Tag: Hillstation

Himalayan Farmstays – Baasbari Farms

Having travelled extensively as an environmentalist trying to understand better ways of managing the natural eco-system and its resources, Navraj believed co-habitation with the surroundings was the only way forward. He often chose to stay at minimalistic, off-beat locations to learn more about the environment, hoping that one day he could bring the knowledge and awareness of his research nearer home. With the idea of building their own ’knowledge-centre’, Navraj along with his family (Rajani, Youraj and Dipesh) set about formulating a plan to convert their ancestral farm in the foothills of the Eastern Himalayas and integrate the space as an eco-tourism model with a sustainable initiative.

Origin

What was once just 10 acres of terraced rice fields along with few indigenous vegetables growing about until the late 1990s, the land gradually started developing into a mixed farm of agroforestry. Moreover, with 10-15 years of additional concentrated work, the terrain began transforming into a well-groomed landscape surrounded by various species of timber, fruit and nut trees and more recently a robust range of organic garden produce. Over time various bamboo species could be found all over the area, prompting the owners to name it ‘ Baasbari’ or Land of Bamboos.

‘Baasbari’ was borne out of the need to highlight the importance of sustainable living and promote the use of local resources without destroying the environment; while supporting native culture. Much inspired by the minimalism of Japanese aesthetics in the form of their ‘ enso’ – a circle that is hand-drawn in one or two uninhibited brushstrokes to express a mind that is free to let the body create – Baasbari’s logo is symbolic of a simple & natural way of life. Coincidentally a bamboo when cut also resembles the ‘enso’.

Location

Whatever route you choose, it makes for an interesting ride as you pass through the small sleepy towns and reach the lower valleys near Bijanbari where almost nothing ever prepares you for what unfolds ahead. Breathtaking views of natural forests, tea gardens, mountain streams and the deep valleys greet you here. Located right here in this rich natural setting, Baasbari Farms calls out to the world-weary wanderer with a promise to bring an ‘offline’ experience like never before. This is where you ‘disconnect to reconnect’ with the real Darjeeling countryside.

How to reach

Also a popular day-expedition from the hill-town of Darjeeling, it takes approximately 90 minutes as you drive down a scenic winding road via Ghoom. Alternatively, it takes slightly less time through the village towns of Tukvar, Jamunay and Pulbazar. The nearest train station is New Jalpaiguri and the airport is Bagdogra, both about 3 and a half hours away. The Farm arranges transportation to and from the airport, train-station or Darjeeling town for guests and visitors.

About

Primarily a knowledge centre and learning ground for local voluntary groups, school children, researchers and farmers to help them integrate sustainable development practices in their daily routines, the Farm is fast becoming a much-touted off-beat destination for just about anyone including the family ‘pet’. The farm seeks to promote tourism in these parts of the Himalayas in a minimally intrusive manner by offering a resort-style option for a weekend escapade or an anytime glamour-camping or ‘glamping’ option at its authentic best.

Whether a visitor or a resident guest at Baasbari Farms there is much to learn and experience through workshop activities and informative field trips around the area. For the local participants, these classroom session workshops focus on skill-development and capacity-building. Workshop themes range from sustainable-living to community-development and take care to demonstrate practical ways for waste management, organic farming, cultivation of natural plantations and indigenous species, and also functions as a bamboo research and training centre. Knowledge shared and discussed at these workshops is well reflected in the design element, careful planning and layout of Baasbari Farms itself. Sustainable structures built out of bamboo and local wood can be seen as practical solutions gathered from natural traditions passed down through generations.

Accommodation

Baasbari Farm offers options of 3 Double bedrooms in well-designed bamboo units overlooking the wide expanse of the hills and valleys.

The newly built bamboo unit opens into a large balcony for that genuine off-the-grid feel with a picture-perfect view in the front; an ideal space for a private meal or two. Apart from this, there are 2 Luxury Tents that are ideal ‘Glamping’ experience in the middle of a forest. The farm also offers individual tents with sleeping bags and air mattresses for the adventure enthusiasts. The Farms looks forward to 3 more Bamboo units which are slated to come up very soon.

Food

Guests at Baasbari Farms can get access to the entire farm and kitchen should they wish to cook their own meals. However, ‘food’ is one of the key attractions of this Farm and homely Nepalese meals that are organically grown and freshly prepared is served. Seasonal organic produce from the farm itself supplies the Kitchen at Baasbari to dish out local Nepali dishes, ethnic salads and smoothies with various natural blends and authentic spices. Food is lovingly plated on local ‘banana leaves’ and served in the traditional brass tableware. Local farm eggs and chicken comprise of their non-vegetarian items apart from the wide range of fresh & organic vegetarian fare that they offer. Try the local ‘gundruk’ – a lentil soup made with fermented greens that make for a hot and refreshing treat in the chilly mountains.

While the meals constitute of simple Nepali dishes prepared by the family themselves, they also hope to add a whole range of ’Newari’ dishes in the near future to give a taste of their rich family culture and tradition along with a variety of their own bakery products including natural whole wheat bread.

Booking for Baasbari Farm

You can head on to your next mountain adventure into these parts of the eastern Himalayas and book yourself for a Baasbari experience through any of the following portals.

