Ritu Raj Home Stay & Cafe Sarkidhar — Hotel in Himachal Pradesh

My stay at Ritu Raj Homestay in December last year was a truly unforgettable experience that left an indelible mark on my heart. As a solo traveler, I was initially apprehensive about arriving in Mandi at an odd hour, but Ritesh, the owner, went above and beyond to ensure my safety and comfort. He arrived at the bus stop an hour before my scheduled arrival, which was a thoughtful gesture that immediately put me at ease. This small act of kindness set the tone for the rest of my stay, which was filled with warmth, hospitality, and genuine care. From the moment I stepped into the homestay, I was warmly welcomed by Ritesh's family, who made me feel like a part of their own. The accommodation was cozy and well-maintained, with every request I made being catered to with precision and attention to detail. The in-house chef prepared delicious meals daily, using fresh ingredients and traditional recipes that showcased the rich culinary heritage of Himachal Pradesh. And their friendly pet dog, which accompanied me everywhere with its wagging tail, added to the homely atmosphere, making me feel like I was part of the family. The homestay also offers a convenient cab service to take you around Rewalsar or anywhere you request, based on availability. This added convenience made it easy for me to explore the region without worrying about transportation. One of the highlights of my stay was when Ritesh arranged for a traditional Himachali Mandi Dham thali to be prepared for me on my last day. This thoughtful gesture showcased his attention to detail and willingness to go the extra mile to make his guests feel special. The thali was a culinary masterpiece, with each dish carefully prepared to showcase the unique flavors and traditions of the region. It was a truly unforgettable experience that left me with a deeper appreciation for the local culture and cuisine. The homestay itself is a tranquil oasis, surrounded by breathtaking views of the Himalayas and lush green orchards. The beautiful orchid garden, which is meticulously maintained by Ritesh and his family, is a haven for nature lovers and photography enthusiasts. And the nearby attractions, such as the Naina Devi Temple and Padmasambhava Cave, offer a glimpse into the region's rich cultural and spiritual heritage. What truly sets Ritu Raj Homestay apart is the genuine passion and love that Ritesh and his family have for hosting. It's clear that they don't just run a business, but rather create a home away from home for their guests. Ritesh's dedication to his craft is evident in every aspect of the homestay, from the delicious meals to the warm hospitality. He is a true ambassador of the region, and his love for the local culture and traditions is infectious. I highly recommend Ritu Raj Homestay for a rejuvenating, peaceful, and authentic experience near Rewalsar. Whether you're looking to relax, explore the local culture, or simply unwind, this homestay is an excellent choice. The tranquil atmosphere, delicious meals, and warm hospitality make it an ideal destination for solo travelers, couples, and families alike. And who knows, you might just find yourself falling in love with the beauty and charm of Himachal Pradesh, just like I did....

This homestay is not at all good. It was very expensive (1200 per night) for Himachal Pradesh and the location. Because there are very few home stays in Sar ki Dhar area, the families charge more. Long-term prices would be less though.

Cleanliness is an issue. Bed sheet was clean but nothing else was. Furniture: tables, chairs, bedsides so dirty that we wiped them each at least a few times and every tissue came out so full of girth one could tell they hadn’t been cleaned for ages. Cleanness of the toilet seat and washbasin was questionable. though promised, a new soap wasn’t provided. All the chairs in the balcony were broken and no one even told us that they were. One could fall.

But we were managing with all this, until we ordered lunch - 140 rupees thali each, expensive than most places in Himachal, and got a plate of meagre rice, a little bowl of dal, and a tiny portion of dry vegetable. We were given once more, hesitatingly and again in a small quantity for two people. And when we asked once more, the host said she wouldn’t give more. We returned with empty bowls and sad faces. Chapatis were dry. Rice was of the poorest quality and just given so little as if one didn’t want to part with their food. Luckily we had a packet of ready to eat dal makhni which we heated in hot water and had it else we would have been left hungry. How can one be so cringy! and the plates didn’t come with the extra dal and vegetable but we had to keep going back to the house to ask for more and leave our food in between. No salad was provided and when we asked for onion, we were given a few dirty pieces of onion with the world’s most bitter pickle. Perhaps it was gone bad. The host behaved as if she was feeding us for free and doing us a favour, not even putting the food in a plate but just bringing it all in her hands hanging loosely.

Also, it wouldn’t hurt to put on a smile once or twice for people who have come to your house hoping to have a good experience, trusting your reviews and the generosity of your state, the amazing place Himachal is. No one with such greed and ignorance should host any living being.

The main host — the guy through whom we booked was nice, messaged to ask if we would like to order food, and even offered that we could check out by 1 pm conveniently, which we did. his father with whom we spoke later also seemed nice. But the part of the family who served us food...

Lodging – Clean rooms with natural aroma of deodar (wooden flooring and ceiling with partial wood paneling on walls. Water is superb. High speed optic fiber internet connection. This homestay is the FIRST ONE TO START with this facility in Sarkidhar. Well-working electric switches, geyser and faucets. Sleep quality is good (clean and fresh). Spacious balcony facing Sukh sar (lake that dries up during winters).

Food – no doubt it is organic and all produce is right out of their fields (gourds, pumpkins, radish, tomatoes, arbi, gulgul, wheat, citrus variety and more) and hand-picked daily. Most importantly, food is made with love and dedication, hence, delicious.

Location and reachability – 9 kms uphill from Rewalsar and located right on the road. Local buses are available to reach here but there are just 5 in a day. Taxi may take anything between 600-700 to get you from Rewalsar to Ritu Raj (absolutely unfair price by taxi).

Family – kind, simple, hard-working, super busy with daily chores around home, cattle and fields. Dadi maa is super woman!! Whole Sharma family is just wonderful. Views – green hills & mountains as far as one can see, lake right across the road, step farms, holy diyas lit (24X7) at Buddhist caves and stars at night.

Things to do: Tours (7 lakes tour, Naina Devi temple hike, Buddhist caves, field tour, cattle + camping etc.) Local transport – best way to explore and save time is to use your legs. Few buses from Rewalsar ply up to Naina Devi temple and cross the homestay.

Once walking on road, do enjoy local tea and burger chana by the roadside. It is incomparable joy to communicate with locals and support the local economy which is a lot dependent on tourists. Have fun and book directly...