Mili Homestay at Anini: Traditional Idu Mishmi Home surrounded by snow capped mountains
Are you traveling to the stunning valley of Anini in Eastern Arunachal Pradesh? Are you planning to explore Dibang wildlife sanctuary and/or trek to Emoli Grasslands keeping Anini as a base? Well, if you are, you will definitely need a lovely place to stay at Anini. During my recent trip to Anini, I stayed at Mili homestay, a humble homestay run an absolutely lovely family. Me and my friend were totally bowled over by their warmth and hospitality. I still remember the many conversations we had sitting around the fireplace while enjoying local drinks and home cooked food. This review of mine is based on my recent experience of staying at Mili homestay in Anini.
1) Warm Home and Friendly Family
Mili homestay is a traditional home of a Idu Mishmi tribal family of Anini. The guest accommodation is just about 15 feet away from the main home. Run by the mother, two daughters and the son, the entire family of Mili homestay are extremely friendly, helpful and great conversationalists. The entire family along with the guests gather around the fireplace in the dining area for all the meals. This traditional setup made up of bamboo is the warm area and it is fun to huddle around the fire while sipping on some local brew and while eating delicious home cooked food. While we had lovely conversations with the daughters and the son, it was their mother and her grand daughter who kept us really engaged. The ever smiling and inquisitive grand daughter (about 5 to 6 years old) took to us like fish to water and her explosive energy warmed our hearts in the freezing surroundings. And her grand mother, once the alcohol hit her system, kept asking us lots of questions and thus began the start of a beautiful exchange of information. We cut short the conversations only because we were tired and had to go explore early in the mornings else these conversations would have continued late into the night.
The son and the daughter also helped us plan the local sightseeing itinerary.
2) Humble Homestay
Mili homestay is not your expensive or luxury homestay. In fact, it is a simple couple of rooms with a window that looks at the snow capped peaks. It comes with a squat style Indian toilet and there is a sit-out right outside the room where you can enjoy your morning tea/coffee under the morning sun. The rooms are warm, the blankets are thick and they have hot water geyser facility provided there is electricity supply. And all this costs just INR 650 per person. You can also park your motorcycle or car in their parking area.
3) Delicious Home Cooked Food
The Mili homestay family cooked simple yet tasty food for us during our stay. In addition to their usual items, they cooked local greens upon our request and those were the highlight of our culinary experience along with the home made brew that the family offered us before dinner every night. Breakfast was simple with pancakes and tea, while lunch and dinner were more elaborate with rice, roti, veggies, dal, greens and salad and eggs. All the meals were charged extra, though the rates were very reasonable.
4) Great Location
Mili homestay is located just a short walk from the city center and it is surrounded by gorgeous fruit orchards and the mighty snow capped mountains of the Eastern Himalayas. The morning sun shines right into the room thus making for some magical mornings. A hot cup of tea or coffee while standing in the morning sun, feeling the cold and staring at the fruit orchards and the snow capped mountains is a truly special experience. Walks from Mili homestay will either take you deeper into the residential neighbourhood or to the local markets. Do watch out for the dogs once it gets dark. As Anini is a small town, Mili homestay is close to all local hotspots and getaways.
I would definitely stay with Mili Homestay once again if I travel to Anini. I really enjoyed the homely atmosphere, the great food and the friendly family. If you are traveling to Anini, do not miss to stay with them. Their tribal home and family is one of the top experiences of my holiday to Anini. To make bookings, do reach out to the owner at +91 92334 33014.
