Now, families in Jangalmahal get into homestay tourism
Times of India | 23 April 2024
Kolkata: While planning a trip to a scenic village of Keran in Ayodhya Hills last Dec, Abin Das and his family decided to skip hotels and stay with a host family. At Rs 1,000 a night, the accommodation, nicely tucked in the small isolated hamlet, was a bargain. The warmth of the hosts, who served homemade meals and accompanied them into the interiors of the forests, won them over.
As travellers and tourists are seeking more friendly, locally driven and exclusive experiences post pandemic, several residents in the villages of Purulia, Jhargram and West Midnapore — collectively known as Jangalmahal — have started converting a part of their homes into homestays.
Raju Sapui converted his homestay in Garh Salboni in Jhargram in Nov last year when visitors started inquiring about accommodation. “Initially, I was sceptical as I do not have resources to provide for modern comforts. But when guests said they actually wanted to stay like the locals, I converted two rooms of my house into a homestay. We have registered with the tourism department and now we have bookings on almost all the weekends,” said Raju.
More than 300 homestays are registered with the tourism department in this region.
“We are encouraging more locals who have rooms to spare to convert them into homestays for extra earnings. Several tourists visiting this region prefer personalised experiences instead of staying in hotels and guest houses,” said an official of the tourism department.
For the guest, it’s a home away from home that is situated in villages inside the forests or amidst lush green fields. For the hosts, it’s a much needed income.
“I earn an extra Rs 6,000 to Rs 8,000 by providing food and accommodation to guests in my house, where I have converted two rooms into homestays. The extra earnings have helped me set up a small farm in my backyard,” said Purnendu Singha, owner of Atithi Homestay in Jhargram.
The hosts not only open the doors of their homes for the guests but also prepare meals and suggest possible must-visit venues in the forests. They often organise cultural programmes and local feasts for bigger groups of guests.
The trend is also encouraging tourism in rural areas that is not only contributing to the economic well-being of people in the villages but also improve the infrastructure in these areas.
“Close to 35% of tourists enquire about homestays while travelling to Jangalmahal. They prefer sharing homes with the local people and want to taste local cuisine. We also arrange for local sightseeing by the villagers itself for an all-round experience,” said Yudhajit Karmakar, who runs a travel start-up that organises curated tours.