Takdah is a beautiful hamlet located about 28 km from Darjeeling. The place is not yet fully developed as a tourist destination, but the natural and scenic beauty of the place is exceptional. Takdah does not have many options in regards to accommodation. On our visit to Takdah, we chose to stay at Saino Heritage Guest House. And we not for a moment regretted this decision. The stay was so pleasing that we are compelled to write about it.

Takdah was a cantonment area in the British period. Quite naturally, there are a number of bungalows in the area. These British bungalows were mostly built during the period 1905 to 1915, and currently owned by the locals. Some of them are even used as establishments like schools and post offices. Saino Heritage Guest House is one such old bungalow that has been converted to a guest house for tourism. Mr. and Mrs. Pradhan are the perfect hosts for this wonderful place of stay.

• Accommodation at Saino Heritage Guest House:

There are four 2 bedded rooms. These four rooms are the part of the original bungalow. These rooms still have the old fireplaces. The rooms are now renovated according to the tastes and requirement of the present days. The bathrooms are well maintained and clean and fitted with geysers.

A new building has been built beside the old bungalow having 2 rooms each having 3 beds. Currently, another room is under construction catering to the tourist rush Takdah is recently facing.

• Food:

Food is home cooked with vegetables mostly procured from the local farm. The tariff is also reasonable. Breakfast, lunch and dinner are prepared at the guest house itself and the cook is quite adept at preparing tasty meals.

• Our review:

The best part of staying at the guest house was the hospitality of the Pradhan family and their staff. They are courteous and were always smiling and ready to help.

The rooms are very tastefully done holding on to the colonial charm without foregoing the modern amenities. There are long verandahs before the rooms where you can sit and relax having a sip of the famous Darjeeling tea while vast expanse of the valley simply lies before you. There is also a garden in front of the bungalow overlooking the valley below. The garden is well maintained having a bloom of seasonal flowers.

The food is quite good and homely. The cook surely knows how to please the taste buds of their guests.

The location of the guest house is also great. The guest house is located over a hillock and so it offers a great view of the valley, the rolling tea gardens and the Teesta river. During the evening, the Kalimpong town looks like small jewels. You can view the sunrise from the rooms of the original heritage building.

Mr. Pradhan can also arrange for transportation for local sightseeing as well as drop to Siliguri or NJP.

On your visit to Takdah, you may stay at Saino Heritage Guest House and get a taste of the colonial charm.

To know more, contact us.

If you know more about such offbeat homestays, heritage bungalows and guest houses, please let us know at connect2agniamrita@gmail.com