1. The Holy Trinity
Khajuraho is a UNESCO world heritage site located in Madhya Pradesh, India. The site draws millions of visitors from across the world who are fascinated by the temples’ erotic and intricate carvings. Unbeknownst to most people, there are actually three temple complexes in Khajuraho – the Western, the Southern and the Eastern. The main complex is the Western complex where temples dedicated to Shiva, Vishnu and Laxmana stand stoic and proud. Less than 2 kilometers away are the other two sections, where one can also see many temples dedicated to Jain teerthankaras.

2. Let there be Light and Sound
Narrated by Amitabh Bachchan, a one hour long light and sound show tells the remarkable story of the 1000-year old heritage site. The show is held on the premises of the main complex and combines the temples’ legendary tales with their illustrious history. The show also illustrates the deeper meaning of the depictions seen on the temples and helps convey the larger message of the temple’s creator.

3. Take away
In Khajuraho there plenty of shops that sell clothes, artifacts, souvenirs and much more. While there are plenty of the traditional t-shirts and bags you shouldn’t leave without buying a few cheeky mementos to take home. Look out for bottle openers, statues and key chains with motifs that have been inspired by the temple’s erotic side. The mementos are inexpensive and make fun gifts for friends and family.

4. Feast with royalty
Right across from the main complex are many cafes and restaurants offering cuisines from all across the world. If you want to enjoy the true flavor of the region, then another option is dining at a homestay where you will be served delicious homemade dishes, which are often made using secret family recipes.

5. Made to order
Popular beer brands are easily available in most places in Khajuraho but if you wish to have a locally brewed delicacy, then the Mahua will be perfect for you. The delicious and potent drink is almost exclusively made in the area of Nagod, near Khajuraho, and is a great way to experience the regional flavour. Mahua isn’t bottled or mass produced but given prior notice the homestays in Nagod would be happy to arrange it for you.

6. Orange sunset from the Blue Sky
Directly opposite the main complex is the Blue Sky Restaurant and their charming tree house is a wonderful place to watch the sun as it sets behind the temples of Khajuraho. There is a charge for in the tree house as opposed to the other parts of the restaurant but it’s certainly worth the extra Rs. 50 per person.

7. Be treated like royalty and like family
Unlike a few of the uninspiring hotels of Khajuraho, a truly unforgettable experience is to stay in one of the homestays nearby. The ideal options are the Alipura Palace in Alipur and Rajmandir in Nagod. Both homestays are less than two hours away from Khajuraho and share a royal history. While the Alipura Palace is up to 300 years old and exudes mesmerising old world charm, the Rajmandir in Nagod is a charming fusion of Indian heritage and modern conveniences. Both the homestays and their families are immensely warm and welcoming. A stay with them will be the perfect complement to a day at the historical Khajuraho temples.

Practical Information

• Khajuraho has its own airport connecting it to most Indian metros.

• Tripods are not allowed inside the site without prior, written permission. Although, small lockers are available inside for use it is wiser to leave them in the car or the room.

• Ideal time to visit Khajuraho is between late October and March.

• Tickets to the light and sound show are available for Rs. 90. The show is held twice a night. At 6:30 pm in English and at 7:40 in Hindi. Timings are subject to change.

• Khajuraho is approximately 125 kilometers from Nagod as well as Alipura.

• Private and reliable cabs can be readily organized by the homestay owners at reasonable prices.

• Credit cards are not accepted in most places and ATMs are seen rather infrequently.

Have your own tips for things to do or about the temples of Khajuraho? Add a comment to share them with us.

Find out more about the temples of Khajuraho and look for a homestay on the Mahindra Homestays website.

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1. Things to do in Kumarakom: Six reasons people keep coming back
2. Things to do in Kollam: Eight reasons why we can’t stop raving about Kollam.
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1. In and around Bhimtal
Bhimtal is most famous for the Bhimtal Lake, which is the largest lake in the district of Nainital. The placid wonders of this lake are best discovered by boat but a walk around the lake’s perimeter is also a nice and quiet way to explore the region. The cool breeze and an almost perennially pleasant weather ensure that people can start as well as end their day with lovely long walks. People can be seen strolling along the lake at the crack of dawn and then heading out for a well-deserved breakfast. On the lake’s island one can find an enchanting aquarium, which recently replaced Bhimtal’s famous but overcrowded restaurant. At the aquarium you can see many species of fish from all over the world.

