Soak in the Eastern Flavours by Staying at These Homestays in Darjeeling, Shillong & Sikkim

Always been curious about the beautifully diverse states of eastern India? Get to the heart of local culture and lifestyle by staying at these handpicked homestays in Darjeeling, Shillong & Sikkim!

1. Homestays in Darjeeling

There’s more to Darjeeling than its popular toy train ride and aromatic tea. If you want to explore the real Darjeeling, skip the typical touristy itinerary and try staying at these handpicked homestays.

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English Cottage

Located just a kilometer away from the main market, the English Cottage is a beautiful timber and stone cottage that opens up to the stunning views of the Kanchenjunga. While the famous Tiger Hill is 13 km away from this homestay, the Bagdogra Airport is 72 km away. Hosted by a lovely couple, Austen Plant & Shalla Plant, this homestay offers an independent ground floor with two bedrooms, a garden and a kitchenette. Guests can have the choice of booking the entire place or a room, as per their needs. And hey, if you’re a pet lover, you’ll be glad to know that the English Cottage welcomes pets at their property!

During your stay, you can enjoy the lovely views of Darjeeling’s landscape and get the best local tips on Darjeeling’s history, things to do, places to visit, and where to find the tastiest plate of steaming hot momos! After spending an interesting day of sightseeing in Darjeeling, spend leisurely evenings at the sun deck in the company of a good book and a cup of Darjeeling chai.

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Ging Tea House

Fancy a colonial estate stay that’s far away from the crowded tourist spots but still captures the local essence of Darjeeling? Then, Ging Tea House is just the place to be! Located in the peaceful Lebong Valley, Ging Tea House is a Victorian style country house that dates back to 1864 and has been tastefully restored without losing its colonial heritage. This country house offers luxurious suites overlooking the sprawling tea gardens, a children’s playground, barbecue facilities and boasts of impeccably high standards of hospitality. Ideal for guests looking for a leisurely getaway with family and kids, and even those, who need a detox from the chaotic city life, this property is truly a hidden gem in Darjeeling. 

Start off the day by taking a relaxing morning walk in the beautifully maintained private gardens, and enjoy a continental outdoor breakfast while soaking some sunshine. To keep you occupied throughout the day, the property organizes awesome tea experience walks and free day trips to Darjeeling, Kurseong, Kalimpong and Mirik Valley. You could even go for an adventurous trek through the marked trails in the tea gardens. But if you want to stay in, there are a host of in-house activities to pick from.  The country house features a Billiards pool table and many board games like Chess, Carrom, etc. For the evenings, you can sit around the ancient stone fireplace in the library and enjoy a glass of wine. So, if you’re in the mood for a refreshing vacation, where you want to sit tight in one place and enjoy the abundance of nature, delicious food and personalized care, Ging Tea House is your go-to destination in Darjeeling.

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2. Homestays in Shillong

Want to visit the Scotland of the East and experience the tribal lifestyle of the Khasis and Garos? Then, look beyond hotels and zoom into the local life of Shillong by staying at these cozy homestays.

The Pear Tree  

Located centrally in Shillong’s Lower Lachumiere, The Pear Tree offers five spacious rooms and suites with hill views. You can also find family rooms, which are always in high demand and fill up fast. This homestay is a great option for guests travelling with families, couples and those, who would prefer to stay right at the heart of Shillong amidst the comforts of modern life. If you would like to explore this beautiful city on foot, just take a refreshing walk down streets to reach some of the most popular spots of Shillong such as, Lady Hydari Park, Ward’s Lake, the famous Cathedral of Mary Help of Christians, etc. Although this homestay only serves breakfast to guests, you’ll find many good cafes and restaurants nearby if you want to dig into some delicacies of the Khasi cuisine. In fact, Cafe Shillong, which is well-known for its authentic Khasi and Chinese cuisine is just 1.3 km away from this homestay. If you would like to indulge in some shopping, don’t forget to visit Police Bazar and pick the trendiest clothes and shoes from the local shops. The major plus point of staying in a centrally located homestay like The Pear Tree is that you can easily venture out on your own to absorb the awesomeness of Shillong. Just use Google Maps or get directions from the friendly locals!

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Rosa Ville

Want to club your Shillong travel with a colonial stay experience? Then, you’ll absolutely love Rosa-Ville! Located away from the hustle and bustle of the city, this colonial heritage property was built in 1935 and has been one of the most preferred stay options for families and couples interested in spending a leisurely time in Shillong. The homestay features antique furnishings, sprawling gardens, rooms with fireplaces and garden views, and a fully functional kitchen that’s accessible to guests who would like to indulge in a bit of cooking. Guests can enjoy ample privacy and the old world charms of Shillong during their stay at Rosa Ville. Even though this homestay is a little away from the city, it’s well connected with good public and private transport options. While Lady Hydari Park is 3.1 km away from this property, the Shillong Golf Club is 4.2 km away.

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Read More: 10 Awesome Places to See in and around Shillong

3. Homestay in Sikkim

Ask anyone who’s ever travelled to Sikkim about their experience and you’ll hear endless sweet stories about the friendly locals, the scenic views, the lively capital, Gangtok and the chilled-out vibe of this eastern hill station. Ranked as the cleanest state in India, Sikkim is truly an inspiration to the world for successfully demonstrating how the solidarity of local communities can go a long way in preserving its natural flora and fauna.

So when in Sikkim, it’s definitely recommended that you explore this town the local way! Checkout this homestay to get started!

Malinggo Homestay

Located in the quaint village of Assam Lingzey, which is around 30 kilometers away from Gangtok, Malinggo homestay is run by Mr. Rai and his family. During your stay here, you’ll get to stay in the traditional wooden Lepcha house, which is known for its solid structure that’s supposed to be earthquake resistant. This rustic homestay is suitable for families, groups and solo travellers, who’re open to new experiences. You can enjoy some traditional dishes and drinks from the region that’s served at this homestay. Malinggo homestay also features a bonfire area, barbecue facilities and an interesting bunch of pets, starting from friendly dogs and rabbits, to hens! So, guests travelling with kids can definitely expect a great experience during their stay at this homestay. If you want to explore the nearby spots, try the local walk to the Honey falls. The route covers some ethnic villages of this region and gives you a great opportunity to interact with the locals.

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For more interesting picks from eastern India, keep checking out this space!