Well, honestly, I didn’t know about Sarkidhar village. I was planning to stay in Rewalsar. Yeah, you heard it right. I didn’t even know about this village. I searched for accommodation or homestay in Rewalsar, and Airbnb showed me Ritu Raj Home Stay & Cafe. I found its prices within my budget thus I booked it. I thought the homestay was in Rewalsar. I got to know about it when the homestay owner came to pick me up when I reached Rewalsar.
A half an hour drive from Rewalsar (can be done in less time also), and I reached the homestay in Sarkidhar. Located on the main road, it’s easily visible. Moreover, there are a couple of signboards; thus, you can easily identify the homestay. I had booked this homestay for the next five nights at low prices. The homestay had an attached washroom, a table, two chairs, a nice balcony, etc. There was no kitchen in the room, though I had asked for a kitchen since I was going to stay for 5 nights there. However, the homestay provides food services as well. But I plan to cook whenever I stay for more than two days (you know, to cut down the expenses).
I had spoken with the owner over the phone before my arrival to clarify certain things. Since I had WFH, I needed good WiFi. He did promise me that there was one room with an attached kitchen which he would give me after one day of my stay (as per the check-out date of the guest staying in that room). Meanwhile, I could cook in the kitchen on the ground floor (which I did for the next five days). However, I had to pay extra for using the kitchen+kitchen resources (LPG, etc. which the owner didn’t inform when we both spoke over the phone.) The homestay also provides a washing machine facility which can be used at an extra cost.
Homestays in Sarkidhar, Rewalsar
So, other than Ritu Raj Home Stay & Cafe, there are three more homestays in Sarkidhar (when I visited Sarkidhar, not sure if more are open now). Sharma Homestay, Naina Devi Homestay, and Prince Homestay (this homestay also has a restaurant but generally only remains operational for the guests, not for others. If I am not wrong, the tea+snack shop belongs to Prince Homestay).
With a couple of grocery stores and a tea+snack shop, Sarkidhar offers a complete village stay experience. If that’s something you are looking for, this can be your next place for a weekend trip. I met with a married couple who had been staying in the homestay for the last six months. Strange! I only stayed for five nights and then left for Kasol. It was April when I stayed in Sarkidhar, which wasn’t the best month to stay there. It was kind of hot though it did rain, which dropped the temperature. Moreover, this village isn’t located at a high altitude.
There are short treks around which one can take. There are Buddhist meditation caves near the homestay, just a short walk. Also, the famous Naina Devi Temple is located near the homestay only. However, it is steep since it is located at the top of a mountain. But there are bus services. Since the homestay is located just on the road, you may get into a bit of trouble by the vehicles honking and passing by, especially if you are working or having an online meeting (just like I had), but that’s a benefit as well. You can get a bus at your doorsteps.
