Patna: Tourists visiting Bihar may soon swap hotel rooms for village homes, traditional meals and immersive cultural experiences under the ‘Mukhyamantri Home-Stay Protshahan Yojana-2026’, a flagship initiative designed to transform local households into certified tourist accommodation. The scheme seeks to promote rural tourism while generating employment, preserving heritage and allowing visitors to experience Bihar’s culture, cuisine and traditions from within local communities.The tourism department plans to develop 1,000 homestay rooms over the next five years with an outlay of Rs 25 crore. The first phase will cover 34 major tourist destinations in 16 districts with homestays located within a 5-km radius of ecological, historical and spiritual landmarks.Certified homestays will offer clean, well-ventilated rooms with attached washrooms, traditional Bihar meals, free Wi-Fi, safe drinking water, power backup, guided village tours and cultural evenings showcasing local cuisine, folk music and traditions. Hosts will receive training in hygiene, safety and guest services, while the govt will facilitate online booking, digital payments and a 24×7 tourist helpline.Tourism department spokesperson Ravishankar Upadhyay said, “Under the scheme, the govt will provide homestay operators an incentive of up to Rs 2.50 lakh per room. Each homestay unit can register a maximum of 8 rooms, capping aid for general category beneficiaries at Rs 10 lakh. To promote inclusion, women, self-help groups and youth aged 18-25 will receive an additional Rs 25,000, raising the total assistance to Rs 11 lakh.”The scheme allows homeowners to convert existing or old houses into homestays, enabling heritage properties and rural homes to become part of Bihar’s tourism network. A homestay can have a maximum of eight rooms, while resorts, hotels, motels, guest houses and boarding or lodging houses will not be eligible.The identified destinations include Mahabodhi Temple, Vishnupad Temple and Dungeshwari Temple in Gaya; Nalanda University Ruins, Rajgir Ropeway and Jal Mandir at Pawapuri in Nalanda; Sher Shah Suri Tomb in Rohtas; Mundeshwari Temple Complex in Kaimur; Vikramshila University Ruins in Bhagalpur; Vishwashanti Stupa in Vaishali; Valmiki Tiger Reserve in West Champaran; Mandar Parvat in Banka; Deo Surya Mandir in Aurangabad; Barabar Caves in Jehanabad; Kakolat Falls in Nawada; Kesaria Stupa in East Champaran; Garibnath Dham in Muzaffarpur; Bhim Bandh in Munger; and Jain Temple Lachhuar in Jamui.Besides offering accommodation, the homestays will introduce visitors to local festivals, village life, handicrafts, handlooms and traditional art forms, while promoting nature-based tourism and, in selected regions, immersive experiences of tribal and indigenous cultures.
