Talao Village: A Rising Star in Rural Tourism Near Delhi

Talao Village: A Rising Star in Rural Tourism Near Delhi

By Author

Published on November 9, 2023

Nestled within the lush landscapes of Haryana’s Jhajjar district, Talao village has become a beacon for rural tourism, attracting visitors with its commitment to sustainability and the preservation of traditional practices. With a modest population of around 6,000, this picturesque village has proven that rural charm combined with eco-friendly initiatives can become a major draw for tourists, including international visitors and dignitaries.

Talao Village: A Gem of Rural Tourism

Just a short drive from the hectic pace of Delhi, Talao village offers a tranquil escape into the heart of India’s rural heritage. The village is not only a quiet getaway but also a place where visitors can immerse themselves in authentic farming techniques, verdant gardens, and a range of environmental conservation efforts. Its proximity to renowned biodiversity sites like Bhindawas Wildlife Sanctuary and Sultanpur Bird Sanctuary further enhances its appeal.

Anil Kumar, the village head, shares that nearly one lakh tourists flock to Talao annually, a testament to its growing popularity. In a notable highlight this year, the village welcomed delegates for a G20 anti-corruption group meeting, signifying its emerging status on the global stage.

Innovations Leading the Way

One of the most remarkable initiatives in Talao is 'Gau Gram', a project that empowers village women by blending tradition with innovation. Women artisans create and sell eco-friendly products made from cow dung, adding value to what would otherwise be a waste product. This not only generates income but also promotes sustainable living.

The village has adopted practices like rainwater harvesting and organic farming, and is taking a stand against plastic pollution, particularly single-use plastics. This forward-thinking approach has led to an all-inclusive model of farm tourism, where farmers and craftsmen offer their produce and crafts directly to tourists at the local fair, fostering an ecosystem of self-reliance and community-driven development.

Recognition and Development

Talao’s efforts haven't gone unnoticed; it was one of 35 Indian villages to be honored as "best tourism villages" by the Union Ministry of Tourism, securing a bronze award in alignment with the Sustainable Development Goals.

The success of rural tourism in Talao not only celebrates the village’s cultural authenticity but also contributes significantly to its socio-economic development. Tourists leave with not just memories but also tangible pieces of the village's heritage, directly supporting the livelihood of locals.

Former sarpanch Manjeet Punia emphasizes the role of tourism in the village’s growth, stating that visitors can savor local cuisines and experience the full spectrum of rural life. For a village like Talao, tourism isn't just about sightseeing; it's about engagement, education, and empowerment, both for the visitors and the residents.

As Talao village shines in the limelight of rural tourism, it offers a replicable model for other rural communities. It stands as a testament to the incredible potential that lies in India’s vast and varied countryside when sustainable practices are harmoniously woven into the fabric of rural life.


Tirupati Named Asia’s Second Most Affordable Summer Destination by Agoda

Tirupati Named Asia’s Second Most Affordable Summer Destination by Agoda

By Nishang Narayan

Published on July 13, 2025

Tirupati has secured the second spot in Agoda’s latest list of Asia’s most affordable summer getaways, standing out for its blend of spiritual depth and budget-friendly travel. According to Agoda, the temple town records an average nightly room rate of just ₹3,211, making it an attractive choice for travellers who want cultural richness without hefty expenses.

The Agoda report, which compares average room rates across popular destinations in nine Asian countries, places Tirupati right after Surabaya in Indonesia and ahead of cities like Hat Yai in Thailand and Dalat in Vietnam. The temple city’s affordability is further highlighted when compared to places such as Nagoya in Japan and Daejeon in South Korea, where average room rates exceed ₹7,800.

“Tirupati stands out as a destination that blends spiritual significance with affordability,” said Gaurav Malik, Country Director – India, Sri Lanka & Nepal at Agoda.“Travellers today are looking for value without compromising on cultural depth or ease of travel. Many cities on this list offer exactly that — with good connectivity, simple visa processes, and rich local experiences. At Agoda, we remain committed to making such meaningful journeys easier and more accessible for everyone.”

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Home to the renowned Venkateswara Temple, Tirupati is not just a centre of devotion but also a showcase of Andhra Pradesh’s vibrant festivals and traditional cuisine. Its appeal lies in offering visitors a profound cultural and spiritual journey at prices that don’t strain the wallet.

