Ghaziabad: UP tourism department has released Rs 75 lakh to develop villages like Surana in Muradnagar as agro-tourism destinations, offering Delhi-NCR residents a taste of rural life within 30 kilometres of the capital.The plan promotes farming, animal husbandry and traditional village occupations as attractions, with homestays — rather than hotels or resorts — at the centre of the model. The facilities will be available by the end of the year.“People living in cities, especially those with no exposure to village life, can now experience farming and animal rearing without travelling far from Delhi,” regional tourism officer Deepika Singh said. “Anyone who can provide one to eight rooms for a bed and breakfast can apply to make it a homestay.”
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Around 256 villages across the state have been shortlisted for the pilot phase based on connectivity, scenic value and willingness of locals to participate, the official said. “The department will work with residents to develop infrastructure, including roads, drinking water and sanitation, before these villages are opened to tourists,” Singh said.Officials also said that unlike conventional tourism projects, the scheme will not involve construction of new hotels or resorts. “Instead, villagers will be encouraged to convert their homes into homestays, generating direct income and reducing dependence on migration for jobs. We are also allowing that to happen on a lease basis. This will create local employment and keep the money within the village economy,” the official added.To prepare villagers for hosting tourists, the department will roll out training programmes covering hospitality, hygiene and presentation of local food and culture. Some residents will also be trained as local guides to take visitors around farms and orchards, officials said.Singh said additional funds could be sanctioned once the pilot phase shows results, allowing the scheme to be expanded to more villages depending on tourist response and local participation. “We want to strike a balance between preserving our rural heritage and creating sustainable livelihoods for villagers,” she said.The move comes amid a broader push by the state govt to diversify tourism offerings beyond monuments and religious sites, tapping into rural and agricultural experiences as a fresh draw for domestic tourists.
