Escape to the Himalayas: Dehradun's BEST Homestay Awaits!
Escape to the Himalayas: Dehradun's BEST Homestay Awaits! - Or Does It? (A Messy, Honest, and Totally Human Review)
Okay, so I just got back from this "Escape to the Himalayas" homestay in Dehradun, and let me tell you, my experience was… well, let's just say it was an experience. The website promised "BEST," and let me be upfront, my expectations were sky-high. Did it deliver? Grab a chai (or a stiff drink, honestly), because this is gonna be a ride.
Metadata & SEO Stuff (Gotta Play the Game!)
- Title: Escape to the Himalayas Dehradun Review: Honest Homestay Vibes & the Unexpected
- Keywords: Dehradun homestay, Himalayan escape, Uttarakhand accommodation, India travel review, Best hotels Dehradun, Accessible hotel Dehradun, WiFi, Spa, Restaurant, Pool, Dehradun hotel, Dehradun stay
- Meta Description: A brutally honest review of "Escape to the Himalayas" homestay in Dehradun. Accessibility, food, spa, and… well, everything! Read about the highs, lows & if it's worth your money.
Accessibility: A Mixed Bag…and It Started to Rain
They say "Facilities for disabled guests" and "Elevator." Okay, that’s a start. But, and this is a big but (pun intended) I didn’t exactly need a wheelchair, but I'm not exactly an athlete either. Some of the pathways around the property were a bit… uneven. Think "adventure path, if you're in a wheelchair". They weren't terrible, but maybe not fully optimized, you know? The elevator, thank goodness, was actually a real thing. I managed.
On-site Eats & Drinks: Food, Glorious (and Sometimes Questionable) Food!
Alright, let's talk food. This is important. Very, very important.
- The Good Stuff: The "Asian breakfast" was truly amazing! Think fluffy parathas, aloo bhaji, and the BEST chai I have ever tasted. And they had a "Vegetarian restaurant", which came as a big relief, even though I'm not particularly a vegetarian I'm happy it was there.
- The "Meh" Stuff: The "International cuisine in restaurant" was… well, it was there. I ordered a burger one night and it tasted like a slightly sad approximation of a burger.
- The "Wait, What?!" Stuff: The "Buffet in restaurant" description… I actually never saw. It was, possibly, a thing. If it was, it was a well-guarded secret. Also, the poolside bar… it was, like, mostly empty. No one was actually at poolside bar and it kinda felt like a ghost town.
And about that…pool:
The “Pool with view” looked absolutely glorious in the photos. But in reality, it turned out they overused the "Pool with view" description and actually forgot the pool, which was "Swimming pool [outdoor]". The water was freezing and the "view" was mostly trees. I braved it one afternoon because I was feeling adventurous and after that, I caught a cold. Totally worth it.
Relaxation Station: Spa Days and Slightly Rough Massages
This is where it got interesting. They had a "Spa", a "Sauna", a "Spa/sauna". The "Massage" was, shall we say, variable. One masseuse was amazing, channeling all kinds of mystical energy. The other… well, let's just say my shoulder still hasn't forgiven her. The "Body scrub" and "Body wrap" seemed fun, but I chickened out.
Cleanliness & Safety: Feeling Safe, but Also a Little Paranoid
Okay, this is where they really impressed me. They take COVID seriously. They had "Anti-viral cleaning products", "Daily disinfection in common areas", "Hand sanitizer" everywhere, and "Room sanitization opt-out available". The staff, with their masks and face shields, looked ready to combat a pandemic. I felt safe, maybe a little too safe. It was all a bit intense.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking (The Real Test)
Food. Again. I'm obsessed. Look, they had a lot of options. The "A la carte in restaurant", "Cofee Shop" was fine, but nothing to rave about. The "Breakfast [buffet]" was a myth. They had a "Poolside bar" which was apparently a myth as well. The "Coffee/tea in restaurant" was available. More than that it was a lifesaver. The "Room service [24-hour]" saved my life, seriously! And the "Snack bar" well, I don't recall seeing it.
Services and Conveniences… the Good, the Bad, and the "Meh"
- The Good: The "Air conditioning in public area" was bliss. "Concierge" was genuinely helpful.
