As part of the plan to promote heritage home stays in Bidar, the district administration will set up a few such properties in the city
The idea took shape after heritage home owners sought clarity on the home stay concept at a workshop conducted by the Tourism Department.
“Most people don’t seem know much about homestays, specifically heritage homestays. We are trying to promote such facilities by showing that it can be done,” Deputy Commssioner Anurag Tewari said.
Interested house owners would also be sent to areas like Ahmedabad and Madikeri to provide them with an opportunity to see and learn such things, Mr. Tewari said.
The department of tourism will identify heritage buildings in the city. According to the city heritage plan of 2011, there are over 300 private properties and around 40 government buildings that have been classified as heritage structures, on the basis of age, historic and cultural significance, aesthetic value, surroundings and proximity to monuments.
“We will take the best ones and remodel them into heritage homes,” said Mr. Tewari. He said that the district administration would seek help from NGOs like the Indian Heritage Cities Network (IHCN) and the City Heritage Centre.
Training for youth
The reconstruction work will also help to train the youth in masonry and heritage conservation. The district administration and tourism department have drawn extensive plans to train youth in other useful skills like restoring historical water structures like the Karez or Surang Bavi system, guiding tourists, driving, and translation. The Deccan Heritage Foundation and The IHCN, along with non-governmental organisation Team Yuva, will be organising the sessions.
