Govt pushes for rural tourism in 35 U.P. border villages
The state tourism department has announced the development of 35 villages in seven border districts of Uttar Pradesh as 'tourist villages'. The initiative aims to generate employment and preserve local culture, as per a press note.
The selected villages in Maharajganj, Siddharthnagar, Shravasti, Balrampur, Bahraich, Lakhimpur Kheri, and Pilibhit will be transformed into hubs of cultural tourism. Each village will host ten homestay units, giving tourists a chance to live among the locals and experience daily village life.
Some of the villages identified for development are Dulhasumali, Bajha, Khunuwan, Kotia, and Gharuar in Siddharthnagar; Imlia Kodar, Chandanpur, Narihwa, Pahadapur, and Belbhariya in Balrampur; and Bankati Chidiya, Purab Majra Himmantnagar, Pipraula, Puraena, and Singhia in Lakhimpur Kheri, the note added.
Local youth will be trained as storytellers to narrate village histories, legends, and folklore to visitors in an engaging manner. Women from self-help groups will receive culinary training to prepare and serve traditional dishes, giving guests a true taste of village life. Moreover, products made by the indigenous Tharu community will be promoted in local markets and online, providing artisans with new economic opportunities.
'This is not just a tourism project; it is a holistic development model,' said tourism and culture minister Jaiveer Singh. 'We are combining tourism with employment, women's empowerment, and heritage conservation. Through this initiative, our border villages will not only attract tourists but also gain a renewed sense of identity and self-reliance.'
Officials confirmed that work on the project will begin soon, with infrastructure upgrades, training modules, and community engagement being prioritized in the initial phase.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Hindustan Times
20-05-2025
- Hindustan Times
Govt pushes for rural tourism in 35 U.P. border villages
The state tourism department has announced the development of 35 villages in seven border districts of Uttar Pradesh as 'tourist villages'. The initiative aims to generate employment and preserve local culture, as per a press note. The selected villages in Maharajganj, Siddharthnagar, Shravasti, Balrampur, Bahraich, Lakhimpur Kheri, and Pilibhit will be transformed into hubs of cultural tourism. Each village will host ten homestay units, giving tourists a chance to live among the locals and experience daily village life. Some of the villages identified for development are Dulhasumali, Bajha, Khunuwan, Kotia, and Gharuar in Siddharthnagar; Imlia Kodar, Chandanpur, Narihwa, Pahadapur, and Belbhariya in Balrampur; and Bankati Chidiya, Purab Majra Himmantnagar, Pipraula, Puraena, and Singhia in Lakhimpur Kheri, the note added. Local youth will be trained as storytellers to narrate village histories, legends, and folklore to visitors in an engaging manner. Women from self-help groups will receive culinary training to prepare and serve traditional dishes, giving guests a true taste of village life. Moreover, products made by the indigenous Tharu community will be promoted in local markets and online, providing artisans with new economic opportunities. 'This is not just a tourism project; it is a holistic development model,' said tourism and culture minister Jaiveer Singh. 'We are combining tourism with employment, women's empowerment, and heritage conservation. Through this initiative, our border villages will not only attract tourists but also gain a renewed sense of identity and self-reliance.' Officials confirmed that work on the project will begin soon, with infrastructure upgrades, training modules, and community engagement being prioritized in the initial phase.
