Local And Organic: Farmstays In The Northeast To Book Right Now

The northeast states in India are known for stunning landscapes, rich heritage and vibrant food cultures. For a truly different experience, fresh vegetables, local flavours, and sustainability, stay at one of these amazing farm-to-fork getaways. You will be surrounded by centuries-old forests, go on walks in the countryside, and may even participate in cooking workshops.

Palighar

This wonderful little farm stay is set in a community on the outskirts of Kalimpong town in the Himalayas, surrounded by picturesque terraced hillsides and paddy farms. It was founded by a family that has lived in Kalimpong for six generations. With a strong belief in conserving and promoting Nepali tradition, they provide guests with a rare opportunity to firsthand experience local culture in the Darjeeling hills. Except for breakfast, the in-house kitchen sources all of its ingredients from its own farm, and everything prepared has genuine Nepali roots. Feel free to assist in picking seasonal vegetables and fruits from the garden or collecting eggs from the hens. You could also join the crew in the kitchen and learn Nepali cookery while they prepare a dinner.

Find out more here.

Address: Lower Echhey, Kafley Gaon, Kalimpong, West Bengal 734301

Tathagata Farms

Set deep in the hills of the eastern Himalayas, and 45 minutes away from over-crowded Darjeeling town, this farmstay gives you an immersive introduction to the tea planting life. Tathagata Farm began as an organic farming experimental farm, and it is also a member of the Mineral Spring Sanjukta Vikas Sanstha, a Small Farmers Organic Tea Growers Community. The accommodation has private sit-outs that look out onto land that grows cardamom, ginger, oranges, vegetables and, of course, tea. Food is fresh made with produce from the garden.

Find out more here.

Address: Aanp Botay, Mineral Spring, P.O. Lebong-734105, Darjeeling, West Bengal, India

Bon Farmhouse

Kewzing village in Sikkim is surrounded by lush forests that are home to hundreds of different bird species and is sprinkled with stunning Buddhist monasteries. This primitive home with rooms built of bamboo, woven reed, and wood is nestled among acres of vegetable farms, tea plantations, and cardamom trees. The homestay provides guests with an immersive Sikkimese village experience by allowing them to participate in farming activities. Guests can also sample the organic farm's food, which includes grains, millets, fruits, veggies, and spices. Traditional Sikkimese cuisine is offered at the farmhouse, which uses farm products as well as natural delicacies foraged from the nearby forests such as bamboo shoots, ferns, mushrooms, and nettles.

Find more info here.

Address: Bonfarmhouse, below Kewzing Gumpa P/O Kewzing Baazar Kewzing, Village, Ravangla, Sikkim 737139