Assam: "Aamaar Aalohi Homestay" scheme boosts eco-tourism in Kakoijana, opens new avenues for local livelihoods

Eco-tourism in Bongaigaon district has witnessed a promising rise with the successful implementation of the Assam Government’s flagship “Aamaar Aalohi – Rural Homestay Scheme.” The initiative is supporting the development of community-based tourism around the Kakoijana Reserved Forest, a critically important habitat of the endangered Golden Langur, which attracts both Indian and international wildlife enthusiasts every year.

Leveraging this tourism potential, local youth Harkanta Rabha has established a new homestay in Kakoijana with ₹8 lakh financial assistance from the Tourism Department. The homestay is now welcoming visitors, offering them a culturally rooted rural experience while they explore the biodiversity of the forest landscape.

Rabha expressed gratitude for the initiative, stating that Aamaar Aalohi has not only ensured economic upliftment for educated rural youth, but also inspired a broader community to consider tourism as a viable livelihood. He voiced hope that continued support for more homestay projects could help Bongaigaon evolve into a prominent eco-tourism destination in Assam.

Officials highlight that such grassroots tourism models serve twin objectives — boosting rural employment and promoting conservation awareness for endangered species such as the Golden Langur.

The Aamaar Aalohi Scheme, spearheaded by the Assam Tourism Development Corporation (ATDC), aims to expand rural tourism infrastructure and create sustainable self-employment for youth in rural and semi-urban pockets with tourism potential.

Under the scheme, ATDC accepts applications for:

New Homestay Subsidised Projects

Upgradation of Existing Homestays

Selection criteria mandate rural/non-urban location, proximity to major tourist attractions, and cultural or ecological sites such as festival venues that draw large numbers of visitors.

With such policy support, stakeholders believe Bongaigaon district is well on track to become a thriving eco-tourism hub in the coming years.