A homestay holiday was on my mind for long and it became inevitable after I had my baby and was looking for a weekend getaway- where I could escape to the hills with my family and spend time with my little explorer away from the hustle bustle of mundane life. Since a home stay offers home cooked meals, kitchen access and space beyond bedrooms; it is just the kind of accommodation you should choose when traveling with a toddler. I am so glad I chose The White Peaks for my first home stay experience- located in middle of literally nowhere (sorry but this hackneyed term just describes the place so well), surrounded by oak trees with its main gate opening to a forest. Unlike a hotel, a home stay is not about its rooms or decor or amenities- what makes a home stay accommodation worth your holiday is the people who run it. The White Peaks was started by Delhi-based couple Aparupa and Abhijit Ganguly. Here’s the story in their words. ( Yay our first couplepreneur interview):
Aparupa: For us, our two dogs, Maya and Mowgli always meant the world and we always felt a tug in our hearts everytime we travelled to the mountains without them, which is why when we found this house, it seemed to be the perfect summer-home for all of us. Perched on the edge of a beautiful oak forest, alive with the sound of a million birds and overlooking the mesmerizing Panchachuli peaks, the house is a really special place with an amazing vibe. This is what made us realise that there will be so many like us would actually be looking for a place like this to come back to and unwind. We wanted to share our special home with like-minded people and that is how we thought of The White Peaks!
Abhijit and Aparupa with their pet at The White Peaks
Abhijit: I am a CMO at one of the reckoned Linen companies in the world. Our love for travelling the world and eventually coming back home to a place that keeps us in touch with our inner self is what keeps us together. We both are ardent mountain lovers, addicted to books, rain-drenched roads, ancient trees, nebulous skies, windy afternoons and doggies of all kinds. Together we have two adopted Indie dogs (read- babies!) and we getaway to The White Peaks whenever we can, to escape the mindless rush of the city.
Glimpse of the Living Area at The White Peaks
Aparupa: Whist I personally handle all operational & maintenance issues along with training, service design and SOPs, Abhijit and me together handle the design and aesthetics and curate the experience. Abhijit handles the staff issues and HR bit himself. Guest profiling and reservations is again something that I handle on my own.
Aparupa and Abhijit’s love for travel led them to create The White Peaks
Aparupa: Even if we do, we usually talk about it and find a way around it. One of us always gives in happily and that is what keeps us going.
Abhijit: The White Peaks is an intimate space for those who seek solace and me-time , away from the city chaos but in the confines of a home like place which exudes an understated luxury that is balanced with an air of comfort, warmth and informality.
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