The Ballu Homestay

I’ve been to Dharamshala many times but this stay was special.
Ballu’s is a homestay in a 19th century mud house that’s still maintained as per its original glory. The rooms are beautifully done up in mud and sustainable paint and there are beautiful carpets on the entire floor.
Oh and there are books spread all over the place. Mainly about the Himalayan flora and fauna and a lot of photo books.
The person responsible, Abhishek is a brilliant photographer working with BBC and clearly knows what he’s doing. There’s a special pleasure to be living in a house that has so much history and has seen so much. The way they have maintained the place is remarkable.
We stayed here over Diwali holidays, trying to be away from our city and it’s high AQI and we glad that we chose Ballu’s Homestay.
There’s a local cook who makes tasty food, Sunil who takes care of bookings and Abhishek who oversees the whole show. It was so good to see them engage with the local farmers and also culturally enriching their entire neighbourhood.
Abhishek also hooked us up with vehicle rentals, cabs and helped us in our onward journey to Bir with his suggestions on places to visit and stay at.
Our stay at Ballu’s is now a core memory and we’re definitely coming back here when we’re in Dharamshala.

A Tranquil Retreat in the Mountains: A Homestay to Remember
Nestled deep within the breathtaking embrace of the mountains, my recent stay at the Balu Homestay was nothing short of a magical experience. This hidden gem in the hills provided us with the perfect escape from the hustle and bustle of city life.

Perched on the edge of a lush forest, the Balu Homestay offers unparalleled panoramic views of the surrounding mountains. Waking up to the sight of the sun rising over the peaks and falling asleep to the symphony of crickets and distant waterstream was an experience I'll cherish forever. The location also allowed for easy access to nearby hiking trails, making it a dream destination for nature enthusiasts.

The true essence of a homestay lies in the warmth and hospitality of the hosts, and The Balu Homestay exceeded my expectations. Abhishek was a gracious host who made me feel like a part of his family. Nonetheless the food was Yum, affordable and had a lot of options.
Considering the sheer beauty, hospitality, and overall experience, The Balu Homestay offered excellent value for money. The memories and rejuvenation I gained from this stay was priceless.

Want to indulge yourself in enjoying the silence of nature in a traditional Himachali mud house with very calm and homely environment, reading your favourite books beside the giggling Manji river, playing with two lovely canine friends and relishing your hot food while looking at the mesmerizing Himalayas (Dhauladhar range) ? Then Ballu Homestay should be your next destination. Being a solo traveller, I stayed there for three days and honestly I felt bad while leaving Ballu but said good bye with a positive thought of coming back again. Many thanks to the lovely host Abhishek, a special thanks to Jean (her wife) for making me a wonderful coffee when I was very hungry and thanks to the Cook didi and other staffs for making me hot delicious foods everyday. It was ‘a home away home’ for me. Love for my two adorable paw friends - Sahib and Bibi for always sticking around me. I will visit again very soon. Please plan your vacation in Ballu while you are in Dharmshala. The simple old traditional mud house with a mesmerising view of Dhauladhar range, chirping of beautiful Himalayan birds and flowing Manji river will catch your heart for sure!

Truly a hidden gem in dharmshala where you will live like a local and enjoy the Beauty of nature at its best. Host Abhishek ji is very humble and nice. Overall a great experience a must visit stay in dharmshala

One of the best retreat spaces nestled between hills and river. Away from crowd and noisy roads. I love the quite and serenity the space offers. The view of snow capped Dauladar is spectacular.

During a second visit to this beautiful home stay, we were in the Small, cozy, well kept Bulbul room. As I retreated into my inner space, my partner was working with their decently good high speed internet…. It’s a space that serves whatever your purpose of travel is.

Hosts & staff are very courteous. Their food is also really good - homemade - hot & fresh!

Our all relatives are very much interested to book Homestay for their functions and very very satisfied, Thank you once again.

I loved staying at The Ballu. The rooms were super cozy, the common bathrooms were clean, the entire space had my heart! While you are staying there, you can see and dine with the Mountains in front of you, you can take a dip in the river nearby, and eat really nourishing &tasty food. The little library upstairs was one of my favourite places to rest, read and work from!
The co-host, Hishey, is the warmest person you’d ever meet and Abhishek, the host, was very kind and easy to connect with too!

The Ballu Homestay provide great service
Great food
Very calm atmosphere
Nice pets

This is a wonderful place for those who want a vacation away from the usual hustle and bustle, not just of the city but of hill stations, as well. Abhishek is a wonderfully caring host who is erudite, kind, and knowledgeable. Meeting him made my experience that much more pleasant! I will surely return.

Visited this mud house from 1 Feb 23 to 3 Feb 23. Totally different level experience. This location is so calm, serene and very close to nature. Host Abhishek is very warm and helpful throughout. 2 Canines will become ur friend within minutes of ur arrival. People who love nature, wants to stay away from hustle bustle city life can visit this place. Overall a very memorable experience for lifetime.

My brother and I had the most wonderful time at Ballu homestay. Abhishek was an incredible host, giving clear instructions on how to reach the property, easy check-in, and recommendations on things to do nearby + he's great company. It's a beautiful property right next to the river, simple, clean and very homely. The food made by Vimala didi was also amazing. Highly recommend it to anyone who wants to take a few days away from the city and come stay in a quaint heritage mud house.