https://indianmasterminds.com

ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT

From Tree Houses to Millet café: A Eco-Tourism Revolution in Korea District

Korea district in Chhattisgarh is emerging as an eco-tourism hub with unique attractions like tree houses, Jhumka Lake, Millet Café, and wildlife reserves, offering visitors a blend of nature, sustainability, and local culture.
Indian Masterminds Stories

Korea district in Chhattisgarh, rich in forests and water bodies, holds immense potential to become a prime eco-tourism destination. With 60% of its area covered by forests and numerous large water bodies, the region is poised for growth in sustainable tourism. Historically, Korea was also a princely state and is home to vast Sal and mixed forests, further enhancing its appeal for nature-based tourism.

Recognizing this potential, the district administration is working to establish Korea as a key eco-tourism destination while creating livelihood opportunities for the local population. Beyond tourism, efforts are focused on promoting the region’s rich culinary heritage. From millet cafes to tree houses, the administration has already made significant strides toward realizing this vision.

Indian Masterminds recently spoke with 2003 batch IAS officer Chandan Sanjay Tripathi, the collector of Korea district, to learn more about the district’s potential and how the administration is working to transform Korea into an ideal destination for eco-conscious travelers.

IAS Chandan Sanjay Tripathi

JHUMKA LAKE

Among the many captivating spots in Korea, Jhumka Lake stands out. Known for its vast waters and scenic views, it is one of the major attractions drawing tourists from all around. The district administration is dedicated to conserving this water body while promoting sustainable tourism.

Strict rules and regulations have been enforced to ensure that the lake remains unspoiled. The lake is a key eco-tourism spot, offering boat rides and shikara services to visitors. Additionally, a large garden and an aquarium have been developed nearby, enhancing the experience for tourists. A unique feature of the lake is the presence of migratory birds, especially from November to January, with various species of ducks arriving during this season.

Jhumka Lake

TREE HOUSE: UNIQUE EXPERIENCE

For those seeking a more unique experience, Ghunghutta water body in Sonhat offers an extraordinary stay. As part of an initiative, the administration is developing tree houses in the area. These tree houses, made entirely of wood and nestled high among the trees, provide visitors with a one-of-a-kind connection to nature. The experience promises stunning views and a chance to truly immerse oneself in the natural surroundings. Whether it’s the gentle hum of the forest or the serene atmosphere, a stay here is sure to leave a lasting impression.

She said, “We are doing our best to develop the district from every angle. Our vision is to transform it into a thriving tourist hub and make it better for everyone.”

KOREA MILLET CAFÉ: TASTE OF TRADITION

In addition to eco-tourism initiatives, The Korea Millet Café, a pioneering project by the district administration, has emerged as a major success. Run entirely by women, the café serves dishes prepared with local millet-based ingredients such as ragi (finger millet), kodav (barnyard millet), and kutki (little millet). These nutritious ingredients are used to create a variety of delicious and healthy meals. The café’s success is evident from its turnover, which reached 1 crore 26 lakhs until last month. Its impact has been so significant that the Prime Minister personally invited the women running the café to meet him.

Millets Cafe

The café provides employment to around 80 local women and its products are being sold through Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs). As part of the administration’s initiative, the women have also developed a highly nutritious treat: the Korea Modak Laddu, made from ragi and groundnut. This healthful snack will soon be available for sale online and is currently being distributed to pregnant women in the community.

Launched in 2024, the café’s success has inspired the administration to expand the model. A new café is currently under construction in Sonhat, where it will cater to guests staying in local homestays. “Our goal is to combine tourism with sustainable livelihoods and the promotion of local food,” she added.

Tree House

C – MART

Another notable initiative is C-Mart, a supermarket-style outlet designed to boost the rural economy and promote indigenous products. Located in the district headquarters, C-Mart offers a diverse range of local goods, including the region’s famous organic rice, cumin-flower rice, and local honey. In addition, it features products such as Mahua cookies, Mahua squash, bael syrup, Ayurvedic herbs, herbal soaps, badi, papad, spices, Murrah, dona-pattal, and cashews—all crafted by local women’s groups.

To support honey production, farmers in Sonhat have received specialized training in Haryana. The Collector personally visited the village where these farmers are based, and this season, they produced approximately 50 kg of honey.

Honey Boxes

“Flowers are crucial for honey production, and Sonhat’s landscape is perfect for this. Mustard flowers are abundant here, followed by Palash and Sal flowers, making this region an ideal choice for honey production,” explained Ms Tripathi.

Waterfall

INTEGRATED FARMING

Korea district’s commitment to sustainable practices is evident in its agricultural initiatives. The region’s favorable climate, with its consistently cool temperatures, is ideal for growing crops like chikoo and litchi.

To boost agricultural output and attract agro-tourism, the administration is actively promoting the cultivation of these crops. Recently, a 10-hectare litchi plantation was established as part of this initiative, further enhancing the district’s agricultural appeal.

A HIDDEN TREASURE

The administration is also focusing on promoting homestays, particularly in Sonhat, a picturesque location and the origin of the Hasdeo River. This area is home to three stunning waterfalls – Ramdhara, Hanuman Dhara, and Chitrakote – which have been developed to attract more visitors. Numerous homestays have been set up here, with more being developed to accommodate the growing number of eco-tourists.

The administration’s focus on eco-tourism here is evident, with efforts to create a sustainable balance between nature conservation and promoting tourism. The vision for Sonhat is to transform it into a thriving tourist hub, complete with cozy accommodations and a rich natural environment.

