Sari Village Of Rudraprayag Becomes Model Of Rural Tourism And Self-Employment
About 50 homestays are being operated in the village, tourists keep coming throughout the year
Nestled in the lap of the Garhwal Himalayas, Sari village in Rudraprayag district, Uttarakhand, has emerged as a shining example of successful rural tourism and self-reliance. Located along the Tungnath-Chopta trek route, this serene hill village is witnessing a tourism-led transformation that has revitalized its economy and community life.
🌿 A Flourishing Homestay Ecosystem
The homestay movement in Sari began in 1999, when Murali Singh Negi, a local mountain guard, renovated his ancestral home to host trekking tourists. His initiative sowed the seeds of a grassroots tourism revolution. Today, over 50 homestays are functional in the village—41 of which are registered with the tourism department. These homestays offer tourists an authentic hill lifestyle experience with traditional hospitality, local cuisine, and scenic tranquility.
👨👩👦👦 A Boon for the Local Community
With more than 250 people gaining direct and indirect employment, the village has significantly curbed migration—a common issue in hill regions. The success of homestays has inspired many villagers to start businesses under government schemes, including:
Deen Dayal Upadhyaya Tourist Homestay Scheme
Trekking Traction Centre Home-Stay Scheme (benefiting over 30 individuals)
📊 Key Facts & Figures
- Population: ~1,200
- Households: 191
- Homestays: 50+
- Self-employment: 250+ individuals
- Tourist Footfall (2023): ~7,000 visitors
Local resident G.S. Bhatt notes that the village stays vibrant year-round, in stark contrast to other hill villages that face heavy outmigration.
🧳 Trekking Routes From Sari Village
- Sari’s geographical position makes it a key base point for several popular treks:
- Deoria Tal Trek (3 km) – A beginner-friendly trail leading to the picturesque Deoria Tal Lake.
- Tungnath Trek (30 km) – Leads to the world’s highest Shiva temple.
- Chopta Trek (25 km) – Offers breathtaking views of rhododendron forests and snow-capped peaks.
🙌 Government Recognition
In December 2024, Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami visited Sari village, spent the night in a homestay, and shared a meal with villagers. He praised Sari as a model of rural development, citing its success as an inspiration for other villages in the state.
📈 A Growing Model for Rural Prosperity
Sari village’s journey proves that sustainable tourism can be a powerful tool for economic revival and social resilience in the hills. With continued government support and community participation, Sari stands as a living testament to the power of grassroots entrepreneurship in transforming rural India.
