10 Rural Tourism Experiences in India to Reconnect Roots
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 Photo Credit: Onmanorama 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” Photo Credit: Pelevizo Meyase via Instagram 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 Photo Credit: mptourism 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 Photo Credit: Newsbytes 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 Photo Credit: ntnews.com 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 Photo Credit: Ladakhtourism.net 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 Photo Credit: Adventure Nation 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.
