Darjeeling, at the foothills of the majestic Himalayas, has always been referred to as the queen of hill stations. The golden tipped Kanchenjunga is certainly one of its appendages, but its attraction, crowded though the actual township has become, is still in the toy train approach, its charming architecture, the great little places to eat and shop, mule rides on the mall. And tea wherever, whenever.

Where do you stay? Why the small and the sophisticated are both an allure. A new crop of homestays is where we would direct the budget traveler. These let-out hospitality in a large measure, cheek by jowl with the family that owns the home, kitchens become common places to commune in and eat from, particularly if you wish to partake of Nepalese fare. And the chance to understand the local culture and psyche is immense.

With such a crop of hotels in and around Darjeeling, why opt for a homestay? Because these are places where you experience the real India, the hospitality that is a trademark of places in the hills, and a chance to natter and catch up on stories that hosts dish out along with their homely food.

A hotel can be somewhat impersonal. But at a homestay, you get to live in a section of people’s homes where you can seek your own private space, but also have a chance to commune with a family during mealtimes. Often, they also end up being excellent tourist guides.

Bed and breakfast are options, with dinner thrown in, all of which have the pleasurable home cooking touch, and tea and coffee service are also available. Most hosts in homestays also extend their hospitality to involving the traveler in their family gatherings and also help in bargain hunting while shopping. If there are adequate rooms in a homestay, it is always an adventure to meet up with travelers from other parts of the world.

We picked a few.

Samir’s Homestay: a great view of the Kanchenjunga especially as it is a two-room cottage on the roof of their house. Wi-fi enabled, just below the Mall road.  Walking distance of many tourist attractions.

Address: Hermitage, 10 A Road, Darjeeling, West Bengal 734101. Ph: 0354 225 4125

For bookings: www.booking.com; https://www.makemytrip.com/hotels/samirs_homestay

Nestle Homestay: In the heart of the town. Just three rooms, run by a retired couple. Lovely food and the comfort of their caring and making you feel totally at home.

Address: Convent Road, Below District Magistrate’s Office, Haridas Hatta, Darjeeling – 734101

Ph: +919434209954. Email ID: nestlehomestayinfo@gmail.com. Website: nestlehomestay.com

Snowlion Homestay: Snow Lion Homestay is owned and managed by a Tibetan family. By booking a room in Darjeeling at Snowlion Homestay, you will experience first-hand, the rich cultural heritage of the Tibetan people, coupled with all the amenities and comforts of modern living. Closest to the mall on Gandhi Road. Lovely view from the terrace. No matter that only breakfast is thrown in, because eateries are plentiful and within walking distance. Snow Lion Homestay

Address: Gandhi Road, Limbugaon, Darjeeling, West Bengal 734101

For urgent room enquiries, please call Ms. Sangeeta: (Ph:+91 354 2255521 / +91 8906207314) (Between 9.00 A.M. to 7.30 P.M.)

E-Mail:info@snowlionhomestay.com; snowlionhomestay@gmail.com

Pahari Soul Homestay: Have deluxe rooms with 24hrs hot and cold water supply and every room provides the view of the Kanchenjunga range. They realize that bad food can completely dampen your vacation, so they ensure good-quality, home-cooked food, made with the freshest produce, and serve Indian and Continental breakfasts and Indian, Bengali and Local meals for lunch and dinner. They also have a range of Chinese, Tibetan and Local specialities. Located on Hill Cart Road with a whole lot of jeeps (where you share with other passengers) make access easy to the town in only 15 minutes.

Address: 46 Hill Cart Road, Dali, Near Dali Petrol Pump, Darjeeling, West Bengal 734101. Ph: 098002 14163. Email: www.paharisoul.com

Happy Valley Homestay: Quiet, close to many tourist attractions. Walk for just 15 minutes and you can get to the market area. The owners live on the top and offer excellent cuisine—the more local the better.

And if you want to go further afield, Kurseong awaits you. Kurseong with its altitude of around 5000 feet, and 32 kms from Darjeeling, can be salubrious throughout the year. A road trip or the iconic little railway is all it takes to get down there.

