HYDERABAD: Weekend getaways from city could now well be an extended picnic. And, it could be more like a first hand experience of living with a local family.
The Telangana government’s ‘Homestay Scheme’, that was conceived by the Department of Tourism in August, 2016 is being rolled out across the 31 districts of Telangana State, by February.
By the end of February, the list of at least 600 feasible homestay locations around the state are likely to be finalised. Bhongir and Warangal have been identified as pilot projects and it will soon spread to the other districts.
“The district tourism promotion councils are on the job to identify rooms and homes across all the 31 districts in the state. We are looking for people who can spare a decent room, make authentic food and also double up as a guide,” informed B Venkatesham, secretary to Government of Telangana, Tourism and Culture Department.
According to him, the place has to be accessible to move around the location. Clean toilets are a priority and the person who owns the place should know at least a language other than what is locally spoken, preferably an international language. “The locations are being finalised based on this criteria,” added Venkatesham.
While the cost of a homestay will be lesser than an average hotel, the pricing will be left to the home owner.
“The tourism department will conduct regular inspections to keep a tab on the level of maintenance, ensuring that it is up to the mark. There won’t be a formal launch of these homestays. As the process is completed, they will be open for tourists,” he added.