Kusmhi Forest to Emerge as Eastern UP’s Eco-Tourism Hub with ₹4.84 Crore Push

Lucknow/Gorakhpur, April 6, 2026 Uttar Pradesh is expanding its tourism focus beyond religious circuits, with a strong push towards eco and sustainable tourism. In line with this vision, an eco park is being developed in Gorakhpur’s Kusmhi forest under a ₹4.84 crore project, with ₹50 lakh already released as the first instalment to accelerate work on the ground. The project is part of the state’s broader plan to position Gorakhpur as a key tourism hub in Purvanchal, while creating new livelihood opportunities through nature-based tourism. Tourism and Culture Minister Jaiveer Singh said the initiative reflects the government’s focus on diversifying tourism. “Under the leadership of Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, Uttar Pradesh is rapidly expanding in the tourism sector. Kusmhi forest holds strong potential, and we are developing it as a modern eco-tourism destination with facilities like Swiss cottages, tree houses, yoga centres and interpretation spaces,” he said. The eco park is being designed as a balanced mix of experience and sustainability. An attractive entrance gateway will be built at a cost of ₹15.58 lakh, while an interpretation centre worth ₹28.45 lakh will help visitors understand the forest ecosystem, biodiversity and conservation practices. Swiss cottages, costing over ₹1 crore, are being developed to offer immersive stays close to nature. To enhance visitor comfort, a cafeteria upgrade worth ₹32.77 lakh is planned, along with tree houses and tent camping facilities at a cost of ₹30.88 lakh, offering adventure-based stays. A dedicated yoga centre, being developed at ₹41.86 lakh, will provide a peaceful setting for wellness and meditation. Supporting infrastructure such as bio-toilets, security fencing, septic systems, solar-powered utilities, parking and seating areas are also part of the project, ensuring that development remains eco-friendly and visitor-centric. Located about 10 km from Gorakhpur railway station, Kusmhi forest sits on the route to Kushinagar and close to Gorakhpur airport, Ramgarh Tal and key Buddhist sites. Its strategic location is expected to draw tourists, pilgrims and transit visitors looking for short nature experiences. The project also aligns with the broader eco-tourism roadmap of the state. According to the Eco Tourism Development Board’s framework, the focus is on creating sustainable infrastructure, promoting private participation, generating local livelihoods and ensuring ecological conservation. Across Uttar Pradesh, multiple eco-tourism projects—from wetlands and tiger reserves to forest-based destinations—are being developed on similar lines, reflecting a structured and scalable model. Additional Chief Secretary, Tourism, Culture and Religious Affairs, Amrit Abhijat, said eco-tourism is now being scaled through a structured, data-led approach across the state. “Uttar Pradesh has already identified over 50 wetlands and multiple forest-based destinations under the ‘1 District 1 Wetland’ and eco-tourism expansion initiatives, with projects being taken up in a phased manner. Through curated student tours, nature guide training and community-led models, nearly 3,000 students have already been engaged with eco-sites, while local youth are being trained as nature guides. Kusmhi is part of this larger ecosystem where conservation, education and livelihood go hand in hand, ensuring that eco-tourism becomes both sustainable and economically meaningful for local communities,” he said. With improved connectivity, planned infrastructure and a clear focus on sustainability, Kusmhi forest is set to emerge as a new green destination—offering visitors a chance to slow down, explore nature and experience a different side of Uttar Pradesh.