2. Historic visit
The privately owned museum in Bhimtal is a great place to learn about the history and culture of the region. Ancient artifacts, tools made of stone and objects of great historical value are on display at the musuem. You can also learn about traditional rites and rituals as well as see samples of the region’s rock art. Another great way of learning about the region is by interacting with homestay owners. As many locals have opened their homes to tourists, they have also provided outsiders the opportunity to experience the region in its most authentic and endearing form. Interacting with such hosts provides people with valuable insight into the local life and history. People here are filled with enchanting stories, which cannot be found in any institution of museum.

3. Trip to Nainital
Nainital is a popular hillstation located in Kumaon, which is famous for its innumerable activities and natural beauty. It is serene yet lively at the same time and has many activities for the whole family. Day tours from Bhimtal to Nainital are easily available and strongly recommended. Overnight stays at one of many Mahindra homestays can be easily arranged for discerning tourists who would like more than a day trip.

4. Trip to Naukuchia Tal
Located at a height of over 1,200 meters is the beautiful and languid Lake Naukuchia tal. The lake is just 4 kilometers from Bhimtal and cabs can be hired on the spot for a day or half-day tour. Naukuchiatal is a haven for bird watchers as it attracts countless migratory birds from across the world.  Other activities like boating and trekking are also poular things to do.

5. The land of seven lakes
Saat Taal (Seven Lakes), which quite poetically is located just 7 kilometers from Bhimtal is another quiet place to enjoy a day tour. Saat Taal was named after its seven lakes. Two out of the seven original lakes have dried up but the remaining five are vey popular with tourists. The lakes are rich with fish and are frequented by fishing enthusiasts.

6. Hills with the White Carpet
A short trip from Mallital will lead you the picturesque Snow View Point. The viewpoint is perched at 2270 meters above sea level and the journey can be undertaken by ropeway or on horseback. Both experiences have their own charm and once at the view point, visitors are greeted with panoramic vistas of majestic snow-clad mountains.

If you would like to experience Bhimtal for yourself why not stay at one of our Bhimtal homestays.
Already been? Let us know what would be top of your things to do in Bhimtal list.

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1. The blessed Backwaters
No trip to Kumarakom is complete without a cruise on Lake Vembanad. Kettuvallams or houseboats can be seen languidly passing by on the lake and are easily available for hire. Some homestays have their own fleet of houseboats, which they rent out to guests. The benefit of renting a kettuvallam from a homestay is that you don’t have to worry about organising anything and that it usually comes with delicious home cooked meals. Depending on time-constraints, you can opt for an hour-long tour or overnight stays on the houseboats. Most homestays can organise day tours that will take you to a local village for a hearty, local lunch and to observe how coir products are made by the villagers. For cruising through the canals, one can try vallams or canoes. Practically every home has a personal vallam and one can easily borrow it for a few hours if living in a homestay. As you float along the canals, you can simply feel the concept of time float away as well.

2. Bird watching
On the banks of Lake Vembanad is the Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary. The 14-acre area is home to countless indigenous species of birds. And also houses many migratory birds from as far away as Siberia and the Himalayas. Commonly sighted visitors here are the Siberian stork, egret, darter, heron and teal. The Pathiramanal Island is another great place for bird-watching.

3. Snake boat race
The world-famous snake boat race last only a few minutes. But the memory, of the oarsmen rowing furiously and thousands of spectators cheering their hearts out, lasts an eternity. Though races are organised all through July and August, the most impressive is the Nehru Trophy, which is held in Alleppey, on the 2nd Saturday of August. Some homestay owners are closely associated with organizing the event and can get you the best seats in the house, a definite advantage considering that thousands of people attend this event.

