The Uttar Pradesh government has launched a comprehensive “Rural Tourism Development Strategy” aimed at transforming the state’s rural landscape into vibrant tourism hubs. In the first phase of this initiative, tourism infrastructure will be enhanced across 93 villages, with a special focus on introducing homestays to attract visitors seeking authentic rural experiences.

A key component of this strategy is the development and training of tour guides and operators, ensuring they are well-equipped to offer exceptional services across the state’s major tourist circuits, including rural and forest tourism. The Manyavar Kanshiram Institute of Tourism Management in Lucknow will play a crucial role in this effort, undergoing significant upgrades to meet the new demands of the tourism sector.

As part of the 2022 Tourism Policy, the government has outlined 12 distinctive tourism circuits: Ramayana Circuit, Sufi-Kabir Circuit, Bundelkhand Circuit, Jain Circuit, Krishna-Braj Circuit, Shakti-Peeth Circuit, Mahabharata Circuit, Wildlife-EcoTourism Circuit, Freedom Struggle Circuit, Spiritual Circuit, Buddhist Circuit, and Crafts Circuit. These circuits are designed to showcase Uttar Pradesh’s rich cultural, spiritual, and historical heritage, attracting both domestic and international tourists.

Homestay development will be prioritized in five key divisions—Devipatan, Chitrakoot, Ayodhya, Lucknow, and Varanasi—known for their natural beauty, folk traditions, and historical significance. In the first phase, 19 villages within the Ayodhya division, including notable locations like Chuintiapara and Darwan in Ambedkar Nagar, and Ayodhya’s Abanpur Saroha, Sevadhaat, Rampurwa, and Gauraghat, have been earmarked for rural tourism development. In addition, plans are underway to select 12 more villages in Sultanpur, Barabanki, and Amethi for similar projects. The Varanasi division will focus on 10 villages across Varanasi, Jaunpur, Ghazipur, and Chandauli districts to promote rural tourism.

In the Lucknow division, 23 villages such as Korauna, Ramkot, Saraisani, Bihat Biram, Urdauli, and Thakur Nagar of Sitapur district will see the development of homestay facilities. Similarly, 17 villages across Lucknow, Hardoi, Lakhimpur Kheri, Rae Bareli, and Unnao districts will be identified for this initiative. Additionally, the government is working on identifying 17 villages in the Devipatan Mandal and 24 villages in the Chitrakoot division, spanning Banda, Chitrakoot, Hamirpur, and Mahoba districts.

To enhance the visitor experience, the government will deploy trained tourist guides and folk artists in these villages, collaborating with local agencies. Nature guides will also be positioned at key eco-tourism destinations such as Dudhwa, Katarniaghat, and the Pilibhit Tiger Reserve, ensuring tourists receive expert guidance and insight into the natural wonders of the region.

This ambitious rural tourism plan reflects the government’s commitment to creating sustainable tourism models that benefit both travelers and local communities.

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