Risal Village Guest House
The Binsar Village Communities
Each village of Binsar will give you its own special welcome, and each has its own personality - but all are the home of mountain people, hardworking, stalwart, warmly hospitable. They love to talk, to laugh, to sing and dance. They love their animals, often keeping pets, and know and respect the wildlife that surrounds them. Despite living in comparative isolation, you'll find they're up-to-date with the outer world - and will know the latest cricket score before you do!
The villages of Binsar
The five project villages are all located in or around the Binsar Sanctuary. They are isolated: none is connected to a road and there is no electricty. And yet the villagers are aware of the outside world, many having had to migrate to earn money, and there is a high level of education. Each village is different but all love their home and provide a ready welcome to guests, adhering to the traditional Hindi saying Athithi devo bharwa ('A guest is a God in my house').
Farming in Binsar
There are two cropping seasons. Rice is the principal crop during the kharif (during and immediately after the SW Monsoon). wheat, soya and finger millet predominate in the ensuing rabi season. If you time it right you may be able to enjoy peaches, apricots, oranges or walnuts. You will be welcome to help with farming activities.
Meet the Committees
The ethos of Village Ways is community ownership. Each of the Binsar villages has elected a committee to establish, own and manage their guest house. At their instigation, they have formed a representative body to coordinate tourism activities in their villages.
and the guides
Our Guides are all local people, with deep affection for their environment and their culture. They are delightful people, keen to show guests around and to share experiences and laughter.
