustainable way.
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When to visit India
Find out the best time to visit India with our month by month guide.
- Best
- Good
- Mixed
- Jan
- Feb
- Mar
- Apr
- May
- Jun
- Jul
- Aug
- Sep
- Oct
- Nov
- Dec
January
January is a great option for sightseeing in the north, days are clear and warm with minimal fog in the mornings. During this month, southern India provides a warm, sunny escape - properties in Kerala can fill quickly. If all that wasn't enough, visitors can experience some of the best mountain views in the Himalaya's - but you'll need to wrap up warm!
- Kite Festival in Gujarat
- Bikanar Camel Festival in Rajasthan
- Republic Day 26th January
February
February sees all the fog clearing in Northern states and it is regarded as one of the best months to travel as the whole country is warm and sunny. Visiting Delhi and the Golden Triangle are amazing during February and March, October and November but you will experience crowds at these popular sites.
March
One of the more popular months to travel, March is great for both weather conditions and cultural experiences, including Holi celebrating the victory of good over evil. If you're looking to go hiking, March is perfect in the Western Ghats. Visiting Delhi and the Golden Triangle is amazing during February and March, October and November but you will experience crowds at these popular sites.
- Holi Festival - world famous paint throwing celebration.
April
April sees temperatures sore country-wide, making it one of the driest and best months to go elephant and tiger spotting. As daytime temperatures can reach over 40 degrees we recommend excursions based in the mornings and evenings.
May
Temperatures and humidity continue to rise in May, reaching 45 degrees, which can make it uncomfortable. But wildlife viewings continue to be at their best as animals search for water sources.
June
From June, Ladakh is accessible offering incredible scenery and a complete contrast to the rest of India. Days are warm and bright, but you will need to pack layers for added warmth.
We recommend not travelling to Southern India and the Himalayas as humidity is high and thunderstorms are frequent as the country awaits the monsoon season.
July
Much like June, July offers incredible views across Ladakh whilst elsewhere monsoon season rains are imminent.
August
August is the perfect time to cruise along the Ganges thanks to the monsoon and its increased water levels.
September
September marks the end of the monsoon season and weather can still be unsettled across the country. If you're looking for good value travel, there can be some good deals in Rajasthan. Travel to Ladakh comes to a close as the season ends.
October
October is peak travel season, the rains end and the north of the country is warm. Visiting Delhi and the Golden Triangle is amazing during October and November but you will experience crowds at these popular sites.
- Mahatma Ghandi's birthday is celebrated on the 2nd October and is a national holiday.
- Diwali, the ancient Hindu festival of lights dazzles and illuminates the sky.
November
November is one of the best months to travel anywhere in India. Visiting Delhi and the Golden Triangle is amazing in November but you will experience crowds at these popular sites.
December
Southern India is sunny and warm in December, making it a popular option for yuletide celebrations. If you want to delve into northern culture, daytime temperatures as beautiful, however mornings and evenings can be cold and sometimes foggy.
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Nia
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