Nestled in Uttarakhand's Pithoragarh district is the charming village of Sarmoli, recently bestowed with the prestigious title of India's top tourism village. Situated in the Munsiyari region, with the majestic Panchachuli peaks gracing its backdrop, Sarmoli stands as a beacon of sustainable and eco-friendly tourism in a region that has faced various challenges.
Amidst a landscape marked by abandoned villages, Sarmoli emerges as a flourishing community, a symbol of the resilience and determination of its inhabitants. The village has embraced the concept of green tourism, and its unique homestay program lies at the core of this transformation. Recognizing this commendable effort, the Union Tourism Ministry honored Sarmoli village as India's best tourism village. Malika Virdi, the Sarpanch of Sarmoli Van Panchayat, was presented with a gold medal and a citation during a ceremony held at the Bharat Mandapam Auditorium in New Delhi.
Around 50 families in Sarmoli are directly involved in the homestay tourism initiative. Additionally, over 30 other families contribute to the village's tourism ecosystem, including taxi drivers, tourist guides, and local shopkeepers selling indigenous artefacts and agricultural produce. Since its inception in 2016, the homestay program in Sarmoli has welcomed approximately 700 tourists, fostering enriching cultural exchanges and unforgettable experiences. This tourism endeavour has connected travellers with the village's authentic charm and generated a substantial revenue of more than INR 50 lakh to date.
From Ghost Village To The Most Sought After
Malika Virdi, a mountaineer who moved to the village in 1992, started the homestay program in collaboration with the women of the Sarmoli Jayanti Van Panchayat. The Himalayan Ark Homestay programme started through their joint initiative in 2004. Pushpa Sumtiyal, who lives with her family in the village, runs a homestay via the Himalayan Ark programme and offers guests home-cooked meals with fresh produce from her farm.
Through these homestay programmes, travellers are given a total immersive Kumaoni experience wherein they are involved in farming, cooking, helping their hosts collect firewood and managing their cattle. Go on nature walks through the village and follow trails through the snowy woods while shepherding cattle along slender slopes. For nature lovers, there is a plethora of flora and fauna to study, and the guides usually name the trees you would pass by on walks.
Things To Do In Sarmoli
If you are visiting Sarmoli, go for a relaxed time without filling your itinerary too much with plans.
Himal Kalasutra festival: This is a local festival that the villagers celebrate in the middle of May. This week-long affair attracts a lot of tourists, and there is a 20 km long marathon along an 8000 feet altitude that everyone takes part in.
Khaliya Top Trek: Among the numerous treks accessible from Sarmoli, the Khaliya Top Trek stands out as one of the most popular, offering breathtaking views. Situated at an altitude of 3,500 meters above sea level and teeming with diverse flora and fauna, this trek promises a rejuvenating outdoor adventure.
Mesar Kund: Nestled in Sarmoli, Mesar Kund, also known as Maheswari Kund, is a stunning lake situated at 2,450 meters. To reach the top, a trek of approximately 1.5 km awaits, taking around 45 minutes to an hour to complete. Visitors can enjoy a picnic, explore the surroundings, and make a day of the experience.
Local Delicacies to Try: Staying in one of Sarmoli's homestays provides an excellent opportunity to savor local Pahadi delicacies. Don't miss out on delights like mandua ki roti (finger millet bread), timur ka saag (Himalayan herb mix), and bhang ki chutney (wild hemp dip). Indulging in the delicious Kumaoni spread is a culinary highlight during your homestay in the village.
Best Time to Visit: Sarmoli's pleasant weather makes it an ideal year-round destination. It's advisable to avoid the monsoon months of July and August due to the potential for landslides and road blockages.
Getting There: Located in Munsiyari, Pithoragarh district, Sarmoli can be accessed by road or air. The nearest airport is Pantnagar Airport, offering regular flights to and from Delhi and other major cities. From Haldwani, approximately 280 km away, you can take a car or shared taxi. Local buses also ply the route, and the nearest railway station is Kathgodam.
No comments:
Post a Comment