Farmhouses to offer tourists a peek into state’s countryside while staying in lap of luxury

In 2007, Harkirat Ahluwalia started what is considered Punjab’s first private initiative in farm tourism-Citrus County. On his 15-acre orchard near Hoshiarpur, he offered luxurious homestay, coupled with a taste of rural Punjab.

The four rooms at his farm offered the best of facilities, and visitors could satiate their taste for a ‘pind’ life at Chhauni Kalan, the adjoining village. Some of his acquaintances scoffed: why would people come to holiday in Hoshiarpur? Today, its Ahluwalia’s turn to smile. Such has been his success that this year, he is booked well through the season. And there is more. He has set up six luxury tents on his orchard, in addition to rooms at the farm. The tents are air-conditioned and have wi-fi facility. An Australian delegation is coming to Citrus County in December, and then its time for guests from France.

Ahluwalia’s successful venture, admits GP Reddy, Director-cum-Secretary Tourism, Punjab, made the Tourism Department sit up and take notice. Within this month, the department is going to advertise its ‘Punjab Farm Tourism Scheme’. The advertisement will invite applications from owners of farmhouses in Punjab to provide “a rural tourism experience to visitors”.

Punjab has potential to develop farm tourism as a profitable venture, says Reddy. “Such farmhouses will offer visitors the best of both worlds: the essential comforts, along with an old-world charm,” he highlights. The scheme is likely to be launched early next year.

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