Darjeeling is a well-known holiday hill station located at the foothills of the Himalayas. It’s popular for its extensive tea plantations and greenery, and is the pride of West Bengal. With Kanchenjunga as its majestic backdrop and the tea plantations at its slope, it’s a sight you shouldn’t miss. To get to the hill station, you take a toy train that passes through the misty hills and mountains alongside the view of the river Teesta. Visiting Darjeeling is nothing short of a relaxing and tranquil experience.
If you’re looking forward to visiting, there are a few cozy homestays that you can live in. Here are a few of the best homestays in Darjeeling that may appeal to you.
Happy Valley Homestay is a popular choice for those who want to sightsee around Darjeeling. It’s quite close to most tourist hotspots in Darjeeling and just 15 km away from the famous Tiger Point, and is among the best homestays in Darjeeling for those interested in sightseeing. The homestay is a warm and cozy place that gives you some peace and quiet away from the main city.
The hosts are a family of three who are affectionate and welcoming. They are well versed in the area and will help you get around and explore. They will assist you with planning your tours, hikes, treks, rafting, motorbiking, tea garden tours, and provide you with other travel-related guidance.
Food Availability: The homestay gives you access to the kitchen where you can cook limited amounts of food. They also have a restaurant in the same place that offers Indian, Chinese, and continental cuisine. It is a popular place for locals and tourists to eat at.
Accessibility: The property is located near Hooker Road which is a busy street. This makes traveling to and from this homestay easily accessible by roads. You can use public transportation or travel using your private vehicle here. The host is well versed with the neighborhood and will help you get access to transportation if you need it.
Ideal For: Families and couples. Bachelors, unmarried couples, and children are not allowed on the premises.
Pet Friendliness: No pets allowed; the host family has their own pets on the property.
Rate: INR 1,000 per night
Address: 29, Hooker Rd, near District Magistrate Office, North Point, Darjeeling, West Bengal 734101
Also read: 9 Best Places To Visit In Darjeeling
Vajra Kunj Homestay is located a few minutes away from the city but not too far from some of the important sightseeing spots like Tiger Hill, the Neora Valley National Park, Happy Valley Tea Garden, and the Rock Garden. The caretakers on the property can arrange for a barbeque night on the terrace if you want to have a relaxing night during your stay.
They’re also very helpful with arranging transportation and curating a travel itinerary for you. Plus, they’re well versed with local restaurants, markets, and hidden gems in Darjeeling that you can explore during your visit. So make sure you ask them all about it and get exploring the beautiful city.
Food Availability: The caretaker is available on demand and can provide you with breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Snacks are also available here and if you want to use the kitchen to cook some food for yourself, the caretaker will assist you with the groceries you need.
Accessibility: Vajra Kunj Homestay is located on West Point Road which is quite accessible from the airport and other sightseeing spots around Darjeeling. The caretakers also assist you with transportation by booking cabs or arranging rentals for you.
Ideal For: Families with children and married couples.
Pet Friendliness: Pets are not allowed here.
Rate: INR 1,600 per night.
Address: Hill Cart Rd, West Point, Darjeeling, West Bengal 734101
Also Read: Things To Do In West Bengal
Rambler’s Nesting Homestay is quite a popular homestay as the view of the mountains and the green spaces around are worth every penny. Each room either has access to a balcony or the terrace that lets you take a look at the beautiful city every morning when you wake up. You can rent a bicycle and take a ride to explore the markets and local shops in the area.
The caretakers at Rambler’s Nesting Homestay are friendly and will offer you any assistance or tour guidance you will need. They also offer you bonfire and barbeque services on the days you ask for them. They have security cameras on the property and also offer parking space if you drove a rental or a private vehicle.
Food Availability: Living in Rambler’s Nesting Homestay also gives you some delicious continental and English breakfast every morning. The Kanchenjunga View Point restaurant is a popular restaurant a few minutes away from the homestay. It serves some lip-smacking momos and Indian food. The excellent access to delicious food may just make it among the best homestays in Kabini for the foodies.
Accessibility: Rambler’s Nesting Homestay is located in a prime city area which allows you to get transportation services from right across the street. The caretakers are friendly and will help you navigate the transportation system, and even call you a cab if you need it.
Ideal For: Solo travelers and couples.
