Nestled just 28 kilometres from the bustling capital of Bhopal lies Khari, a picturesque village transformed into a unique tourist destination by Madhya Pradesh Tourism Department’s innovative rural homestay initiative. This programme invites urban dwellers to immerse themselves in authentic village life while creating sustainable livelihood opportunities for local communities.
Visitors to Khari experience rural India at its most genuine, staying in traditionally designed mud houses that blend seamlessly with the natural landscape. The experience goes beyond accommodation – guests participate in quintessential village activities including harvesting fresh vegetables, traditional pottery making, and exploring the countryside via bullock cart rides. For nature enthusiasts, the village offers birdwatching expeditions, stargazing experiences, and trekking adventures through the surrounding terrain.
What sets this initiative apart is its unwavering commitment to environmental sustainability. Every aspect of the tourist experience – from construction methods to daily operations – follows eco-friendly practices, minimising the carbon footprint while preserving the village’s natural charm.
The programme demonstrates exemplary social responsibility by channelling government assistance for homestay construction directly into women’s bank accounts. This approach deliberately places financial empowerment in the hands of local women, strengthening their economic independence and elevating their status within the community.
Despite these achievements, Khari faces a significant challenge – water scarcity. Homestay operators struggle to meet the water needs of their guests, highlighting an infrastructure gap that affects both tourism operations and daily life for residents. The implementation of a comprehensive tap water scheme has become increasingly urgent, not only to sustain the growing tourism initiative but also to improve quality of life for all villagers.
As Madhya Pradesh Tourism continues developing this model of responsible rural tourism, addressing Khari’s water challenges will be essential to ensure the programme’s long-term sustainability and success, ultimately creating a blueprint for similar initiatives across the region.
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