Slow travel provides that.” In an increasingly time-stretched world, ever more travellers are seeking such valuable and authentic experiences. That is precisely the reason why rural tourism in India is becoming hugely popular. It provides the opportunity to get in touch with the soul of India — its villages — where tradition, culture, and nature coexist in perfect harmony.
There’s no better way to explore rural Via with its beautiful scenery, fresh food, and long-held traditions. Since more than 60% of Indians live in villages, rural tourism provides a peek into a lifestyle that is simple and sustainable.
More than personal fulfilment, such travel helps local communities earn a living and protect their culture. If you’re looking for a vacation that is at once restful and purposeful, check out our list of the 10 best experiences rural tourism has to offer in India, where travel truly takes you back to your roots.
1. Kumbalangi Village, Kerala: The Perfect Fishing Village
Kumbalangi is a beautiful island village in the backwaters of Kochi. It was the first place in India to be called a “model tourism village.” The calm backwaters, thick mangrove forests, and green rice fields make it a perfect picture of how people and nature can live in peace.
Try these immersive experiences:
- Go fishing with the local fishermen in the morning.
- Go for a peaceful canoe ride to see the thick mangrove forests.
- Find out how to use the well-known Chinese fishing nets.
Pro Tip: Stay in a local homestay. The families here are very friendly and will give you the most real taste of life in the backwaters.
2. Khonoma Village in Nagaland, also known as “The Green Village”
India’s first “green village” is Khonoma. People in this village in Nagaland have worked hard to stop hunting and protect their natural forests. The end result is a stunningly beautiful place with rice fields on terraces and hills covered in trees.
Try these immersive experiences:
- Go to a local farm and learn how to terrace farm in a unique way.
- Go on a guided nature walk through the forest that the community protects.
- Over a cup of locally made rice beer, tell stories and get to know the villagers.
Pro Tip: Khonoma is a great place to watch birds. Bring binoculars because there are many rare and beautiful birds in the forests here.
3. Ladhpura Khas, Madhya Pradesh: The Village Where Food Comes From
This little village near Orchha is a great example of how to live in a way that doesn’t hurt the environment. “Farm to Plate” is the village’s motto, and it means that guests eat meals made with fresh vegetables and grains grown on the village farms.
Things to try that are immersive:
- Learn about organic farming from the people who live there by helping out in the fields.
- Enjoy Bundelkhandi food that is made in the traditional way and tastes great.
- Join in on the village’s efforts to keep their culture alive by going to local festivals.
Pro Tip: The UNWTO nominated this village for the Best World Tourism Village award. People in the area are very proud of this achievement and would be happy to tell you about it.
4. Kongthong Village, Meghalaya: The Whistling Village
Kongthong is a village in the East Khasi Hills of Meghalaya that has a tradition that is truly one-of-a-kind. People here don’t just call each other by their names; they also have a special song for each person. A mother will whistle a special tune to call her child instead of yelling their name.
Try these immersive experiences:
- Just walk through the village and listen to the lovely sounds of people whistling to each other.
- Ask someone from the area to show you how to sing their name.
- Hike through the beautiful green hills that surround the village.
Pro Tip: This is a very quiet place. It’s a great opportunity to switch off your phone, sit back, and just listen to the unique “language” of the village.
5. Pochampally, Telangana: The Village of Weavers
Pochampally is close to Hyderabad and is known for its beautiful silk sarees, which have unique tie-and-dye patterns called “Ikat.” The UNWTO has named the village one of the Best Tourism Villages because of its amazing weaving.
Things to try that will really get you involved:
- Go to a weaving unit to see how the colorful sarees are made, from dyeing the threads to putting them together.
- Take a walk through the village and watch the weavers work on looms in their own homes.
- Buy beautiful sarees, bedsheets, and other handwoven fabrics right from the people who make them.
Pro Tip: Don’t be afraid to talk to the weavers. They are usually happy to talk about the history and the complicated process behind their traditional designs.
6. Turtuk Village, Ladakh: The Last Village in Baltistan
Turtuk was in Pakistan-occupied Baltistan until 1971. It is on the banks of the Shyok River. It is now one of the most beautiful and remote villages in Ladakh that you can visit. This place has a culture that is a unique mix of Tibetan and Persian.
Immersive Experiences to Try:
- Walk through the village’s narrow cobblestone alleys and admire the traditional stone houses.
- Take a trip with a local farmer to see the green barley fields and apricot orchards.