Pet Friendliness: Pets are not allowed.
Rate: INR 2,340 per night.
Address: West Point Road, above Dali Fatak, West Bengal 734101
Also Read: Best Places To Visit In Kolkata
Snow Lion Homestay is managed by a Tibetan family that ensures you have a pleasant stay here. Living here, you’ll observe the strong Tibetan heritage seen in the decor and architecture of the house. You will also taste it during breakfast that they serve their guests!
The homestay has an open terrace where you can go and relax over your morning tea and breakfast. They have parking space for your private vehicle, but in case you need to arrange for a transportation service, the hots will help you with some leads. They are very kind and hospitable people who accommodate your requests as conveniently as they can.
Food Availability: Only breakfast is served at Snow Lion Homestay. So for lunch and dinner, you’ll have to explore the many restaurants, cafés, and local hotels in the area that serve local, Tibetan, and Indian cuisine. Shree Krishna Restaurant and Noryan Tibetan Kitchen are some to name.
Accessibility: Located in the central upmarket area of the town, you have easy access to popular touristy places like the botanical gardens, Tiger Hills, Japanese Temple, and Rock Garden.
Ideal For: Families and group of friends.
Pet Friendliness: No pets allowed.
Rate: INR 2,350 per night.
Address: 27/A, Gandhi Road Opposite Bethany Primary School, Darjeeling, West Bengal 734101
Also read: Darjeeling Travel Guide
Samir’s Homestay is one of the most popular homestays in Darjeeling known for its quiet and tranquil atmosphere. It is a small three-story house that is warm and accommodating of children and pets. The view from the balcony overlooks the Kanchenjunga mountain range - a truly breathtaking sight. You can enjoy the sunsets from the terrace and end the night with a barbeque organized by the caretaker.
They have tall trees in the garden that provide shade on all sides, but very little access to sunshine. That is probably the only drawback that you may observe when staying here.
Food Availability: Samir’s Homestay has a kitchen that you can use to cook food yourself, or you can order some Asian food that the caretaker cooks for you. They have a limited menu that you can order from, and the taste is definitely not being compromised on any level.
Accessibility: Samir’s Homestay is very conveniently accessible to more than 10 sightseeing spots in the town including Happy Valley Tea Estate, Mahakal Temple, and is a 45-minute ride away from the Teesta river.
Ideal For: Couples, families, and solo travelers.
Pet Friendliness: Pets are allowed.
Rate: Ranges between INR 2,680 and INR 2,780 depending on the room you book.
Address: Hermitage, 10 A Road, Darjeeling, West Bengal 734101
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Kabiraalaya Homestay is located in an isolated suburban area of the city. You have easy access to many touristy places and the property is accommodating towards families with children. You can enjoy barbeque night and also watch the sunset if you like.
Kabiraalaya Homestay has a patio, open terrace, garden, and a gorgeous balcony view of the city. They have activities for children and they also organize tours for adults. You do not have to worry about security as they have safety deposit boxes and security cameras on the property.
Food Availability: The caretakers at Kabiraalaya Homestay do not provide any food themselves, but order food from local restaurants for you as per request.
Accessibility: Kabiraalaya Homestay is just a few minutes’ walking distance away from touristy spots like the Japanese Peace Pagoda, Himalayan Mountaineering Institute And Zoological Park, and Neora Valley National Park. You can easily walk or rent a bicycle to get to these places, making it among the best homestays in Darjeeling for the explorers.
Ideal For: Families and solo travelers.
Pet Friendliness: Pets are allowed.
Rate: INR 1,450 per night.
Address: Lower Rosebank, Rajbari, Darjeeling, 734101 Darjeeling
Also Read: 1 Day Walking Tour Of Kolkata: Best Places To Cover
Bara Mangwa Orange Villa Homestay is a small homey property apt for families with children. They are located away from the busy city where you can listen to the birds chirping during the day. The view from the balcony and rooms overlooks a mountain range and the city (which looks particularly gorgeous lit up at night). The stay is comfortable, with clean rooms, room service, and caretakers who stay at the property.
Bara Mangwa Orange Villa Homestay has a terrace and a playground for children to unwind and a seasonal pool where you can take a dip if you like. The property is secured as they have a security guard at the gate at all times. The host will help you organize your trip and also organize some outdoor activities for you if needed.
