Amaravati, November 25, 2025: West Godavari district kicked off an ambitious homestay program to promote rural tourism ahead of Sankranti, aiming to register 500 village homes for visitors seeking authentic experiences like farm walks, traditional meals, and cultural evenings.
The initiative, backed by subsidies up to Rs 5 lakh per unit and skill training for hosts, seeks to generate 2,000 direct jobs and draw 50,000 tourists by January 2026, capitalising on the festival's pull.
Officials highlighted the area's paddy fields, coconut groves, and Kolleru Lake as unique draws, with online booking platforms in the works.
