Homestays lift living standards of Madi locals

BY SALIGRAM NEPAL,Chitwan, June 8: Madi locals living in fear of wild animal attacks and floods have found new hope for living through the homestay business. Their living standards have improved after tourists started home staying in Madi.

The locals had built fences around Chitwan National Park to control wild animal attacks and embankments to minimise the risk of floods. Earlier, the planted crops were destroyed by wild animals in the National Park and even got washed away by floods. 

At present, Madi people have made homestay as an alternative source of income apart from farming. The homestay has become popular among tourists due to its homely atmosphere and domestically prepared local dishes. 

Tul Bahadur Pun, chairman of the Homestay Federation of Madi Municipality, said that the living standards of the locals had changed after the operation of the homestay. He said, "Chitwan's Madi is a suitable place to experience village life. It’s a valley surrounded by Chitwan National Park and Chure hills consisting of religious and historical areas."

Mohan Bahadur Pun, chairman of Ayodhyapuri Madhyawarti Community Homestay, started the homestay business after returning from Bahrain. He said that he used to earn Rs. 70,000 per month in Bahrain. While visiting hometown during his vacation, he took homestay training and started the business here instead of going back. He said, "The income from the business is enough to run a family."

Ayodhyapuri Madhyawarti Community Homestay started in December 2017 has 29 rooms spread over 14 houses. The rooms are crowded especially during weekends and one needs to book accommodation a month in advance. Pun said that tourists from Kathmandu, Pokhara and social organisations often come there to experience homestay. They also perform Sworathi (song sung in Myagdi in the evening) and exhibit Maruni culture to the tourists. 

Similarly, Jag Narayan Bote, treasurer of Bote Community Homestay, informed that the locals who used to pick nettles and greens and were dependent on the National Park had shifted to tourism business. 

This has given employment to many such as homestay operators, cultural show performers and sanitation workers, he added. 

Rajapatia Chaudhary, chairman of Bagouda Community Homestay, said, "Earlier, we used to take loans even for a little amount of money to run a household. Today, we have a monthly earning of around Rs. 100,000 during the season and Rs. 40,000 to 50,000 at other times." 

Madi has become popular for homestay. Here, all homestays charge same amount with the tourists and a rule is set for this. Punmagar, Tharu, Bote, Darai and Bhrahmin 

communities have been operating homestays in Madi.