Chandra Niwas Homestay, Udaipur India
Chandra Niwas is a homestay where hosts go out of their way to make you feel comfortable and satisfied. Samvit, the son of a small household and mastermind behind the family business can be reached via Facebook or email before setting foot in the country which is perfect for managing arrangements or expressing concerns/details. He’ll also gladly pick you up from the airport or bus station for a small fee and treat you to a cup of chai (or 3) at his favourite place before arriving at the homestay. If you’re open to it, his humour can ease flow of conversation so you feel like you’re talking to an old friend.
When you arrive at Chandra Niwas, you’ll find yourself on a local street without a traveler in sight and facing a charming, white 3-story building guarded by two St. Bernards. The dogs are friendly despite loud dispositions, only waiting on cuddles and attention. Samvit then gives you a full tour of the kitchen, dorm room, patios and staircases beautified by murals painted by travelers over the years.
I loved staying there because it was away from the busy tourist downtown core and in a local neighbourhood. If I did want to sightsee, Samvit gladly took on the role of chauffeur at no cost showing me the best street food, cafes and even upscale restaurants with magnificent views of Udaipur. As if I had my own personal guide in a new town, who happened to be genuinely amicable. I never felt stuck at the homestay, only relaxed and looked after which is a rare feeling traveling as a solo woman in India.
Samvit even took it upon himself to give me a tour of his NGO: two educational centres for impoverished youth on the outskirts of town. I got introduced to families of the studying children who invited me in for dinner, and I participated in games with the children. An eye opening experience that I wouldn’t of gotten had I not stayed at Chandra Niwas.
Not only is the whole family inclusive in their daily lives but they also adopted me in for the festival Diwali where I said prayers, lit candles and ate sweets with Samvit and his relatives. Late at night I’d watch the stars from one of the two patios or else join the family for chai sharing laughter and stories. By the loveliness of the host family and the quiet location, I’ll be sure to return to Chandra Niwas hopefully many more times.
