Unbelievable Shimla Stay: Kalta's Homestay - Your Dream Vacation Awaits!
Unbelievable Shimla Stay: Kalta's Homestay - My Dream Vacation… Almost! (A Frankly Honest Review)
Okay, buckle up buttercups. Forget the airbrushed brochures and perfect Insta-shots. I'm about to spill the tea on Kalta's Homestay in Shimla, and let me tell you, it's not all sunshine and rainbows (though, damn, the sun does hit differently in Shimla). This ain't some corporate, sanitized review. This is the real deal - warts and all. Prepare for a messy, honest, and hopefully, hilarious account.
Finding My Happy Place (And Maybe Yours Too): The Good Stuff
First things first: the view. Oh, the view! Seriously, picture postcard perfection. Mountains tumbling into valleys, whispers of pine scenting the air… it's the kind of scenery that makes you want to spontaneously burst into a Bollywood dance number (though, thankfully, I restrained myself). The homestay gets this. They've got a pool with a view, which, even though it's outdoors and probably freezing most of the year (I was there in late Spring, and it was still a little brisk!), is a serious selling point. Just imagining myself sipping something hot (maybe mulled wine? hint hint, Kalta's!) while gazing at those peaks… sigh. Pure bliss.
Now, let’s talk accessibility. I'm not a wheelchair user, but I do appreciate places that think about this kind of thing. Kalta's seems to make a decent effort, listing facilities for disabled guests and having an elevator, which is a godsend in a hilly place like Shimla. However, and this is a big however, I didn't personally see a dedicated accessible room during my visit. I would recommend contacting the property directly to confirm accessibility needs are met. They also have CCTV in common areas and outside the property, which gives you a sense of security – always a win in my book.
Cleanliness and Safety: My Germaphobe Soul Slept Soundly
Listen, I'm a bit of a clean freak. Don't judge. And Kalta’s mostly delivered here. They are clearly taking the pandemic seriously. They boast about anti-viral cleaning products, rooms sanitized between stays, and staff trained in safety protocol. I saw hand sanitizer everywhere, and the whole place felt clean. I especially appreciated the Individually-wrapped food options at breakfast (more on breakfast later!). They even offered Room sanitization opt-out available, which I thought was a thoughtful option. Also, the doctor/nurse on call gives you peace of mind.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking: Food, Glorious Food (With a Few Hiccups)
This is where things get… interesting. Let's start with the good: They DO have a restaurant and room service [24-hour]! That's always a major plus for a lazy vacationer like myself. They offer Asian breakfast, a Buffet in restaurant, Asian cuisine in restaurant, and Western cuisine in restaurant – plenty of options to fuel your Shimla adventures. They also have a poolside bar, though I didn’t get to experience it because of the weather.
The breakfast… well, let's just say it was a mixed bag. The buffet was relatively well-stocked, with the usual suspects: eggs, cereals, fruit, etc. The coffee/tea in restaurant was a godsend in the chilly mornings. The essential condiments were provided, as were complimentary tea. The downside? Some of the hot dishes were lukewarm, like, "barely-warm-but-I'm-too-polite-to-complain" lukewarm. Again, I'd like to see them improve on this point.
The "Things to Do" and "Ways to Relax" – A Mixed Bag of Indulgences
Okay, so they’ve got the spa thing going on. They have a Spa, a Sauna, a Steamroom, and offer Massage. I was so tempted by the Body scrub and Body wrap options, but, you know, that’s a whole level of pampering I'm not sure I'm ready for. (Maybe next time!) The fitness center is a plus for those who don’t want to completely abandon their workouts.
The Room: Cozy, but Not Always Perfect…
My room? Pretty darn cozy, actually. Soundproof rooms are a blessing. I had Air conditioning, Free Wi-Fi, and Internet access – wireless. The blackout curtains were amazing for sleeping in, and I loved snuggling up in the bathrobes (Bathrooms are not always easy to access though). The mirror allowed for some serious selfie-taking sessions. The extra long bed was a plus. The safety/security feature gave me peace of mind, and I appreciated the complimentary tea. However, the additional toilet was a welcome inclusion in any room.
But here's the thing: the Wi-Fi, while "free," wasn't always the fastest. And, as with all homestays, things are a little less polished than a fancy hotel. This is not a deal-breaker, mind you. It’s part of the charm! But, be warned. Also, I did have to ask for a fresh towel one day, and the shower pressure was, shall we say, "gentle." But hey, it's all part of the adventure, right?
Services and Conveniences: A Few Gems and a Few Hiccups
They offer a whole host of services, which is great: Air conditioning in public area, Car park [free of charge], Currency exchange, Daily housekeeping, Doorman.
- Concierge, which is always helpful.
- Cash withdrawal
- Front desk [24-hour].
