In a significant boost to rural tourism, three villages in Madhya Pradesh's Dhar district have embarked on an ambitious community-led initiative to develop homestays that showcase authentic tribal culture and traditions.
Transforming Rural Livelihoods Through Tourism
The villages of Gyanpura, Bhilbarkheda, and Sulibardi are collectively establishing 22 community-run homestays, with eight already operational and welcoming visitors. This represents one of the region's most organized community-led hospitality projects aimed at tapping into the growing demand for genuine rural and cultural experiences.
In Gyanpura, a tribal village celebrated for its traditional architecture and natural landscapes, five homestays are currently functional. Local families who previously relied entirely on farm labor or daily-wage work are now opening their homes to tourists seeking immersive village stays.
Personal Stories of Economic Transformation
Ramlal Hatila, a construction worker who recently opened a one-room homestay in Gyanpura, shared how this initiative has brought new hope for financial stability. "I constructed a room specifically for tourists and launched my homestay in September," he explained. "We've worked hard to make this space clean and comfortable because we want visitors to truly experience our village life. We're optimistic this will become a reliable source of additional income for our family."
Strategic Support and Sustainable Development
The project receives crucial support from an NGO collaborating with the Madhya Pradesh Tourism Board. The partnership focuses on training local families, developing hospitality skills, and creating sustainable income models for tribal communities.
Swati Sharma, General Secretary of the NGO involved in the project, emphasized that the initiative extends beyond tourism and plays a vital role in strengthening rural economies. "For tribal families, income sources are typically seasonal and unpredictable," she noted. "Homestays provide a direct, dignified, and community-controlled pathway to participate in the tourism economy."
Sharma highlighted the dual benefits of the program: "When guests stay in these homes, earnings go directly to the families, enabling them to invest in education, improved housing, and small businesses. Simultaneously, tourists' interest in learning about tribal cuisine, crafts, and traditions motivates communities to preserve their cultural heritage while generating income from it."
The official stressed that rural and tribal economies develop most effectively when residents can earn sustainable livelihoods without leaving their villages. This approach not only provides financial security but also helps reverse migration patterns by creating local employment opportunities.
The homestay initiative in Dhar district represents a growing trend across India where rural communities are leveraging their cultural assets and natural surroundings to create viable tourism enterprises that benefit both visitors and local residents.
