Village Talao in Haryana’s Jhajjar district attracts over 65,000 tourists annually to its cultural hub Pratapgarh Farms. It serves as a lesson in how sustainable tourism can craft a story of hope and progress for its community.
In the heart of Jhajjar district, Haryana, a village has quietly turned into a hub for sustainable tourism, one that strikes a balance between tradition and modernity.
Talao village, now recognised as one of India’s Best Tourism Villages by the Ministry of Tourism, Government of India in the Bronze category, isn’t just a scenic destination, but a model for how rural communities can embrace tourism to foster economic, social, and environmental growth.
Talao, located just 3 km away from Jhajjar, is also a gateway to some of Haryana’s key biodiversity hotspots like Bhindawas Wildlife Sanctuary and Sultanpur Bird Sanctuary, both a stone’s throw from the village. Yet, it’s not just the natural wonders that bring tourists flocking.
Talao has become a cultural destination and houses Pratapgarh Farms, which hosts many tourists every year.
“Our village is small, but still thousands come here every year,” says Anshul Sehrawat, a local student. “People come for the birds and wildlife, but they also get to experience the local culture and cuisines. Recently, we also hosted delegates during the G20 summit,” he adds.
This is no exaggeration. From the lush gardens with over 150 indigenous plants to the locally crafted terracotta and woodwork, the Pratapgarh Farms at Talao blends its rich cultural heritage into every visitor’s experience.
Talao’s success stems from its thoughtful approach to rural tourism. Selected out of 795 applications for the Best Tourism Village competition by the Ministry of Tourism in 2023, Talao impressed with its integration of community involvement, sustainability, and economic inclusivity.
The village’s initiatives focus on three pillars: supporting local livelihoods, protecting the environment, and preserving culture. As a result, the Pratapgarh Farms at Talao has seen over 65,000 visitors annually, according to the Ministry of Tourism, both international and domestic, who not only explore the village but also enjoy a stay in one of its six cosy accommodations.
Central to Talao’s tourism is its open marketplace, where farmers, artisans, and craftsmen showcase their produce and crafts. “It’s a simple setup,” says farmer Manoj Kumar. “We sell what we grow, whether it’s sugarcane or vegetables. Tourists buy directly from us.”
This direct-to-tourist model cuts out middlemen, ensuring that profits stay within the community. Apart from this, local craftsmen have found an audience in the form of visitors who come to visit the Farms. Villagers sell their work, which includes anything from terracotta pottery to handwoven textiles.
Beyond the marketplace, Talao has taken steps to train locals in sustainable farming and handicraft production. The village also hosts workshops, educating both residents and visitors on farm tourism.
To familiarise urban people with farming practices, they are encouraged to participate in agricultural, gardening and dairy activities with the Pratapgarh Farm workers who are from Talao.
We encourage visitors to plough the field with the villagers and sow seeds. They are also welcome to visit farms and vegetable gardens to get a feel of various crops growing there, and learn how we can avoid the use of pesticides and insecticides that degrade our environment.
says village head Anil Kumar.
Talao’s commitment to the environment is evident in its policies and practices. The Pratapgarh farm has adopted rainwater harvesting, organic farming, and eco-friendly waste management practices.
Plastic is strictly prohibited, and visitors are encouraged to use terracotta utensils and flasks to reduce waste. Buildings around the village, including tourist accommodations, are made from recycled materials, such as reclaimed bricks and wood from old havelis.
The village has also embraced responsible tourism practices, offering discounts on entry fees to visitors who carry reusable items like flasks and encouraging environmentally conscious behavior.
“In our village, we respect nature,” a local elder Beniram says, gesturing towards the community’s rainwater harvesting pond, “What we take, we give back.” This respect extends to every part of the village’s operations, from the sewage treatment plant to their ‘no food wastage’ practices at communal meals.
Perhaps one of the most remarkable aspects of Talao’s success is the role women play in its development. Initiatives like the Pratapgarh Vedic Gau Gram empower women through training and economic opportunities.
“It feels good to be a part of this initiative, especially when we know our products are being sold and taken to different parts of the country,” shared one woman, who did not wish to be named, involved in the Gau Gram project. “Now, we’re earning for our families, making cow dung products and compost. It’s sustainable, and it’s ours.”
The women have also ensured the area becomes a favourite culinary destination for those who visit. The food at Pratapgarh Farms in Talao is a key attraction for visitors, offering a variety of vegetarian cuisine from Haryana, Rajasthan, and Punjab.
Freshly ground flour, farm-fresh vegetables, and local favorites like white butter, buttermilk, clarified butter, and select spices are used to create a flavourful and unique culinary experience.
The farm sources milk and dairy products from its own desi cows and Murrah buffaloes, adding authenticity to traditional dishes like Bajre ki roti, khichdi, ghee gur chutney, gulgule, and churma, all cooked by rural women over earthen pots.
The success of Talao village is an example for other rural communities hoping to develop tourism sustainably. It has shown how small villages can turn their cultural heritage and natural resources into a thriving economic engine while preserving the essence of rural life.
With its future firmly rooted in community, environment, and culture, Talao village stands as a testament to the potential of rural tourism done right.
The lead image on top shows foreign tourists making their way to Pratapgarh Farms at village Talao in Haryana. (Photo courtesy of Pratapgarh Farms)
Unnati Sharma is a Village Square Fellow ’24. She works as a journalist, writer and translator.
