Homestays of India Initiative Gives New Identity to Community Tourism in Jashpur

First guest from Tamil Nadu experiences peaceful rural life at a community homestay

Raipur, January 2026 : Efforts being made by Homestays of India to strengthen community-based tourism in Chhattisgarh have achieved a significant milestone in Jashpur district. The first guest from Tamil Nadu was recently welcomed at a community homestay in Jashpur. This initiative is being seen as an important step towards developing Jashpur as a model community tourism destination in the state.

The guest, Mr. Mahesh, a resident of Tamil Nadu, is travelling across India by road and prefers staying at homestays during his journey in different parts of the country. He said that his desire to enjoy simple, nutritious, home-style food and to closely understand local culture and lifestyle motivated him to choose homestays as his preferred accommodation.

During his stay in Jashpur, Mr. Mahesh resided at a homestay run by Vipin and his family. The homestay is part of a village that has been developed as a community tourism model by Homestays of India in collaboration with the district administration. The guest highly appreciated the family’s warm hospitality, traditionally prepared wholesome meals, and the serene natural surroundings of the village and its nearby areas.

Mr. Mahesh shared that spending time in the quiet of the village, away from the internet and mobile phones, brought him a sense of mental peace and inner rejuvenation.

The stay also provided additional income to the host family, strengthening their livelihood. Moreover, hosting a guest from another state offered the family an opportunity for cultural exchange, new experiences, and practical exposure to tourism-related activities. This experience has enhanced the family’s hospitality skills, confidence, and entrepreneurial abilities.

Under this initiative, Homestays of India is continuously supporting homestay development along with capacity building of local families, strengthening hospitality standards, improving guest experiences, and promoting responsible tourism practices. The objective is to ensure that the direct benefits of tourism reach local communities while also preserving local culture, traditions, and natural heritage.

This experience reflects a growing trend among conscious travellers who are increasingly prioritising slow travel, local cuisine, human connections, and proximity to nature. Regions like Jashpur are emerging as strong eco-tourism and community tourism destinations for such travellers. The initiative is not only giving a new direction to rural tourism in Chhattisgarh but is also paving the way for sustainable livelihoods, dignified income, and wider recognition for rural families.