4. Rare recitals
The Kathakali and Mohinattam are amongst Kerala’s most well known dance forms. Their recitals can be seen in many folk centres but homestay owners also organize personal recitals for their guests. Another ancient Indian art-form that’s recently gained popularity is the Kalaripayattu. This martial art is enormously hard to perfect and requires years of strenuous training, which usually begins for a child at the age of six or seven. Kalaripayattu performances for commercial purpose are infrequent. But with the aid of a local, you can experience its rare and humbling performance.

5. Feast and toddy
To enjoy the regional cuisine in a local ambience, head to a village. The dishes served here are brilliantly flavourful and the seafood they prepare cannot be replicated anywhere else. The perfect accompaniment to the rich meal is a freshly made glass of Toddy. This is a locally made alcohol and in its purest form is very potent. Another advantage of staying in a homestay is that they make a great place to experience local delicacies. They’ll serve you unforgettable and divine dishes, which big, branded hotels don’t even seem to know exist. Most families will be happy to share their secret recipes with you.

6. Ayurvedic Treats
The best complement to a cruise on the backwaters, also affectionately known as the “laidback waters,” is a relaxing Ayurvedic massage. Massage centres promising stress-relief and more have mushroomed all over Kerala in the last few years. But if you are residing in a homestay, your hosts will be invaluable assets in directing you towards genuine and reputed centres with truly skilled therapists.

Discover more about Kumarakom and search for a homestay.

Mahindra Homestays features a number of properties in other areas of Kerala including in Alleppey, Cochin, Kollam, Kottayam, Munnar, Palakkad, Thekkady, Trivandrum, Varkala and Wayanad

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The February photo of the month was the most hotly contended yet with over 750 votes, yet only 2% separating first and second place. Congratulations to Rahul for his stunning image entitled Meditation. Rahul wins an Amazon gift voucher - it will be on its way to you soon.

For the next photo of the month competition we want you to suggest a topic! Add your comment below with what you think would make a good theme. It can be anything you like – but has to have an Indian connection! Take a look at some of our past Indian photography competitions for some inspiration.

We will pick our favourite suggestion and open the competition soon.

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Explore beautiful southern India with our Wonders of Kerala tour. From relaxing on golden beaches to trekking through the National Parks you will be able to sample some of the best of southern India.

Mahindra Homestays have prepared this special nine day itinerary, which can be tailored to suit your interests. Instead of sharing your experience with a large tour group you will be able to enjoy your own private tour using local drivers and staying with Indian families in their beautiful homestays. They will  be happy to share with you the local highlights and will welcome you with warm hospitality and delicious home cooked cuisine. This itinerary combines fantastic value with responsible tourism.

Day One: Cochin
On your arrival in Cochin you will be picked up and taken to Noah’s Ark homestay where your hosts Jerry and Diana Kocherry will welcome you into their bright and cheerful home. Spend the afternoon sightseeing, the Chinese Fishing Nets and beach are just five minutes away, or take a tour to Vasco De Gama’s burial ground. St. Francis Church, Santa Cruz Basilica or the Dutch cemetery which are also popular local sites to visit.

Day Two: Cochin
Spend the day relaxing on the beach and exploring the local area. Enjoy a local cultural show with a music and dance recital and perhaps enjoy some shopping in Ernakulam.

Day Three: Munnar
After an early start visit an Elephant Training Camp travel along winding hilltop roads to Munnar where you will check into the Royal Mist Homestay where you will find a warm welcome and spectacular views waiting for you. The combination of Munnar’s refreshing climate, its High Range hilltops and luxuriant spice and tea gardens makes it an exceptional holiday destination.

Day Four: Munnar
Spend the day shopping for spices and visit the beautiful Kodagu Valley.

Day Five: Munnar
Enjoy a visit to the Rajamalai National Park, Tea Museum and Athukadu Waterfalls. There are many activities offered around Munnar and your homestay hosts will be happy to make arrangements for you.

