The Uttar Pradesh Tourism Department has partnered with various rural homestay providers for enhancing the visitor experience in rural areas.

Selected villages are being transformed into rural tourism centres, providing visitors with a distinctive experience of rural life intertwined with local culture.

With internet connectivity, these hubs offer experiential tourism, allowing tourists to immerse themselves in the rural environment, interact with local communities, learn about seasonal crops, orchards, relish local cuisine and enjoy cultural performances.

Examples include ‘My Mom Rural Homestay’ in Basti, just 70 kms from Ayodhya, and ‘Gulmohar Rural Homestay’ under the Eco-Village Project in Udaypurwa, Banda district. These homestays typically consist of 4-5 rooms equipped with all basic amenities. Additionally, the Tourism Policy 2022 provides subsidies for establishing homestays near rural and major destinations.

Uttar Pradesh is renowned for its cultural heritage, historic landmarks, and natural beauty. The state boasts immense potential for tourism, and rural tourism is witnessing a significant surge. With a desire to seek solace amidst nature and escape the pollution and hustle of city life, people are increasingly drawn towards rural environments.

Rural Uttar Pradesh presents vast opportunities for agro-tourism and rural tourism. With the highest number of villages in the country, each village offers a unique glimpse into rural life and agricultural practices. Recognising the growing trend of rural tourism and agro-tourism, the Uttar Pradesh Tourism Department has identified 229 villages for rural and agro-tourism development.

Efforts are underway to develop infrastructure for accommodation and other basic amenities in these villages to promote local art, crafts, and employment.

In a statement, Uttar Pradesh Tourism and Culture Minister Jaiveer Singh said here on Wednesday that, “Rural and agro-tourism is rapidly growing nationwide, and Uttar Pradesh, with its diverse agro-climatic zones, possesses the highest number of villages. Through rural homestays, we can attract more tourists, providing employment opportunities for local communities.”