The Convenience store will be helpful for quick purchases, which is pretty useful.
The downside? The luggage storage situation was a bit chaotic, at least when I was there. My bags got misplaced for a bit. And the dry cleaning service seemed a bit expensive. This is another area where they could really up their game.
Getting Around!
*The Airport transfer is available (though I did not use it) and the Taxi service is available too. The Car park [on-site] is a win.
The Verdict: Should You Book It?
YES!
Look, Kalta's Homestay in Shimla isn't perfect. But the stunning views, the commitment to cleanliness, and the overall cozy atmosphere make it a winner. It's a place where you can actually relax and disconnect (mostly) from the outside world. The flaws are minor, and the good stuff is really good.
My Honest Emotional Reaction: I loved my time at Kalta’s. There was moments of frustration, but overall was a very satisfied customer. I left feeling refreshed, rejuvenated, and ready to book my next Shimla adventure!
My Quirky Observation: The resident dog, a friendly Golden Retriever, was obsessed with chasing squirrels. It provided endless entertainment.
My Rambling, Stream-of-Consciousness: Okay, the breakfast was a bit weak. The Wi-Fi needs an upgrade. But that view! And the mountains! And the potential for a spa day… Sigh. Next time, I'm definitely trying that body wrap. And maybe I'll learn that Bollywood dance number.
The Strong Emotional Reaction: I felt like I could breathe a little easier in the chaos of daily life. I needed that.
Here's My Offer to You: Book Now!
Special Offer: Book your stay at Kalta's Homestay in Shimla for a minimum of three nights and receive a complimentary massage! Use promo code SHIMLADREAM at checkout! Plus, you can feel safe! This place is a total gem. Don't miss out on the adventure, or the view. Your dream vacation is waiting!
Gold Coast Paradise: 3BR Oceanfront Penthouse with Unbelievable Views!
Okay, buckle up, buttercups, because this isn't your grandma's perfectly polished itinerary. This is MY trip to Kalta's Homestay in Shimla, India. Expect zero filters, and a whole lot of "wait, what was I doing again?"
Kalta's Homestay Shimla: A Messy, Magnificent Adventure (or a Diary with a Schedule)
Day 1: Arrival and Altitude Adjustment (and a near-disaster with a rogue samosa)
- Morning (or what passes as morning after a red-eye):
- 6:00 AM (Supposedly): Arrive at Delhi airport. The plan was to grab a coffee, look all cosmopolitan, and then hop on the train to Kalka. Reality? I spilled coffee all over my passport while wrestling with a rogue luggage cart. Note to self: invest in better luggage cart skills.
- 8:00 AM: Finally, on a surprisingly (okay, borderline terrifying) clean train to Kalka. The vendors are already hawking chai. Pure bliss. I devour a samosa that looks so good that it gets me, and I am in heaven.
- 12:00 PM: Arrive in Kalka. Breathless, in both the actual sense (altitude) and maybe from the train. I am so lost, trying to figure out how to get to Kalta's with my guide. I get a little frustrated when my guide suggested a "Jeep ride". I feel very exhausted. But then, the mountains. I'm no poet, but seriously, they're breathtaking. The air feels… different. Thinner, yes, but also… cleaner? Like a giant exhale.
- 1:00 PM: The "Jeep Ride" begins. Let's just say the roads are… character-building. I wouldn't say I'm the best at this, and I get car sick. We are going up, and up and up. This is not for the faint of heart.
- 3:00 PM: FINALLY, Kalta's Homestay. The gate opens and I'm greeted by a friendly face. I'm not sure what the name is, but I suspect it is the owner of the house. He is very friendly, and I adore them. I am tired, disoriented, and the altitude already seems to be playing tricks on my brain.
- Afternoon:
- 3:30 PM: Settle into the homestay. The room is charming, the view? Stellar. I feel elated. The beds, even if they are a bit firm, felt like a dream and I fall asleep immediately.
- 5:00 PM: Wake up slightly confused. This is how the rest of the trip is going to go. It's a good start to the trip! The views and the energy in the house are outstanding and so welcoming.
- 6:00 PM: Tea and Biscuits time! This is the best part of the day, it just allows me to think. A perfect way to appreciate the sunset. The homestay owner sits with me and we talk. He is a good man.
- 7:00 PM: Dinner. Simple home-cooked food. Honestly, I was starving from my train ordeal and the samosa incident. I wolfed it down with gusto. Possibly a little too much gusto. I was not hungry and I still consumed everything.
- 8:00 PM: Early night. I don't think the altitude wants me to be awake past this time. I sleep like a baby.
Day 2: Exploring Shimla's Charm (and battling the dreaded monkey mafia)
- Morning:
- 8:00 AM: Wake up feeling pretty decent, which is a win. Breakfast is a delightful spread of parathas, Aloo and Chai. I am extremely happy.
