Visitors at Araku Valley can now do more than roam around the scenic valley, eat bamboo chicken and stay at an APTDC resort. Tourists coming in will soon be able to experience the authenticity of the place via homestay in tribal hamlets, indulge in farm fresh food and the beauty of dhimsa dance.
The state government will soon be introducing village homestays via the Integrated Tribal Development Agency (ITDA). Kollaput and Karasaligua in Araku mandal that offer trekking and beautiful waterfalls will soon be offering homestays. Farmlands are being identified for the purpose and youth from these villages will be trained in hospitality. The move will help these villages generate local income and employment in a productive manner.
Imagine a scenario where you visit the Araku Valley and Borra caves and stay in one of these villages for the night after devouring some deliciously authentic food. ITDA will be building two huts that accommodate 8-10 people. Dining area and toilets will also be set up in the vicinity of the huts. Fresh vegetables, food, campfire, music and dhimsa dance can be expected to entertain visitors.
The process for identifying suitable villages has been kickstarted and for now the project will be initiated at Kollaput and Karasaliguda. The project will be extended to other hamlets after the homestays here progress. Around 30 youth will initially benefit from the homestay project in these two villages. Other than catering to guests, housekeeping and cooking, sale of handicrafts and forest products will be a major boon tourism-wise.
The youth will be brought to Vizag to train the youth on hospitality. Food Crafts Institute and certain hotels will be training these tribal youth.
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