THE TROPIC OFF CANCER

In addition to its diverse natural attractions, Korea district is a geographical marvel. The Tropic of Cancer passes through the district, and the administration has demarcated the exact location for tourists to visit. Stones engraved with information about the Tropic of Cancer have been placed at the site, allowing visitors to explore this unique feature. Efforts are underway to further improve the area, with development expected to begin soon.

NEELKANTH

Another remarkable spot is Dasher village, located at the district’s farthest point, offering a stunning 360-degree view of the surrounding Blue Mountains. Popular with trekkers and hikers, the area features many small hills to explore. The administration plans to further develop this location after March this year to accommodate the growing number of tourists.

TIGER RESERVE

Korea’s natural wonders extend far beyond its forests and lakes. The Guru Ghasidas Tiger Reserve, formerly a national park, is now home to a growing population of tigers. The administration is dedicated to its continuous development, aiming to enhance both the reserve’s sustainability and its appeal to tourists.

Currently home to five tigers, the reserve is a focal point for conservation efforts, while the district remains committed to preserving its rich biodiversity. As the reserve evolves, it is poised to become a prime destination for wildlife enthusiasts.

THE EFFORTS BEARS FRUIT

With dedicated efforts from the local administration and the community, Korea is on its way to becoming a thriving hub for sustainable tourism, offering unique experiences for every traveler. Whether it’s exploring its lush forests, staying in a tree house, or enjoying locally sourced food, Korea is a place where nature, culture, and innovation come together seamlessly.


Indian Masterminds Stories
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
Related Stories
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
NEWS
Panna police
Panna Police Under Siege: SHO and Constable Injured as Villagers Launch Brutal Attack
Panna police
Khaki Power on the Podium: MP Police Shine at All India Police Games 2025 with Gold, Yoga & Judo Glory
India Russia R-37M missile talks
India Russia R-37M Missile Talks Advances to Arm Su-30MKI fighters
IAF MRFA project
114 Fighters, One Mission — MoD Pushes for 100% Indian Involvement in IAF MRFA Project
Ias sam rizvi
Hyderabad: Principal Secretary IAS SAM Rizvi Opts for Voluntary Retirement Amid Dispute with Telangana Excise Minister Jupally Krishna Rao
MP-Police-
Madhya Pradesh IPS Transfers: 7 Senior Officers Shifted in Midnight Reshuffle; Rajababu Singh, Irshad Wali Among Key Names
Powergrid
POWERGRID Strengthens National Grid Connectivity with Acquisition of 2 Key TBCB Projects Worth ₹3,375 Crore
CM Nitish Kumar
Bihar’s Bold Leap: CM Nitish Kumar Pledges 1 Crore Jobs and Women’s Empowerment Boost
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
Videos
WhatsApp Image 2025-10-19 at 12.23
UPSC Journey Should Be Enjoyable, Not Cumbersome
WhatsApp Image 2025-10-16 at 15.16
The Many Facets of Former IRS Officer and Author, Giselle Mehta | Video Interview
IDES Saquib Alam
Beyond IAS and IPS: The Inspiring Work of an IDES officer | Video Interview 
ADVERTISEMENT
UPSC Stories
IAS Rupal Rana UPSC
How Rupal Rana Cracked UPSC CSE 2023 with AIR 26 After Four Attempts
UPSC Topper Rupal Rana secured AIR 26 in 2023 after four attempts. Learn her preparation strategy, booklist,...
Ankita Parashar RAS 2023
4 Attempts, 1 Dream, 0 Excuses: Meet RAS Topper Ankita Parashar, Who Fulfilled a Daughter’s Promise & Secured Rank 2 | Exclusive Interview
Ankita Parashar, a teacher-turned-officer from Pushkar, fulfilled her late father’s dream by securing...
Kushal Chaudhary RAS
From Lab Assistant’s Grit to Rajasthan Topper: How Kushal Chaudhary Topped RAS 2023 with Self-Study | Preparation, Strategy & Interview
Kushal Chaudhary, a farmer’s son and lab assistant from Ajmer, topped RAS 2023 through self-study, overcoming...
Social Media
IFS Parveen Kaswan
Heartbreak by the River: 15-Day-Old Elephant Calf Rejected by Mother, Rescued by IFS Parveen Kaswan and His Team
Jaldapra, West Bengal: In a moving incident that tugs at the heart, a 15-day-old elephant calf was rescued...
Ashwini Bhide IAS and Anand Mahindra
Who Is IAS Ashwini Bhide, Hailed as a Role Model for Mumbai Metro Transformation by Anand Mahindra?
From heritage to high-tech: Bhide’s leadership in Metro Line 3 earns public praise and admiration
World Rhino Day India
On World Rhino Day, IFS Officer Parveen Kaswan Shares Rare Insights - India Now Hosts 80% of the World’s One-Horned Rhinos
September 22 Marks Global Call for Rhino Conservation; India Holds 80% of World’s Greater One-Horned...
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
Latest
Panna police
Panna Police Under Siege: SHO and Constable Injured as Villagers Launch Brutal Attack
Panna police
Khaki Power on the Podium: MP Police Shine at All India Police Games 2025 with Gold, Yoga & Judo Glory
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
Videos
WhatsApp Image 2025-10-19 at 12.23
WhatsApp Image 2025-10-16 at 15.16
IDES Saquib Alam
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT