Discover Assam’s Hidden Gem: Bongaigaon’s Homestay Scheme Promotes Eco-Tourism

Published on December 1, 2025

Bongaigaon, located in the state of Assam, is now one of the most developed and fastest-growing eco-tourism destinations in the country due to the state government’s Aamaar Aalohi-Rural Homestay Scheme. This scheme is the first of its kind and is designed to facilitate and promote Community-Based Tourism (CBT) in the Kakoijana Reserve, in turn, assisting the rural development of the surrounding integrated ecosystem region of the Kakoijana Forest. This forest is one of the last remaining habitats for the rare and endangered Golden Langur.

The scheme involves the rural families in the district of Bongaigaon, who now accommodate and provide board and lodgings, akin to the Assamese homesteading, while providing the guests a live experience of the region’s charms in her rural subtropical wilderness. This, in turn, motivates and stimulates the residents to actively participate in wildlife conservation and sustainable access tourism to address the prohibitive growing costs of tourism. This scheme has fostered awareness towards the benefits of sustainable tourism and has facilitated eco-tourism in the region.

The Importance of Eco-Tourism to the Kakoijana Reserved Forest

The Kakoijana Reserved Forest and wildlife sanctuary. the region’s most valuable forest, is home to the Golden Langur – one of the most endangered primates in the world. Because of this, the Golden Langur is one of the flagship species in the region and primary driver of eco-tourism in the area. Eco-tourism in Bongaigaon allows tourists to interact with locals and take guided tours of the forest to view the Golden Langurs in the wild.

The Golden Langur is not the only species of animal and plant life present in the forest. Nature and wildlife enthusiasts travel to the region to experience the die-off forest and it’s eco-tourism value. The project focuses on the creation of eco-tourism homestays to facilitate wildlife conservation, education, and to support local conservation on the visited nature ecosystems.

Encouraging Immersive and Eco-Friendly Experiences Forest Gardens. The homestays being located on the edge of the forest, allows for easy access to tourists and preserves the beauty of the untouched forest. Immersive tourists are allowed to experience rural life in Assam by interacting and living with local families, learning the daily rural practices, local arts and crafts, traditional farming and the people’s deep relationships with their land and wildlife.

Seasoned Wildlife Eager People And Nature Lovers

One main reason visitors go to Bongaigaon is to see the Golden Langur, one of the many species that abounds the forests in the Brahmaputra Valley, and to participate in some of the wildlife tourism the area has to offer. and to participate in some who is endangered and has received numerous tourism efforts. Conservation education in the homestay programs enables participants to gain a better understanding of the complexities involved in wildlife preservation and the vital need to protect species like the Golden Langur and their habitats.

Besides the wildlife tours in the Kakoijana Forest, the diverse rivers, wetlands, and tea plantations in the surrounding area also offer great opportunities to be active in nature. Bongaigaon is a great spot to promote nature tourism. People can unplug in the serene environment of rural Assam and gain a whole new perspective by wandering through the great outdoors.

Advocating Responsible Travel in Assam

The concept of sustainability in the Aamaar Aalohi homestay scheme is centered around the promotion of responsible tourism whereby the scheme ensures that the tourism activities support the local economy while also conserving the area’s natural resources. The scheme promotes travel that is low impact along with the adoption of sustainable practices such as waste and water conservation. The visitors are trained on the practices of responsible tourism and the need to observe local traditions as well as the eco-systems.

The scheme is in scope with the wider national and regional development strategies that aim to promote ecotourism for the sustainable use and conservation of natural amenities for development of local economies. The Aamaar Aalohi scheme is positioning Bongaigaon to take advantage of the growing eco tourism industry in Assam and with the natural amenities in Assam along with the diverse ecosystems available. Bongaigaon is also poised to be a strong player in the eco-tourism in India.

Conclusion

Over the past few years the Aamaar Aalohi Rural Homestay Scheme has developed into a major player in the promotion of rural eco-tourism in Bongaigaon Assam. The Scheme provides the means to develop a new form of ethical, inclusive, and community-centred rural tourism in Assam, mutually benefitting the community and the visitors. Bongaigaon has the potential for sustainable tourism development and the economic benefits of tourism to the community will only expand with the growth of eco-tourism. The Aamaar Aalohi Scheme positively highlights the role of community tourism in the development of rural tourism in the rest of the country.