I decided to take a trip to Lansdowne on a whim, only having a week to plan everything before setting off on my adventure. It was the middle of June, and many people from the northern region had already planned their mountain getaways. Hence, most hotels were either fully booked or only had space for one or two people.
After an extensive search on TripAdvisor, I stumbled upon the Samskara & Samsara Homestays, a property that had rooms large enough to accommodate my group of five. Located just 5 km before Lansdowne, the homestay offered a peaceful and refreshing atmosphere, complete with a 180-degree mountain view from the terrace.
My first experience staying in a homestay
It was my first time staying in a homestay. We booked one private room and three bunk beds as those were the only options remaining. However, the property has several room options, including luxury tent rooms, private budget rooms, family rooms, and dormitories. The luxury tent room is supposed to be the best. Plus, they come with a balcony overlooking the forest. The only con is don’t have private bathrooms. But the shared toilets are clean, hygienic, and well-stocked with toiletries.
The homestay has plenty of plants and wildlife, including a variety of Himalayan birds. Additionally, the property has two friendly dogs, which was one of the main reasons I chose to stay there over other options in Lansdowne. 🤫
Rooms and other facilities
The private budget room was small but had all the necessary amenities, including a bathroom, conveniently located nearby. The dormitory consisted of a single room with ten beds, each with its own lockable cupboard and enough space for large bags. The attached bathroom was a convenient feature.
Trying Garhwali food
One of the standout features of our stay was the food. Every meal was delicious and reasonable. The homestay also offered a special Garhwali menu, mainly available during winter. However, we did try one of the available dishes and loved it.
A blessing in disguise
The network is an issue at this homestay, and the Wi-Fi is not strong enough to accommodate the needs of the borders. However, it became a blessing in disguise, forcing us to disconnect from the digital world and connect with mother nature.
We had a wonderful time at Samskara & Samsara Homestays and were sad to leave. The entire experience was beautiful and welcoming, from the hospitality to the surroundings. If I ever have the opportunity to revisit Lansdowne, this is the only place I would consider staying.
If you’re interested in seeing more about our wonderful weekend getaway to Lansdowne, be sure to check out my video! Additionally, if you’re searching for other weekend getaway ideas from Delhi, here’s a list of locations to consider.
