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Daragaon Homestay is a charming family-run guesthouse in the Himalayan foothills of Sikkim, India. It offers four cosy rooms with mountain views, a common dining area and a garden. It’s a place to experience the authentic culture and hospitality of the local Lepcha community, enjoy the scenic beauty and tranquility of the countryside, and explore the rich biodiversity and heritage of the region. The guesthouse is located in Daragaon village, about 15 kilometres from Kalimpong town. The village is situated on a ridge overlooking the Teesta river valley and the Kanchenjunga mountain range. The village is inhabited by the Lepcha people, an indigenous ethnic group with a distinct language, culture and religion. The village is surrounded by forests, fields, orchards and streams. The guesthouse is a traditional wooden house with a sloping roof and a colourful facade. The guesthouse is simple but comfortable, with wooden floors, walls and furniture, colourful fabrics and local art. Each room has a double bed or twin beds with cotton sheets, a wardrobe, a desk and a chair. The rooms have shared bathrooms with hot water and basic toiletries. The rooms have large windows and balconies that offer panoramic views of the mountains and the valley. The dining area has a fireplace, a TV, a library and a board game collection. The garden has a gazebo, a swing and a bonfire pit.
Sustainability
Daragaon Homestay is committed to preserving the environment and supporting the local community. The guesthouse uses solar power for lighting and heating. It collects rainwater for drinking and gardening. It recycles and composts waste. It grows organic fruits, vegetables and herbs in its garden. It supports local farmers and artisans by buying their products. It also educates guests about the local ecosystem and its conservation.
Some of the specific measures that Daragaon Homestay takes to be sustainable are:
Using low-wattage bulbs and LED lights in the rooms and the dining area
Using natural ventilation and fans instead of air conditioning
Using eco-friendly detergents and soaps in the bathrooms and the kitchen
Providing cloth napkins and towels instead of paper ones
Providing metal or glass bottles and cups instead of plastic ones
Growing seasonal and indigenous crops in the garden
Making compost from kitchen waste and animal manure
Making biogas from cow dung and plant matter
Making organic fertilisers and pesticides from cow urine and neem leaves
Making herbal medicines from local plants
Daragaon Homestay is involved in various social projects that benefit the people of Daragaon village and nearby areas. The guesthouse employs local staff and pays them fair wages. It also trains them in hospitality skills and English language. It supports local schools and health centres by donating money and materials. It sponsors local events and festivals that showcase the Lepcha culture and heritage. It also collaborates with local NGOs to promote women’s empowerment, youth development and social welfare.
Some of the specific ways that Daragaon Homestay impacts the community are:
Providing employment opportunities for local youth, especially women
Providing skill development opportunities for local staff, such as computer literacy, accounting, marketing and communication
Providing educational opportunities for local children, such as scholarships, books, uniforms and stationery
Providing health care opportunities for local people, such as free check-ups, medicines, vaccinations and awareness campaigns
Providing cultural opportunities for local people, such as music, dance, drama and art classes
Providing social opportunities for local people, such as self-help groups, cooperatives, clubs and associations
Rooms
There are four rooms to choose from, each with a different name and colour scheme. They can accommodate two to three people each, and have a double bed or twin beds with cotton sheets, a wardrobe, a desk and a chair. The rooms have shared bathrooms with hot water and basic toiletries. The rooms have large windows and balconies that offer panoramic views of the mountains and the valley. The rooms are named after local flowers and fruits, such as:
Rhododendron Room: This room has a red-and-white decor and a floral theme. It has a double bed and a balcony with mountain views.
Orchid Room: This room has a purple-and-white decor and an orchid theme. It has twin beds and a balcony with valley views.
Peach Room: This room has a peach-and-white decor and a fruit theme. It has a double bed and a balcony with mountain views.
Plum Room: This room has a plum-and-white decor and a fruit theme. It has twin beds and a balcony with valley views.
Food and drink
The food and drink at Daragaon Homestay are homemade, organic and delicious. The hosts prepare breakfast, lunch and dinner using ingredients from their garden or from nearby markets. The menu varies depending on what’s in season, but you can expect dishes such as paratha, puri, sabzi, dal, rice, momo, thukpa, chowmein, chicken curry, paneer tikka, fruit salad and cake. You can also enjoy tea, coffee, juice, milk and local drinks such as chhang and tongba. The meals are served in the dining area or in the garden. The hosts can also cater to special dietary requirements such as vegan, vegetarian or gluten-free. They can also arrange for packed lunches or snacks if you want to go for a picnic or a hike. They can also organise special occasions such as birthday parties or anniversary dinners. They can also teach you how to make some of their signature dishes or drinks if you are interested.
Things to do
There is plenty to do at Daragaon Homestay, whether you want to relax or adventure. You can take a guided tour of the village and learn about the Lepcha culture and lifestyle. You can join a cooking class or a craft workshop and learn how to make local dishes and handicrafts. You can book a massage or a meditation session and rejuvenate your body and mind. You can play board games, read books or watch movies in the lounge. You can also borrow bikes, binoculars and umbrellas from the hosts.
Kids
Daragaon Homestay is a family-friendly guesthouse that welcomes children of all ages. The rooms can accommodate extra beds or cots for kids. The kids will love the animals on the farm, such as the cows, goats, dogs and cats.
Getting there
The nearest airport is Bagdogra Airport, which is about four hours drive from Daragaon Homestay. You can rent a car at the airport or book a transfer with the hosts. You can also take a train or a bus to Siliguri, and then take a taxi or a shared jeep to Kalimpong. The drive from Kalimpong is about 40 minutes.
- Community led or owned
- Culture
- Rural
- Wifi
- Up to 2
- Up to 4
- Family
- Homestay
- Hiking
- Cycling
- Cultural visit