Address: 29, Hooker Road Darjeeling (On Lebong cart road)

Phone:090079 95888

Website: http://www.ambootia.com;  Bookings: www.goibibo.com;  www.lonelyplanet.com

Singell Home Stay: It is part of the Singell Tea Estate and is run by the Moktan family. Basic amenities exist, including western style toilets. Food is taken in the dining room with the family. Tea garden visits and factory tours are an attraction.

Address: Singell Tea Estate, P.O: St.Mary's, Kurseong, District. Darjeeling

Ph: (Aruna Pradhan): +91-8172042608, 9832057237

Bookings: www.tripadvisor.in; http://www.holidayhomeindia.com/singell_kurseong.html

Makaibari Tea Estate Homestays: The Makaibari Tea Estate is probably the most talked about and fabled tea garden in Darjeeling area and was established in 1859. This was the first garden to have: introduced organic farming; certified by 'Fare Trade'; and to appoint women in a supervisory position. It is one of the finest tea gardens in the world commanding some of the highest prices at the tea auctions for its brands like Silver Tip.

There are 24 families who have renovated or extended their homes on this estate to offer rooms to tourists for home stays. There are clean rooms with western toilets, home cooked food, and of course a chance to enjoy life on a tea garden.

Address: Makai Bari Tea Garden, West Bengal 734217. Contact: Mr. Nayan Lama , hospitality head, 9832447774/8906515888. Website: http://www.makaibari.com/en/visit-makaibari/contact-us.aspx

Manebhanjan Homestay: This place has two rooms on the top floor, with the family of Keshav Gurung staying below. Great views from the terrace. And the added bonus of having the person who runs the homestay also running a tours and trek company.

Keshav Gurung's Phone: +91-9564797551 (Alternative airtel mobile no. 9232695120)

Email: keshav_gurung2000@yahoo.com

Then there’s three Mineral Springs Community Homestays -- a small farming village located 18 kms from Darjeeling. Included in this community are Jangbeer Daju Homestay, with its incredible views of the valley; Jojo's Homestay, where you get a chance to learn more about traditional local crops and Zimba’s Homestay, surely one of the best places for getting a taste of real Darjeeling teas. The rooms here are comfortable, the hospitality is great and the management of the tours to these homestays is by Tathagata Journeys.

Address: Aanp Botay, Mineral Spring, Lebong, Darjeeling. Ph:  +91 9932021569; Email: navin@tathagatajourneys.com

Looking to stay in a heritage building? Try the D’Pine Crest which is in a quiet area called Haridas Hatta in Darjeeling. 3 rooms, a suite and two doubles. The entire suite is 800 square feet. Wooden décor, the hot water bags which make for super comfort in the cold months, are attractions. As are the nearby tourist attractions. Like the Raj Bhavan, the Chowrasta, the Botanical Gardens, the Zoo, and so on. A full day trek can be done to Happy Valley Tea Estate.

Address: Lebong Cart Rd, Chauk Bazaar, Darjeeling, West Bengal 734101

Website: https://dpinecrest.wordpress.com/2012/05/02/heritage-homestay-in-darjeeling/

Want the really historic? Mungpoo is the answer.

Rabindranath Tagore made this place famous, as it was his hill refuge.  Altitude 28,000 feet. 60 kilometers from New Jalpaiguri railway station (NJP) and Bagdogra Airport (IXB). It is 55 kms from Tenzing Norgay Bus Terminus (Junction). Kalimpong is nearly 45 kilometers from Mungpoo. One of the best leisure destinations in the hills.

Address: West Bengal office: Dawa Tsering, Pokhari dhura, Mungpoo, Darjelling 734313, Phone:  +91 8348468878. Email: dawa_tmb@yahoo.co.in

Darjeeling, at the foothills of the majestic Himalayas, has always been referred to as the queen of hill stations. The golden tipped Kanchenjunga is certainly one of its appendages, but its attraction, crowded though the actual township has become, is still in the toy train approach, its charming architecture, the gr