Pune Zilla Parishad Plans to Convert Junnar and Baramati Wadas into Heritage Homestays
The Pune Zilla Parishad (ZP) has embarked on a transformative project to convert historic ‘Wadas’ – traditional courtyard houses – in Junnar and Baramati into heritage homestays. This innovative approach aims to breathe new life into centuries-old architectural marvels while simultaneously creating sustainable economic opportunities for local communities. The timing of this initiative is particularly opportune, following Shivneri Fort’s recent inscription on UNESCO’s coveted World Heritage List as part of the “Maratha Military Landscapes of India”, a development poised to significantly boost heritage tourism across Maharashtra.
This groundbreaking endeavour is strategically positioned to capitalize on the burgeoning demand for authentic cultural experiences among tourists. So far, 13 Wadas in Junnar taluka, in the vicinity of the historically significant Shivneri Fort, and 22 in Baramati have been identified for meticulous restoration. Many of these structures, some over a century old, require extensive renovation to meet modern hospitality standards while preserving their inherent historical and architectural integrity. To ensure this delicate balance, the Pune ZP has established two expert committees comprising heritage architects, historians, representatives from trekking organisations, and block development officers. These committees are tasked with assessing the Wadas’ current condition and formulating comprehensive conservation and adaptive reuse plans, ensuring that each property retains its unique narrative and charm.
A spokesperson for the Pune ZP emphasised that the project extends beyond mere tourism, aiming to safeguard a vital part of Maharashtra’s cultural identity. Rapid urbanisation and, at times, a lack of awareness have unfortunately led to the irreversible loss of many such heritage homes. This initiative offers a crucial lifeline, not only preserving these historic structures but also empowering local farmers and landowners to convert their ancestral properties into viable, income-generating homestays. This paradigm shift offers a sustainable livelihood alternative, especially for agrarian communities, fostering economic resilience in rural areas.
The Pune ZP is actively engaging with private tour operators to collaborate on various aspects of the project, including restoration, operational management, and ongoing upkeep. This public-private partnership model is expected to bring in essential expertise and resources, ensuring the long-term viability and success of the homestays. Once certified as heritage homestays, these properties will be officially registered with the Maharashtra Tourism Development Corporation (MTDC) and prominently featured on popular online booking platforms, thereby enhancing their visibility and accessibility to a global audience. The first phase of this ambitious project is anticipated to commence operations within the next six months, offering tourists a unique opportunity to immerse themselves in rural Maharashtrian culture and history.
The inspiration for this concept originated from a Junnar-based trekking organisation, Sahyadri Giribhraman Sanstha, which recognised the immense potential of Wadas to provide tourists with authentic rural experiences. This grassroots origin underscores the community-centric nature of the project. If successful, this innovative model for cultural tourism-led rural development is slated for replication across other significant heritage sites near forts such as Rajgad and Lohagad. This expansion would create a blueprint for sustainable, zero-net carbon tourism across Maharashtra, contributing to an equitable distribution of economic benefits and fostering gender-neutral participation in the tourism sector, ultimately enriching the cultural tapestry and economic vitality of the state.
