Bronze Awardees

Biswanath Ghat Village, Assam

- Description

Biswanath Ghat has been recognized as Best Tourism Village 2023 in Bronze category.
Biswanath Ghat is located in the heart of Assam, India. Biswanath Ghat, with its rich cultural heritage and stunning natural landscapes, has emerged as a thriving hub for rural tourism, offering a unique blend of tradition and sustainable development.

Biswanath's tourism significance lies not only in its serene landscapes but also in its commitment to responsible and sustainable tourism practices.

The village boasts a plethora of nearby tourist attractions, including national parks, historic sites, tea gardens, temples, and more, providing a glimpse into the rich cultural and natural heritage of Assam.

The village's natural assets, including the Brahmaputra River and lush landscapes, have been preserved through eco-friendly practices like reforestation and sustainable agriculture.

- INTRODUCTION

Biswanath Ghat is located towards south from Biswanath Chariali Town. The Biswanath Ghat is also popularly known as “Gupta Kashi”. It also a large village of Assamese silk weavers, weaving intricate patterns onto colorful fabric made from the Mugga Silk.

The village has the population of 18000 with total number of 55000 per year (Domestic-45,000 and international 10,000) and number of accommodation units compromise of Eco resorts, Hotels, Boat House & Tourist Guest House. Number of units is 20 and numbers of Beds is 150.

- THEME

Natural, Cultural,Architectural and Archeological (The village has many natural attractions such as National Parks with spectacular tea gardens in vicinity of village and religious side also like Nagshankar Temple, Maa Kalyani mandir and Bamuni Hills Monuments)

- NEARBY TOURISTS’ ATTRACTION

1. Kaziranga National Park.

2. Nameri National Park.

3. Tea Tourism Destinations like Monabari, Pratapgarh Tea Estate and other Tea Gardens.

4. Nagshankar Temple

5. Organic Farm Tour to nearby village & community tour destination.

- INITIATIVE/ EVENTS/ ACTIVITIES

1. Implementing a development strategy centered around responsible and sustainable tourism can significantly contribute to the conservation of local culture and natural assets in rural villages.

2. Preserve and promote cultural identity and heritage, responsible tourism encourages tourists to respect and appreciate local customs, traditions and ways of life.

3. Engaging the locals in tourism activities, such as cultural performances or handicraft workshops, has empowered them to actively participate in preserving their cultural heritage.

4. Collaboration with NGOs, government agencies and private sector partners can provide additional resources, expertise and support for sustainable tourism initiatives.

5. The visitors and the hosts are encouraged to use of eco-friendly practices, such as reducing plastic usage and adopting low-impact transportation options.

6. Implements initiatives such as waste management, water conservation, renewable energy, bio-diversity protection and climate change adaption.

7. Spreading environmental awareness among tourists and locals, as well as among different stakeholders in the tourism sector.

8. Transitioning to organic farming practices has reduced the use of chemical pesticide and fertilizers, promoting healthier soil and water quality.

9. M/s Neelam Duttaproprietor of Pabhoi Greens has been working to increase the productivity, availability and affordability of agricultural product.

10. Initiative taken to establish a network of rural tourism provides and stakeholders that can collaborate and share best practices, resources and opportunities.

11. Provide training and capacity-building programs for local residents interested in participating in tourism-related activities.

12. Showcasing success stories to investors, shared the success stories of villages or regions e.g.,Pabhoi Greens, Kanoka Resorts etc that have effectively developed the tourism sector. These examples can inspire confidence among potential investors and stakeholders.

13. Celebrate and showcase the village's cultural identity through festivals, events, and cultural activities. Authentic experiences attract tourists seeking meaningful interactions.

- IMPACTS

1. Interactions between tourists and villagers have raised awareness about the significance of local traditions, making locals more inclined to protect and pass them on to future generations.

2. The villagers have protected its natural assets, such as forest, water, wildlife or landscape from degradation and exploitation through activities such as reforestation, water management or habitat creation.

3. The main motive of spreading of environmental awareness among tourists as well as among other stakeholder of tourism is to foster responsible and respectful behaviors towards the natural environment.

4. Agroforestry: Combining trees with agriculture can improve soil fertility, provide shade and support bio-diversity.

5. M/s Neelam Dutta, not only inspired the farmers from his new techniques but also well-known abroad through exclusive agriculture activities.

6. Promoting rural tourism and eco-tourism has created demand for local products, services and cultural experiences, thus stimulating economic activity.

7. Integrating local business into larger value chains to help them access new markets and increase their profits.

8. Sharing success to investors of village e.g., Pabhoi Greens, Kanoka Resorts etc that have effectively developed the tourism sector, inspire confidence among potential investors and stakeholders.