Welcome to Diya Bed & Breakfast: A Hidden Gem in the Heart of Delhi
Stay at Diya Bed & Breakfast, a boutique homestay with heart, purpose, and authentic charm. Reopened in August 2024, Diya B&B is located in the lively and colourful neighbourhood of Paharganj, offering guests a serene retreat amidst the buzz of central Delhi, with a meaningful mission at its core. Run by young adults whose lives were transformed by the Salaam Baalak Trust (SBT), Diya B&B is more than a place to rest—it's a place where hospitality, heritage, and humanity come together to create truly unforgettable stays.
Our story is not just about offering accommodation. It is about creating a space that reflects the heart and soul of India, where every guest can connect with the city, its people, and its vibrant culture. Our dedicated team has crafted an experience that blends comfort, warmth, and purpose in every detail, ensuring that your stay with us leaves a lasting impression.
Why Stay at Diya B&B?
Genuine Hospitality: Managed by individuals who have overcome adversity, Diya B&B offers personal warmth, local insight, and heartfelt care that larger hotels cannot match. From your first step inside, you'll be greeted with friendly smiles, helpful advice, and attentive service tailored to your needs.
A Place with a Story: Staying here means becoming part of a larger narrative of resilience, transformation, and community upliftment. Every corner of Diya B&B carries a story—a testament to the power of second chances and human kindness.
Central Yet Peaceful: Nestled in a quiet alley just moments from Delhi’s bustling Main Bazaar, Diya B&B provides a calm sanctuary at the heart of the city. You can immerse yourself in the excitement of Delhi by day and return to tranquility by night.
Lonely Planet Recommended: Highly praised for its character, comfort, and authenticity, our B&B has long been a traveler favorite, described as "the kind of place you'd really like kept secret."
Our Unique Rooms:
Each of the six thoughtfully designed en-suite rooms at Diya B&B reflects a slice of Indian heritage, blending tradition with comfort. The rooms are lovingly decorated with unique artwork and cultural motifs, offering both aesthetic beauty and restful accommodation:
Chess Room: A cozy double room inspired by 19th-century Indian and colonial art, perfect for quiet relaxation. Ideal for couples or solo travelers.
Peacock Room: Double, en-suite, vibrant with colors inspired by India's majestic national bird. Perfect for those who appreciate vibrant design.
Procession Room: Twin, en-suite, adorned with images of royal processions, elephants, and camels—echoes of India's regal history.
Madhubani Room: Twin, en-suite, decorated with traditional Madhubani folk art from Bihar and Nepal—a cultural delight for art enthusiasts.
Map Room: Twin, en-suite, featuring antique maps of Delhi and the region—a haven for history and travel lovers.
Elephant Room: Single, en-suite, with private balcony, ideal for solo travelers seeking charm, privacy, and city views.
All rooms include air conditioning, en-suite bathrooms, complimentary Wi-Fi, quality linens, hairdryers, and tasteful decor. We provide the comforts of home blended with the magic of India's artistic and historical richness.
Guest Amenities Designed for Comfort:
Air Conditioning & Air Purifiers: Stay cool and breathe easy in Delhi's varying climate.
Free Wi-Fi: High-speed connectivity throughout the building.
Small Kitchens: Each floor features a shared kitchen equipped with water filters and refrigerators.
Italian Coffee Machine: Enjoy freshly brewed Blue Tokai Coffee in our dining area.
Common Areas: Relax in our tranquil courtyard, cozy dining room, or scenic rooftop terrace—perfect for reading, journaling, yoga, or mingling with fellow travelers.
Laundry Services & Ironing Facilities: Available upon request to make your stay hassle-free.
Airport Pickups & Transfers: Pre-arrange convenient and reliable airport transfers.
Library: Dive into books on India’s history, culture, art, and travel.
Local Recommendations: We help you discover the best local eateries, bustling markets, artisan shops, and hidden historical gems.
Our shared spaces are designed to foster connection among travelers. You can relax with a book on the rooftop as the sun sets over Delhi’s rooftops, or strike up a conversation over coffee with fellow explorers from around the world. We believe in creating a sense of community—one of the reasons many of our guests return time and again.
