ECO TOURISM

Shekhawati, already famous for its frescos is fast becoming a rural tourism destination. M.R. Morarka-GDC Rural Research Foundation has pioneered integrated Rural Development since 1993 and identified tourism as a thrust area for generation of new economic & employment opportunities.

Shekhawati region in rajasthan comprises of three districts of Jhunjhunu, Sikar & Churu has made significant progress in agricultural sector. On a rough estimate the region attracts 120 tourists everyday to its open-air-art gallery of magnificent mentions with beautifully painted frescoes of both the frescoe-buono and frescoe-secco schools.

A visit to a village of this region gives the tourist a real flavor and a closer look of country life. Warm open hospitality is the tradition of the people with their rich food, graceful folk dance, puppet shows, foot taping music, colorful dresses, camel safaris and of course the frescoes.

Efforts are being focused on tourist visiting India by offering them long itineraries, international students visiting India, domestic urban tourists and the youth, to ensure, both the country folk and the tourist a mutually enriching experience. A beginning has been made by offering tourist country rides going to the farms, farmers being carefully selected are trained to become host, profiles of select farm families are being made.

Heritage Hotels have become a matter of great attractions.  The old & magnificent forts, palaces & castles of the bygone era are well know for their rich sculptural and painting values. The idea of heritage hotels, while it augments the accommodation availability for tourists, also helps the preserve and restore the art and architecture, culture and heritage of rajasthan which otherwise may be lost forever due to vagaries of time and nature and the inability of the owners financially to maintain these.

Initiatives have been taken to create basic facilities for tourists coming to the farms and if willing even to stay with them in tents. Organic food is another star attraction for visiting tourists …