Day Six: Alleppey
Travel back to the coast and check in at Vembanad House which enjoys beautiful views of the backwaters. With its interconnecting canals and wealthy trading history, Alleppey is often known as “The Venice of the East”. Visit a 16th century Church and spend the evening at the beach.

Day Seven: Alleppey
Enjoy some of the wide activities on offer such as a cooking class, temple visit, exploring the backwaters with a canoe, visiting the local bird sanctuary or trying your luck with some fishing.

Day Eight: Alleppey
A day to relax, why not try an Ayurvedic Massage or go shopping in Alleppey Town?

Day Nine: Alleppey
Travel back to Cochin for your journey home having enjoyed some of the wonders of Kerala.

Your Wonders of Kerala tour includes:
Nine nights accommodation on a bed and breakfast basis, with your choice of a delicious home cooked Indian meal at either lunch or dinner time daily. A private driver will be available for all ground transfers which includes airport pick up and drop off, inner city travel and sight seeing throughout the day. You will also be able to enjoy complimentary internet access, laundry services and tea or coffee anytime during the day as part of the package.

The total package price for this itinerary is from £670 / 47,625 INR / $1040 USD and can be customised to suit your needs and any specific accommodation requirements you have. If you would like to create your own bespoke itinerary contact our travel experts who will be happy to assist you.

Wonders of Kerala Tour Telephone Reservation Assistance:
Open from Monday through Saturday from 09.00 – 17.00 (GMT).

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1. Golden Triangle India – your own private tour
2. Indian Sojourn – A North India Tour
3. Kerala Honeymoon Package: India Homestay Special For Newlyweds

Mahindra Homestays have prepared this special seven day itinerary, which can be tailored to suit your requirements. Instead of sharing your experience with a large group of tourists you will be able to enjoy your own private tour using local drivers and staying with Indian families in their beautiful homestays. Enjoy their warm hospitality and delicious home cooked cuisine as they share local highlights that you won’t find in any guidebook.  This itinerary combines fantastic value with responsible tourism.

Day One: Delhi
On your arrival in Delhi you will be transferred to the Darshan Homestay where you will enjoy the warm hospitality of your hosts Col. Mohinder Walia and his wife, Sonia Walia in their sun-lit home. Suggested activities for the day include discovering the Indian art of Henna application, participating in an Indian cooking class or shopping in the local art and craft shops.

Day Two: Delhi
Spend your second day in Delhi exploring and discovering some of its most famous sites. Visit the Lotus Temple, Qutub Minar, Ladhi Garden and the Red Fort. Your own private driver will be available all day to take you to the sites you choose to visit.

Day Three: Agra
Travel from Delhi to Agra, home to India’s most iconic landmark the Taj Mahal. Make sure you also visit the Agra Fort and Itmad-ud-Daula’s Tomb. Once again your own personal driver will accompany you around the city. Spend the night at the delightful Garden Villa, where you can enjoy tea in their lovingly maintained garden.

Day Four: Corbett
Arriving in Corbett you will be welcomed by Bunny and Amu in their sprawling farm bordering the Corbett National Park. Wheat, sugarcane, litchis, mangoes and a variety of other fruits and plants flourish around The Homestead and you can enjoy t0day relaxing by the pool, enjoying the spa or getting involved with the activities on the farm.

Day Five: Corbett
Take a trip to the Jim Corbett National Park, a favourite getaway for explorers and wildlife lovers. The park houses many endangered species such as tigers, chital and sambar. Explore the landscape on a jeep or elephant safari and keep your camera ready with stunning panoramic views of the Shivalik and the Himalayas.

Day Six: Corbett
Spend the day exploring, take a bullock cart ride or cycle around the 150 acres farm. Fishing enthusiasts can take a short trip to a nearby river. A popular sport with the family, you will have plenty of records to try and break.

Day Seven: Delhi
Return you back to Delhi for your flight back home.

Your north India tour includes:
Six nights accommodation on a bed and breakfast basis, with your choice of a delicious home cooked Indian meal at either lunch or dinner time daily. A private driver will be available for all ground transfers which includes airport pick up and drop off, inner city travel and sight seeing throughout the day. You will also be able to enjoy complimentary internet access, laundry services and tea or coffee anytime during the day as part of the package.

