Our Story

About Vatsalyam

“Vatsalyam” means the purest form of love — and that’s the spirit behind our homestay. Originally built as a family home, it has grown into a space where guests are not just visitors, but part of our extended family.
How it Started

Our Story

Shardas moved into this house during the year 2005 to consecrate a hearth of their own and give it the sanctity of a “Home” ever expecting warmth, peace and love from it, which they got in abundance.

The name considered appropriate was “Vatsalyam” meaning the purest form of love, it is based on the love of a cow for its calf in licking to clean it when it comes soiled after playing. This is how it got its name. It has other cultural connotations as well.

Both of the senior members of the family, years after retirement from active government service, thought that they could do something more in addition to the usual household chores at hand at that time.

They wanted it to be something really worth worth-the-while, something very satisfying and after their heart. This is how they decided to contribute their mite to Vatsalyam which had already been started as Vatsalyam Homestay. It came as a natural vocation to them.

Unmatched
Hospitality

Our warm, attentive team ensures every guest enjoys a relaxed, welcoming stay with personal care and friendly service at every step.

Culturally
Rooted

We honour Shimla’s rich culture through local experiences and home-style Himachali flavours made with seasonal, organic ingredients.

Eco-Friendy
Tourism

We follow simple, nature-friendly practices, growing our own fresh produce and preserving the land we proudly call home.

Authentic
Connections

Experience Shimla’s peaceful beauty and make memories through open landscapes, fresh air, and moments of quiet mountain joy.

Why Vatsalayam Homestay

The Experience

Vatsalyam offers just four spacious rooms, each with attached terraces and fresh mountain air. Overlooking cedar forests and the seven hills of Shimla, it is both close to the town and yet tucked away in a peaceful, natural setting.

Here, the charm lies in the details — home-cooked meals from our family kitchen, personal conversations over tea, and the freedom to feel at home while being surrounded by Himalayan beauty.

Your Cheerful Hosts

Meet the Family

Vatsalyam is home to three generations of the Sharda family. We welcome travellers with warmth, laughter & stories, making every stay feel like a return to a second home.
Guest Experiences

What Our Guests Say

Every guest who stays at Vatsalyam becomes part of our extended family and these heartfelt reviews are a glimpse of the memories created at our homestay.

This is a delightful family, who can’t do enough for their guests, have a beautiful home and are a credit to the Indian tourist industry. I would without any hesitation stay here again.

Rated 5 out of 5
Sue Cross

Perfect! Great room and facilities. The cleanest accommodation we found in India. Such lovely hosts, great food and a truly superlative view. The food was excellent and cooked to suit our taste.

Rated 5 out of 5
Robin Humphris

Asheesh and his family were so welcoming into their lovely home that we all felt wonderfully comfortable and relaxed from the moment we arrived. The location is spectacular.

Rated 5 out of 5
Tim Kneller