A Stay That Tells a Story: The Heart Behind Diya B&B
The name Diya (meaning "lamp" in Hindi) symbolizes light, warmth, and hope—values that shape every aspect of our B&B. Founded by Danish, a former street child who found a new path through Salaam Baalak Trust, and Nick, a dedicated UK volunteer, Diya B&B is the result of shared dreams, hard work, and a passion for social change.
Our journey began not in the hospitality business, but in the belief that every individual deserves dignity, opportunity, and hope. Diya B&B is an extension of this belief, offering meaningful employment and creating bridges between travelers and the local community. Here, every stay supports real stories of transformation.
Guests often tell us that the most memorable part of their stay isn’t just the comfort or the location—it’s the warmth of the people, the personal stories shared, and the feeling of being part of something bigger than themselves.
Explore authentic Delhi with us:
We invite you to step beyond the guidebooks and experience the soul of Delhi:
Wander through bustling local markets and colourful bazaars, including the famous Chandni Chowk.
Discover quiet spiritual shrines, Sufi dargahs, and ancient temples tucked away in hidden corners of the city.
Visit off-the-beaten-path historical monuments that reveal the city's layered past.
Taste incredible street food at places only locals know.
Explore Delhi on foot with Street Connections Walking Tours, guided by individuals with lived experience, bringing the city’s history and humanity to life.
Assistance with travel logistics, SIM cards, metro cards, and train tickets is always available.
For those looking for deeper immersion, we can help arrange cooking classes, craft workshops, or guided visits to NGO projects and community initiatives. Delhi is a city of contrasts and layers—and we’re here to help you discover its most authentic sides.
What Our Guests Say:
“An oasis in the chaos where every need is met with kindness.” — Ariadna, Germany
“A true home away from home, filled with warmth, stories, and smiles.” — Enrique, Germany
“Like a serene South Delhi guesthouse hidden on a Paharganj back street.” — Lonely Planet
“A place where you don’t just visit—you belong. I felt like family from the moment I arrived.”
Our guests often arrive as visitors and leave as friends. The connections built here—whether with our team or with fellow travelers—create cherished memories that last long after the journey ends.
Practical Information for Your Stay:
Entire secure building with six unique rooms across four floors.
Inviting shared spaces including rooftop terrace, courtyard, and dining area.
No direct vehicle access (common in Old Delhi); we assist with arrival logistics.
Generally peaceful ambiance, though festive celebrations may bring occasional bursts of local colour.
Staffed by responsible adults, many of whom are alumni of Salaam Baalak Trust.
We are committed to creating a safe, respectful, and inclusive environment for all guests, including solo travellers, women, and families. Your comfort and well-being are at the heart of everything we do.
Giving Back While You Travel:
Your stay at Diya B&B directly contributes to empowering young people who have overcome adversity. Every reservation helps fund skill development, education, and employment opportunities for former street children.
We also collaborate with Street Connections, our ethical tourism initiative, to ensure that each guest experience is not only memorable but socially responsible. By staying with us, you support a community-led effort to create better futures.
We welcome curious minds, compassionate hearts, and travelers eager to make a positive impact.
About Salaam Baalak Trust & Street Connections:
Salaam Baalak Trust began in 1988, inspired by the award-winning film Salaam Bombay!, and has since grown to support thousands of vulnerable children in India. Through education, shelter, and mentorship, the organisation transforms lives.
Street Connections, co-founded by Nick and Danish, brings responsible tourism and heritage experiences to life while creating meaningful employment. Our walking tours, workshops, and cultural immersions help visitors see the city through new eyes while giving back to the community.
Book Your Stay Today:
At Diya Bed & Breakfast, you're not just booking a room—you're becoming part of a larger movement of kindness, resilience, and discovery. We invite you to experience Delhi differently, through authentic connections, cultural immersion, and heartfelt hospitality.
Whether you're a solo traveler, a couple seeking adventure, a family discovering India for the first time, or a returning guest who knows that the best stays are those that leave a positive impact, Diya B&B is your perfect base.
Join us in celebrating the beauty of India, the strength of the human spirit, and the joy of meaningful travel. We can't wait to welcome you to Diya B&B—where every guest becomes part of the family, and every stay makes a difference.
