Mandi, April 30 -- Sometimes, the true identity of a beautiful place lies not just in its scenic views, but in the dreams of the people who live there. Nestled in the serene hills of Mandi district, Pahadans Village is emerging as a unique example where tourism goes beyond sightseeing, creating livelihoods, identity, and new opportunities for the local community.

With misty mountains, lush greenery, light drizzles, and charming wooden cottages, the village in Parwara initially appears to be a peaceful getaway. But a closer look reveals a deeper story--one driven by innovation, inclusion, and community participation.

The initiative was started by Praveen Verma with a vision to make tourism a tool for rural development. "We first focused ...