The growth in the India rural tourism market in recent years means that many Indian villages have now found a place on the tourist map. Not only does it provide the villagers with a much needed additional source of income, visitors are able to interact with them and gain a rare insight into their way of life. Here are five unique ways of experiencing rural India.
1. Grassroutes: Eco Rural Tourism in Maharastra
Grassroutes.
Grassroutes has tied up with a couple of villages in Maharastra to offer three three unique experiences, depending on the time of year: The Story of Rice allows tourists to learn about and participate in the cultivation of rice and other village activities; Taare Zameen Par: Watch a Million Fireflies happens every June when the skies around hills of Western Ghats (Purushwadi village) light up with fire flies; A Trip to Warli Village is an excellent way to experience tribal India, with lessons about Warli art painting included.
2. Ecosphere Spiti: High Altitude Rural Tourism
Sharell Cook
The Spiti Valley is a lesser known alternative to Leh and Ladakh. Visits to Bhuddist monasteries, yak safaris, treks to villages, village homestays, and cultural performances are some of the posssible activities. Ecosphere Spiti, an award winning non-profit organization focused on conservation and responsible tourism, is highly involved in the community there and can make all travel arrangements. They also offer two week Volunteer Travel packages, involving a range of community initiatives.
3. Travel Another India: Off the Beaten Path
www.flickr.com user Sgrk
4. Explore Rural India: Government Tourism Initiative
Explore Rural Tourism
5. Kila Raipur Rural Olympics
NARINDER NANU/AFP/Getty Images.
One of India's Quirkiest Festivals, the Rural Olympics takes place in February every year at Kila Raipur in the Punjab. The highlight of the festival is an action packed bullock cart race. There are plenty of other competitions and off-beat events, as well as cultural events such as bhangra dancing and folk singers in the evenings.
