When you get exhausted by the hectic schedules of city life and want to break free, you could visit the untraveled and unseen parts of India.
The rural India where Nature is still worshipped, delectable local cuisines are still prepared in mud utensils and visitors are ushered in with hitherto unknown hospitality.
Jyotisar village is about 12 kilometers from the city of Kurukshetra on Pehowa Road in Haryana. Combining the two words 'Jyoti' meaning light and 'sar' meaning tank, this village is birth place of the holy book of the Hindus called Bhagwad Gita.
50 kilometres away from Hyderabad, Pochampally, known as the ‘weavers’ town’ is one of the most interesting rural tourism destinations in India. If you are an ardent fan of silk ‘Ikat’, this place is a must-visit site for you.
36 kilometres away from Puri, where the Konark road is seen to branch to Puri Road from Bhubaneshwar there lies the world-famous appliqué work hub called Pipili or Pipli. Pipli is the name used for the Pipli Sasan and Darji Sahi villages.
The Chitrakoot waterfalls, better known as the Niagara of India is the main attraction of the Bastar district, Chhattisgarh. Jagdalpur, a municipal corporation in the district of Bastar has a historical significance ever since its mention in Valmiki's epic Ramayana.
Shekhawati, named after its ruler Rao Shekha, meaning the garden of Shekha, is a semi desert region in northern Rajasthan. Dotted with innumerable palaces or havelis, this place is considered to tbe the "open art gallery of Rajasthan".
Also Read: Rural Tourism in Rajasthan
22 kilometers away from Manali, in Himachal Pradesh, there is a small village renowned for its valuable heritage, by the name Naggar 5750 feet above sea level, on a sleepy hill, this village is located near the left bank of the Beas River.
Tired and exhausted, if you ever wish to lose the track of time, you must visit Orchha, which is nothing less than a dreamland. A small town in the district of Tikamgarh in the state of Madhya Pradesh, Orchha, in the local Bundelkhandi language means ‘hidden’.
The taste of the earthy ways of life, the simple joys and the vibrant cultures of the Indian villages would rejuvenate your spirit and sway your heart in the rhythm of folk music as you visit the different villages, each with its unique characteristics.
Kumbalangi, a small and beautiful island village off Kochi in Kerala, is the first Model Tourism Village in India. The age-old cultural heritage of the people and the simple livelihood would fascinate you apart from the indigenous fishing experiences, country boat cruises and crab farming experiences.
Kumbalangi, Kerala
Kumbalangi, a small and beautiful island village off Kochi in Kerala, is the first Model Tourism Village in India. The age-old cultural heritage of the people and the simple livelihood would fascinate you apart from the indigenous fishing experiences, country boat cruises and crab farming experiences.
The cage culture type of fish farming practised here is surely an added attraction for all the tourists. You would also enjoy walking along the lush green paddy fields of the village where the renowned ‘pokkali’ organic rice is cultivated.
The nearest station from Kumbalangi is at Ernakulam, about 25 kilometres. Cochin International Airport, about 46 kilometres away is the nearest airport.
Jyotisar, Kurukshetra district, Haryana
Jyotisar village is about 12 kilometers from the city of Kurukshetra on Pehowa Road in Haryana. Combining the two words 'Jyoti' meaning light and 'sar' meaning tank, this village is birth place of the holy book of the Hindus called Bhagwad Gita.
Tourists from all over the world visit this holy village, especially during the lunar and the solar eclipses when holy dips are very common here. The marble image of Lord Krishna and Arjuna of the Hindu epic Mahabharat.
Pochampally, Andhra Pradesh
50 kilometres away from Hyderabad, Pochampally, known as the ‘weavers’ town’ is one of the most interesting rural tourism destinations in India. If you are an ardent fan of silk ‘Ikat’, this place is a must-visit site for you.
The amazing ways of marking, dying, and drying silk threads before the ikats are woven would leave you delighted. This place looks beautiful being set amidst the lush paddy plantations.
You should also not miss out on watching the Sri Markandeshwara temple situated in Pochampally, which is famous for being the home to the historical ‘Bhudaan Movement’ which was initiated by Vinobha Bhave. One of the most unique experiences would be sipping the local farmers’ drink, the freshly extracted toddy.
