Planning for a travel to the town of Bhimtal in Uttarakhand, and still not sure where to stay? To gain an insight about Indian hospitality, one ought to live in the homes of the local in their own environment. Rent a room with a family and gain a unique experience that cannot be derived when staying at a hotel or a resort.
Homestays offer a home like ambience that allows you to experience the lifestyle, culture and the simplicity of the locals. This private stay offer rooms at a reasonable rate, inclusive of meals, services and homely atmosphere. The host may go to any extent to make your stay comfortable and memorable. Homestays in Bhimtal are places in the rural areas surrounded by terraced farms and orchards.
The host provides a separate room or a cottage for the guests. The rooms allotted to the guests are comfortable with bed and couches, wardrobe, tables and chairs arranged meticulously in all the rooms. The guests can also request for a kitchen or share the meals with the host family. The freshly cooked meals have a fresh and unique taste that is not found in the meals prepared at hotels and resorts. The attached baths have modern fittings, fresh towels and toiletries.
The dawn observes people going to their fields and orchard or tending to their cattle. You may find yourself following the host to his orchard or field, helping him to gain a different knowledge. It is fun trying to pick fruits or graze the cattle on hill slopes. Being a guest of the host, you are treated with respect and invited to attend functions at the village.
You can also choose to stay at a homestay in Bhimtal near the Lake. Situated on the hill near the Lake, these stays are still far away from the maddening crowd. The windows of these charming cottages opens to offer the panoramic view of the Lake. Begin your day by sipping a cup of tea, sitting on the porch, overlooking the lake and end your day with an outdoor barbeque dinner near a bonfire to keep you warm. The homestay in Bhimtal near the Lake is a great place for relaxing in harmony.
Being well versed with the surrounding region, the hosts are excellent guides who can give minute information about prominent locations in and around Bhimtal. Plan to:
- Walk through the jungle path to reach the church of Sat Tal.
- Walk to the pristine Panna Tal for a picnic and a swim.
- Pay homage at the ancient temple near Nal Damyanti Tal.
- A trip to the picturesque city of Nainital.
Spend your vacation at the homestays in Bhimtal treks, horse riding, jungle walks, a day excursion to the neighbouring hill stations, or spot the beautiful birds, indulge in picnics at the rejuvenating spots enveloped in the bounty of nature. A haven for the artists, homestays in Bhimtal are places where you can read under an oak tree, write scripts, paint and draw the landscape without any disturbance. These places are known to give the visitors an 'out of the world experience.'
The oak and pine forests, the lush green land with the Himalayas at the backdrop, provide a serene scenery awaiting to be painted. Feast your eyes on the green valley carpeted with colourful flowers, listen to the melody of the birds or just taste the flavoured Pahari dishes of Uttarakhand, like Bhatiya and Gehet Ki Dal when you stay at the homestays of Bhimtal.
Martin Wynn
