Uttar Pradesh is taking a bold step towards revitalizing its rural areas by launching a comprehensive “Rural Tourism Development Strategy.” This ambitious plan aims to transform the state’s villages into thriving tourism destinations, offering visitors a glimpse into the heart of rural India.
The initiative’s first phase will see significant improvements in tourism infrastructure across 93 villages. A key focus is on introducing homestays, providing visitors with a unique and authentic rural experience. The government recognizes the importance of skilled tourism professionals and is investing in training tour guides and operators to ensure they are well-equipped to offer exceptional service across the state’s major tourist circuits, including rural and forest tourism.
The Manyavar Kanshiram Institute of Tourism Management in Lucknow will undergo major upgrades to meet the growing demands of the tourism sector. The state’s 2022 Tourism Policy outlines 12 distinct tourism circuits, each showcasing a specific aspect of Uttar Pradesh’s rich cultural, spiritual, and historical heritage. These circuits include the Ramayana Circuit, Sufi-Kabir Circuit, Bundelkhand Circuit, Jain Circuit, Krishna-Braj Circuit, Shakti-Peeth Circuit, Mahabharata Circuit, Wildlife-EcoTourism Circuit, Freedom Struggle Circuit, Spiritual Circuit, Buddhist Circuit, and Crafts Circuit.
The government has identified five key divisions for homestay development: Devipatan, Chitrakoot, Ayodhya, Lucknow, and Varanasi. These divisions are known for their natural beauty, folk traditions, and historical significance. The first phase of the project focuses on 19 villages within the Ayodhya division, including Chuintiapara and Darwan in Ambedkar Nagar, and Ayodhya’s Abanpur Saroha, Sevadhaat, Rampurwa, and Gauraghat. Plans are also underway to select 12 more villages in Sultanpur, Barabanki, and Amethi for similar projects.
The Varanasi division will focus on 10 villages across Varanasi, Jaunpur, Ghazipur, and Chandauli districts. In the Lucknow division, 23 villages such as Korauna, Ramkot, Saraisani, Bihat Biram, Urdauli, and Thakur Nagar of Sitapur district will see the development of homestay facilities. Additionally, 17 villages across Lucknow, Hardoi, Lakhimpur Kheri, Rae Bareli, and Unnao districts will be identified for this initiative. The government is also working on identifying 17 villages in the Devipatan Mandal and 24 villages in the Chitrakoot division, spanning Banda, Chitrakoot, Hamirpur, and Mahoba districts.
To enhance the visitor experience, the government will deploy trained tourist guides and folk artists in these villages, collaborating with local agencies. Nature guides will also be positioned at key eco-tourism destinations such as Dudhwa, Katarniaghat, and the Pilibhit Tiger Reserve, ensuring tourists receive expert guidance and insight into the natural wonders of the region.
This ambitious rural tourism plan reflects the government’s commitment to creating sustainable tourism models that benefit both travelers and local communities. By investing in infrastructure, training, and showcasing the unique cultural heritage of Uttar Pradesh, the government aims to create a win-win situation for both tourists and local communities, contributing to the state’s economic growth and cultural preservation.
