Heyagriva, The Comfort Everest Homestay
Category: Budget
About the homestay
This is a 5-storied building (G+4) and located away from the town center of Darjeeling, however, the Mall (Chowrasta) is about 15-minute walk from the property. The first three floors are used by the hosts and their family, while the upper two floors (i.e., the 3rd and the 4th floor) are offered to the guests as homestay.
The homestay is owned and managed by Paulzor and Douna, a very warm, charming and friendly couple who would go all the way to make you feel at home. The property is located on Tenzing Norgay Road, it's a narrow alley (but cars can come up to the homestay). At first, you may not be quite impressed by the entrance and the front facade of the building, however, your impression will gradually change. You will receive a warm welcome by the hosts and the polite staff with glittering smiles as if some close friends are receiving you.
And soon, you will be surprisingly pleased to see how a cozy, aesthetically decorated yet simple and well maintained room is awaiting you. The rooms practically have everything that you need including warm blankets, room heaters (that are so essential during the winters), hair dryer, as well as several interesting books to read during your leisure hours. Bathrooms have western style toilets and fitted with geysers (you can get hot water anytime during the day and that's a big plus for a homestay in Darjeeling). They also provide towels and toiletries like tooth paste, soaps etc. Both rooms and bathrooms are clean and well maintained.
But the surprises do not end there, you get wonderful views of Mt. Kanchenjunga and its snow peaks from the rooms and from the terrace. If you climb up to the large terrace, the view is simply awesome. Do not miss out on the stunning view of the sunrise from here. You can see Tiger Hilll to your right, Kanchenjunga snow peaks to your left and the sun rising in between the two and right in front of you. You can skip a
visit to Tiger Hill to experience the sunrise... the view is no less from here and you can save on your tour costs. The terrace is beautifully decorated with flowering plantations and foliage... you will love to spend a lot of your time there. The terrace is a great place to have your breakfast and enjoy the views.
Now coming to food... the home-cooked food served is simply delicious and prepared by the head cook Karoj and his wife Eden. The breakfast and dinner are included in the room rates and complimentary tea and coffee too are served. Usually the host will ask you what you may like to have for your meals and will try to accommodate that as much as possible. They make excellent local dishes.
The food is not only tasty, they are prepared with less spice. In breakfast, try out the aloo bhaji and paratha. Other must tries include Tibetan tea, Kauri, Thukpa and delicious Momos.
Unlike most other homestays that offer basic or no internet connectivity, this homestay provides free high-speed wi-fi which is ideal if you are planning for a workation out of this quiet and lovely place. The property is very safe and perfect for even solo women travelers.
Other than books, you can also play guitars and even board games. The host Paulzor has a great knowledge on the social and political history of Darjeeling. You can have a chat with him over a cup of tea and learn a lot about the rich history and culture of the hills... an ideal place for such chat is the terrace on top.
The narrow Tenzing Norgay Road in front of the building goes all the way, becomes Dr. Zakir Hussain Road and eventually enters the
Chowrasta Mall of Darjeeling. A walk from Heyagriva Homestay will take about 14-15 minutes to get to the mall (1.1km). There are plenty of shops and restaurants there and near around.
My overall opinion
This is a wonderful homestay and ideal for singles as well as couples and families who want to stay a few days in a quiet yet wonderful ambience, with rooms having all amenities that you can expect out of a homestay and offering lovely views of the mountains.
The hosts and all the staff are simply gracious, polite and extremely caring... you will love to spend time with them. You can even join the head cook and try your hands to make your own food.
The food served is delicious.
There are several dogs in the premises (4 at the time of writing this article)... they are like the family members of the hosts and will be all around the property. Although they are all very cute and well mannered, if you are scared of dogs, you should let the hosts know in advance so that they are kept away from you.
One of the rare cons of this property is... you need to climb steep stairs in order to reach the rooms in the upper floors... it requires some climbing effort and may not be suitable for the aged persons or those who have mobility problems.
While everything about the room is great... I wish the bed was a little larger and little more comfortable.
Overall, it's a great property offering real value for money... they have many returning guests and that speaks volumes about the homestay.
Location and Contacts Info
As you come up from the plains (i.e. NJP/Bagdogra) and approach Darjeeling, at Jorebungalow (just before Ghum), you will get on to the narrow Tenzing Norgay Road that branches off from the main Hill Cart Road (NH-110). From Jorebungalow, Heyagriva Homestay is 4kms away. From NJP station, the distance to Heyagriva is 71kms and will take around 2 hours 45 minutes by a taxi.
Address & Contacts:
Tenzing Norgay Road, Ganeshgram,
Tungsung Basti, Darjeeling, West Bengal 734101
Mobile: +917029506335 or +918700379227
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