The village economy is getting stronger with expansion of rural tourism in Madhya Pradesh. Presently, the State has 116 homestays and their number is set to rise further in future. Tourists from abroad and metros have started visiting rural pockets to understand rural culture and surroundings. Their numbers are increasing. Villages with significant tourism potential are being identified. Speaking on the same, Minister for Rural Development and Panchayat Prahlad Patel has urged all panchayats to identify villages having tourism potential and submit proposals to establish them as tourist villages. He said that promoting rural tourism will boost the village economy. Notably, Savarvani village, located 6 kilometers inside from Jhirpa in Tamia development block of Chhindwara district has been a tourism village since 2019. Over 300 foreign tourists have visited here to experience the village culture, village food and agricultural activities.

 

Tourists from South Africa, France, Europe, Russia, Canada, and the United Kingdom have been prominent among them. As per information, Savarvani offers all the facilities for required for an ideal village, with a focus on cleanliness. The village’s peaceful and natural environment attracts tourists. They enjoy the serene atmosphere and explore nearby natural attractions like Anhoni Hot Spring, Anhoni Fair, Saptadhara, Khara Pani Divine Spring near Chawalpani, Ghoghra Waterfall, Tamia, Patalkot, and the Zhingaria Waterfall near Maunibaba Hill. The buffer zone of Satpura National Park’s Bargodi village is also adjacent. A complete package is available for tourists including breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Additionally, activities like bullock cart rides, milking cows, feeding them, engaging in small farming activities, trekking on nearby Monakhedi Hill, and experiencing bhajan mandali and tribal Shaila dance groups make the stay at Savarvani memorable. The homestay here, Vedika Hills is managed by the village tourism development committee, led by President Kamleshwar Yaduvanshi. The Vice-President is Ram Prasad Salam and the Secretary is Durgesh. Other committee members include Ramesh Parteeti, Naresh Nagvanshi, and Manoj Bhorvanshi, each responsible for different tourism activities. Fee for every activity is fixed.

 

Vice-President Ram Prasad Salam says that nearby villages Shahwan and Puratala have also developed interest in tourism, resulting in six new homestays. Secretary Durgesh informs that tourism has improved the village economy, with tourists purchasing 350 kilograms of organically grown wheat this year. They also buy milk, curd, and vegetables. The ghee producers are happier as they sell directly to tourists. Ghee is currently priced at Rs. 800 per kilogram and sells easily. Additionally, locally grown basmati rice and other items like maize, jowar, and bajra rotis, paranthas, and local bhajis are liked the most. Tomato sauce and maize flour roti are popular.

 

The is steady demand for local vegetables. Also, in Bhartipur village, Shahpur Panchayat, 35 kilometers from Dewanganj in Raisen, the reputation of the homestay is gradually spreading. Started just two years ago, this homestay is renowned for its captivating surrounding forest and proximity to the Sonali Buddhist Stupa, which is just two kilometers away. A perennial waterfall adds to the beauty against the backdrop of dense forest. Visitors can enjoy local cuisine, especially dal baati, and experience spiritual calmness in the peaceful environment with a deep sense of history.