Homestay tourism flourishes in rural Sikkim

Many villages in Sikkim provide tourists with scenic beauty and facilities for traditional home stay.

Many villages in Sikkim provide tourists with scenic beauty and facilities for traditional home stay.

Zuluk, a small village with a population of about 700 people, is one of them. Located near the Indo-China border, Zuluk is an upcoming tourist spot and a paradise for nature and adventure lovers.

Though the village lacks hotels, but the villagers have adopted the concept of Homestay.

"We started green cottage for tourists through a self-help group. The homestay concept was launched in October 2008 by few locals of this place. From then onwards there has been no looking back. In peak season we have cent per cent bookings," said Rajesh Rai, owner of Zuluk homestay.

As of now, there are two cottages in the village with attached bathrooms. They come for Rs. 1,200 per night for visitors and include daily traditional meals.

"The view here is very beautiful. Though there are no hotels around, but we like the home stay accommodation. It's very good," added Kamal, a tourist from West Bengal

The homestay not only provides the comfort of home to tourists, but also helps villagers generate some extra income.