Food Availability: The property has a kitchen where you can cook small meals, but they don’t allow outside food. So, you would have to step out for your meals. There are restaurants like Danzo River View Tea and Coffee Point (a popular breakfast place) and Chamla Restaurant (known for its Indian and Asian cuisine).
Accessibility: Bara Mangwa Orange Villa Homestay is located away in a quiet and secluded corner of the town near Panchayet. The property is located within 5 kilometers of a supermarket, local vegetable and fruit market, restaurants and hotels, and a bus and taxi stand.
Ideal For: Families, solo travelers, and friend groups.
Pet Friendliness: No pets allowed.
Rate: INR 1,600 per night.
Address: Block-Takdah, Panchayet, Takling, Bara Mungwa, West Bengal 734312
Also Read: Traveling To Siliguri: Travel Guide
One of the major reasons why Maple Homestay is a popular homestay among tourists is because you can engage in adventure sports like cycling, hiking, and trekking along the hills when you’re here. They provide some bicycles on rent that you can use to get around the locality and explore some hidden gems. If you need, the host will also ensure to help you with tours and activities that are organized by local guides and businesses here.
You will surely not be bored here, as the homestay has ample board games and an indoor play area for you to enjoy with your friends, children, or family. You can enjoy an elaborate barbeque during your stay at Maple Homestay. It is overall a very wholesome place to live in if you want to properly explore Darjeeling.
Food Availability: The host at Maple Homestay provides you with home-cooked meals whenever you order. Indian, Chinese, and local cuisines are served at reasonable rates. If you like, you can also order take-out from local restaurants in the area. The Maple, M/S Beni’s Café, and Lepcha’s Restaurant are some of the popular places that are usually open all day long.
Accessibility: Maple Homestay is just 350 meters away from the Darjeeling Railway Station which makes traveling here extremely convenient. You can rent bicycles and motorbikes to get around the local spots and public transportation is also easily accessible.
Ideal For: Families, friend groups, solo travelers, and couples.
Pet Friendliness: Pets are not allowed.
Rate: Ranges between INR 895 and INR 1,716 depending on the kind of room you book.
Address: Udai Chand Road, Limbugaon, Darjeeling, West Bengal 734102
Summing Up
All the above-mentioned properties are some of the best homestays in Darjeeling, offering you a plethora of opportunities to explore the place and enjoy a comfortable vacation. They are all located in close proximity to the famous touristy destinations and are convenient to navigate as well. So if you’re looking forward to your trip, have a look at these homestays and pick one to make your vacation better than ever.
What Is The Best Time To Visit Darjeeling?
Summer is the ideal time to visit Darjeeling. The weather during this time is pleasant and not too hot or too cold. You have a clear view of the mountain ranges and the clear blue sky is an added bonus.
Why Is Darjeeling So Famous?
Darjeeling is a popular hill station in West Bengal known for its tea plantations, Tiger Hills, Rock Garden, and other sightseeing spots around town. It is also known for its scenic view of the Kanchenjunga mountain range.
Is Ola Available In Darjeeling?
Unfortunately, Ola is not available in Darjeeling. But, you can get an Ola cab to get to Darjeeling. The hill station has a toy train and public buses and cabs that are easily accessible from around the city limits.
Which Are The Best Homestays In Darjeeling?
Darjeeling has a number of homestays that will make you feel comfortable and relaxed. Some of the best ones are Maple Homestay, Kabiraalaya Homestay, Snow Lion Homestay, and Vajra Kunj Homestay.
How Many Days Are Enough For Darjeeling?
Ideally, plan a 4-5 day long trip when visiting Darjeeling. The hill station has plenty of places you can visit and activities you can engage in. So, if you want to fully experience hill station life to the fullest a 4 to 5day trip should be sufficient.
What Language Is Spoken In Darjeeling?
Nepali is primarily spoken by the locals in Darjeeling.
Does Darjeeling Have An Airport?
Darjeeling doesn't have its own airport; the nearest airport is in Bagdogra, which is roughly 95 km away from the town.
How Much Is A Taxi From Bagdogra To Darjeeling?
Depending on the type of cab you choose, you can pay anywhere between INR 200 to INR 500 for the trip.
