We know. We know that we have talked about rural places to be visited in India earlier as well! But do they end? India is a vast country. We have agriculture sectors, industries, and service sectors! But amongst them all, we have a large population depending on agriculture for its livelihood.
In fact, the share of agriculture in GDP increased to 19.9 percent in 2020-21 from 17.8 percent in 2019-20. A lot of agriculture clearly hints at rural areas. We have scenic beauties, country lands, coasts, beaches and backwaters, valleys and mountains, and lots of other places to visit. Rural tourism helps develop the economy of the rural area. It supports micro businessmen, self-employed rural people, creates employment in the otherwise limited opportunity area, and much more. But most of all, it provides one-of-a-kind rejuvenation. It takes one on a journey otherwise impossible to experience in a different setup.
Also read: The Impact of Tourism on Indian Culture
While cities may be fun, remote areas are adventurous and calming at the same time. The now-trending rural tourism has sure helped improve the infrastructure of the rural areas and has made it possible for us to have chopper-riding, paragliding, mountain-biking, etc, in our country, and that too with surrounding nature!
So let’s not wait anymore and hop straight onto the second list we have gotten for you freshly outta oven!
1. Mawlynnong, Meghalaya
North-east and their people’s rights as basic Indian citizens have been much debated in the early past. It is high time we accept them as our own and stop the bullying. One good way to do that would be to visit this exemplary village in Meghalaya and make some cool friends!
This village is located in the east of the Khasi Hills of the state. What is really astonishing about this village is its beauty and cleanliness. It has been awarded the title of “cleanest village in Asia” by Discover India 2003 and it is the cleanest village in India to date. For same reasons it is also called ‘God’s Own Garden’.
Apart from that, it ought to be noticed that this village has a 100 percent literacy rate. It is amazing how people here are simple and educated and in turn value education. The application of their education years is also something to brag about.
Keeping village clean, check!
Encouraging education, check!
Supporting their women, check!
Yes, you heard us right. This place has a progressive approach and you’ll find women in all spheres of activities. Not only do they keep them up-to-date in their village, but they also do not shy away from sending them out to be educated.
There is a lot that can be done in this village. Trust us; it is going to be euphoric and overwhelming. Sky view is a place with an 85 feet long tower made of bamboo and it provides breathtaking views. With a 10 rupees note, one can view the whole of Bangladesh and experience emotions humans didn’t know existed. The Mawlynnong waterfall amidst the dense forest is nature’s own voice amidst the calm of the forest. The food here is organic and home-bred.
The best time to visit it would be the monsoons. Rains do bring the best out of anything, don’t they?
2. Raghurajpur, Odisha
Located in North Odisha in the Puri district, Raghurajpur is known for its heritage crafts. Pattachitra is an art form as old as 5 BC still inhabiting the walls of many homes and providing for their food. This art is about the imagination of scenes from mythology and ancient culture. Gotipua dance troupes are also very renowned in this area.
India is home to many folk dances and classical dances. All of those dances have origins that are long covered in dust. But not Gotipua! Gotipua is believed to be the precursor to the now Indian Classical form called Odissi, and it hasn’t been forgotten. Local people still enjoy it and even showcase it! It is also the birthplace of the Doyen Odissi dance Guru Kelucharan Mahapatra.
3. Ziro Valley, Arunachal Pradesh
Now, what did we say about the northeast? Own it! And why not? It is a place as beautiful as almost like heaven and has sweet people with kind hearts. Another such place that will drop your jaws and force you to introspect on the life you are living is Ziro Valley. As interesting as its name gets, it is a place to cherish and remember. Maybe leave a part of your soul a little bit *winks*. It is a town in Subansiri District in the state of Arunachal Pradesh. Your visit here will be in open arms of rice fields and dense pine standing tall.
The Apatani tribe that lives here does sustainable social forestry, art all the urban people still need to learn. They are forest stakeholders and due to their efforts of a sustainable lifestyle, Apatani village has been proposed to be added to World Heritage Site by UNESCO. They have extensive agriculture and cultivation of rice without the use of farm animals. Now what better way to look inside yourself and learn a thing or two from these people by living with them?
4. Dah and Hanu, Jammu and Kashmir
These two villages set in Leh district are civilized by people of the Brokpa. Built-in 330 BC these villages date back to when King Alexander left India. Therefore, the people of these villages are believed to be the descendants of the Greeks.
There has been controversy regarding this since they are also claimed to be purely Aryan bloodline. But what’s past is past. At present, these villages have a lot of cultures to offer and these are the only two Brokpa villages that tourists can visit! Villagers are practicing Buddhism here and have diverse rituals. If you are in for some soul-searching, this is the place for you!
5. Goat Village, Uttarakhand
As the name suggests, many mountain goats can be spotted here on the wide scape of unending mountains! Located at a height of 7700ft, this village is approximately 179km away from Laser Gaon which itself is at a height of 5500ft above sea level.
Now one must be wondering what all could be done in a village as small as this. We would say nothing! And yet, everything! Sometimes, a trip is not about doing things, it could also be about not doing anything at all. Our lives in the cities are already fast-paced and Lord knows it does not stop at all.
Constant thoughts of what to do next are always bugging our heads. Our generation has miles to achieve and their brain needs a breather to think clearly. And after all, isn’t that the whole point of rural tourism? This village has about 10 cottages of the eastern Garhwali style which are available for rent. Mountain views from these places are unimaginable. Anyone would have seen a sunset or a sunrise, but a clear night sky here and one can witness moonrise. The cottage setup helps local people earn their livelihood and survive at such heights.
Although there is a lot more we wanted you to see through our eyes, but until next time hop onto the train and reach one of these amazingly calm places and see for yourself if we were telling you the truth!
