Rural Tourism In India is a travel Industry that exhibits rural lifestyle, art, culture and heritage at the rural destination, which benefits the local community economically and socially. It enables interaction between the tourists and the locals for a more enriching tourism experience. Tourism attractions in India are broad and quite varied. Our culture is contemporary and has been in existence since ancient times.
Choose any of the rural travel destinations in India and get pampered with the world-class hospitality, warm welcome and cheerful smiles. Government is also taking primary and proper measures to promote Rural Tourism. This article deals with what Rural Tourism is, its fundamental characteristics and 10 most popular places to experience Rural Tourism in India.
Rural Tourism in India is on the rise:
1. The travel industry action occurred in the field and network cooperation or activity is essential. It joins various types of the travel industry and is multi-faceted.
2. Tourist shopping centres can be opened so that tourists can purchase local products like food, honey, fruits, tea, painted pottery, carpets, traditional embroideries, etc.
3. Locally available conventional transportation is used like a tractor, Bi-cycle, Bullock-cart, etc.
4. Rural Tourism focuses on something to see, something to do and something to buy.
5. Agricultural and Rural Tourism focuses on farming, fruit gardens and local facilities like Gram Panchayat, Villages, River, tubewell, old religious places and Museums.
6. The prime beneficiary is local people who are trained professionally to provide a complete package to Rural Tourist. Through this, they will get a job and give occupation to others also.
7. Rural Tourist should be educated to act as a responsible citizen and should respect the human and natural heritage of the host community/site. Tourists should make aware of cultural values, social norms and traditions.
Ministry of Tourism in India has laid a great deal of emphasis on the development of such Rural Tourism sites which boast of vibrant art, culture, handloom, heritage and crafts. These villages are affluent in both natural beauty and cultural splendour.
Top 10 Places To Experience Rural Tourism In India
1. Village Hodka – Gujarat
Village Hodka situated in Dist Kachchh of the state Gujarat and it is established by Halepotra clan. Hodka offers a remote desert village experience for tourists coming from all over the world. Recognised as one of the rural travel destinations in India, the village is dotted with traditional houses, each with a different design and pattern. Mud houses are so designed that they remain cold from inside during summer and warm during winter. A trip to Hodka village leaves a long-lasting impression on foreign travellers. In 2008, Village Hodka won CNBC Awaaz Travel Award for Best Tourism Income Generating Community.
Famous For: Mirror Work & Embroidery
Best Time to Visit: July to March
Activities To Do
- Learn outstanding embroidery style.
- Take the overnight camel safaris.
- Buy traditional products to collect memory with you.
- Soak in the beauty of the striking landscape
2. Village Mawlynnong – Meghalaya
Village Mawlynnong is situated in East Khasi Hills of state Meghalaya. Currently, the most emerging village in Rural Tourism. It is famous for its 1000-year-old root bridges. The dreamlike magnificence of this town will render you in a condition of wonderment. Mawlynnong village is mystic heaven so popularly known as ‘God’s own Garden’.
Famous For: Eco-tourism
Best Time To Visit: Throughout the year
Activities To Do
- Enjoying trekking at Mawphlang
- Join the efforts of the natives to maintain the cleanliness in the village.
- Spend some time at Cherrapunji.
- Climb bamboo towers to watch the panoramic view of the area
3. Pipli – Odisha
Pipli lies 44 km from Kornak situated in Puri district of Odisha State. A large number of exceptional artworks are emerging from this village. One such expertise is the Applique fine art which has brought a significant part of the popularity for Pipli people and given them employment. In the 10th century, the city was home to the skilled workers who were experts in the specialty of making sunshade for the annual Rath Yatra at the Jagannath Temple and applique umbrellas.
Famous For: Applique Artwork
Best Time To Visit: October to March
Activities To Do
- Go for a sightseeing tour of Pipli.
- Try to learn the applique artwork.
- Spend some time for shopping of distinctive artworks.
4. Munsiyari – Uttarakhand
Delightfully tucked amid the Kumaon Hills of Uttarakhand, Munsiyari is limited by thick backwoods and snowcapped mountains. Goriganga river adorns the beautiful hamlet and makes it a must-visit place for adventure enthusiasts and nature lovers. The stunning foundation of the Panchachuli represents the prominence of this wonderland as the best rural spot to visit in India.
Famous For: Trekking
Best Time To Visit: March To October
Activities To Do
- Treks to Ralam and Milam Glaciers
- Witness the mesmerizing views of the Panchachuli peaks.
