Chalo Daanda Forest Farm Homestay

A Sustainable Homestay in Kanatal

Set amidst nature in Kanatal, this eco-friendly homestay offers a serene stay with stunning mountain and garden views. The property includes:

• A garden
• A fitness area
• Car rental service
• Outdoor fireplace
• Picnic spot

Each unit features a desk, a private bathroom with a bath, slippers, and a wardrobe.

Breakfast and Dining

Guests can enjoy vegetarian or gluten-free breakfast options with warm dishes and local specialties. Packed lunches are available for those planning day trips to nearby landmarks.

Family and Child-Friendly

Families with children can benefit from the outdoor play equipment available at the homestay.

Nearby Attractions

Gun Hill Point, Mussorie, and Landour Clock Tower are both situated 46 km away.

Hosts' Welcome

“Experience the traditional Garhwali lifestyle, our culture, and the natural beauty of our surroundings,” invite your hosts Jitendra and Seema.

Location and Accessibility

Nailbagi, a small mountain village in Garhwal, Uttarakhand, is the closest town, 8 km from Chamba. The nearest railway stations are in Dehradun and Rishikesh, with Dehradun also hosting the closest domestic airport.

From the main road, a one-hour hike (4km) leads to the homestay, where the ascent is gradual for the first 700m and then mostly flat. Nailbagi can be visited year-round. Summer offers warm days and pleasant mornings and evenings, while winter provides the best views of snow-capped Himalayan peaks.

Accommodation

Jitendra built a few rooms on his family's land in 2021 to supplement their income. The hand-built structure features locally-made furniture. Accommodation includes a handcrafted room with a comfortable mattress, attached bathroom, and a desk.

Wake up to the sound of birds, join the hosts in the kitchen, or practice yoga outdoors. The property is a one-hour walk from the main road, and cars can be parked safely.

Activities

• Tailored walks and treks
• Bird watching
• Flora and fauna identification
• Village walks
• Farm activities
• Camping
• Woodworking
• Learning Garhwali dishes
• Engaging with local children in various activities

Guests can enjoy reading, playing board games, or simply relaxing on the cottage verandah. Day trips to nearby attractions such as Tehri jheel, Surkunda Devi mandir, and Kaudia reserved forest can be arranged.

Important Information

You must hike roughly 4 km to reach the homestay, and assistance is available for luggage if needed. Only cash payments are accepted, with the nearest ATM in Chamba. Pets are allowed, but extra charges apply. The room includes an attached bathroom with heated water, showers, and western-style toilets. Power cuts are common, so torches and spare batteries are recommended. There is no TV, and Airtel is the only reliable network. Wifi is not available, but slow internet can be accessed via a personal dongle.

Please carry all necessities, as the local market is far away. Guests are requested to manage their plastic waste responsibly.

Responsible Tourism

The hosts organize nature awareness programs covering topics like birding, regional ecology, native flora and fauna, water management, and reforestation. Jitendra, a certified nature guide, can identify many local plants and bird species. The hosts practice and promote sustainable tourism, organic farming, and waste segregation, striving to act as a model for livelihoods in the region.