- The Bad: No "Cash withdrawal". No "Dry cleaning" (which I desperately needed). The "Convenience store" had like, 3 items.
- The "Meh": I swear that "Gift/souvenir shop". It certainly existed but it was filled with the kind of stuff tourists buy, and then don't want.
For the Kids (I Left Mine at Home, Thank God)
"Babysitting service?" Possibly, but also possibly a myth. "Family/child friendly?" Yeah, I saw some kids there, so, okay. "Kids meal?" Who knows? Kids get whatever is left of the burger.
Rooms, Rooms, Glorious Rooms! (With Some Quirks)
My room… well, it had a view. A very vague view. It was "Non-smoking". It had "Air conditioning" (thank goodness). But the "Complimentary tea" arrived with a little bit of mold on the biscuits, which made me feel uneasy the entire day. There was "Free bottled water", which was nice. "In-room safe box", check. "Internet access – wireless" worked, but it was slow. The "Mirror" was in a strange angle, made me think my nose was bigger. But hey, "Slippers"!
Getting Around (And Why You Might Want to Walk)
They had "Airport transfer" and "Taxi service". The "Car park [free of charge]" always gave me a lot of peace. But I preferred to walk around Dehradun by myself.
Things to Do & Ways to Relax… Beyond the Expected
- The Unexpected: a "Shrine".
- The Slightly Disappointing: a "Fitness center", which I never visited.
- The Interesting, but Ultimately Useless: They had "Audio-visual equipment for special events". Maybe if I was organizing a seminar, I'd would have found a use for it?
The Verdict: Worth It? Maybe. With Caveats.
Look, "Escape to the Himalayas" has its flaws. It can be inconsistent. The food can be hit-or-miss. The pool might be a letdown. BUT… the people were lovely. The location is stunning. It's a genuinely charming place.
If you're looking for a perfect, polished experience, this might not be it. But if you're looking for an authentic, slightly rough-around-the-edges Himalayan experience with incredibly kind staff and a decent cup of chai, then "Escape to the Himalayas" could be worth your while. Just lower your expectations, pack some snacks, and be prepared for a few pleasant surprises (and maybe a moldy biscuit or two).
Final Rating: 3.5 out of 5 Stars (Mostly for the chai and the chance encounter with a mystical masseuse)
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Okay, buckle up, buttercups! Because this isn't just a travel itinerary, it's a living, breathing testament to my questionable life choices and a slightly (okay, maybe a lot) chaotic trip to Up & Up Homestay in Dehradun, India. Prepare for:
DEHRADUN DERAILS (A Messy, Emotional, and Probably Delicious Adventure)
Day 1: Arrival and the Great Mosquito Massacre (and a Delicious First Bite)
- Morning (Because I’m always late): Arrive at Jolly Grant Airport (DED). Pray to the travel gods that my luggage isn't somewhere in the Himalayas. Seriously, I packed for all scenarios: monsoon, desert, and a casual tea party with the Queen. Hail a pre-paid taxi. Already sweating, not from the heat, but from the sheer prospect of haggling. The driver? Probably judging my attire. I’m wearing the "I'm Trying Too Hard to be Culturally Sensitive" outfit. Faaaabulous.
- Afternoon (Homestay Shenanigans): Arrive at Up & Up Homestay. It’s prettier in the photos, of course. The welcome drink is lukewarm. Ah, Indian hospitality at its finest. I'm already feeling overwhelmed with the beauty of the place. The room… well, it's got character, let's say. And the mosquito situation? EPIC. Seriously, I think they’re holding a convention in my room. Hours spent battling them. I'm pretty sure I'm their primary target in the mosquito Olympics.
- Evening (Food Glorious Food): Dinner at the Homestay: They've got the best food. I ordered chicken momos , and my god, the flavour! So good that i will be dreaming about it for weeks to come, and I'm not being dramatic. Seriously, possibly the best momos of my life?? I'm also pretty sure I just witnessed a minor family squabble, but hey, that's India, right? The whole place just feels like one giant, loving, slightly dysfunctional family. I love it.
- Bedtime (or, Mosquito Night Round Two): More mosquito combat. Contemplating sleeping in the bathroom. Eventually cave in with the mosquito nets and a prayer.