Also Read: Rural Tourism in Andhra Pradesh
The capital of the Kachchh or Kutch region of Gujarat known as Hodka, is a village that is located 63 kilometres away from Bhuj. The famous embroidery out of mirror works that Kutch is renowned for can be one of the main reasons behind your visit to this place.
Also Read: Rural Tourism in Andhra Pradesh
Hodka in Kutch district, Gujarat
Additionally, you could also enjoy the applique work, mud-mirror decorations and leather craft. Let alone the art work, the attraction of natural wonders would also beckon you to this place.
While the exhilarating experience of staying in the ‘Bhunga’ or the local designed huts with mud and thatched roof would compel you to stay back, the attraction of the local crafts, textiles and mirror work too would not let you leave the place.
Pipili in Puri District, Orissa
36 kilometres away from Puri, where the Konark road is seen to branch to Puri Road from Bhubaneshwar there lies the world-famous appliqué work hub called Pipili or Pipli. Pipli is the name used for the Pipli Sasan and Darji Sahi villages.
The handicrafts of this town serve as the means of its income. The gorgeous appliqué technique that travels worldwide can be the sole reason for your visit to this place.
You would be amused to see how clothes are cut into shapes of flowers, birds, decorative motifs, Gods and Goddesses and then stitched to give the final look. When it comes to digging into the delicious local cuisines, you have ample options since the state of Orissa is renowned for its culinary excellence.
Bastar District, Chhattisgarh
The Chitrakoot waterfalls, better known as the Niagara of India is the main attraction of the Bastar district, Chhattisgarh. Jagdalpur, a municipal corporation in the district of Bastar has a historical significance ever since its mention in Valmiki's epic Ramayana.
The mountains, the valleys, the forests the greenery, the caves and the streams would amuse you at every step of exploring this tribal area.
The pivot of folk arts and handicrafts, this place would give you the taste of tribal life through the festivals of Goncha and the traditional tribal dance called Raut Nacha.
The best time to visit this place is between October and March. The closest airport to Bastar is Raipur which is 300 kilometres from Jagdalpur.
The spirit of the Santhal Adivasi tribal community living amidst the rustic rural beauty of Bengal can be experienced if you visit Ballabhpur Danga in Birbhum District, just 3 kilometres from Shantiniketan.
Ballabhpur Danga in Birbhum District, West Bengal
The spirit of the Santhal Adivasi tribal community living amidst the rustic rural beauty of Bengal can be experienced if you visit Ballabhpur Danga in Birbhum District, just 3 kilometres from Shantiniketan.
You could get carried away in the natural beauty and greenery here since the Avayaranya forest area and bird sanctuary is to the south of Ballabhpur Danga and the Sonajhuri forest to its east.
You could unwind watching the tribal dance in the open air around a fire against the rhythms of the instrument called madal that the tribal people play. The songs and recitations of the tribal community speak about their myths and history.
Apart from being a part of the festivals like Chhabish Prahar, Badna and Charak Puja, you could also shop some authentic tribal things from their local market or haat at Sonajhuri.
Ballavpur Danga is 160 kilometres away from the Howrah railway junction. The closest airport is Kolkata.
The earliest riverboat celebration in Kerala called the Aranmula Boat Race which has been one of the prime attractions of the week-long Onam festival, has its home in the unique heritage village of Aranmula, located on the banks of river Pampa.
Aranmula, Pathanamthitta District, Kerala
The earliest riverboat celebration in Kerala called the Aranmula Boat Race which has been one of the prime attractions of the week-long Onam festival, has its home in the unique heritage village of Aranmula, located on the banks of river Pampa.
The famous snake boat race is what beckons thousands of spectators every year and you could be a part of it living every bit of the spirit. In order to enjoy the place and its essence, you could go for homestays.
You could enjoy the palatable staple food of Kerala which includes rice, accompanied by lots of vegetables and a variety of pulses. 'Sambar' and 'Avayal' are the most enjoyed dishes. Fish is common fair in Malayalam cuisine.
Relaxation knows no bound here where you can spend hours watching the artisans engaged in making Aranmula metal mirror, the mural paintings or boats that are used for the annual boat race.
Lachen is a tribal village in North Sikkim, 129 kilometres from Gangtok. This 8500 feet high village with the rock cliffs, the snow-capped peaks, and the conifers and rhododendrons at its backdrop gives the perfect essence of freshness and purity and is hence a favorite rural tourism destination of many.
