An offbeat destination, Talao village in Haryana's Jhajjar district offers a peaceful retreat for those seeking respite from a busy life. Featuring many attractions, including traditional farming methods, the village offers picturesque gardens, eco-friendly composting practices, and water conservation initiatives. Moreover, it's conveniently located near Bhindawas Wildlife Sanctuary, Sultanpur Bird Sanctuary, Pratapgarh Farms, and other biodiversity hotspots.
Sarpanch Anil Kumar highlighted the village's innovative "Gau Gram" program, which empowers village women by blending tradition and innovation, utilising recycled materials, mainly cow dung, to create various products that are then sold at the village's farm.
The village also places a strong emphasis on rainwater harvesting, encourages organic farming, and actively discourages the use of plastic, especially single-use plastics. It has a policy of inclusive farm tourism that supports multiple households. Farmers and artisans independently sell their local produce to tourists at the village fair.
Talao proudly stood out as one of the 35 villages selected nationwide as the "finest tourism villages" in India. This recognition resulted from a rigorous competition, where the evaluation criteria aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals.
Former sarpanch Manjeet Punia from Talao village highlighted that visitors, both domestic and international, have the opportunity to savour local cuisine during their stay. This immersive rural experience provides tourists with a comprehensive package. Furthermore, the tourism sector is pivotal in driving the village's development, allowing locals to directly market their agricultural products and handicrafts to the visiting tourists.
Talao isn't just about its lush green landscapes; it serves as a gateway to nearby attractions like Bhindawas Wildlife Sanctuary, Sultapur Bird Sanctuary, Hari-van-Aushadh Vatika, and Navgraha Vatika, all within biodiversity-rich areas. It is dedicated to fostering community and providing equal employment opportunities. Initiatives such as "Gau Gram" empower women, while the village combines tradition with innovation using recycled materials.
According to the Ministry of Tourism, Talao welcomes an annual influx of 65,636 tourists, both international and domestic. It primarily caters to day visitors but also offers accommodation with six units and twelve beds.
The village is primarily suited for day visits but does offer accommodation with 6 units and 12 beds (more information here). You can also consider looking into nearby towns such as Jhajjar city, Bahadurgarh, or Rohtak for hotels or guesthouses that offer diverse accommodations.
If you prefer driving, you can access the village via road from nearby cities such as Delhi, Gurugram or Rohtak. To reach the village via air, choose the nearest airport, Indira Gandhi International Airport in Delhi, and then hire a taxi or take local transportation for the remaining 69 kilometres. Alternatively, go to Jhajjar Railway Station and proceed to the village.
(With inputs from PTI)