Day 2: Forest Foraging and Finding My Inner Yogi (Maybe)
- Morning (The Forest Beckons): After a surprisingly decent sleep (thanks mosquito net!), start the day with a guided walk around the area with some local people. They show us different plants. The views are unbelievable! I'm pretty sure I saw a monkey eyeing my banana.
- Afternoon (Yoga…or a Comedy Routine?): Attempt a yoga class at the Homestay. I’m flexible as a rusty hinge and my balance is about as steady as a politician's promise. The teacher is incredibly patient, bless her heart. I spend half the time giggling and the other half sprawled on the mat. I swear, I heard my own bones cracking. Namaste…more like "Namastay-put-me-out-of-my-misery."
- Evening (The City Buzz and a Delicious Discovery): Head into Dehradun town to explore. The traffic is a glorious chaos. I got lost, obviously. But! While lost, I stumbled upon a tiny little street food stall with the most amazing Pani Puri. It exploded in my mouth with a burst of flavour I hadn't experienced for years. I ate, like, a dozen. Regret? Zero.
- Bedtime (Hoping for Better Sleep): More insect repellant. Seriously, the homestay should start selling it. I’d buy shares. I was really tired, so i went to sleep.
Day 3: Mussoorie Mayhem and Himalayan Hopes
- Morning (The Road to Mussoorie): Hire a car to Mussoorie. The drive is… curvy. Let’s just say my breakfast is re-evaluating its life choices. The scenery is breathtaking. I spend most of the journey with my head out the window, trying to take it all in.
- Afternoon (Mussoorie Magic - or Just a Tourist Trap?): Explore Mussoorie. The Mall Road is packed. The shops sell souvenirs. I get a picture with a sad-looking yak. But! The views of the Himalayas are spectacular. It makes all the tourist tat worth it. I feel a profound sense of peace, mixed with a healthy dose of “holy crap, I’m high up!”
- Late Afternoon (Coffee and Contemplation): Find a little cafe with incredible views. I sit there with a coffee and just…breathe. The air is crisp, the clouds are dramatic. It’s the kind of moment that makes you feel utterly grateful for… well, for everything.
- Evening (Back to the Homestay - and More Food): Return to the Homestay, exhausted but happy. Dinner is another feast of deliciousness. I'm starting to understand why I love Indian cuisine so much. Is it the spices? The flavours? Or the fact that I have absolutely no self-control? Probably all three.
- Bedtime (The End is Near): Final mosquito battle. I feel like a warrior, well, a warrior who is losing the war.
Day 4: Goodbye Greetings and a Slight Spiritual Awakening (Maybe)
- Morning (The Last Breakfast): A final, glorious breakfast at the Homestay. Say goodbye to the staff. They’ve become like family, even if I’ve been a slightly chaotic guest.
- Afternoon (Jolly Grant Departure - and a Touch of Melancholy): Head to the airport. The flight takes off. As I look at the gorgeous view outside the window, I can't help but feel a pang of sadness.
- Evening (Back Home - and Already Dreaming of Dehradun): Back to reality. But the memories, the smells, the tastes…they’ll stay with me. As for the mosquitoes? Well, I’m bringing home some souvenirs of my own, of the itchy and red kind. This trip was messy, chaotic, and utterly, utterly wonderful. And already, I'm planning my return.
- Mood: Exhausted, but happy. And with a slightly irrational urge to buy a mosquito net.
So... is this place *really* the "BEST"? I'm a discerning traveler, you know.
Ah, the million-dollar question (or, you know, the slightly-less-expensive Dehradun version). Look, "BEST" is subjective, right? My "best" might involve copious amounts of chai and a view that makes me question reality – which, spoiler alert, this place *kinda* delivers. But here's the deal: it's *authentically* good. Not the sterile, airbrushed "luxury" you find in some places. It’s more like…your eccentric aunt’s house, but in the Himalayas. Charming chaos. And honestly? I *needed* that. My life had become a beige-colored spreadsheet dream, and this place… well, it splashed some watercolor all over it.
What's the food situation? I'm a foodie (aka, I eat things).