Lachen in North District, Sikkim
Lachen is a tribal village in North Sikkim, 129 kilometres from Gangtok. This 8500 feet high village with the rock cliffs, the snow-capped peaks, and the conifers and rhododendrons at its backdrop gives the perfect essence of freshness and purity and is hence a favorite rural tourism destination of many.
Staying amidst the Lachenpas who are the happy-go-lucky people and precipitating with them as they celebrate sporting, socializing, and feasting occasions around the year would refresh you and bring out the child inside you.
Some of the festivals that you could enjoy with the Lachenpas are Drukpa Tse-shi, Lossong, Phang Lhabsol, Lhabab Dhuchen, Chaam, Drukpa and Saga Dawa.
You could join the villagers of Lachen and relish their staple food which includes rice, potato and pork. Rice often gets supplemented by local breads, noodles and other local dishes like corn and Sikkimese momos.
Your trip could be the most enjoyable if you visit either from March to July or from October to mid December.
If you want to experience the authentic taste of hot and spicy Chettinad cuisine served on banana leaf with a huge number of courses and enjoy the hospitality of the simple people, then you must visit Karaikudi or Chettinad village in Sivaganga district, Tamil Nadu.
Karaikudi in Sivaganga district, Tamil Nadu
If you want to experience the authentic taste of hot and spicy Chettinad cuisine served on banana leaf with a huge number of courses and enjoy the hospitality of the simple people, then you must visit Karaikudi or Chettinad village in Sivaganga district, Tamil Nadu.
Apart from the sumptuous meal, you could visit the famous old Chettiar mansions and witness the art and architecture, the rich heritage, and the affluence of the Chettiar community that is still reflected in the doors and frames made of carved teak, the granite pillars, the marble floors, the Italian tiles, the Belgian mirrors and the magnificence of the architecture.
If you visit this place between the months of November and February you could enjoy your trip and visit the Karpaka Vinayakar Temple and Sri Sowmiyanarayana Perumal Kovil in Thirukoshtiyurattracts. The nearest airport to this place is the Madurai Airport which is 80 kilometres away.
The rain forests of the Western Ghats have given shelter to Banavasi or Konkanapura that lies deep within flanked by Varada River on its three sides. Developed around the Madhukeshwara Temple that was constructed in the 9th century, this is one of the oldest places of this Indian state that is dedicated to Lord Shiva.
Banavasi, Uttara Kannada district, Karnataka
The rain forests of the Western Ghats have given shelter to Banavasi or Konkanapura that lies deep within flanked by Varada River on its three sides. Developed around the Madhukeshwara Temple that was constructed in the 9th century, this is one of the oldest places of this Indian state that is dedicated to Lord Shiva.
It is famous for growing sugarcane, rice, spices, areca nuts, and pineapple. This culturally rich place would let you participate in the famous cultural festival known as Kadambothsava which is organized in December of every year and features classical music, folk dances, drama, art exhibitions, and literary works contributed by many talented artists from South India.
The famous Yakshagana masks which are used in the Yakshagana dance celebrated along Northa Karnataka are made in this place. The nearest airport to Banavasi is Bangalore which is 326 kilometres away.
10 kilometres away from Rajgir and 4 kilometres from Nalanda, Nepura has earned its historical significance because of the widespread belief that Lord Gautam Buddha had given his first preaching in this place.
Nepura, Nalanda District, Bihar
10 kilometres away from Rajgir and 4 kilometres from Nalanda, Nepura has earned its historical significance because of the widespread belief that Lord Gautam Buddha had given his first preaching in this place.
This small village between the towns of Rajgir and Nalanda is famous for the weaving of the celebrated Tussar silk.
About 50 out of 250 villages are into silk weaving. If you are eager to experience a stay in the village resorts, you can enjoy the most if you visit this place during the winter months. While your stay, you would meet the local people who love to cook, eat and feed guests.
One of the major attractions of Bihar is the Chhat Puja, which is celebrated twice a year with great fervour. Nalanda is the nearest railway station to Nepura and Patna which is 72kilometres away is the nearest airport.
Enriched with its rural charms, culture and heritage, Mandu is located around 100 kilometres from Indore in Madhya Pradesh. It is a hub of palaces, forts, mosques, Jain temples and tombs.
