India, Nepal, Sri Lanka Spotlight Karikot, A Remote Village In UP, As A Global Example Of Responsible Tourism Through Tharu Cultural Revival, Eco-Friendly Practices, And Community-Led Innovation

Written By: Boby Dey

Boby Dey

A Passionate travel writer at Travel And Tour World with a strong interest in global tourism, destination storytelling, and the ever-evolving travel industry. Dedicated to creating well-researched, engaging, and informative content that highlights emerging travel trends, tourism developments, airline and hospitality news, cultural experiences, and must-visit destinations from around the world.

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August 20, 2025 12:25 GMT+5:30

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India’s Karikot, a remote village in Uttar Pradesh near the India-Nepal border and Katarniaghat Wildlife Sanctuary, has emerged as a global exemplar of responsible tourism. Recognized for its community-led initiatives, the village blends Tharu cultural heritage with sustainable practices, eco-friendly innovations, and immersive rural experiences. Through homestays, cross-border eco-tourism, cultural festivals, and revival of traditional arts and handicrafts, Karikot not only empowers local residents economically but also sets a scalable model for villages across India and beyond, earning international acclaim and the Indian Subcontinental Responsible Tourism (ICRT) Award 2025.

Karikot, a remote and picturesque village in the Bahraich district of Uttar Pradesh, has recently been selected for the prestigious Indian Subcontinental Responsible Tourism (ICRT) Award 2025. Situated near the India-Nepal border and in close proximity to the ecologically rich Katarniaghat Wildlife Sanctuary, Karikot has emerged as a model for sustainable rural tourism in India. Its recognition highlights the village’s commitment to community-driven tourism, innovative practices, and environmental sustainability, all while preserving and celebrating local culture.

The award ceremony is set to take place at the BLTM Trade Show in New Delhi on September 13, 2025, and Karikot will share the spotlight with sixteen other institutions and regions from India, Nepal, and Sri Lanka, which have also demonstrated exemplary initiatives in responsible tourism. This event not only acknowledges the achievements of these communities but also seeks to inspire other rural and semi-urban regions to adopt sustainable and inclusive tourism models.

At the heart of Karikot’s tourism development is the active participation of the Tharu tribal community, whose knowledge, culture, and traditions form the backbone of the village’s tourism offerings. Alongside other local residents, the Tharu community has been instrumental in creating experiences that are authentic, immersive, and environmentally conscious. Through their collaborative efforts, the village has successfully implemented homestays, cross-border eco-tourism programs, and a range of cultural events, including local carnivals, film festivals, and traditional performances. These initiatives allow visitors to engage deeply with the community while fostering cultural exchange and mutual understanding.

Sustainability is a key pillar of Karikot’s tourism strategy. The village has embraced eco-friendly solutions such as the use of solar energy, biofuels, and waste management systems that minimize environmental impact. These measures ensure that tourism development does not come at the cost of natural resources or local ecosystems. Karikot also emphasizes “slow tourism,” encouraging visitors to explore the village at a leisurely pace and experience the serenity of its landscapes, wildlife, and cultural heritage. This approach not only enhances the quality of the visitor experience but also reduces the pressure on the village’s resources.

One of the most remarkable aspects of Karikot’s model is its ability to generate local employment. Tourism initiatives have created jobs across multiple sectors, from homestay management and tour guiding to event organization and handicraft production. This economic empowerment has provided villagers with sustainable livelihoods, reducing the need for migration and supporting the overall development of the community. By integrating tourism with local economic activities, Karikot has created a system where the benefits of visitor engagement are widely shared.

In addition to economic benefits, Karikot’s tourism projects have played a crucial role in preserving and revitalizing indigenous art forms and handicrafts. The village’s initiatives provide platforms for local artisans to showcase their skills, from traditional weaving and woodcraft to music and dance performances. These efforts have not only sustained cultural practices that might otherwise have faded but have also given tourists the opportunity to witness and appreciate the rich Tharu heritage firsthand. The blending of cultural preservation with modern tourism practices sets Karikot apart as a village that respects its past while innovating for the future.

Karikot’s success also lies in its strategic location and natural assets. Proximity to the Katarniaghat Wildlife Sanctuary allows the village to offer eco-tourism experiences such as guided wildlife tours, birdwatching excursions, and nature walks. These activities are conducted in a manner that is sensitive to local biodiversity, ensuring minimal disruption to wildlife habitats. Furthermore, the village’s location near the India-Nepal border has enabled the development of cross-border tourism initiatives, fostering regional cooperation and enhancing the appeal of Karikot as a unique destination for international visitors.

The ICRT Award recognises Karikot for its ability to combine innovation, sustainability, and cultural engagement in a model that can be replicated across other rural regions of India. The village exemplifies how responsible tourism can be a driver for economic development, environmental stewardship, and social cohesion. By setting high standards for community participation, eco-conscious practices, and immersive cultural experiences, Karikot provides a blueprint for other villages seeking to harness tourism for holistic growth.

As tourism continues to evolve in India, examples like Karikot demonstrate that small, remote communities can offer experiences that are both authentic and sustainable. The village’s recognition serves as an inspiration to policymakers, tourism professionals, and local communities, illustrating the potential of rural tourism to generate economic, social, and cultural benefits. It also underscores the importance of integrating local knowledge, traditions, and environmental considerations into tourism planning and development.

India’s Karikot, a remote village in Uttar Pradesh, has gained global recognition for responsible tourism by blending Tharu cultural heritage, sustainable practices, and community-led innovation. The village’s eco-friendly homestays, cultural festivals, and rural experiences have set a benchmark for sustainable tourism across India, Karikot’s journey from a quiet border village to an award-winning model of responsible tourism highlights the transformative power of community-led initiatives. The Tharu community, along with other local residents, has shown that rural tourism can go beyond economic gain to preserve cultural heritage, promote sustainability, and foster cross-border collaboration. As Karikot prepares to receive the Indian Subcontinental Responsible Tourism Award at the BLTM Trade Show in New Delhi, its story stands as a testament to the positive impact that thoughtful, inclusive, and sustainable tourism can have on a community and its surroundings.