Takdah Homestays: A Colonial Escape With a Himalayan Heart

There are hill stations, and then there's Takdah. Quiet, green, and blissfully detached from chaos, this little gem tucked in the Darjeeling district isn’t trying to compete with the likes of Darjeeling or Kalimpong. Instead, it offers something they don’t—a genuine escape into serenity, where British-era bungalows whisper tales from the past and orchids bloom without needing an Instagram post.

Located roughly 25 km from Darjeeling and 35 km from Kalimpong, Takdah Cantonment was once a strategic British outpost. Back in the late 1800s and early 1900s, British army officers and later Cinchona planters used to call it home. They built spacious colonial bungalows, possibly to cope with homesickness (and the lack of Netflix). When they left, those bungalows sat largely forgotten for decades. But in recent years, the winds have changed.

Now, Takdah is fast becoming a sought-after homestay destination for travellers who crave quiet mornings, long walks under pine canopies, and evenings where the loudest sound is a cicada. It’s peaceful, it’s secluded, and if you’re lucky, you might get a whole colonial bungalow to yourself. Fancy that?

Homestays in Takdah – A Blend of Heritage and Homely Comfort

Let’s talk about the homestays—because that’s why you’re here, right? Homestays in Takdah are not just rooms with a view; they are experiences steeped in history and hospitality. Many of the old British-built bungalows have been converted into charming homestays, lovingly restored but still wearing their vintage charm. High ceilings, wooden floors that occasionally creak with stories, and lawns that beg you to sip your tea outdoors.

Staying in one of these homestays is not about five-star frills; it’s about old-school grace. You get homemade meals cooked by local hosts, cosy fireplaces during winter, and hosts who’ll treat you like family but also know when to give you your space. It’s the kind of place where your phone signal may weaken, but your spirit will recharge.

The tea gardens in the area, such as Rangli Rangliot and Namring, offer dreamy green walks and the chance to see tea pluckers at work—something you usually see only on postcards. You can sit on a bench overlooking rolling hills and realise you’ve been sipping your fifth cup of tea and haven’t checked your emails all day. That’s the kind of healing Takdah brings.

The Takdah Orchid Centre is another local gem. Tucked within a peaceful park, this centre blooms with colourful orchids and offers a panoramic view of the tea gardens and the shimmering Teesta River. Not many tourists make it here, which honestly makes it all the better for the few who do.

Then there’s the Takdah Club, a relic of colonial leisure where British officers once played cards, sipped whisky, and maybe plotted empire strategies. Today, it’s a reminder of the town’s unique past and a curious site to explore between lazy walks.

And if you’re up for a short walk or drive, Tinchuley village is just 3 km away. The road between Takdah and Tinchuley offers glorious views of Kalimpong hills and even glimpses of Sikkim. It’s a perfect way to spend a morning—just you, the hills, and maybe a yak or two for company.

Why Tourists are Falling in Love with Takdah Homestays

The tourism spotlight is shifting slowly but surely. More and more travellers—especially those who have ticked off the Darjeeling-Mirik-Pelling loop—are now craving places like Takdah that offer authentic hill experiences without the selfie-stick crowds.

Homestays in Takdah bring you up close with the culture, food, and daily life of the region. Your hosts might serve you a humble yet unforgettable local meal of gundruk, rice, and chicken curry, or show you how to brew traditional tea right from the garden. And the nights? They’re made for stories—shared over a fire, under a sky full of stars.

Book with Humro Home – Make It Personal

If all this sounds like your kind of holiday, don’t just browse aimlessly online. Reach out to Humro Home, who know these hills better than most. They’ve curated a select group of Takdah homestays that are genuine, welcoming, and worth your time.

Whether you want to stay in a large British-era bungalow with mountain views or a cosy home tucked beside a tea estate, Humro Home can match your mood. Call 9733071716 or 9733069690 to speak to a local expert who knows the best places to stay, eat, and wander. Don’t just visit the hills—live in them, even if for a few days.