HOME STAY DESTINATIONS – HIMACHAL PRADESH


Touted to be one of the most aesthetically beautiful places on Earth, there is absolutely no doubt as to why this north Indian state in the snow’s abode of the Great Indian Himalayas is continually thronged by tourists all around the globe. Who wouldn’t love a vacation amidst the greens of the hills with the moist mist elegantly moving across peaks, giving way for the streaks of warmth? Waking up to the buzz of your alarm clock is usual but have you ever woken up to the warbles of the winged birds? Pack your bags for a tour to the heaven- the Himachal Pradesh, where you could binge eat to your heart’s content and still shed every flab of fat you’d always wanted to!

                                                          photo credit: https://www.instagram.com/thakur__ripudaman/

WHY SHOULD YOU VISIT HIMACHAL PRADESH?

The picturesque beauty of the state is never going to die out. The mighty mountains, the warbles in the woods, the flowery meadows, the icy valleys and every other beauty of India are here to soothe your sight. Himachal Pradesh is not just the home for the valleys but also a couple of adventure sports that comes along with the waters and mountains; from trekking to rafting and even to paragliding you are sure to be doing it all only if you come at the right time. The largest glaciers, the finest apples or even the most beautiful lake; every beautiful creation of India is closely connected to Himachal Pradesh. Yet, many haven’t set foot on this land of divine beauty; predominantly because seeing anything as heavenly as this needs you trek up to the hills.


                                         photo credit @ http://www.pictame.com/user/whosthathippie_/742805182
 

THE BEST TIME AROUND THE STATE

While July to August marks the monsoon period, a trip during the May-June is the usual travel period and the December-April timeline will have you try on every adventure you’ve missed out on this day! Every place within the state of Himachal has got a minimum of a valley, a couple of lakes, some adventure sports, lots of mountains and even more aesthetic structures; that travelers don’t plan for a trip to Himachal but would rather plan for a trip within its localities. For such is its diverse versatility! Although you might not be able to cover all of Himachal’s serene scenic beauty in just under half a month, because exploring just the eternal Kangra valley might take you a week’s time; you could always visit again.

HOW TO GET TO HIMACHAL PRADESH?

The entire state of Himachal Pradesh is engulfed by lofty mountains which have made it almost impossible to reach the state by railways. However, Himachal is well-connected to every major city of the country via Roadways and is just a few hundred kilometers away from the capital. For international tourists (since Himachal shares the international border with Tibet), you could always take a flight to the Indra Gandhi International Airport at Delhi, Chandigarh International Airport or even to Kullu. Since Himachal is devoid of any railway tracks, you could always use the road to take a trip around the state’ splendor!


                                                     photo credit: https://www.instagram.com/shery_thiruvathukkal/

HOMESTAYS IN HIMACHAL PRADESH

Now, if you’re someone from the north, a trip to Himachal does not probably go beyond Shimla or Manali. Well, not to blame you, the places will do well in taking up almost your entire vacation. So, if you want to take some time off the city roads and experience the tranquillity of the countryside and enjoy the horse-riding sessions, then homestays win over the customary hotels that had been a host to several such trips. So here’s a special list:

RAJU’S COTTAGE - GOSHAINI

In close proximity to the much celebrated the Great Himalayan National Park, Goshaini is a tiny village in the Tirthan Valley of Kullu. Nestled among the lush greenery of the majestic mountains, travelers would definitely want to breathe the country air rather than the sophisticated rooms; and that is why Raju’s cottage has been set up! This family-run rustic homestay is perched upon a small hill among apple and cherry orchards. This popular wooden and stone homestay looks like something straight out of heaven given its gorgeous outlook.


From here, you are just a few yards away from the adventure of nature that includes:
  • Long walks
  • Camping/bonfire around the river
  • Treks to the Great Himalayan National Park
  • Angling/ Fishing for Rainbow and Brown Trout.
  • Mountain biking using Trek 3500 mountain bikes
You are sure to cherish the solitude walks and happy chatter around the bonfires among the lush green with a river flowing in the background.
CONTACT
  • The tariff ranges from Rs.1400-1700 per person each day (inclusive of meals/ juices/ snacks) which may vary based on your choice of meals. 
  • Ring in on: +91-9459833124 OR +91-9459227375 OR +91-9418149808 OR +91-9625211848 and +91-8894488122 (01903-225008 not sure of this one if it is working or not)
  • Mails to: goshaini@yahoo.com
  • Here is the Facebook Profile where you can get connected with them: Raju’s Cottage – Goshaini | Tirthan Valley

BUNDLA TEA ESTATE – PALAMPUR

Palampur is a hill station in the Kangra Valley of Himachal Pradesh. Being the tea capital of north-western India, there is no mystery behind the homestay’ name. Bundle Tea Estate is just another classic home is just an hour’s drive away from Dharamshala. The small river nearby may play host to fun escapades while Bir Billing is just less than an hour’s reach if you’re up for some paragliding (Rs.2500 per person).


