Kotwal Homestay, Raunlekh
Where every guest is treated like family
Welcome to Kotwal Homestay, a peaceful, family-run stay nestled in the quiet village of
Raunlekh, Uttarakhand. Surrounded by lush green hills, kitchen gardens, and fresh mountain
air, this homestay is the perfect spot for those looking to slow down and enjoy simple village life.
The homestay is managed by Parmila Devi and Ranjeet Singh, a warm and friendly
husband-wife duo from Raunlekh. The idea to start this homestay came just before the Covid-19
pandemic, when a local NGO and a few research scholars from the UK and USA visited their
village. Impressed by the natural beauty and the warm hospitality of the family, they encouraged
them to open their doors to travelers.
Today, Kotwal Homestay has become a welcoming space for guests from different places.
Parmila Devi takes care of the cooking and home management, while Ranjeet Singh, who
works as a local contractor and runs a small village shop, ensures that the guests have
everything they need during their stay.
Stay and Facilities
The homestay offers 5 clean, comfortable rooms with simple yet cozy interiors. Each room
comes with a double bed, attached washroom, geyser for hot water, room heater, hot kettle, and
yoga mat for those peaceful morning stretches. Starting from ₹1000 per day, it’s a stay that feels
like home without burning a hole in your pocket.
Homemade Organic Food
One of the best parts of staying at Kotwal Homestay is the food. Parmila Devi prepares fresh,
homemade meals using vegetables straight from their organic kitchen garden and polyhouse.
They also grow mushrooms at home, adding to their farm-to-plate meals. You can enjoy local
Pahadi dishes, dals made from pure organic grains, and fresh seasonal vegetables. A
wholesome thali is available at just ₹180, offering you a real taste of village life.
Nearby Treks & Trails
Perfect for nature lovers and spiritual wanderers, several notable trails are close by:
Madhyamaheshwar Temple Trek – A 16 km round-trip trek starting at Ransi, climbing to 3,497 m
through forests, alpine meadows, and riversides. The temple—one of the five sacred Panch
Kedar—was reportedly built by the Pandavas and offers sweeping views of peaks like
Chaukhamba, Kedarnath, Neelkanth, and Trishul.
Kalishila Temple Trail – A moderate but steady trek from Kalimath (near
Rudraprayag/Ukhimath), about 3 km one way. The route winds through rhododendron-and-pine
forests up to a sacred Goddess Kali shrine, revered for its spiritual energy .
Madhuganga Valley (Kedar Ganga / Budha Madhyamaheshwar valley) – Just past
Madhyamaheshwar lies Budha Madhyamaheshwar, with a small serene lake and stunning
Himalayan views .
For more adventurous trekkers, longer routes like the Kedartal circuit (to a high-altitude glacial
lake) and Panch Kedar pilgrimage trails are accessible from nearby trailheads
Things to Do
Your visit to Kotwal Homestay isn’t just about staying in a room — it’s about becoming a part of
their everyday life.
● Visit their kitchen garden and farm: Learn how they grow organic vegetables, pick fresh
produce, and lend a hand if you wish.
● Mushroom cultivation: See how mushrooms are grown at home and understand the
simple techniques they use.
● Polyhouse farming: Get a close look at their polyhouse where seasonal vegetables are
grown naturally.
● Outdoor cooking & Bonfire: In the evening, sit by a bonfire and help cook simple meals in
the open.
● Yoga and morning walks: Use the provided yoga mats or stroll through the peaceful
village paths.
● Interact with the hosts: Hear stories about the village, the homestay’s journey, and the
guests who’ve stayed with them from across the world.
Best Time to Visit
The homestay is peaceful throughout the year, but winters (December–February) bring snowfall,
quiet surroundings, and bonfire evenings, making it an ideal time to visit for snow lovers.
Why Stay Here?
● Family-run, safe, and homely atmosphere
● Fresh, organic, and homemade meals
● Beautiful natural surroundings
● Affordable stay and food packages
● Engage in village farming and outdoor cooking
● Friendly hosts who treat you like their own