Unemployed youths of Mirik feel tourism
in the region can be further developed by promoting village tourism,
which according to them has a huge potential. Mirik is generally known
only for the picturesque lake and apart from a few parks there are not
much one can enjoy in the region. Therefore, the young populace of the
town feels promoting village tourism among various hamlets spread across
Mirik hills could be a great option ahead in terms of tourism
development.
Many national and international tourists
visit Mirik every year during the season time and most of them look for
reclusive stays away from the hustle and bustle of city life. Many
tourists also like to be together with the nature and look to experience
village life. These tourists not only enjoy the culture, tradition and
way of life of the people in the village, they also take away valuable
knowledge along with them.
Younger generation of these villages has
identified the potential and is now seeking support for promoting
village tourism in Mirik. Local youth Deepak Subba said if village
tourism is promoted many unemployed youth of the region will find a way
to earn money apart from selling cow milk and doing other jobs. Another
youth, Samir Pradhan, also believes in village tourism and said each and
every village in the region has the potential. He suggested a team of
youth should be formed to formulate a strategy to provide all the
facilities and attractions tourists expect when they stay in villages.
Villages under Mirik including Mirik
Busty, Bungkulung, Marma, Milikthung, Soureni, Tingling, Singboli,
Ghayabari, Sitong, Gopal Dhara, Oketi and Soureni Busty are said to be
conducive for village tourism. Organisations such as Darjeeling
Himalayan Salamander, Tourism Welfare Society and Caravan Camping have
been promoting Mirik villages extensively. Tourism Welfare Society
chairman Aswini Tamang said Bungkulung village has the best potential to
lead in village tourism due to its geographical location, tradition,
culture, food, forests and various other attractions. Such attractions
are mainly favored by foreign tourists as many try to run away from the
modern life to enjoy the serenity and tranquility of the villages during
their holidays, he added.
The development of such tourism scheme
would need an active support from the administration. The GTA’s tourism
department and associated departments, regional representatives, MLAs,
MP and well as various general tourism stakeholders should come together
and provide active support in making village tourism a success.(EOIC)