CONTACT
  • The tariff starts from around Rs.1400 per person.
  • Ring in on: +91-9857030605, 01894-230604
  • Mails to: gokulbutail@gmail.com
  • Here is their e-reservation portal to make your bookings online Bundle Tea Estate | Palampur

OUR PLACE HIMALAYAS – RAISON


 Raison, on the banks of Bias, is a cluster of a couple of villages. Situated amidst the vast camping grounds of Kullu, Our Place Himalayas at Raison elegantly nestles among the lush greenery of the orchards with a mountain backdrop and a pristine brook ebbing and flowing around it. Born out of the interest of an artist, Anita, the homestay is undoubtedly known for rich old-world architecture. The place is a home to nature’s most beautiful creations that you shouldn’t miss to check out:
  • Long walks or even a relaxed star-gazing session among the orchards
  • River rafting and kayaking in the gurgles of River Bias
  • Don’t forget fishing!
  • Trek your way up the mountains to get glimpses of divinity. (Raghunath Temple, Bhekhali Temple, Hacienda Devi Temple, Bijli Mahadev Temple)
CONTACT
  • The tariff is decided at the time of booking
  • The kitchen has got an exclusive cook who cooks’s your heart’s choice on prior notice (local Kullu dishes, Italian, Tibetan and Goanese meals are also made)
  • Ring in on: +91-9816245151, +91-9818851221
  • Mails to: anitakhullar2@gmail.com
                    thesunflowerforest@gmail.com
  • Here is their portal to catch glimpse of their greatness Our Place Himalayas| Raison

SPIRITS UNPLUGGED! FARM & ORCHARD RETREAT – SHIMLA


 Shimla, the capital of one of the most beautiful places on Earth - the Himachal Pradesh, is no less charming than the state itself. In fact, every traveler to Himachal has got only one destination in mind, SHIMLA! Bounded by Kullu, Kinnaur and Solan, the capital is perched at the heart of the adventure world that any traveler would yearn for. Amidst the dense forestry of Kariya near Shimla, nestles the Victorian styled homestay of Spirits Unplugged! This aesthetically designed architecture echoes the British connection the capital once had. Tucked under the thick forestry, the cottage overlooks a beautiful valley with a waterfall cascading by its side. So here’s what a sleep on nature’s lap includes:
  • They provide every modern facility you’d look for in a 5-star hotel (Wi-Fi, parking, kitchenette and even PETS!)
  • They provide 2 types of rooms. (If you are luckier you might pick the one with a hot tub to escape the chills of the hills)
CONTACT
  • Ring in on: +91-9810932482, +91-9971131122(Mr.Ankur)
  • Mails to: contact@spiritsunplugged.com
  • Here is their portal to catch glimpse of their greatness Spirits Unplugged| Shimla

DARANG TEA ESTATE – KANGRA


 Around 18km away from Dharamshala, Kangra, a small hustling city tucked within the Dhauladhar ranges, is a place that perfectly resonates with the European hamlets we’ve seen on TV. The Darang Tea Estate dates back to around 150 years when it was a mere tea estate. Now, it charmingly sits down an emerald valley of lush green within the snow-capped Himalayan range. Perched at the heart of a bustling city, your vacations are packed with the archaic beauty of the city and a tad little of adventure:
  • Fishing/Angling – River Beas
  • Trekking – Triund (Get a glimpse of the snowy valley from the Abode of Snow)
  • Bir Billing – time for some paragliding
  • Kayakalp – what makes for a vacation without some good spas (Herbal Massage Centre)
  • The snow-covered mountains are all yours to explore!
  • Don’t forget the temple chain!
CONTACT
  • You could take a pick from one of the three aesthetically structured cottages
  • Ring in on:
Naveen:                           +91-9418012565
Neeru                               +91-9816312333
Residence:                     +91-01894-240231

WHAT’S MORE ABOUT HIMACHAL PRADESH?

If you are someone who is from the north or if you’d like to take a break from the city; then homestay is your best bet! You could bring your pets, have the chef cook the food you’d love to savor, take a shower by the waterfall, paraglide, river raft and what not? Every adventure you’d read about is out here for you to try! But if you’re going stick around the state a little longer, then Himachal has got much more in store for you!

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