Himachal Pradesh's novel scheme to attract tourists

With the recent launch of ‘Har gaon ki kahani’ (story of every village) scheme, some of the remote and unknown villages in Himachal Pradesh could become popular with tourists.

This novel scheme, aims at developing villages of historic importance as tourism villages by providing basic amenities and provide tourists a peep into the rustic life of the hill state.

People across the state have been asked by the tourism department to send fascinating stories, folklore, legends and anecdotes related to villages, said a spokesman of the state government.

These stories will then be reviewed and published as tourism literature to woo tourists.

Interesting stories matched by historical facts will then be allotted funds by the government so that the concerned village is able to develop tourism infrastructure.

Another scheme to promote rural tourism called the ‘home stay scheme’ launched two years ago, is already popular in the state.

It focuses on rural tourism to generate jobs, income and promote new destinations by exhibiting ancient heritage and culture of the state.

Officials say till date 246 home stay units have been registered in the state under the ‘home stay scheme’, with 75 in Kullu district, 49 in Sirmaur, 38 in Shimla and 31 in Kinnaur district among others.

At least 653 rooms are available in these registered units where tourists can experience rustic lifestyle in a homely atmosphere.

Over 5500 Indian and 220 foreign visitors stayed in these registered home stay units says the state tourism department.

Kullu district has emerged as a forerunner in attracting maximum number of tourists attracting 1539 domestic and 132 foreigners.

Besides providing tourists a peep into the rich rural cultural heritage, traditions and customs, home stay units are providing self employment opportunities to the rural folk.

Under this scheme, one to three rooms can be registered as home stay in rural areas where the owner of the house resides.There is no luxury and sales tax, no VAT and electricity and water consumption is charged on domestic rates.