Time of India
16-05-2025
- Time of India
UP eco-tourism push in Dudhwa aiding Tharu tribals
Lucknow: UP's plan to boost eco-tourism also involves the inclusion of local tribes and residents in the growth story. A notable example is the inclusion of Tharu tribals in Dudhwa, as highlighted in a meeting chaired by tourism and culture minister Thakur Jaiveer Singh. This approach seeks to ensure that the benefits of eco-tourism reach the local communities, fostering sustainable growth and cultural preservation. "Living in harmony with nature in villages along the Dudhwa Tiger Reserve , culturally rich Tharu tribals are known for their deeply rooted forest-based traditions, sustainable agriculture, and a close-knit community with unique traditions that include dress, jewellery, folk songs, and dance. Itineraries being made for Dudhwa have included interactions with these tribals so that the community benefits from the visitors," the minister told TOI. Officials said that the govt took initiatives to include local communities in tourism development in a big way. "While on one hand, the idea is to aid their economy, their role is also crucial to the conservation of the forest resource," said Prakhar Mishra, director of eco-tourism, UP. Stating that many Tharu families traditionally depended solely on small patches of agricultural land for sustenance, officials said the department was handholding them to develop homestays and run schemes like bed and breakfast. A preliminary study revealed that demand for experiential tourism was high in India. "Taking a cue from that, UP's eco-tourism thought of a model that benefits all — the locals, the state, and even the visitors. In specific reference to Tharus and Dudhwa, visitors can get a chance to feast on their traditional delicacies such as Dhikri made from rice, Patauta, and Ek Patiya Saag," Mishra said, adding, "The bonus is scores of big and small stories of living with nature and facing the big cat and other animals. " To further boost livelihoods and preserve traditional skills, initiatives like the Tharu Shilp Gram have been launched by the UP Eco-Tourism Board. Located near the tiger reserve, this craft village showcases handmade jute products created by Tharu artisans such as bags, mats, caps, decor and accessories — all made with techniques passed down through generations.
Hindustan Times
16-05-2025
- Hindustan Times
Uttar Pradesh plans to make Dudhwa global eco-tourism hotspot
Uttar Pradesh eco-tourism development board conducted an extensive discussion with tour and travel operators on Thursday. The meeting, held at Tourism Bhawan, witnessed officers engaging in unlocking Dudhwa's full potential through collaborative promotion, infrastructure development, and personalised tourism experiences for international tourists. In the presence of tourism and culture minister Jaiveer Singh the officials highlighted the state government's multi-pronged strategy to increase footfall of international tourists in Dudhwa and surrounding areas. The minister for tourism and culture Jaiveer Singh said, 'All efforts are underway to enhance accommodation, set up yoga and wellness centres, promote rural tourism and local crafts and cuisine, especially for foreign tourists. We believe this natural treasure will play a defining role in making Uttar Pradesh a top destination for international tourists.' Describing Dudhwa as one of the last surviving stretches of the once-vast Himalayan Terai, the principal secretary tourism and culture Mukesh Meshram said, 'Dudhwa is not just a sanctuary for rare and endangered species, but a living repository of our disappearing forest ecosystems. Its dense forests, marshes, grasslands, and oxbow lakes represent rhythmic patterns of nature celebrated worldwide.' 'Uttar Pradesh currently leads in domestic tourism, and with strategic initiatives, we aim to achieve the same in international arrivals,' said Meshram. Tour and travel operators have a critical role in this journey, and the government is fully committed to supporting efforts at every level. During the interaction, over 100 tour and travel operators from Uttar Pradesh and other states were present in-person and virtually. Several suggestions were put forward, including integrating Dudhwa with spiritual circuits like Ayodhya and Kashi, organising familiarisation (FAM) tours, and initiating student exposure visits from cities like Jhansi, similar to those conducted in Lucknow. The board assured that these ideas will be actively considered and implemented wherever feasible. Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (HoD) Sunil Chaudhary lauded the initiative, calling it a promising step toward expanding tourism in the state. Managing Director of Forest Corporation KK Singh stated that Dudhwa offers something for every type of tourist, and it is essential that tour operators design customised itineraries based on visitor interests. Other key speakers included Additional PCCF Lalit Kumar Verma, CCF (Policy & Analysis) Aditi Sharma, UPSTDC MD Sanya Chhabra, Dudhwa Tiger Reserve Field Director Dr Rangaraju, and Tourism Director Prakhar Mishra, who delivered a detailed presentation on the board's vision and plans for Dudhwa's development. Home to over 120 tree species, more than 100 varieties of herbs and shrubs, and rare orchids, Dudhwa boasts remarkable biodiversity. The region supports a thriving population of mammals, birds, reptiles, insects, and aquatic life, making it a vital example of ecological richness and stability. Dudhwa is being developed as a national eco-tourism flagship for international tourists. Key initiatives include stakeholder consultations, promotion of local heritage and cuisine, expanded train safari outreach, integrated wellness and accommodation facilities, dedicated tourist helpdesks, and a comprehensive regional master plan. The board has also shared four proposed itineraries tailored for various traveller interests.
