How Home-stays near Indore are bringing tourists closer to nature and village life creating new livelihood opportunities for rural families
Madhya Pradesh/Indore: As the road leads out of the city and into the midst of hills and greenery, the tourism experience transforms. In Barkheda—located about a kilometer prior to Kalakund in the Mhow region of Indore district—tourists are no longer visiting merely to sightsee; they are coming to stay and experience village life firsthand.
While Kalakund’s natural beauty has long attracted visitors, village life itself is now becoming an integral part of the tourism experience here. The hills and river draw tourists in, while earthen homes, the taste of food cooked on traditional hearths, and the villagers' hospitality give them a reason to stay. This shift could well become the defining characteristic of Kalakund’s rural tourism in the future.
Home-stays emerging as new source of employment
Mud-and-tile houses, meals cooked on traditional chulhas (stoves), fresh vegetables from the fields, hills, rivers, and the rural ambience are becoming integral parts of their tourism experience. Amidst this shift, home-stays are emerging as a new source of employment and income for local families right within the village.
In Madhya Pradesh, the home-stay model is being emphasized as part of an initiative to link rural tourism with the local economy. Efforts are underway in the Kalakund region to integrate local cuisine, rural lifestyle, nature walks, trekking, and culture with nature-based tourism.
The objective is to encourage tourists to stay in the village rather than just visiting for a few hours, ensuring that the economic benefits of their spending reach the local community.
From Corporate Job to Village Host
The 'Tulsivan Home-stay' in Barkheda exemplifies this transformation on the ground. Suraj Yadav, who launched the home-stay in 2022, told that he learned about the home-stay scheme through the 'Bakrichap' company as part of a Tourism Department initiative.
This inspired the idea of showcasing the natural beauty, hills, rivers, and rural lifestyle of Kalakund as an immersive experience for tourists. According to Yadav, setting up the home-stay cost approximately Rs 5.5 lakh. He also received financial assistance from the Tourism Department. Beneficiaries from General and OBC categories receive around ₹2 lakh, while those from SC and ST categories receive up to Rs 3 lakh in aid.
Monsoon Bings a Rush
The number of tourists visiting Tulsivan rises during the monsoon season. According to Yadav, the homestay is often fully booked almost every day during this period. Tourist footfall is also higher on Saturdays and Sundays compared to weekdays.
Depending on the amenities and packages, the overnight tariff for couples ranges from approximately ₹2,500 to ₹3,500. The objective here goes beyond merely providing a room; guests are immersed in farming activities, rural life, the local environment, and traditional cuisine. Meals cooked on traditional earthen stoves and the experience of the village lifestyle serve as unique attractions for tourists visiting from the city.
Tourism Brings a Wider Village Economy
Yadav says that while villagers previously had to travel elsewhere for employment, a source of income is now available locally. The benefits of tourist arrivals extend beyond the homestay itself; local shopkeepers, drivers, farmers, and small business owners also benefit indirectly.
As rural tourism expands, there is potential to integrate local cuisine, handicrafts, traditional products, and agriculture-related activities. Opportunities also exist for women's self-help groups to find markets for local dishes and products, and for the youth to find employment in roles such as tour guides, trekking, and hospitality.
Transforming Kalakund into an Immersive Experience
Kalakund is already renowned for its heritage railway, forests, waterfalls, and natural valleys. Now, rural tourism is being used to incorporate village culture and local life into this mix. Plans to develop the area as a one-day tourism experience also emphasize linking Kalakund with nearby locations such as Patalpani, Choral, and Janapav.
There is also potential to develop a regional tourism circuit by linking this area with destinations like Mandu, Maheshwar, and Omkareshwar. Under this model, tourists would be able to experience nature, heritage, local culture, and the flavors of the Malwa region all in a single trip.
Connection with Nature is Essential: Sarika
Sarika, a tourist from Indore, believes that sensitivity and awareness regarding nature are essential for everyone. Nature is not merely a means to stay healthy; it is the very foundation of our lives. It is every individual's responsibility to remain conscious of the need to conserve it.
Vijay, another tourist from Bhopal, remarked that amidst the daily rush, one often leaves behind the very peace and tranquility that humans need most today. Visiting this place made her realize the futility of the constant race of life. The peace of mind found while spending moments amidst nature is something rarely experienced in the hectic pace of city life.