A Day In Ladpura Khas: Experiencing Homestays And Bundeli Life With Women Leading The Way

Tucked among the rolling hills near Orchha, Ladpura Khas is a village that moves to its own gentle rhythm. Located 8 kilometres from Orchha in Niwari district of Madhya Pradesh, it was the first Rural Tourism Village designated under the Responsible Tourism initiative. Set amid hills, forests, and the Betwa river, the village offers homestays, where visitors can experience Bundeli cuisine, cultural traditions, and the serene surroundings. Lush greenery, quiet hill views, and the hum of daily life make Ladpura Khas a place where time slows down, providing a glimpse of the homestay culture that is simple, welcoming, and deeply rooted in local traditions.

A Warm Welcome

Our first stop was Mahua Hill Homestay, run by Uma Devi, who greeted us with a plate of namak para, a small gesture that instantly felt like home. The property had playful touches — a cart for photographs and a swing where I spent quiet moments taking in the hills.

Most homestays here are modest, typically just one room per owner, with a government grant of INR 2 lakh to help set them up. The rooms feature comfortable beds, couches, and tables, with bamboo ceilings adding a rustic charm. Wall paintings and the bamboo décor lend a cultural and earthy ambiance. Air conditioners are rare, preserving the rural feel, although plans are underway to add them for visitors during hot summer months.

At Madhav Hill View Homestay, the emphasis on women’s empowerment was evident. All staff are women trained in self-defence, which helps make women guests feel secure. E-rickshaws are also driven by women, supporting mobility and independence in the community.

E-rickshaw driver Nirmala Kushwaha, a single mother of two, follows a disciplined daily routine — rising at 5 a.m., leaving for work by 10 a.m., and returning in the late afternoon. Local girls learn Bundeli painting, and some even create art on papaya leaves, keeping traditional crafts alive while exploring new forms of expression.

Hospitality in Ladpura Khas is as much about food as it is about people. At another homestay, we enjoyed hot besan ka pakoda and refreshing chhas while listening to Bundeli folk songs sung by Chandan Singh Yadav. The music carried the heartbeat of the land, reflecting its stories and traditions.

Recognition for homestay owners like Rekha Kushwaha, who won the second prize, highlights how women are taking leadership roles and fostering pride in their communities. Every homestay offered fresh organic roses, their sharp, natural fragrance a small but memorable detail reflecting the hosts’ thoughtfulness.

The Homestay Initiative: What It Is

Launched under the Responsible Tourism Mission of the Madhya Pradesh Tourism Board (MPTB), the Homestay Initiative creates immersive rural tourism experiences. It allows travellers to live with local families, experience village life, cuisine, crafts, and culture, while embodying the Indian ethos of Atithi Devo Bhava.

Homestays are being developed across 37 districts, spanning rural, heritage, and wildlife destinations including Orchha, Khajuraho, Bandhavgarh, Kanha, and Pench. So far, 241 homestays in 121 villages have been inaugurated virtually by chief minister Mohan Yadav. Villages like Madla (Panna), Ladpura Khas (Niwari), and Sidhi (Khas) have already received national recognition for their efforts.

The state aims to establish 1,000 homestays, with implementation driven by local Panchayats and homestay owners, making it a community-led model.

To expand the programme, strategic partnerships have been signed focusing on rural development, women empowerment, and infrastructure support. Under a CSR initiative, solar and LED streetlights are being installed in 61 tourist villages. Other efforts include the promotion of filmmaking, skill training, tourism education, and connecting rural homestays to online travel agencies (OTAs) to increase their digital presence.

The homestay programme is emerging as a multi-layered driver of growth for Madhya Pradesh. It provides local employment through hospitality, guiding, and cultural performances, giving youth sustainable livelihoods within their villages. Women empowerment is central, with over 10,000 women trained in hospitality and self-help groups (SHGs) producing handicrafts sold across tourist circuits and supplied to hotels nationwide.

Cultural preservation is at the heart of the initiative, showcasing crafts such as Mandna, Chitera, Gond paintings, bamboo work, folk music, and regional cuisine. Beyond heritage and wildlife tourism, the programme diversifies Madhya Pradesh’s offerings to include community-based, experiential travel.

Inclusivity is also prioritised, with many rural destinations equipped for divyang (specially abled) visitors. The initiative aligns with the Atmanirbhar Bharat vision, promoting self-sufficiency, pride, and positioning Madhya Pradesh as a strong participant in responsible tourism.

Other Spotlight Villages

Pranpur: India’s First Craft-Handloom Tourism Village — Located 4 kilometres from Chanderi, Pranpur is renowned for its weaving community and production of Chanderi textiles. Visitors can observe loom-making, participate in workshops, and purchase handloom art directly from artisans, making the village a living museum of craftsmanship.

Sabarvani: A Gond Tribal Haven Amidst Nature — Spanning nearly 2,000 hectares in Tamia tehsil of Chhindwara district, Sabarvani is home to about 700 Gond residents. Its homestays offer rustic charm along with nature walks, traditional cuisine, and immersion in Gond art and folklore.

The Road Ahead

Madhya Pradesh recorded a 526 per cent rise in tourist footfall in 2024 compared to 2020. Homestays enrich existing tourist circuits, including Orchha, Khajuraho, and wildlife parks, while boosting rural incomes, curbing migration, and fostering entrepreneurship.

With plans to expand to 1,000 homestays, the initiative demonstrates how tourism and rural development can go hand in hand. It preserves culture, empowers women, generates livelihoods, and reimagines tourism as a tool for sustainable growth.

Visiting Ladpura Khas left a lasting impression. The hills, the greenery, the hospitality, and the care woven into each homestay made the experience personal and memorable. Tourism here is not just about sightseeing; it’s about stepping into the rhythm of village life, experiencing its culture, and witnessing how local women are shaping its future.

The Information

How To Visit: Reach Gwalior by train, then take a bus to Orchha. To explore the rural homestays, you can use a personal vehicle or hire local e-rickshaws.

Best Time To Visit: Monsoon and winter months (August–March).

Things To Keep In Mind: Respect the hosts and their homes, and avoid littering on the property.

FAQs

1. What makes Ladpura Khas homestays unique in Madhya Pradesh?
   Ladpura Khas offers immersive village experiences, showcasing Bundeli culture, local cuisine, and women-led hospitality for a sustainable travel experience.

2. How can I reach Ladpura Khas from major cities?
   Visitors can reach Gwalior by train or flight and then take a bus or hire local e-rickshaws to Ladpura Khas near Orchha.

3. What are the best times to visit Ladpura Khas?
   The ideal months are during the monsoon and winter seasons (August to March) when the weather is pleasant and greenery is at its peak.

4. Are Ladpura Khas homestays suitable for families and solo travellers?
   Yes, homestays cater to families, solo travellers, and even specially-abled visitors, offering authentic cultural experiences in a safe and welcoming environment.

5. What cultural activities can tourists experience at Ladpura Khas homestays?
   Visitors can enjoy Bundeli cuisine, folk music, art workshops, e-rickshaw rides, and learn traditional crafts like painting and weaving from local artisans.