By Neha Kirpal
La Villa Bethany is a charming homestay situated in the quaint Landour area of Mussoorie. ‘A home away from home’, the five saleable units in the property have beautiful stone, slate and wood interiors, and tasteful décor consisting of art and books. The day’s menu is decided based on what is freshly available as well as guests’ personal preferences, likes and dislikes. The dinner every night hails from a different region of the country or the world. All residents sit on one large table and eat their meal together.
Built in 1905 by Dr. Frandsen Walburg, a Dutch-American medical missionary, this old English cottage, originally called Bethany (the Biblical name for rest and healing), was a home for leprosy patients until 1963. Always an abode of prayer and service, it was then gifted to a Christian mission.
In 2009, the mission decided to sell it, and Amarjeet S. Kudle and his wife, Sunita Kudle, took it on a long-term lease of 40 years. Being hospitality professionals, the couple decided to revamp the place into a homestay, which they began running in 2011.
The property also practices sustainable and responsible tourism. The staff, consisting of eight members, belongs to humble backgrounds in the mountains.
Solar energy is used to heat water and cook food. With a capacity of 1,30,000 litres of rainwater being harvested, it is the only property in all of Mussoorie that is self sufficient as far as water is concerned. For this reason, La Villa Bethany has also become a case study with the Uttarakhand Jal Board. Every item used within the property, including their organic, chemical-free soap and shampoo bars, is locally sourced from NGOs that work with underprivileged women in Uttarakhand. It’s not difficult to see how in the last 10 years of its operation, the property has won over 26 national and international awards.
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Hey, I want to know how can I book rooms in la Bethany and what are the prices of the rooms?? Pls reply??
I never knew about Landour but just heard of it that too few times. Now that I know they have such beautiful snow & a warm homestay…I would definitely visit it. Thanks for publishing this story.
Is accomodation available for check in29.3.23 check out 1.4.23 for two family 5 adults