Mandu, Madhya Pradesh
Enriched with its rural charms, culture and heritage, Mandu is located around 100 kilometres from Indore in Madhya Pradesh. It is a hub of palaces, forts, mosques, Jain temples and tombs.
Apart from being an awesome tourism destination Mandu is famous for its Jahazi Mahal, Hindola Mahal, Taveli haveli, Ashrafi Mahal, Palace of Baz Bahadur and Pavilion of Rani Roopmati.
The fragrance of the romantic tales of Rani Roopmati and Baz Bahadur is there in the air of this place and monsoon is the best season to enjoy the spirit of this amorous destination.
You would enjoy a wide variety of cuisines, some of the dishes being kusli, jalebi, baflas, pilaf with peas, lavang lata, indori puri palak ki, biryani and kebabs.
The nearest airport is Indore (100 kilometres) and the most convenient Railhead is Ratlam (105 kilometres) on the Mumbai-Delhi Highway.
Shekhawati, Rajasthan
Shekhawati, named after its ruler Rao Shekha, meaning the garden of Shekha, is a semi desert region in northern Rajasthan. Dotted with innumerable palaces or havelis, this place is considered to tbe the "open art gallery of Rajasthan".
Also Read: Rural Tourism in Rajasthan
Naggar, Himachal Pradesh
22 kilometers away from Manali, in Himachal Pradesh, there is a small village renowned for its valuable heritage, by the name Naggar 5750 feet above sea level, on a sleepy hill, this village is located near the left bank of the Beas River.
If you want to take a break and spend some quality tie in a Himalayan village, then Naggar would be your ideal destination. The peasant weather, the magnificent beauty, the pristine purity and the historical remains of the past in the forms of the Naggar Castle constructed by King Sidh Singh in the 16th century can make it the ideal rural tourism hotspot.
If you want o to be a part of the Naggar people, then you could taste the authentic cuisines which include red rice, rajma, karhi, pulses, and siddu. For the best kind of homestay experience in this Himalayan village, you should visit either between March and June or between August and October.
Pushkar, a small holy town of pilgrimage and hermitage, lies 135 kilometres down south of Jaipur, Rajasthan.
Pushkar, Rajasthan
Pushkar, a small holy town of pilgrimage and hermitage, lies 135 kilometres down south of Jaipur, Rajasthan.
The local guides narrate a tale of this place where it is said that during the times when gods and Goddesses roamed the planet of earth, Lord Brahma was looking for a place to conduct the Mahayagna and a swan was given a lotus to carry and look for the place.
The place where the lotus fell was to be the Mahayagna site. It is believed that the lotus had fallen in Pushkar and the Pushkar Lake was formed. The best time to visit Pushkar is during the winter.
Orchha, Madhya Pradesh
Tired and exhausted, if you ever wish to lose the track of time, you must visit Orchha, which is nothing less than a dreamland. A small town in the district of Tikamgarh in the state of Madhya Pradesh, Orchha, in the local Bundelkhandi language means ‘hidden’.
You could enjoy the major festivals along with the locals which include Dussehra, Ram Navami and Diwali. If you are a food connoisseur, then Orchha is again the perfect rural tourism destination for you offering you a wide array of vegetarian, nonvegetarian and lip-smacking desserts.
Since Orchha does not have an airport, you would have to fly to the Gwalior airport and then travel to Orchha which is around 120 kilometers away.
Thavanampalle Puttur, Andhra Pradesh
539 kilometers away from Hyderabad, Thavanampalle Puttur is a small village popular for its agriculture, silk, and mangroves in Thavanampalle Mandal inthe Chittoor District of Andhra Pradesh.The prominent silk business conducted here has made this small village even more prominent. You would like to experience the traditional homes and the pleasant stays.
The villagers engaged in weaving silk sarees would let you have a memorable experience of making a grand tour of the silk saree-making process.
You would be delighted to see the warm hospitality of the local people and the simplicity of life that prevails there. Chittoor is the nearest town to Thavanampalle Puttur which has no railway station nearby.
With such interesting village tourism destinations at your disposal, you are sure to enjoy staying away from the madding crowd and unwinding amidst Nature in a safe and peaceful environment!
With such interesting village tourism destinations at your disposal, you are sure to enjoy staying away from the madding crowd and unwinding amidst Nature in a safe and peaceful environment!