To the Hills: Homestay in a sacred Himachal forest

Rabbit House Homestay

Rabbit House Homestay

A 100 year old traditional Himachali house nestled in the lap of Himalayas is now turned into a homestay. Surrounded by mystic tales of Ringu Nag Devta, authentic village cuisine and feels, wonderful treks, Kamtan is the last village at that height which houses one big Indian family. Nikita Biswas and Abhishek Dubey were propelled to pack their bags and leave for Kamtan, the hidden village paradise… 

We have been travelling enthusiastically in order to search for hidden and unexplored places, away from the city crowd. Our search ended at the Rabbit House Homestay. Kamtan, a quiet village that’s almost 300 years old, is located uphill near Raila village, Sainj Valley. You might not find a lot of information online about this village.

The Rabbit House Homestay is a 100-year-old structure, constructed in what is commonly known as the Kathkuni built. Kathkuni is an age-old construction art used in Himachal Pradesh. The houses are made up of wood and natural stones dug from the same land. 

The human spirit needs places where nature has not been rearranged by the hand of man. When we left bustling Delhi for Kamtan Village, we had no idea about this picturesque location—a place in the wilderness, a community that takes pride in rich culture and folklore. The host is an entire family who possess rich knowledge of tourism and want to hold on to the old school idea of tourism. Honest and welcoming, they emit a warmth that will put you at ease. 

At the homestay, we enjoyed the authentic Himachali Siddu with green chutney and oodles of ghee. The host was happy to also share the recipe and we spent time making them together. 

This Kamtan family has been actively taking part in multiple treks, hikes and believes that life is incomplete without adventure. Father Vicky, mother Nimmi, and kids Mohit and Anju. Their daughter Sheetal is in Shimla pursuing medicine.

We undertook a short trek to fill water from the nearest natural stream. It definitely gets challenging at times but the view made it worth it. On our way we talked about the Ringu Van and how married women and outsiders are not allowed inside the van. Only males and unmarried ladies are allowed in the Ringu Van on an empty stomach. The forest is considered sacred and under the benevolence of the Lord Ringu Van.

The homestay is a sweet getaway into what almost feels like ancient times and perfect isolation. A quaint place to recharge your batteries and breathe in some fresh air. 

Location

The Rabbit House Homestay
Upper Raila, Kamtan Village, Near Sainj Valley
Himachal Pradesh

Cost 

  • Mixed Dorm – Ranges between Rs.900 to 1200 including meal per day
  • Private Room – Ranges between Rs. 1800 to 3000 including meal per day

How to get there 

  • Take a bus either from Delhi or Chandigarh and reach Aut. From Aut one has to take either a bus to Sainj Valley or a direct to Raila(the last stop). The direct buses from Aut to Raila have only two timings including a 2:45pm and a 3:15pm respectively. If you happen to miss these timings, you can take a bus till Sainj valley and hire a cab till Raila from Sainj Valley. 
  • You can also choose to take a direct taxi from Aut to Raila which shall typically charge you a Rs. 1500 where as direct bus will cost you a Rs. 80 per person

Things to experience

  • A hike to the twin towers
  • Multiple treks are available as this place surrounded by The Great Himalayan National park
  • Sainj Valley and small trails to look forward to

Leave a comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Top 10 Destination Wedding Locations for 2026

Explore the top wedding destinations in India and abroad, from the royal palaces of Udaipur and Jaipur to the beaches of Goa and the serene backwaters of Kerala. International favourites including Thailand, Bali, Dubai, Turkey and Sri Lanka offer spectacular settings for multi-day celebrations, luxury experiences and memorable ceremonies. This guide highlights the unique vibe, appeal and estimated budget ranges for each destination, helping couples and families compare options based on style, guest experience and overall wedding vision. Top Indian Destinations – Box Destination Vibe & Appeal Estimated Budget Range Udaipur Palaces, lakes, and royal heritage; Wedding Capital of India ₹50 lakh to ₹70 lakh (palace venues range from ₹70 lakh to ₹2.5 crore) Goa Beachfront luxury, sunset backdrops, and coastal resorts ₹40 lakh to ₹1 crore Jaipur Pink City fortresses, historic courtyards, and grand heritage properties ₹30 lakh to ₹70 lakh Jaisalmer Golden dunes and majestic desert fortress properties like Suryagarh Palace ₹50 lakh to ₹1.2 crore Kerala Peaceful backwater houseboats and palm-fringed lakeside resorts ₹35 lakh to ₹80 lakh Top 5 International Destinations: Destination Vibe & Operational Appeal Estimated Budget Range (100–150 Guests) Thailand (Phuket / Hua Hin) Tropical Beach Luxury: Easiest logistics, massive inventory of seasoned Indian caterers, and a highly optimised system for multi-day South Asian rituals. ₹50 lakh to ₹1.2 crore (Highly flexible packages) Bali, Indonesia (Uluwatu / Nusa Dua) Exotic Clifftops & Jungles: Breathtaking ocean backdrops and Hindu cultural synergy, though specialised Indian buffet menus often require bringing in outside culinary teams. ₹75 lakh to ₹1.8 crore (Luxury resorts command premium rates) Dubai / UAE (Ras Al Khaimah) Glamour & Ultra-Luxury: Unmatched skyline or desert resort backdrops. Phenomenal flight connectivity from all major Indian transit hubs makes guest transit completely seamless. ₹80 lakh to ₹2.5 crore+ (Can scale exponentially for ultra-luxe properties) Turkey (Bodrum

