Witness Heritage, Safe and Royal Homestay-Madhya Pradesh

Madhya Pradesh understands its responsibility not only toward its tourists but also to those who have maintained the beauty and preserved the ancient culture of the state

The Madhya Pradesh Tourism Board (MPTB) launched a Homestay project under four categories B&B, Homestays, Farm stays and Gram stays to make 50 tourist places in the state safe secure, and culturally rich stay. Tourist cans available accommodation in cities, villages, and places near tourist’s interest in Madhya Pradesh. It is being run with the objective of economic development and social development of the local community associated with the tourism sector. This project is being implemented in 100 selected villages of Madhya Pradesh that represent the culture of various parts of the state. The major components, of the project, are a convenient stay in the village, local excursions, local cuisines and culture, arts and crafts, and skill and training. The department has initiated work in 60 villages by partnering with some NGOs. The department is also focused on benefiting rural communities by holding their hands for agri-based tourism. The aim of this project is to provide direct and indirect livelihood opportunities to 10 thousand families.

Total 157 units of home stays were registered to date 1. September,2022. It includes Chambal, Pachmarhi, Shahdol, Khajuraho, Chanderi, Datia, Sheopur, Gwalior, Sanchi, Ujjain, and Burhanpur. 6 major teams were formed on the basis of the geographic profile of the units, to conduct this inspection and survey. MPT has provided the list of homestay units registered with the MPT department. A total of 157 units exist at present and a census of all the units has been conducted to capture the holistic view of the homestay units and perception of the owners and guests. The categories under the homestay projects are Farm stay, Gram Stay, and B&B facility. The homestay and B&B concepts are more focused in the urban area whereas the Farm Stay and Gram Stays are based in suburbs and rural areas.

MPTB also focuses on training programs for the host and who will manage the following facilities. The training provides on HomeStay operations, Cooking and presentation, Health and Hygiene, Basic bookkeeping and accounting, Housekeeping, Guest House Management, Guiding, Sensitivity towards travelers, photography, blogging, etc. Skill building of the rural youths and their families will be done to make them self-sustainable. To give a better experience to the visitors some village-level infrastructure will be developed in the selected villages in convergence with various line departments.

Under the project, around 40,000 women working at these places would be trained in self-defense. Board plans to impart skill training to around 10,000 women to enable them to work as tour operators, front office staff, taxi drivers, etc. in the hospitality sector. Madhya Pradesh is home to some of the largest national parks and reserves in India, The state is the dream of every nature and wildlife enthusiast.

Madhya Pradesh Tourism Board introduced schemes giving opportunities to all those house owners of urban and rural areas who are willing to give a portion of their house as a tourist accommodation for domestic and international visitors. These unique and profitable schemes will enable property owners to introduce tourists to the rich culture, cuisine, customs, and lifestyle of “The heart of India”. At the same time, these schemes will also ensure a recurring source of income for property owners and also generate employment opportunities.

To supplement the MP Tourism Board has introduced Home Stay establishment schemes namely:

Homestay Establishment (Registration and Regulation) Scheme 2010 (revised 2018)
Bed and Breakfast Establishment (Registration and Regulation) Scheme 2019
Farm stay Establishment (Registration and Regulation) Scheme 2019
Gram Stay Establishment (Registration and Regulation) Scheme 2019

Homestay Establishment (Registration and Regulation) Scheme 2010 (revised 2018):

The scheme has been introduced to provide comfortable homestay facilities to supplement the available tourist accommodation in urban areas and at places of tourist interest in Madhya Pradesh, by giving an opportunity to foreign tourists to experience the famed Indian hospitality, cuisine, customs, and traditions by staying with Indian families. Homestay owners who reside in the same premises can spare a portion of it for homestay.

Bed and Breakfast Establishment (Registration and Regulation) Scheme 2019:

Under this scheme, additional space for residential property holders in urban areas can be used for tourist accommodation, in which either the property holder/caretaker resides. Property Holder has to provide accommodation and breakfast/food etc. to tourists at affordable rates. Hotels, motels, guest houses, etc. will not be registered under this scheme.

