Our home is a peaceful retreat surrounded by fruit orchards and green forests, with beautiful views of snow-covered mountains. The fresh mountain air makes it the perfect escape from busy city life. We built two cosy villas side by side for ourselves, with plenty of open spaces and quiet corners to relax.
As we settled into our new home, we discovered the joy of living a slower, more intentional life. We started cultivating our own fruits and vegetables, connecting with the warm and welcoming locals, and hosting occasional get-togethers with our neighbours and friends. Our way of life was so idyllic that some of our friends decided to stay with us, and it was they who inspired us to share our little slice of paradise with discerning guests.
And so, we decided to open our home as a homestay. Today, our little slice of heaven is a peaceful retreat for travellers looking to experience the beauty of the natural world and the warmth of community hospitality. We are proud to welcome some discerning guests from all over the world to our little oasis and share with them the beauty of our way of life.
A Focus on Sustainability
Since the beginning, we’ve been committed to caring for the environment. Even with limited space, we’ve planted many trees and continue to plant more. Our lifestyle keeps our carbon footprint not just low, but carbon-negative. We also follow a simple, mindful way of living, buying only what we truly need. Disposable crockery and plastic bags are shunned completely. We have adopted several water conservation measures and rely heavily on alternative energy sources like solar power. Rainwater harvesting and traditional groundwater replenishment techniques are also employed. Our farming practices prioritize organic cultivation and eschew the use of harmful pesticides or chemicals. Every drop of wastewater is reused, and we leave no stone unturned in our quest to preserve the planet.
Do take a look at some of the things that we have been doing – Environment & Social Work
From Farm to Plate
Cooking for our guests is an absolute joy for us. We use recipes passed down through generations, and most of our herbs and vegetables are grown using natural and organic farming methods. Additionally, we incorporate local wildflowers and herbs into our dishes, all sourced sustainably from the surrounding region. We prioritize sourcing chemical-free and organic produce, and support local farmers by purchasing from them whenever possible. Our guests are always treated to delectable and wholesome meals, crafted with care and prepared with ingredients of the highest quality. (Dine With Us!)
Our fruit orchard is a mix of forest trees and fruit trees planted by us. Delicious organically grown fruits now await our guests in the fruits’ season. (Fruit Orchard)
In Sync with Nature …
At the core of everything we do is a deep respect for nature — it’s our greatest guide. The pathways through our orchard, for example, weren’t planned on paper but shaped naturally by where people chose to walk. We also discovered a quiet corner with dense oak trees, offering cool shade in summer and gentle sunlight in winter. It naturally became a favourite resting spot, so we added a cosy seating area there. Our farming and gardening follow the same approach — working alongside nature, not against it, every step of the way. ( Our Farming Methods )
Culture and Traditions
In our leisure time, we have dedicated ourselves to exploring and delving into the vibrant heritage of our region, with its diverse culture and timeless traditions. Through diligent research and dedicated efforts, we have gathered a wealth of information concerning the temples that grace this land. (Temple Tales)
Within our premises, we have taken great pride in constructing a humble yet significant temple – Bhoomi Devta & Shiv Temple
Life at Maini’s Hill Cottages
Our cottages may be simple, but they offer all the essential comforts needed for a truly relaxing stay. While we don’t provide televisions, we firmly believe that the sweeping views of the valley and mountains in front more than make up for it. Our décor features a delightful mix of mismatched cups, comfortable chairs, and rewilded gardens, imbuing our homestay with a charming rustic feel. Guests can enjoy a warm cup of chai in the cool breeze or savour fresh juice made from local flowers and berries on a summer afternoon. Although we don’t offer computer games, we do have a selection of board games and books to enjoy, complemented by the perfect setting: a cosy crackling fire in the winter or a gentle cool breeze under an old tree in the summer.
Come, Enjoy our Hospitality
For us, hospitality is much more than just a business; it’s a passion rooted in our family values and traditions. When guests come to stay with us, we welcome them with open arms, treating them like cherished family or friends. In fact, many of our past guests have become lifelong friends, returning to visit us time and time again. For us, the joy of meeting new people, sharing stories and ideas, savouring delicious food, and exploring the natural beauty of our surroundings is what makes running a homestay so rewarding.
While we may not be a large, professional resort or hotel, we pour our hearts and souls into our small homestay. We believe that it’s the little things that truly matter and that leave a lasting impression on our guests. So come and join us in the ‘devbhoomi,’ the land of the Gods, and experience the warmth and hospitality that sets our homestay apart. We look forward to sharing unforgettable moments with you.
Come as our guests and leave as our friends.
