Bahraich’s Karikot village gets tourism award for ‘inclusivity’ | Lucknow News
Bahraich: Karikot, a border village in UP’s Bahraich district has been honoured with the Indian Subcontinent Responsible Tourism Award 2025 under the category of ‘Peace, Understanding and Inclusivity.‘The award was presented at the Business Leisure Travel and MICE conclave 2025 underway in Delhi. Uttarakhand tourism minister Satyapal Maharaj presented the award to Chief Development Officer (CDO) Bahraich Mukesh Chand, Village Development Officer (VDO) Sushil Singh, and Gram Pradhan Parvati Devi, who received the honor on behalf of the community. The recognition came under the framework of the International Centre for Responsible Tourism (ICRT), acknowledging Karikot’s exemplary efforts in promoting sustainable and inclusive rural tourism. Set beside the Katarniaghat landscape near the confluence of the Gerua and Kauriala rivers, Karikot has developed homestays, culture-rich walks, local cuisine experiences, and women-led turmeric value chains that welcome visitors while strengthening household incomes and social cohesion. The village presents a unique example of inclusivity where the Tharu community, along with Hindu, Sikh, and Muslim families, has joined hands to develop rural tourism in a sustainable and collective manner. Enthused with the recognition, village head Parvati Devi said: “This award has given our village a new identity and confidence. We will keep welcoming guests with warmth so they can experience our rivers, forests, food, and traditions.” Special secretary Tourism Eesha Priya said, “The award reflects the impact of our sustained efforts through initiatives like the Uttar Pradesh Bed and Breakfast and Homestay Policy 2025. Rural tourism is bringing sustainable jobs, empowering women, and offering travellers authentic experiences — Karikot is now a shining example of what responsible tourism in Uttar Pradesh stands for.” Tourism and culture minister Jaiveer Singh said that the example set by Karikot proves that rural tourism can be both a custodian of heritage and a pathway to prosperity. “We see this award as encouragement for other villages across the state to follow the same model,” he said.