The total package price for this itinerary is from £680 / 47,770 INR / $1,040 USD and can be customised to suit your needs and any specific accomodation requirements you have. If you would like to create your own bespoke itinerary contact our travel experts who will be happy to assist you.

India Sojourn – North India Tour Telephone Reservation Assistance:
Open from Monday through Saturday from 09.00 – 17.00 (GMT).

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1. Golden Triangle India – your own private tour
2. Discover southern India with our Kerala tour
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Enjoy your own private Indian tour and stay in Mahindra Homestays Award Winning pan India network of homestays with this bespoke itinerary. Discover the real India, staying in beautiful family homes where you are assured of a warm welcome and delicious, genuine home cooked cuisine.

Mahindra Homestays have prepared this special seven day itinerary to capture the highlights of India’s famous Golden Triangle. Instead of sharing the experience with a large group of tourists you will be able to enjoy your own private tour which can be tailored to suit your requirements. This itinerary offers fantastic value and responsible tourism.

Day One: Delhi
On your arrival in Delhi you will be transferred to the Darshan Homestay where you will enjoy the warm hospitality of your hosts Col. Mohinder Walia and his wife, Sonia Walia in their sun-lit home. Suggested activities for the day include discovering the Indian art of Henna application, participating in an Indian cooking class or shopping in the local art and craft shops.

Day Two: Delhi
Spend your second day in Delhi exploring and discovering some of its most famous sites. Visit the Lotus Temple, Qutub Minar, Ladhi Garden and the Red Fort. Your own private driver will be available all day to take you to the sites you choose to visit.

Day Three: Agra
Travel from Delhi to Agra, home to India’s most iconic landmark the Taj Mahal. Make sure you also visit the Agra Fort and Itmad-ud-Daula’s Tomb. Once again your own personal driver will accompany you around the city. Spend the night at the delightful Garden Villa, where you can enjoy tea in their lovingly maintained garden.

Day Four: Jaipur
Today you will travel to Jaipur where you will be staying at Silver Sands homestay. Visit Hawala Mahel, take a trip to Choki Dhani and explore the beautiful “Pink City”.

Day Five: Jaipur
With your driver available for sight seeing throughout the day visit temples like the ancient Jharkhand Mahadev Temple.

Day Six: Jaipur
Enjoy a day of relaxation and perhaps visit a textile museum stopping off to buy handicraft products if you wish. You can also Surya Mandir.

Day Seven: Delhi
Your driver will return you back to Delhi for your flight back home, hopefully feeling refreshed having discovered true Indian hospitality.

Your Golden Triangle India Tour includes:
Six nights accommodation on a bed and breakfast basis, with your choice of a delicious home cooked Indian meal at either lunch or dinner time daily. A private driver will be available for all ground transfers which includes airport pick up and drop off, inner city travel and sightseeing throughout the day. You will also be able to enjoy complimentary internet access, laundry services and tea or coffee anytime during the day as part of the package.

The total package price for this Golden Triangle India tour is from £500 / 35,000 INR / $755 USD and can be customised to suit your needs and any specific accommodation requirements you have. If you would like to create your own bespoke itinerary contact our travel experts who will be happy to assist you.

Golden Triangle India – Telephone Reservation Assistance:
Open from Monday through Saturday from 09.00 – 17.00 (GMT).

Related posts:

1. Indian Sojourn – A North India Tour
2. Discover southern India with our Kerala tour
3. Jaipur Invites You With All Its Culture And Colours

1. Follow the Light
Thangasseri is a quiet seaside village which is home to many historically invaluable remnants. Here, one can find the remains of an intriguing Portuguese fort and many churches that were built in the 18 century. Also located in Thangasseri is the Thangasseri Lighthouse. The lighthouse stands at a height of almost 150 feet and offers lovely vistas of the surrounding area.

