Kalchini's Banchhaya Basti: 16 Homestays Transform Hill & Tea Garden Tourism

• Kalchini's Banchhaya Basti, Alipurduar, emerges as a new tourist destination with 16 homestays.
• Developed by the State Government and District Administration, each homestay received a one lakh rupee grant.
• The initiative involved rehabilitating 65 families from Gangutia and Bhutia Bon Basti, now operating homestays.
• Aims to become an 'Art Village' showcasing ethnic culture; community hall and open-air stage nearing completion.
• District Administration plans a Biodiversity Park and promotes the area at tourism fairs for increased publicity.