The study also reflects a broader trend across the region: tourists are increasingly drawn to destinations that deliver authentic experiences and spiritual enrichment alongside affordability. Cities like Kuching in Malaysia, Iloilo in the Philippines, and Kaohsiung in Taiwan further illustrate this growing preference for meaningful, yet wallet-friendly travel.

With Agoda listing over 5 million properties and 300,000+ travel activities globally, travellers have ample options to explore destinations like Tirupati, making their journeys as enriching as they are economical.


Tourism New Zealand Taps Rajkummar Rao & Patralekhaa for #BeyondTheFilter Campaign

Tourism New Zealand Taps Rajkummar Rao & Patralekhaa for #BeyondTheFilter Campaign

By Nishang Narayan

Published on July 13, 2025

Tourism New Zealand has launched its latest brand campaign, #BeyondTheFilter, starring popular Indian actors and real-life couple Rajkummar Rao and Patralekhaa. The initiative urges Indian travellers to go beyond chasing ‘Instagram-worthy’ shots and instead seek out genuine, emotionally rich experiences across New Zealand’s stunning North Island.

Shot across breathtaking landscapes from the ancient Sanctuary Mountain to Māori cultural hubs like The Haka Shop, the campaign captures the couple’s journey as they immerse themselves in everything from Auckland’s vibrant waters to thrilling adventures in Taupō’s skies. It’s a story of connection — with each other, with local communities, and with nature.

“Travel for us has always been about connection — with each other, with nature, and with people we meet along the way. New Zealand gave us that and so much more, making our time together truly unforgettable,” shared Rajkummar Rao.

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Patralekhaa added, “In a world where we're constantly curating our lives for social media, New Zealand gave us permission to just be present. The experiences were so beautiful and genuine, we found ourselves putting our phones down and simply living in the moment.”

The campaign speaks directly to today’s Indian travellers who increasingly crave deeper, more personal journeys — free from the pressures of social media perfection. Gregg Wafelbakker, Regional Director Asia, Tourism New Zealand, noted, “We’re seeing a strong shift among Indian travellers toward experiences that are personal, present, and emotionally meaningful. Rajkummar and Patralekhaa bring this message to life with their honesty and relatability.”

The #BeyondTheFilter mini-series will roll out in phases on newzealand.com/in and across various digital platforms. It’s an open invitation for travellers to discover moments so genuine they don’t need a screen to be remembered.


Kolkata-Kathmandu Direct Flights Resume After 11 Months with Buddha Air

Kolkata-Kathmandu Direct Flights Resume After 11 Months with Buddha Air

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on July 13, 2025

After an eleven-month break, Kolkata is set to reconnect with Nepal’s capital via direct air service. Buddha Air, Nepal’s largest private airline, will restart Kolkata-Kathmandu flights on September 1, offering a much-needed air link for tourists, families, and business travellers.

The airline will operate four weekly flights on Tuesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays, and Sundays, using a 70-seater ATR 72-500 aircraft. This marks Buddha Air’s return to Kolkata after its earlier operations from May to December 2019, which were suspended due to low passenger load and pandemic-related challenges.

The route had been unserved since October 2024, when Air India withdrew its services. Air India Express had plans to launch flights in March 2025 but delayed the move.

Buddha Air has been flying in Nepal since 1997 and operates a fleet of 16 ATR 72-500 and 2 ATR 42-320 aircraft, conducting 160 flights a day to 15 destinations including Kathmandu, Pokhara, Bharatpur, and Janakpur. Kolkata is now the airline’s second Indian destination after Varanasi.

Industry experts say the new flights will boost cross-border travel. “It is a repeat destination for those with families on both sides of the border as well as those keen on casinos,” said Anil Punjabi, National Committee Member, Travel Agents Federation of India. He added that only a government-issued ID like a Voter ID card is needed to travel to Nepal. However, ₹500 denomination Indian currency notes are not accepted in Nepal, which may pose challenges.

Manav Soni from the Travel Agents Association of India emphasized the importance of operational consistency. “The airline should avoid cancellations as it can erode passenger trust,” he said.

With the growing demand for short-haul international connections and ease of access, Buddha Air’s return is expected to revive tourism, reunite families, and strengthen economic ties between Kolkata and Kathmandu.

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