2. Divine Landscapes
Less than 30 kilometers from Kollam is the important pilgrim center at Sasthamkotta. The town’s Sastha Temple is an ancient temple, which draws people in large numbers. The other reason people find their way towards this hidden gem is because of the natural beauty surrounding it. Here you will find Kerala’s largest freshwater lake, embraced by hills on three sides. The town is connected to Kollam by frequent buses but a more convenient option is hiring a private taxi which can be easily arranged by one’s homestay hosts.

3. Picnic at the Palaruvi
Approximately 75 kilometers from Kollam are the Palaruvi Falls. The majestic falls cascade from a height of over 300 feet. Splashing around in the river is safe and fun for the entire family. The lush woods, surrounding the waterfalls, are a great place to host a picnic. Taking a homemade picnic freshly prepared at your homestay will be a great idea and the homestay owners would be happy to pack you a feast. Undertaking a trek through the woods is a great way to explore the area and to work up an appetite.

4. Holy Holiday
Mayyanad is the most popular tourist destination around Kollam. Just 10 kilometers from the city, Mayyanad is famous for its nine temples and the Sree Sankaracharya shrine. The Subramanya Temple is the most revered holy destination of Mayyanad.

5. Family fun
The hub of recreational activities in Kollam is a charming village in Ashramam. Here, one can enjoy many activities offered by the village like its small adventure park, a quaint boat club and a special children’s park. A lot of locals are seen here enjoying the weekends with their family and spending some down time while the kids are happily distracted by the parks.

6. The laidback Backwaters
Almost one-third of Kollam is covered by Lake Ashtamudi, which is named after its eight channels. The lake is known as the doorway to the backwaters. The 16 kilometer long lake is Kerala’s second largest lake and a great alternative to the more congested Lake Vembanad. Other than enjoying cruises and houseboat stays on the Ashtamundi one can also take a four-hour trip to the Munroe island village through Kollam’s canals.

7. Take the scenic way
The most fascinating and unique experience that Kerala has to offer is a cruise on the backwaters. And from Kollam you can take a rare and luxurious cruise to reach the bigger town of Alleppey. This cruise lasts for about eight hours and is the longest cruise you can take on the backwaters.

8. Dig in
Kerala is known as God’s own country and perhaps its most divine offering is its food. The dishes are at their best when they are made at home with the love and care of a typical Keralite family. The homestays in Kerala ensure you enjoy a culinary experience that no hotel or restaurant could ever match. The recipes, which your homestay hosts would be happy to share with you, are perhaps the best souvenirs to take home.

If you want to discover the real Kollam we really recommend you consider a homestay, where the hosts will be able to help you out with things to do to make the most of your visit.

Mahindra Homestays features a number of properties in other areas of Kerala including in Alleppey, Cochin, Kottayam, Kumarakom, Munnar, Palakkad, Thekkady, Trivandrum, Varkala and Wayanad

Related posts:

1. Things to do in Kumarakom: Six reasons people keep coming back
2. Thekkady Things To Do: 6 Activities To Take Your Time With And Enjoy
3. 5 Reasons Why Kerala Is The Ideal Introduction to India

Entries were very varied, showing the sheer scope of activities you can participate in and enjoy during your travels in India. From trekking through the countryside, meditating from a beautiful view point to relaxing on the beach or enjoying the mouthwatering local cuisine it just shows that there is something for everyone to enjoy.

Thank you everyone for entering. Below are the three images we have shortlisted. Please vote now for your favourite.

1. Trekking by Abhivishwanadula

2. Chai by Thibaut Pening

3. Meditation by Rahul

Votes close Friday 5 March 2010.

Related posts:

1. January India Photo Of The Month: Vote Now!
2. December Photo Of The Month: Time To Vote
3. Winner: Photo Of The Month February 2010

At Mahindra Homestays we are always looking for ways to improve the visitor experience on our website and we could use your help!

Please spare a few moments of your time to take part in our website survey to tell us about what you currently like and don’t like about our site. It will only take a few minutes of your time and as a thank you we are offering a 25% discount off your next booking to everyone who completes the survey.

Take part in the Mahindra Homestays website survey

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