Farm Stays Establishment (Registration and Regulation) Scheme 2019:

Farm stay means a residential building situated outside the boundary of the urban bodies (municipal corporation) in which the property holder/caretaker resides. In such farm stays, tourists will get an opportunity to experience accommodation in the natural environment, relish the produce of organic farming, catering, and various recreational and nature-related activities like nature camping, nature trail, horticulture, agriculture, animal husbandry, open premises, small house hall, kitchen, etc. in Farm stay.

Gram Stay Establishment (Registration and Regulation) Scheme 2019:

Keeping in mind the increasing interest and influx of all kinds of tourists in the rural areas to ensure sustainable means of tourism, the Gram Stay Scheme is conceptualized. This scheme shall generate employment in rural areas and make them financially empowered / independent. Tourists shall get the experience of rural culture, environment, cuisine, etc.

Take a break from your busy schedule and immerse yourself in a homestay at nature’s symphony. A Homestay can get you several meaningful insights into the places. You can easily turn up to your hosts if you really wish to learn and know a place in a different way.

To experience what has been mentioned above, it is important to keep these places safe, friendly, and beautiful along with preserving their culture and traditions. All these responsibilities have been done by the natives for ages. Read on…

Fort Baroda Homestay – Sheopur – Stay in a 400-year-old Fort with the royal family! Spread over 25 acres, Fort Baroda is just an hour’s drive from Kuno National Park, the home of cheetahs. The main attraction of the fort is the stunning Sheesh Mahal, which is where the royal family resides even today. Inside the fort, pray at Shriji Bhagwan’s temple and enjoy opulent structures! It will surely be an experience beyond the ordinary!

Rama Bai Homestay – There are vacations and there are wild vacations! Plan a thrilling trip to Panna National Park and book your stay at Rama Bai Homestay, run by a former forest guard belonging to the Gond tribe of Madhya Pradesh. Experience rural living in the rustic homestay, gaze at the green forest from the window, and enjoy local Bundelkhandi meals cooked on a traditional ‘Mitti Ka Chulha’. Unlimited fun is guaranteed!

Kila- The heritage palace, Satna

Do you wish to spend a vacation where it is just you and the simple life? If yes, then a stay at Kila- The Heritage Palace is the option for you. Located around 20 km from Satna (Northeastern part of MP), Kila- the Heritage Palace homestay is a 300 year old heritage palace.

The sound of nature overpowers every corner of this property. What is even more interesting is that the hosts are more than happy to take you through the photo gallery on each floor inside the palace.

They throw some light on the fascinating stories behind the historic photos. This gallery gives you a sneak peek into the beautiful history of the royal family. Adding on more to your excitement is a cycle ride in and outside the palace. You can board a cycle to explore the beautiful premises of the palace and if needed you can even go for an evening ride to explore the nearby vicinity.

Also, if you are an avid reader then scroll through the library section inside the palace. Pick up what you would like to read and you would love to read the book in the lush green lawn enjoying some snacks and cuppa coffee!

Gokul homestay, Indore

Located in a tree-lined colony in Vijay Nagar, Indore, Gokul Homestay is a twin-story house with a well-maintained terrace, four rooms, lovely sit-outs, and enough space for a nice walk-on terrace. Since the homestay is surrounded by trees, you wake up to the sounds of chirping every morning until your stay. The hosts welcome their guests just like how they would welcome their members of the family. So, even before you reach Indore you can be rest assured that your stay at this homestay will be well looked after.

After settling down you can expect endless chat sessions with the hosts over breakfast and dinner as they are more than happy to share tips on where to eat & local sightseeing as well.

The hosts also have a farm of their own on the outskirts of Indore (it takes about half an hour to reach) where you can be a part of some organic farming and can end the visit with a nice Daal Baati picnic session with all the arrangements ensured by the hosts.

