Geostat Team coordinating with the Divisional forest Office Regarding Tourism Development in Selha

Geostat’s on-ground interventions in Selha include:

●       Mapping natural and cultural assets such as Sapt Sarovar, Selha Baba Mazar, and the forest trails around the Tiger Reserve

●       Engaging with communities to co-create tourism activities, emphasizing their traditions, crafts, food, and agricultural lifestyle

●       Strengthening local capacities through training in hospitality, guiding, waste management, and experience development

●       Designing eco-friendly visitor experiences that encourage conservation and responsible travel

Our objective is to ensure that tourism in Selha is not externally imposed but community-driven, ensuring benefits reach local households and youth.

UP Tourism’s Vision: Sustainable, Inclusive Rural Destinations

The Uttar Pradesh Tourism Department envisions villages like Selha becoming future-ready rural destinations that reflect the state’s diversity and natural heritage. The focus is on expanding Rural Tourism and Eco-tourism across the state through:

●       Community participation in tourism governance

●       Capacity building and skilling for youth and women

●       Nature-based attractions integrated with conservation goals

●       Cultural preservation through festivals, food, rituals, and local histories

●       Improved infrastructure aligned with sustainability

Selha stands as a shining example of this vision, where tourism becomes a tool for local pride, livelihood opportunities, and ecological stewardship.

Eco-Tourism Experiences in Selha

Eco-tourism in Selha is centred around slow travel, nature immersion, and community interaction. Visitors can explore forest trails, observe local biodiversity, learn farming practices, try traditional village foods, and participate in daily cultural life. The aim is to create experiences that are low-impact, authentic, and beneficial to local communities.

1. Forest Trails & Wildlife Experience

Being part of the Tiger Reserve landscape, Selha offers opportunities for guided forest walks, birdwatching, and nature photography. While tiger sightings are extremely rare near the village, travellers can often spot deer, peacocks, owls, butterflies, and unique flora.  These trails are perfect for eco-tourists who enjoy slow-paced, mindful exploration.

Pilibhit Tigre Reserve

2. Sapt Sarovar – The Seven Springs of Serenity

Located on the outskirts of the Pilibhit Tiger Reserve, Sapt Sarovar is one of Selha’s most captivating natural spots. Known for its seven small interconnected lakes, it is a peaceful escape where travellers can enjoy early morning views, listen to birdsong, and witness the stillness of nature. The area is rich in biodiversity and home to rare species often not seen in the surrounding forest.

Sapt Sarovar in Selha

3. Selha Baba Mazar – A Living Cultural Heritage

The Selha Baba Mazar is the spiritual heart of the village. Thousands of pilgrims visit throughout the year to offer prayers and seek blessings. The Mazar’s history is deeply rooted in local stories, of saints, forests, wandering cattle, and faith. People from all religions visit this site, making it a symbol of unity and devotion. It is one of the only dargahs where a unique ritual of offering chicken takes place, a tradition that locals hold with deep reverence

Selha Baba Mazar

4. Sarda Sagar Dam & Chuka Beach (Nearby Attractions)

Just 15 km from Selha, the Sharda Sagar Dam offers stunning views, peaceful water landscapes, and recreational space. Close to this lies Chuka Beach, a popular eco-tourism destination known for its calm waters and forested backdrop. Visitors can enjoy boating, nature trails, or simply relax by the riverside.

Sharda Sagar River

5. Jhoola at the Nepal Border

About 20 km from the village, travellers can visit the iconic border “jhoola”, a suspension-style bridge that connects India and Nepal. It is a scenic, rustic spot ideal for photography and cross-border cultural experiences.

Indo-Nepal Border Suspension Bridge

6. Cultural Experiences & Daily Life

Selha’s cultural landscape is a beautiful mix of Punjabi and Bengali influences. Travellers can enjoy Traditional Punjabi and Bengali dishes at local homes, Folk songs and dance forms, Seasonal festivals and fairs and Village handicrafts and agricultural demonstrations The warmth of Selha’s people is one of its greatest attractions.

Selha is more than a village, it is a living example of how Rural Tourism, Eco-tourism, and Community-Based Tourism can uplift local communities while creating memorable travel experiences. With the Uttar Pradesh Tourism Department’s forward-looking vision and Geostat’s on-ground commitment, Selha is steadily transforming into a model rural destination rooted in sustainability, culture, and community empowerment.