Where Culture meets Nature

My name is Shakeel Rizvi, and I was born in 1966 in Dhamtari, Chhattisgarh. I studied Sociology in college, but more than books, life itself became my biggest teacher.

For many years I worked in different fields—first helping with my father, the Danish-Indian Integrated Project (DANIDA). Through this journey, I spent over two decades working closely with tribal communities, learning their ways, and understanding the challenges they face.

In 2007, I decided to open my home and heart to travelers. That was the beginning of what is today called Bastar Tribal Homestay. My dream was simple: to create a space where visitors could experience the real Bastar—its tribal life, culture, festivals, food, and traditions—not as outsiders, but as part of the community.

At my homestay, you don’t just get a room to stay. You share meals cooked with love, walk through farms and forests, sit by the evening fire, listen to folk songs, and become a part of our world. Every guest who comes here carries back not just memories, but also a deeper connection with Bastar.

This homestay is more than tourism—it is a bridge between cultures, a way to preserve traditions, and a livelihood for local families. Seeing travelers from India, Europe, America, and beyond leave with smiles and stories makes me feel my purpose is fulfilled.

I am not just a host; I am a learner, a guide, and a storyteller. Through Bastar Tribal Homestay, I invite you to live our traditions, not just watch them.

Welcome to Bastar. Welcome to my home.

The homestay is located within a tribal village, home to the Dhurwa and Bhatra communities.
Neighbouring houses are built with mud, wood, and thatch, where families still depend on farming, weaving, and handicrafts. Guests experience the rhythm of village life—early mornings in the fields, evenings by the fire, and folk songs filling the air.
The surroundings are green with paddy fields, millet, kodo-kutki, and groves of sal and mahua trees.
Nearby villages host vibrant folk theatre, dances (like Gurgal, Dandari, Gond), and seasonal festivals.
Guests who stay during weddings or celebrations get the chance to participate and witness living traditions.
Neighbouring communities include Ghadwa bell-metal craftsmen, bamboo weavers, and traditional textile makers.
Visitors can interact with artisans, watch them at work, and even buy crafts directly from their homes.
Tirathgarh Waterfall – A spectacular cascade near Kanger Valley.
Kanger Valley National Park – Famous for caves, waterfalls, and rich biodiversity.q

Welcome to Bastar Tribal Homestay – a place where culture, nature, and community come together.
Founded with the vision of preserving and sharing the rich tribal heritage of Bastar, this homestay is not just a stay—it is an immersion into the living traditions of the Dhurwa and Bhatra tribes.
Here, you won’t just be a guest. You will be a part of the village community. From mud-walled rooms with stone roofs to organic meals cooked on wood-fire, every detail reflects the simplicity and authenticity of tribal life—balanced with modern comforts like attached bathrooms and solar lighting.
What makes us unique is our deep connection with the people and the land. You will:
Share meals prepared from farm-fresh organic produce.
Experience tribal music, dance, and festivals not as a tourist show, but as living culture.
Meet local artisans—Ghadwa metal workers, bamboo weavers, and traditional storytellers—right in their homes and workshops.
Explore nearby wonders like Chitrakote Waterfall, Kanger Valley National Park, and sacred forests with local guides who carry generations of knowledge.
Every stay at Bastar Tribal Homestay directly supports the local community, ensuring that the benefits of tourism stay within the village and help preserve tribal traditions for future generations.
At Bastar Tribal Homestay, you don’t just visit Bastar—you live it.