- Go for Snow Leopard Trek
- Explore Madkot
- Enjoy at Birthi Falls
- Skiing is another adventure option for you
5. Samode Village – Rajasthan
Samode Village is located around 40 km away from Jaipur city of Rajasthan. This small village is famous for big Havelis, Forts, Gemstone Painting and Lac bangle Work. Experience rural life and royalty in India on a full-day tour from Jaipur to Samode village. Explore the Samode village and its surroundings on a camel safari and have lunch in its elegant restaurant.
Famous For: Lac Work & Gemstone Painting
Best Time To Visit: October To March
Activities To Do
- Visit 400 years old, Samode Palace
- Watch panoramic views of the village from Samode Fort.
- Test your photography skills at Govind Devji Temple
- Learn Lac work and Pepper printing
- Enjoy Shopping in Main Market
6. Naggar – Himachal Pradesh
Naggar is the most alluring village in Kully Valley of Himachal Pradesh and also famous for Rural Tourism. Nagar village also won CNBC Awaaz Award in 2008 for ‘Best Demonstrating Women Empowerment. The stately deodars are lining the landscape, razor-thin waterfalls, snow-capped mountains and a peaceful environment. Glaciers surround the upper Beas region from three sides, the highest peaks going up to 23,050 feet. The trek from Chanderkhani Pass at the height of 12,200 feet, prompting the Malana valley is the most lovely fascination in the region.
Famous For: Topi and Shawl Weaving
Best Time To Visit: Throughout the year
Activities To Do
- Enjoy Trekking and fishing
- Visit Naggar Castle built-in 1460 AD
- Do cultural visit at Dangpo SHedrupling Monestry
- Participate in Folk art
- Spend some time in Gauri Shankar temple
7. Kila Raipur – Rural Tourism In India
The annual Kila Raipur Sports Festival at Ludhiana in Punjab is an eccentric showcase of strength and skills that’s been taking place since 1933. The highlight of the festival is an action-packed bullock cart race. Various other competitions and off-beat events like men being run over by farm machinery, lifting bicycles with their teeth and pulling vehicles with their hair. Cultural activities like bhangra, dancing and folk songs, happen in the evenings.
Famous For: Sports Festival
Best Time To Visit: Early February & March
Activities To Do
- Attend the sports festival
- Enjoy delicious food and Langar
- Tune to the Punjabi folk and practice Bhangra and Giddha
- Pay homage at gurdwaras
- Explore different forts in the area
- Visit Maharaja Ranjit Singh War Museum
Also Read: Places You Should See When Visiting in India
8. Lachen – Sikkim
The lovely village of Sikkim, Lachen is the most picturesque village in Rural Tourism and also famous for making of rugs and carpet. Its majestic beauty, gushing waterfalls and amazing fruit orchards will definitely astonish you.
Famous For: Rugs and Carpet
Best Time To Visit: October To June
Activities To Do
- Admire vibrant Sikkim in Shingba Rhododendron Sanctuary
- Watch conjunction of the rivers at Chungthang
- Participate in Mask Dance Festival
- See the paradise on Earth at Zero point
- Enjoy panoramic views from Bhim Nala, a gushing waterfall
9. Bishnoi Village – Rural Tourism In India
The village Bishnoi is trendy for Rural Tourism in India situated in Jodhpur, Rajasthan. The Bishnoi Village rural tour comprises of four villages where one can absorb and witness the authentic traditions and tribal lifestyles of Rajasthan. The natives of the village are nature and animal lover. Everyday rural activities like sheep-herding, weaving, and pottery are practised here. Visitors have the opportunity to view, learn and purchase finely-crafted products manufactured in these areas.
Famous For: Tradition, Culture & Tribal Life
Best Time To Visit: November To March
Activities To Do
- Learn about the massacre at Kahejarli
- Spot exotic wildlife at Guda Village
- Explore Singhasni
- Enjoy photography at Shepherds village
- Buy carpets from Salawas
10. Karaikudi – Tamil Nadu
Karaikudi is located in Sivaganga district of Tamil Nadu. Don’t be surprised to see the houses made up using limestone! This unique style helps Karaikudi to steal the lime as one of the best rural places to visit in India. The town is so attractive that it has featured in many of the South Indians films.
Famous For: Palm Leave Baskets & Gold Jewelry
Best Time To Visit: March and April
Activities To DoÂ
- Must try mouth-watering Karaikudi cuisine.
- Explore various famous monuments
- Visit factories to see how handmade Terracotta Athangudi tiles are made.
- Visit Kamban Mani Mandapam
- Go on Agriculture tour to understand farming techniques.
- Pay homage at Pillaiyar Patti Lord Ganesha Temple.
