Have a look at some of our favourite hidden and offbeat rural destinations and get ready to book a terrific rural retreat.
Kashmir, Sagg Eco Village – farm-to-table food and mountain treks
An eco-village in Ganderbal, Kashmir that integrates rural life, heritage and culture, Sagg Eco Village has everything from farm-to-table food to mountain treks. It also facilitates interactions between the tourists and locals for an insight into Kashmiri life with activities such as educational and recreational camps for kids, bike rides and eco therapies. Also traditional recipes with mostly organic ingredients fresh from the farm, like with refreshing shakes and exotic chutney, enrich the Kashmir travelling experience.
Chhattisgarh, Eco Camp Kodar – camp in tents and hike with guides
Converted into an eco-tourism facility, the scenic spot near Kodar Dam in Chhattisgarh offers a perfect weekend get-away, while ensuring local employment for rural youth and better income. Hike with guides, take a boat ride, photograph the wildlife in Barnawapara Wildlife Sanctuary and explore the archaeological heritage site of Sirpur. And at night, cuddle up in your lake-side tent to get the full camping experience.
Bir, Himachal Pradesh, Cosmic Kriya – everything from paragliding to mediation
Located half a mile from Bir, which is famous for its paragliding, Cosmic Kriya is an enticing place to visit in Himachal Pradesh. A backpacker’s hostel, it offers everything from cultural dance events and music jams to meditation sessions to help healers to relax and enjoy the beauty of Beas river.
Sonipat, Haryana, Chokhi Dhani – a year-round Rajasthani mela
Bringing the essence of Chokhi Dhani from Jaipur, a Rajasthani mela opened in Sonipat – just 90 minutes outside of Delhi – with welcome tilak at the mandir, town bazaar, animal rides, traditional fire acts, magic show, live pottery and more.
Jharkhand’s painted village – see Khovar and Sohrai tribal murals
The walls of mud houses serve as canvasses for traditional Khovar and Sohrai arts. These painted villages are a remarkable resemblance to nearby prehistoric cave paintings that were fading until a passionate art conservation couple revived it, helping the artists exhibit in international galleries and bringing tourists to the villages.
Odisha, Belgadia Palace – watch the ancient Mayurbhanj Chhau dance
A mix of classical and martial art forms, the dance is performed to the accompaniment of folk and classical music with the combined effort of royal families and government support. Also, a home-like stay in this living museum of the Belgadia palace is a must if you wish to enjoy a luxurious stay in Odisha.
Arna Jharna Museum, Jodhpur, Rajasthan – museum showing how food and nature create rural culture
Nicknamed the “Jhaadu Museum” for the huge variety of brooms on display, the Arna Jharna Museum in Rajasthan showcases how culture and food connect through basic objects used in everyday life.
Village Life Experience, Kerala – try fishing, go taste toddy and make coir
Don’t just take a boat ride in Kerala’s famous backwaters – why not hop on a bike and cycle through paddy fields, go fishing watch how coir is made from the outer husk of coconuts and even have a go at taste toddy – extracting a natural liquor from fermenting coconuts.
The image at the top shows the murals of tribes drawn on walls (Photo courtesy Deepanwita Niyogi)