Food? *Oh, the food.* Okay, so I’m not gonna lie. On the drive there, my stomach was doing this weird nervous dance. I was picturing… well, frankly, I was picturing "questionable" roadside fare. Then I ate the first meal. And…wow. Forget those sad little "continental" breakfasts. This is *real* Indian home cooking. Freshly made (I SWEAR I saw the lady pluck the tomatoes from the garden), bursting with flavor, and probably made with a secret ingredient of pure, unadulterated love. My initial apprehension was promptly devoured (pun intended). One morning, I ordered the *aloo paratha*. Then, another. And then, just to be sure, a third. I may or may not have waddled off to the balcony to contemplate the beauty of the mountains, food-coma style. It was... transcendent. Seriously, pack elastic-waisted pants. You'll thank me.
What kind of rooms are available? Do they have air conditioning? (I'm a wimp).
Rooms? Okay, let’s be honest. If you're expecting a minimalist, stark-white-walls-and-a-single-scented-candle vibe, you're in the wrong place. They're cozy. Like, *really* cozy. Think warm, inviting, and full of character. And the view? Okay, the view is the real star here, and it makes up for *everything* (and I mean EVERYTHING. The dust bunnies under the bed? Forgotten). Now, about AC... Look, you're in the Himalayas. You should be embracing the crisp mountain air! I, personally, found the lack of AC to be a *blessing*. It forced me to actually... wait for it... *look* outside and breathe. Which, in my pre-Dehradun life, was apparently a foreign concept. The fans work great, and honestly, the temperature is usually perfect anyway. But yeah, if you can't handle a *tiny* bit of non-air-conditioned air, maybe stick to a beach resort. You'll miss out.
Is it accessible? I have mobility issues.
Okay, this is important. While the staff are incredibly helpful and accommodating, this isn't a place built for perfect accessibility. There are steps (hello, Himalayas!), some uneven terrain, and things are…well, they're not exactly designed with wheelchairs in mind. It's a rustic, charming place, and that comes with its own set of compromises. I'd recommend checking directly with the homestay about your specific needs *before* booking. They’ll be honest with you (they're good like that). It's always better to know, before you're hauling your luggage and yourself up a flight of stairs, right?
What's the Wi-Fi like? My phone is basically surgically attached to my hand.
Wi-Fi… Ah, the modern traveler's dilemma. It exists! Sort of. It's not lightning-fast. It's not going to allow you to download entire seasons of your favorite show in seconds. It’s…adequate. Think of it as a gentle nudge towards disconnecting and actually, *gasp*, *experiencing* your surroundings. Which, let's face it, is kind of the point of going to the Himalayas in the first place. I found myself checking my phone less and less. The mountains, the chai, the amazing food - they kinda distracted me. And honestly? My mental health benefited. Consider this your digital cleanse, disguised as a vacation.
What's there to *do*? Besides, you know, *be in the Himalayas*?
Okay, so "being in the Himalayas" is a pretty big selling point on its own, but sure, let's talk activities! There are hikes! Glorious, breathtaking hikes! You can wander through tea plantations (yes, they're as picturesque as you imagine). You can visit local villages and meet the friendliest people on earth. You can… well, you can just *be*. I spent an entire afternoon just sitting on the balcony, watching the clouds drift by, with the sound of wind. That, my friend, is worth more than any carefully curated museum exhibit. The staff can also help you arrange day trips to local attractions. Just ask them! They know all the good spots.
Tell me about the view! I need a good Instagram shot. (Don't judge me.)
Okay, fine, I'll address the Instagram thing. The view? The view is… well, it’s ridiculous. I'm not talking "a pleasant vista." I'm talking "jaw-dropping, soul-stirring, makes-you-forget-your-name" kind of view. The mountains roll on forever, changing colors with the light. Sunrises that paint the sky in fiery hues. Sunsets that leave you speechless. I took like, a *million* pictures. (Don’t judge *me*). But honestly, no picture does it justice. You have to *see* it. You have to *feel* it. One morning, I woke up to a blanket of fog, and I was almost disappointed! Then, the fog lifted, and… boom. The Himalayas were there. Majestic. And I stood there, just… stunned. Seriously, pack extra memory cards. Or, you know, embrace the moment and just *be present*... or, you know, take, like, *five* hundred photos. No judgement here.
Is it Clean? Because, you know, hygiene.
Clean? It's India. I'm going to be brutally honest here: Let's just say the level of "clean" meets the standards for India. ItComfy Hotel Finder
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