Sojourning at Devpur Homestay was like icing on the cake. You can swagger for a few days that you spend at Darbargadh (local name of the homestay). Before I tell you anything about the homestay, I’d like to confess that while planning my travel to Kutch, I didn’t want to stay at Devpur Homestay. I wanted to stay somewhere in Bhuj. So, I did a deep research on places to stay in Bhuj, but nothing caught my eye. Devpur Homestay, which is 40 km from Bhuj, showed on top every time I googled for a good homestay in Bhuj. Although I was instantly fascinated by Devpur’s royal appeal, I wanted to avoid it due to its secluded location. BUT, I eventually decided to stay at Devpur Homestay, and it turned out to be a great decision!
The best part about staying at Devpur Homestay is the very feeling of staying in a heritage mansion and the spontaneous access to the true-blue Kutchi way of life. The hosts, Mr Krutarthsinh Jadeja and his wife, Mrs Yashodhara Jadeja, epitomise hospitality and geniality. The atmosphere at Devpur Homestay is comfort personified.
Now when I have come back home and I reminisce about my time in Kutch, I can clearly comprehend that Devpur was more than an accommodation for me. It gave me a chance to know a bit about the villages, the culture and the people around. On my first day, I was recommended to visit Bhadli (a village) by Mr Jadeja, where people specialise in Bandhani work on fabrics.
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| That’s my Sorthambha Suite |
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| The princely pillars of Sorthambha suite |
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| The sitting space of my suite |
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| … and that’s my bed |
Besides, I enjoyed the little things at the homestay like my dining table conversations with Mr Jadeja and the other guests, the traditionally cooked delicious Kutchi meals, my space in my princely room, my study table, the terrace and the beautiful sunsets. It was nice to have brief but sweet chitchats with the senior lady of the family, too.
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| Still can’t forget the yummy Upma and Theplas… |
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| Dining outdoor was so beautiful at Devpur… (Since I took this picture, I am not in the frame) |
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| And these are the views from Devpur… |
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| Do I need to say anything about the sunset? |
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| And that’s my favorite corner! |
I’d say Devpur Homestay is an ideal place for slow travel. I personally had a great time honing my photography skills, writing, observing and just being. And since it’s away from the city bustle, you can explore places at your own whim and pace.
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| Quaintly charming, isn’t it? |
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| On one serene evening… |
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| Just soaking in every bit of the royalty… |
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| I’d like to call it the WiFi zone. |
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| And they are my lovely hosts – Mr and Mrs Jadeja |
The Jadeja family also runs a school (the White Eagles School) in the same premises as the homestay, which is mostly managed by Mrs Jadeja. So, if you are looking for an opportunity to volunteer in a school while you explore Kutch, you know where to get it.
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| That’s the school |
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| Every corner is pretty! |
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| The school premises |
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| That’s the gate where you bid adieu to royalty… |
On my last day, I was given a diary to write my thoughts about my experiences at the Homestay. As I flipped through the pages, I was so surprised to find my own thoughts replicated into the words of other guests! It seems anybody who happens to stay with the Jadeja family takes back endearing memories.
Practical Information: Devpur is locally known as Devpur Yaksh, which is 40 km west of Bhuj towards Nakhatrana. The homestay is well connected to Bhuj and other places by buses, shared jeeps and taxis.
Would you like to spend a few days at the stately Devpur Homestay?
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