- Find out about the Balti culture, which is very different from the rest of Ladakh.
Pro Tip: Try the local food, especially dishes made from apricots and buckwheat. People say that the apricots grown here are some of the sweetest in the world.
7. Grahan Village, Himachal Pradesh: The Secret Treasure of Parvati Valley
For those who love trekking, Grahan village near Kasol is a perfect offbeat destination. The only way to reach this beautiful village is by a scenic 4-5 hour trek. There is no road, and no mobile network, making it a perfect place for a digital detox.
Immersive Experiences to Try:
- Take a beautiful hike to the village that goes through thick forests and along a clear stream.
- Stay in a simple wooden home and see what it’s like to live slowly in the mountains.
- Get off the internet and spend time with nature and other travelers.
Pro Tip: Since there is no mobile network or ATM, carry enough cash with you for your stay. Before you start your trek, tell your family about your plans.
8. Laluri Khal, Uttarakhand: A Taste of Life in the Hills
Tucked away in the foothills of the Himalayas near Rishikesh, Laluri Khal is a small, remote village where you can experience traditional Pahadi (mountain) life. The village is filled with mud houses, green fields, and very friendly people.
Immersive Experiences to Try:
- Take part in the villagers’ daily life, such as working in the fields or feeding the cows.
- Learn local crafts like basket weaving or rope making from the village elders.
- Wake up early and follow the morning routine of the locals for a truly immersive experience.
Pro Tip: The best way to experience this village is through a community-based tourism operator who can arrange your stay and activities with a local family.
9. Mawlynnong, Meghalaya: The Cleanest Village in Asia
Mawlynnong is famous for being the cleanest village in Asia, but it’s so much more than that. The streets are clean, there are bamboo trash cans everywhere, and the gardens are very well kept. It shows how much the Khasi people care about their community.
Things to Do That Will Make You Feel Like You’re There:
- Walk around the village to see how clean and neat it is.
- You can see that a lot of houses have their gates open, which shows that the village is safe and people trust each other.
- Take a short hike to see the Living Root Bridge, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a natural wonder.
Pro Tip: Climb up the Sky View, a bamboo watchtower that offers a panoramic view of the village and the plains of Bangladesh on a clear day.
10. Chatpal Village in Kashmir: A Piece of Heaven on Earth
South Kashmir’s Chatpal is a great place to see a quiet, untouched part of Kashmir. This small village is surrounded by stunning green valleys, pine forests, and a rushing river. It’s a true experience of “heaven on earth.”
Things to do that will make you feel like you’re there:
- Take long, peaceful walks through the beautiful meadows where sheep graze.
- Talk to the Gujjar people who live nearby and find out about their simple way of life.
- Enjoy the peace and quiet; there isn’t always electricity or a cell phone network.
Pro Tip: The places to stay here are very basic, mostly simple government cottages or homestays. Plan ahead and book your stay in advance if you want a rustic experience.
FAQs
Q. What is tourism in the country?
A. When you go on rural tourism, you visit the countryside or small towns to see how people live, their culture, and the natural world. It focuses on authentic and immersive experiences.
Q. What kind of places to stay can I expect in these villages?
A. The best thing to do in most of these villages is to stay with a local family in a homestay. This is the most real experience you can have. The rooms are usually simple, but they are clean and comfortable.
Q. What can I do to be a good tourist in these villages?
A. Respect the customs and traditions of the area, ask people if you can take their picture, buy local crafts, and don’t leave any plastic trash behind.
Q. Is it safe to go to these villages that are far away?
A. Yes, tourists can usually feel safe in these villages. People in the area are known for being friendly and welcoming. But it’s always a good idea to have a local guide when you go to very remote areas.
Q. What is the best way to book a trip to these rural areas?
A. The best way to do this is to book with a travel company that specializes in community-based or rural tourism. They know people in the area and can help you plan your stay and activities.
Final Thoughts
When you go on rural tourism in India, you’re not just seeing new places; you’re also meeting people, learning about different ways of life, and getting back in touch with nature. You are not just a tourist when you go to these villages; you are a guest. You help the local economy and keep a way of life that is simple, beautiful, and good for the environment.
By choosing to go to these less well-known places, you are making a conscious choice to travel in a more meaningful way. You will remember this experience for a long time after you get home.
To learn more about these immersive travel experiences, go to The Tarzan Way (TTW) and plan your trip back to the roots of India.