Palash Villa, Pench National Park

Located at the edge of Arjuni village which is in the buffer zone of Pench National Park, Palash Villa is a comfortable accommodation. The location is extremely rich in biodiversity and perfect for wildlife and nature enthusiasts. You can also go in for a safari ride via the arrangements as made by the hosts if informed on a prior basis.

To make the most of the beautiful and peaceful surroundings here, the hosts can provide you with 2 mountain bicycles (MTB). Pedal your way through lush greenery in the buffer zone and get back to enjoy some chit-chat sessions with the hosts over a cup of tea/coffee accompanied by snacks. They are more than happy to discuss wildlife conservation as the family itself has been active on various wildlife conservation platforms and has been doing its bit in this direction.

The Orchha Homestay, Ganj

If you are someone who loves fewer crowds and more peace, Orchha is the place to be. It features brilliant architecture temples, monuments, dense forests, and a lot more.

Escape the maddening city crowds to enjoy a peaceful vacation at Orchha Homestay, Ganj. The interesting concept of this homestay began in 2009 as a way to generate income for women and support their homes.

Surrounded by a rural ambience, staying at this homestay in Madhya Pradesh will help you appreciate the daily life of local farmers and artisans who live here. Along with offering all the necessary amenities, the Orchha Homestay is great for exploring nearby attractions like The Jahangir Mahal, the Laxminarayan Temple, and the Orchha Fort.

Banyan Tree Farms’s Homestay in Bhopal

Banyan Tree Farms (Home Stay) is a place where accommodation and reorientation are evolved, It’s a place that gives you the feeling of ownership and a family environment that drives the mind of a guest with its diversified activities. Such as organic farming, open gym, fresh air, kids’ play area, & adventure activities homestay has a physical as well as physiological impact on the minds of our guests as your stay gives you peace with Nesting lush given environs, embraced by nature’s reserve. Tree House is one of the few places that offer a break from the hectic lifestyle a completely different world engulfs the visitor by taking a walk along the lonely pathways, playing on the lawns, plunging into the swimming pool, pending a quiet evening, and recharging for the week ahead. The property provides natural surroundings (upper lake) and a panoramic view of old Bhopal.

Salban Kanha Homestay in Kanha

Salban is a local-style sprawling bungalow with a Sal forest facing varanda. There are two bedrooms with an attached bath, and dining space along with an open kitchen in the heart of Kanha National Park. Sheema and Jhampan Mookherjee host you into their home with old-fashioned hospitality and personalized care. Host runs a library where people can find books to suit their taste – from natural history to travel, crime to cookery. A huge mahua tree shades the open-air sitout, where a fire is kindled on winter evenings

Natures Courtyard Homestay

Nature Courtyard a Homestay located in Bhopal, Offering a patio, particular units are air-conditioned and have a dining area and a seating area with a flat-screen TV. There’s a private bathroom with a shower in all units, along with free toiletries and a hair dryer.

Guests can dine in the on-site restaurant, which serves a variety of Chinese dishes and also offers halal, vegetarian, and dairy-free options.

Indraprastha Tourist Home Stay in Jhabua

This Tourist Home is located in the picturesque town of Ranapur dist in MP dist. It is built in a traditional style and its architecture makes it one of the most attractive residential locations in the region. So come and experience Madhya Pradesh in its most memorable way.

Stay with us and you will find that life is so much more worth living for it is just like a HOME away from home. The property offers guests a choice of 07 beautifully decorated and lavishly furnished deluxe rooms.

Giovanni House Homestay

Sanchi, A visit to Royalton Organic Farms a blissful place where one can see organic farming happening and the tactics used, visit Giovanni Boutique furniture factory in Bhopal, the largest workshop for handcrafted furniture in central India

Sparrow Homestay

The host is a guide in Panna National Forest by profession so guests can experience his Wildlife safari, night safari, Monsoon safari, Waterfalls, Pandav caves, Panna Temples, Khajuraho Temples, Khajuraho sightseeing, Ghadiyal century, etc