Accommodation in India Archives - Page 4 of 4

Our Stay at Chandra Niwas Homestay Udaipur

Posted on November 7, 2014May 6, 2025 by Harsh Sonawala

We chose Chandra Niwas as our first homestay whilst in Udaipur and weren’t we glad! After a long train journey from Mumbai, a heartfelt welcome at a very warm home is just what we needed. We instantly hit it off with Samvit and our trip across Rajasthan began on a high note!

Dr. Samvit Audichya runs Chandra Niwas homestay (named after his mother Chandra and Niwas meaning abode). He is also a philanthropist and is the founder of Daan Foundation, an initiative that helps in the development and education of rural children. We visited the learning centre and interacted with the kids who were engrossed in playing Uno and Carrom. Visiting the villages lets you into an entirely different Udaipur. If you would like to be involved and contribute to a social cause, you can either participate in the cultural exchange programme that Samvit organises or be a volunteer at the learning centre.

The most homely place to stay in Udaipur – Chandra Niwas Homestay (Picture Credit)

What we love about Chandra Niwas Homestay

*Read as ‘Absolute Highlights’

His collection of antiques! I just couldn’t stop admiring them. Most of them are old woodworks from old temples/forts modified into door panels, centre tables, jewellery boxes. Beautiful!
There is nothing fancy or over the top. It is a simple homestay with a lot of heart.
Samvit, himself! The ultimate chai-lover is the life of the place and such a great host.
You get to meet and hang out with other travellers.

Lovely artifacts at Chandra Niwas Homestay

What we like about Chandra Niwas Homestay

Read as the ‘Nice things about this place’

The rooms and bathrooms are very clean. All the basic requirements are available in each room.
The lovely breakfast served in the common area and the fact that you can have as many cups of chai as you please.
The homestay is just a rickshaw ride away from the main attractions of Udaipur.

Neat and Clean homely rooms (Photo Credit – Chandra Niwas Homestay)

What we did not like

You may want to be aware of these points

I had absolutely no complaints and definitely looking forward to another visit. But do bear in mind to keep your sightseeing schedule in check because if not, then you will only end up having long chats over pyaaz ki kachori (onion kachori) and chai with Samvit!
Being away from the city, you cannot sit on the rooftop and gaze at the glistening lake or the lit up city palace. But, then neither will you see so many other tourists

Cooking with Samvit (Photo Credit – Chandra Niwas Homestay)

Chandra Niwas is Ideal for

Backpackers
Single travellers
A long stay in Udaipur
Guests interested in visiting Samvit’s NGO and education centre

Daan Foundation (Photo Credit – Chandra Niwas Homestay)

Rates for Chandra Niwas

The room prices during season start from INR 1,500 including breakfast.
To Book – Contact Person: Samvit Audichya
Website: http://www.chandraniwas.com/
Daan Foundation: http://www.daanfoundation.org/
Reviews on TripAdvisor of Chandra Niwas: Click here

To plan a unique and economical trip across Rajasthan, contact us.

Udaipur stay in Lake view v/s Non Lake view room

Posted on October 27, 2014May 6, 2025 by Harsh Sonawala

Udaipur is famously known as the ‘City of Lakes’ and it would seem like a moot point to even have this discussion.

The Majestic City Palace of Udaipur sits on the banks of Lake Pichola

A lovely homestay in Udaipur

On my last visit to Udaipur, I decided to check for myself the hoopla over the ‘lake view’. On our first day, we decided to stay in a homestay and chose Chandra Niwas. Chandra Niwas is on the other side of the old city. Samvit who owns and runs Chandra Niwas was there at the gate to greet us. He took us out for chai and samosa, we chatted for hours on end. We also met another traveller who was staying there and ended up spending the whole time in Udaipur together. It definitely didn’t feel like we were in a hotel or a stranger’s house, it felt like home! We nearly decided to stay there for the other two days because we were so at ease and comfortable at Chandra Niwas.

Chandra Niwas exudes a warm homely feeling

The Lake view experience in Udaipur!

The next day we checked into Kankarwa Haveli, where we were upgraded to a Lake-front Suite. We entered our room and I instantly fell in love with it! It all suddenly made sense. Being in Udaipur, right in the middle of all the action and being in a room that overlooks the flowing water glistening like gold under the rays of the sun…absolutely magical Udaipur was our first stop but it usually is the last destination when you start your trip from Delhi and travel across North India. Rajasthan is mostly deserts and forts and monuments but Udaipur at the end is like finding an oasis in the desert.

Not many hotels have rooms which offer a clear unparalleled view of the lake but nearly every hotel in the Lal Ghat area has a roof-top restaurant and having a meal in one is a definite must. Our favourite roof-top restaurants were Jagat Niwas and Zostel; for the view and for the lip-smacking food too.

The serene view of Lake Pichola from our suite in Kankarwa Haveli

A boutique hotel in Udaipur away from the city

The next day we went to Fateh Garh. Fateh Garh is located 7 kms away from the city perched on a hilltop commanding views of the city below. The Aravalli mountain ranges go as far as the eye can see. At Fateh Garh, it feels like you are in a completely different zone. Away from the crowd, in complete serenity, it is just you and the amazing view around you. The mountains beckon!

Coming back to the point of discussion, having a room with a lake-view would be the highlight of your stay. If you are on a romantic holiday then without a doubt choose a hotel with the lake view. Travelling alone; go for a homestay and if you are the type who likes staying away from the crowd, then a place like Fateh Garh is for you. Spend more than two nights in Udaipur and you can split your stay. They are no pros and cons to either, it is just about choosing between different experiences.

Embrace Opulence: India’s Luxury Accommodations

We plan trips across all budgets. So just get in touch with us if you are interested in a tour similar to the one described in this blog.