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7 - 12 of 33 reviews
Reviewed 14 December 2015

We stayed there for four nights. An exclusive experience! There was nature, hospitality, Mr. Jimmy Singh and above all THE AWAKE AND SHINE SCHOOL and lots of kids. We enjoyed a lot.

In the farmhouse, there is a huge lawn, which was previously used as lands for step cultivation. We enjoyed outdoor sitting, enjoying the nature over a cup of tea or drinks. Mr. Singh is a respectable, friendly host of the farmhouse. Chef Tara is awesome. Not a single item was repeated in our menu. Her desserts are really lip-smacking. All the other staff are polite, humble and friendly. The four night stay is a life-time experience with Mr. Singh.

The main attraction of this Farmhouse is the dream of Mr Singh, who has started a school in nearby village, namely AWAKE AND SHINE SCHOOL. An NGO(fully non-government) has also run by him under the same name. The school follows a different method of teaching. One should watch the website of Awake and Shine School at Samthar before getting there. It is a school with more or less 150 children. We also visited school on 26.11.2015 and met the children. on 28.11.2015, they had a Trekking program. We were also there and very thankful to Mr J Singh for giving us a chance to be a part of the same. It was also an experience of lifetime. We also met Ms. Maureen, a retired teacher from UK, who is actively involved with the school and the teaching method.

Mr J Singh arranged a car for us for pick up us from Gurudongma House Kalimpong. At Gurudongma House we enjoyed a delightful lunch prepared by Catherene Lobo. She was also very friendly and interacting person.

Overall, we are very eager to return to Samthar, perhaps wish to spend rest of our lives there.

Date of stay: November 2015
  • Trip type: Travelled as a couple
    • Sleep Quality
    • Rooms
    • Service
Thank sumanamika96
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Reviewed 17 November 2015

I have taken several groups to Samthar Farm House and never once have we been disappointed. The effort that is made by Jimmy Singh and his team to provide excellent food and lodging is outstanding. You are immediately made to feel part of the family. This warm welcome is extended by the villagers as you wander down the many tracks, and past the 'Awake and Shine School' full of happy contented children.. Tara's cooking is consistent, extensive and tasty. Staff are always neatly presented. There are many attractive spots in the garden where you can simply enjoy being! The flowers and views are magnificent. The early morning cup of tea is much appreciated, and staff manage to find you wherever you are!
Our one regret was not staying longer: to have spent more time listening to Jimmy Singh's extensive stories, and to have enjoyed reading a book whilst being in the beautiful garden would have been bliss!

Room tip: Rooms in the garden are very appealing.
Date of stay: October 2015
  • Trip type: Travelled with friends
    • Sleep Quality
    • Rooms
    • Service
Thank Matisse08
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Reviewed 23 June 2015

We went in the first week of May'15. The place is astoundingly peaceful and serene. Nature at its untouched best. Samthar farm is a cluster of cottages, with a common lounge, dining and library. The cottages are private, well furnished, hygienic and comfortable. There are various terraced sit outs. I spent sometime reading there and also star gazing at night.
Gen JM is a captivating story teller and an amazing host. I spent hours talking to him about the local customs, traditions, handicrafts, people and Awake & Shine (the NGO he runs).
The staff is energetic, enthusiastic and happy. They were always happy to help. We had some delectable food prepared by Tara.
I would certainly go back again for the peace, calm and picturesque surroundings. I would once like to visit Samthar and spend some time at the Awake and Shine School. If you plan to visit Samthar, make time for visiting the school. The concept, perspective and execution of the idea of Education in such a unique way is inspiring and motivating.
Thank you Gen JM for the lovely time! And we shall return!

Date of stay: May 2015
  • Trip type: Travelled as a couple
    • Rooms
    • Cleanliness
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Thank Nirmalmann101
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Reviewed 10 May 2015

Visited from 03 to 05 May. The drive up from Siliguri is fascinating with hairpin bends and swirling clouds. The driver, Manoj, is a cheerful lad, full of local knowledge and a chatterbox to boot.
It was a great experience to meet my former war CO after all these years and relive our memories of '71. He has a priceless album of the war which is a must-see.
What is even more remarkable is the beautiful set up he has at Samthar. All by himself he has built picturesque cottages using local material and handicraft and one cannot but marvel at his creativity. Tara is a phenomenal cook and dishes out delicacies which would make a starred hotel proud.
You must visit 'Awake and Shine', an extraordinary english medium primary school he has established at his own expense. The holistic and entirely novel teaching methods are aimed at inculcating knowledge, instilling self confidence and imbibing a sense of sense of adventure. None of our city schools could come anywhere close.
All of 82, the general's fitness could put a 60 yr old to shame. Truly a hero in war and peace.

Date of stay: May 2015
  • Trip type: Travelled with friends
    • Sleep Quality
    • Cleanliness
    • Service
Thank subhash k
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Reviewed 6 May 2015

If you are looking for malls, coffee shops, spa, gym, resort like amenities and constant man made hot spots to keep you stimulated, this might not be your kind of place.
But if you want to jump up and catch the stars by night light, hear the birds chirp, spend some quite moments sitting, relaxing, eating, trekking and just being, well then, bring yourself to this place.

Samthar farms, a cluster of aesthetically and traditionally made log cabins/huts which house within themselves elegant suites. The suites are clean, well equipped and comfortable. They are immaculate and have been done up with an eye for detail.
Tara & team welcomed us.
We were immediately made to feel at home with lovely cups of tea and conversations with Jimmy Singh. He is a retired General from the Indian Army and is a well traveled, informed and passionate person. He along with the Samthar Farm House runs the Awake & Shine foundation, which while developing the students' intellectual faculties, makes a conscious effort towards creating a wider awareness of the world and giving space for the development of the aesthetic, moral and emotional dimensions. With the hope that students passing out from Awake & Shine School would grow into self-aware, sensitive and responsible human beings who remain life-long learners.
The place is a cut above the rest. We spent our time trekking, bird watching, visiting the school (a life changing experience) and relaxing at Samthar.
Jimmy Singh is a perfect host. The living, dining, library and all other spaces have been designed artistically and kept pristinely with impeccable standards to hygiene. The staggered terraces add to the aesthetics and privacy of the place. The staff is helpful and responsive. In my very well traveled life, I see no parallels to this experience- wholesome, soulful and inspiring. Give yourself the gift of travel to Samthar!

Date of stay: February 2015
  • Trip type: Travelled as a couple
    • Location
    • Rooms
    • Service
3  Thank Travelondollar
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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