Gitanjali Homestay
Local culture,
Homestay hospitality
Couples,
Solos,
Culture Seekers
Gitanjali is a charming homestay set in a residential area of Mysore surrounded by tranquil gardens.
The homestay is run by a Kodava family from the minority community in the Kodagu district; a ‘martial race’ with a fascinating history and culture. They enjoy sharing their home with travellers and allowing them to experience Indian culture and hospitality, all while practising responsible tourism.
For an authentic, peaceful and exclusive homestay experience in Mysore, Gitanjali comes highly recommended.
Boasting a comfortable and welcoming dining and living area, you’ll even spot several of their pet dogs and cats around the property, making it feel more like home. Staff aim to make your stay as comfortable as possible, while personalised yoga classes, Ayurvedic treatments and cultural evenings can be organised on request.
Breakfast is a mix of Indian and Continental, while for dinner, authentic and delicious Kodava food is served using organic ingredients. The family love sharing food with guests, and an interactive Kodava cooking class, including dinner and a family recipe book, is also available.
Your stay will be on half board, just ask your India expert if you’d like to change that though.
The Rooms
There are four large, separate rooms in a cottage-style unit, sharing a common verandah area overlooking the garden. They aren’t luxurious by any means but are spacious and comfortable.
What You’ll Find:
Why You'll Love It:
Explore ETG's Sample Itineraries in India
A few of our favourite routes, hand-picked by the team and ripe for tweaking.
Think of them as conversation starters. Curiosity sparkers. Not fixed plans, just ideas for what your holiday could look like, shaped by years of local know-how and the kind of immersive experiences that live long in the memory.
Alleppey
Kerala Encompassed
Gain a great insight into the variety Kerala has to offer as you travel south to north over three weeks. You’ll have the opportunity to stay in different types and styles of accommodation, ranging from tea bungalows to a plantation mansion, houseboat, treehouse and tents, to name a few.
Spend your days among tea and spice plantations, relaxing in rural settings, spotting wildlife, cruising along the Alleppey backwaters, visiting local markets and getting to know the towns that make Kerala tick. Finish on a remote beach to round off your journey through ‘God’s Own Country’.
Highlights
Cruise the backwaters
Get a real feel for life on the backwaters as you cruise through the canals on a houseboat for two nights, watching local life pass by
Birdwatching
Wake up on the banks of the river Periyar where you’ll have the chance to spot over 120 species of birds
Safaris
Track elephants and tigers on safaris and boat rides through the Nagarhole National Park
Gallery
India
Birds of South India
Discover lesser-visited but beautiful areas of Southern India during this two week holiday. There is a particular focus on the region’s abundant birdlife, exceptional for casual and serious aficionados. Visit several sanctuaries and travel through the lush western ghats, known as a treasure house of endemic species, as well as the strictly protected wildlife of Bandipur National Park.
Highlights
Rangananthittu Bird Sanctuary
End your journey with a visit to the Rangananthittu Bird Sanctuary, home to some 170 exquisite bird species
Valparai
Explore Valparai’s remote landscapes through forest treks in an area full of wildlife, including some of the most endangered varieties of hornbills
Bandipur National Park
Spot elusive big game on sunrise and sunset safaris in Bandipur National Park
Gallery
Gitanjali Homestay on the map
In Our Travellers’ Words
Amazing adventure in India & The Maldives
Everything we had hoped for and more
India, exceeded all expectations
The Curious Traveller’s Expert Guide to India
Want to know more? With its vast size, rich diversity, and countless possibilities, planning a holiday to India can feel overwhelming – so we’ve created our Curious Traveller’s Guide to India to help make sense of it all.
It’s our experts’ pick of standout experiences and places to stay, with honest advice on the best regions and tips for both first-time visitors and those returning for more.
