The Bihar state tourism department has decided to promote 'village tourism' in its remote areas by refurbishing some of the villages that are rich in arts and crafts to attract tourists, especially foreigners, who want to spend some time among villagers to know more about their culture and tradition.

In the first phase, the department has identified 10 such villages. "The main idea is to create proper ambience in these villages for visiting tourists who want to spend a night there. We want the tourists to see the process of making of traditional crafts in a village environment," said a tourist department official.

The concept has been inaugarated as 'homestay'. "We have received strong feedback from tourists, mostly foreigners, who are inclined to see the process of making traditional local handicrafts in the village itself. So, we have identified a few villages known for their rich traditional arts and crafts," the official said.

As per a report in TOI, the department would also pay half the amount of the project or Rs 4 lakh, whichever is the maximum, to the villagers interested in developing their houses as per the requirements mentioned by the department. Those villagers would also recieve rent from the tourists for subletting their dwellings.

"The main focus would be on hygiene and cleanliness," said an official. The project is likely to be placed before the cabinet soon.

Some of identified villages are Baswanbigha and Nepura in Nalanda, Ranti and Jitwarpur in Madhubani, and Tehta in Jehanabad and Patharkatti in Gaya.