Official website BaasbariFarms
Airbnb: AirBNBBaasbari
Booking.Com: Booking.com Baasbari
Trip Advisor: Tripadvisor Baasbari
Trivago: Trivago Baasbari
Agoda: Agoda Baasbari
100 miles; 100 miles Baasbari
Michelin: Michelin Baasbari

Baasbari Farms have hosted many happy travelling families and their heartfelt feedback can be found in the official website Baasbari Farm and their Instagram handle Instagram Baasbari Farms or their Facebook page Facebook Baasbari Farms.

Overall, Navraj says that they have had an overwhelming response from every guest who has visited them till date. ‘Most of them ‘come in as guests and leave as family, attached to our staff, landscape and culture’.

Thank you for reading! Stay tuned to Sketchywanderer for more vignettes of lesser-known places and spaces. I would love to hear your thoughts and feedback on this blog.

Urban Himalayan Homestays in India – Weaving lives, one ‘reyso’ at a time!

This spore of an idea spins its own tale in a quiet semi-urban rural area; at the outskirts of the hill-town of Darjeeling!
REYSO (‘a strand’ of spun yarn or wool) first threaded its way into what it is today, as the brainchild of a young working mother who had a keen interest to pursue her passion for ‘knitting’ and ‘crochet’ along with few of her friends.

 

A motley gathering of local womenfolk would come together with dreams to create and sell regional handicraft and gradually formed a small-time cooperative society by the name of Adarsh Kala.  However, afflicted by the lack of economic resources and structural planning this little-known society failed to thrive as an independent body,  but what it did was succeed in sowing the seed of a noble idea. Little did they expect that this ‘seed’ would eventually take root and grow into a social campaign called ‘REYSO’ a few decades later with the joint effort of a small team of like-minded individuals.

 

With a conscious effort and sincere passion to bring about a much needed social initiative, REYSO was registered as a society in 2014 and it started off with a small store.  Every Saturday since then, this store welcomes an excited conglomerate of local women here. Most of them are unemployed womenfolk from around the area and also includes a few financially impaired Tea Garden workers.  For them, REYSO offers not only a much-needed source of additional income but also a meaningful way to spend an afternoon with friends and like-minded associates over a cup of ‘Chiya’ (tea), while they deliberate over a new stitch or pattern for their latest knitting venture.

 

You can visit https://www.facebook.com/reysohandmade/or take a quick peek into the delightful world of authentic REYSO products on Instagram @reyso.handcraft.  Every item ranging from a crochet Tea-cozy,  a bedspread or cushion cover comes along with a guarantee to add colour and warmth to your personal space. Every REYSO handicraft that you purchase adds just another ray of hope for many in this local community. So, head over to their store if you find yourself in these parts during your next Himalayan adventure. A mindful souvenir and a cup of Darjeeling tea may just be waiting for you at the REYSO store.
Now, what is fascinating about this enterprise is that it does not just end here. Realising the potential of the abundant local natural resources and the appeal of simple rustic lifestyle for a world traveller, REYSO  recently opened the doors of their boutique urban homestay to a heartwarming response.
Imagine a private natural haven just outside the bustling town of Darjeeling and yet not quite in the rural villages and tea gardens? The REYSO urban homestay promises an interesting mix of experiences.  It is a mere 10minute drive from the main town of Darjeeling where you can easily rent a local taxi after which it is a 5minute walk along indigenous narrow lanes and steps. The location is perfect for those who love to walk and seek to experience the actual, non-touristy lifestyle of Darjeeling
Garden and main courtyard at Reyso Urban Homestay
The main courtyard with its plethora of local flora greets you warmly as it leads you to the Homestay that has been tastefully renovated into a traveller’s dream-stay in the hills.
You can take your pick of the room options from the  ‘Attic Suite which comes along with an attached bathroom and a balcony garden.  The ‘Family Suite’ has two adjoining rooms with a twin set in the second room while the ‘Backpacker room’ is another option for the traveller. The Family Suite and the Backpacker room have private bathrooms but they are not attached.
There is no television in the rooms and this offers a purposeful ambience to relax and unwind in natural surroundings. For practical reasons, wifi is available upon request.
The lounge serves as a Dining room for the Homestay and is common for all guests.  All meals are cooked in the main kitchen and the produce are mostly organic, sourced from local farmers.  The food is vegetarian traditional Nepalese and prepared with a mix of local ground spices that have a distinct flavour of their own.
In tune with the inherent motive to contribute towards local livelihood and promote Responsible Tourism, a range of handmade products are showcased at the REYSO Homestore too https://www.facebook.com/reysohomestore/
And just in case the serene environment, refreshing greenery all around and clean organic food inside manages to call out the artisan or the creative diva in you, head over to the Homestay’s small ‘Art Studio’ that is replete with basic paraphernalia for some craftwork or painting.  A fine water colourist himself, the owner, Ujjawal Chettri and his Homestay team look forward to encouraging travellers who share a passion for art, craft and music. The place indeed is an ideal retreat for Artists, Musicians, Writers and Photographers any time of the year.
The Homestay is very exclusive and caters to those who appreciate the concept of natural, responsible tourism. They are yet to link up with Travel agents and portals as the initial reviews have been very positive with guests directly calling to book through word of mouth.
For quick snapshots and reviews of REYSO Urban homestay tune into @reyso.urbanhomestay on Instagram.
Stay tuned to Sketchywanderer for more vignettes of hidden places and spaces. I would love to hear your thoughts & feedback on this blog.