Daringbadi: The state government has launched a new initiative to develop homestays in the tribal villages of Kandhamal district, aiming to promote eco-cultural tourism while boosting rural livelihoods.
As part of the project, a joint survey by the Integrated Tribal Development Agency (ITDA) and the Department of Tourism was conducted Saturday in several villages across Daringbadi block. The survey team inspected potential locations for setting up homestays on vacant land in tribal habitations, where the local environment and cultural practices could be preserved and showcased to visiting tourists.
Officials said the survey was carried out in areas including Kisubadi under Siangabali panchayat, the Midubanda waterfall in Dasingbadi panchayat, Hill View Park in Daringbadi panchayat, and Peedikharipi in Hatimunda panchayat. Earlier, Deogada near the Belghar tourism zone in Tumudibandha block had already been identified for homestay development.
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The project is part of the state’s Dharani Aba Janajatiya Grameen Utkarsha Abhiyan programme and aligns with the Centre’s Bharat Darshan tourism vision. It seeks to provide tourists with immersive experiences in tribal life, including traditional food, dance, music, festivals, farming, rituals, and craftsmanship, while empowering women’s self-help groups (SHGs) through tourism-linked income generation.
“Most tourists visit Daringbadi and return the same day,” said Krupasindhu Behera, project administrator of ITDA, Baliguda. “If we can offer authentic homestay experience inside the villages, guests will stay overnight and experience the stories, traditions, and hospitality of tribal communities first-hand.”
Behera said tourists will be able to interact with village elders, learn about local deities such as Dharani Penu, and enjoy traditional meals prepared by SHG women. The initiative is expected to not only attract more visitors but also enhance the self-reliance of rural women by involving them directly in tourism services.
Each homestay will be designed to offer basic amenities without disturbing the natural or cultural fabric of the village. Officials believe this model can turn tribal villages into sustainable rural tourism hubs while protecting heritage and promoting community participation.
The survey team included project officials from Baliguda ITDA and tourism experts from Bhubaneswar, including senior consultant Sraddha Hota.
PNN