Hemani Chawda and Sagar Patel

Hemani Chawda and Sagar Patel are a travel-content-creator couple and digital nomads who chose a life of exploration over convention. Based between Jhabua, Madhya Pradesh, and Raipur, Chhattisgarh, the duo has built a journey around discovering new places, embracing different cultures, and sharing authentic travel stories. Hemani, a former Radio Jockey, left her career seven years ago to follow her passion for travel and storytelling. Sagar, a post-graduate engineer, later stepped away from the corporate world to join her in creating a life centred around experiences rather than routines. Through their content, they go beyond showcasing destinations to capture the emotions, challenges, connections, and everyday moments that shape life on the road. From ancient traditions to untouched landscapes, here are three countries that have left the deepest impression on their journey. 1. Japan — Where Tradition Meets Tomorrow “Japan holds a special place in our hearts for its incredible balance of ancient traditions, modern innovation, and breathtaking landscapes.” From the peaceful streets of Kyoto and its centuries-old temples to the vibrant energy of Tokyo, every experience feels like discovering a new story. What we love most about Japan is the way it preserves its cultural roots while embracing the future. Whether it is experiencing a quiet tea ceremony, exploring traditional neighbourhoods, or discovering local cuisine, Japan constantly inspires us with its attention to detail, warm hospitality, and endless storytelling possibilities. 2. Philippines — A Tropical Paradise Filled With Human Connections “The Philippines is a destination that feels magical at every turn, with turquoise waters, stunning islands, and some of the warmest people we have met during our travels.” From swimming alongside marine life and exploring hidden lagoons to discovering local communities and untouched beaches, the country offers the perfect blend of adventure and relaxation Beyond its natural beauty, what makes

Mehzabin Shaikh (Maahie) | Mumbai

Meet Maahie, a Mumbai-based travel content creator who transformed her passion for storytelling into a full-time career. After stepping away from engineering to follow her creative calling, she has spent the last 3.5 years building a journey around travel, exploration, and meaningful connections. For Maahie, travel goes beyond popular destinations; it is about discovering lesser-known places, meeting people, understanding their lifestyles, and experiencing cultures through local food, conversations, and everyday moments. Supported by her best friend and travel partner Rahul Yadav, Maahie continues to create stories that inspire people to step beyond their comfort zones and discover that every journey has a story worth sharing. 1. Bhadarwah, Jammu — A Hidden Paradise Beyond the Usual Kashmir Trail “When people think of snowfall and breathtaking Himalayan landscapes, Kashmir is often the first destination that comes to mind. But for me, Bhadarwah in Jammu is one of the most beautiful places I have ever experienced.” What makes Bhadarwah special is its untouched beauty. The snow-covered landscapes feel peaceful, personal, and far away from the crowds and commercialisation of popular hill stations. However, the real magic of Bhadarwah lies in its people. During my first visit, we stayed at a small homestay run by a family of three a husband, wife, and their young daughter. We instantly connected, and by the end of the trip, saying goodbye felt impossible. Over time, they became more than hosts; they became family. Today, visiting Bhadarwah has become an annual ritual. It is a place that reminds me that travel is not just about destinations; it is about the people and relationships you discover along the way. 2. Thailand — The Journey That Introduced Me to Freedom “Thailand will always hold a special place in my heart because it gave me a feeling I had never experienced

Kahanda Kanda: A Rain-Kissed Escape in Galle

Rain, mist and 17 villas that don’t look alike. Kahanda Kanda is a hidden gem above Koggala Lake in Galle, Sri Lanka. Spread across 14 acres of tea-fringed grounds, this intimate retreat is built around one simple idea: slowing down. Sinduri Vuppala spends a few unhurried days at the estate, discovering its distinctive design, fascinating history and the quiet luxury of doing very little. There’s a particular kind of luxury that has nothing to do with thread counts or infinity pools, and everything to do with being left alone in the best possible way. That’s the feeling that defines a stay at Kahanda Kanda, a boutique estate tucked into the hills above Koggala Lake in Galle, Sri Lanka. The journey there is part of the story. After a stint in the busier coastal town of Bentota, the drive inland feels like a decompression, roads turning greener and quieter, the pace of the island slowing with every mile. By the time the gates swing open onto a sweep of tea bushes, garlands, and a welcome glass of estate-grown lemongrass cordial, you’ve already left the “resort” mindset behind. We arrived off-season and were the only guests on the property. There’s something disorienting about having a place this beautiful entirely to yourself, mist over the tea plantation, no queue for breakfast, just birdsong somewhere in the canopy. When the rain came, it didn’t spoil anything; it turned the estate into something softer and more private. The Villas Kahanda Kanda comprises 17 stand-alone villas, and the property’s defining trick is that none of them looks alike. Rather than the interchangeable rooms you’d find at a larger resort, each villa here has its own layout, its own mix of antiques, and its own mood, a blend of European and Asian pieces alongside contemporary art, none

You May Also Like

Connect with us