- 9:00 AM: Start the adventures. A walk into Shimla. The mountain path is steep and I start panting. I am pretty out of shape, and this is a moment of self-realization.
- 10:00 AM: The Mall Road. OMG. So many people. So much commerce. So many shops! So many things I can't afford. But hey, the architecture is stunning. The colonial vibe is strong. I actually enjoy it.
- 11:00 AM: Scandal Point. Apparently, there was a scandal. Details? Vague. Interesting? Definitely. I get a photo and move on.
- Afternoon:
- 1:00 PM: Lunch. Found a little place tucked away, serving some kind of local thali. Spicy. Delicious. And I may have ordered a second one because I am absolutely starved.
- 2:00 PM: The Monkey Mafia Incident. Seriously, they are everywhere. And bold. One brazen chimp tried to swipe my water bottle. I screamed! I really screamed. The locals found it hilarious. This is when I realized I am not very good at being a tourist. My fear levels go to 10, and I run straight to a shop.
- 3:00 PM: Back to the hotel, shaken, but with my water bottle. I take a breather and watch some TV.
- 4:00 PM: Back out again to the hotel. I decide to explore more. I get some good photos, and the day is going well. I feel at peace.
- Evening:
- 6:00 PM: Back to the homestay in time for a sunset. I get a hot glass of chai and relax.
- 7:00 PM: Dinner. I have some more of the delicious soup.
Day 3: A Taste of Local Life (and a near-catastrophe with a yak)
- Morning:
- 9:00 AM: Wake up and the view is amazing. I take a picture, and I am thankful.
- 10:00 AM: We go for a walk to a local temple. I go for a walk and I feel completely relaxed.
- 11:00 AM: Chat with the owner. They are the warmest people. The food is amazing, and I feel utterly welcome.
- Afternoon:
- 1:00 PM: Lunch. I get a hearty plate of food, and I am in heaven.
- 2:00 PM: I decide to go out again, I ask them for suggestions.
- 3:00 PM: The Yak Encounter. They suggested that there was a Yak farm. I am not a fan of animals, especially not ones that are huge. This was a decision I was not a fan of! I was too close, and it charged at me. This makes me feel like my fear levels are at 10.
- 4:00 PM: Back to the hotel, shaken, but with my dignity (somewhat) intact. I drink some tea and sit in my room. I feel fine, and I would like to not be afraid of Yaks.
- Evening:
- 6:00 PM: Back to the homestay in time for a sunset. I get a hot glass of chai and relax.
- 7:00 PM: Dinner. The same warm family, and I chat with them.
Day 4: The Journey Back (and a promise to return)
- Morning:
- 9:00 AM: I wake up, and I am completely relaxed. I take a picture, and I am thankful.
- 10:00 AM: Last Breakfast. I have a breakfast feast.
- Afternoon:
- 1:00 PM: I say goodbye to the family. They are more than kind. And I know I will be back
- 3:00 PM: I arrive home.
Overall:
My trip to Kalta's homestay was imperfect, messy, and sometimes terrifying. But it was also beautiful, funny, life-affirming, and full of so much heart. Shimla, you have a place in my heart, the good and the bad… mostly the good with a little bit of wild thrown in for good measure! I'll be back. Just maybe I'll take a different route to avoid the monkey mafia and the yaks. And maybe I'll bring some serious anti-altitude sickness medication. Wish me luck!
Budapest's BEST Apartment: Révay 6 Luxury Awaits!
Unbelievable Shimla Stay: Kalta's Homestay - Your Dream Vacation Awaits! (Oh, Yeah... We're Talking About It)
Okay, spill it. Is Kalta's Homestay really as amazing as it looks in the pictures? Because let's be honest, Instagram lies.
What’s the food situation? I'm a foodie. Will I survive?
I remember one morning, there was this MASSIVE storm and we were all huddled inside, no power, and the kitchen staff were still managing to crank out a glorious breakfast. That's dedication, I tell ya! And let me throw in a warning: you *will* gain weight. Embrace it. It's worth it. You'll be too busy enjoying your plate to care!
Is it really a "homestay"? I'm not big on forced friendliness.
How do you get *there*? Because Google Maps never seems to get anything right in the mountains.
Any downsides? Be honest!
What's there to *do* in Shimla besides, you know, just exist?
I once did a day trip to Kufri for the snow... It was... well, it *was* memorable. Mostly because I ended up slipping and sliding down a hill. Luckily, I was wearing several layers of clothing (thank goodness!). But the point is, there is a bunch to do. If you like adventure, take a day of rafting or go skiing. There's something for everyone. So you know, after a while, you’ll find yourself just wanting to curl up by the fireplace with a book and a cup of chai. Because trust me, that view from the window will call to you again and again!
So, would you go back? Be honest.
