The heart of rural India is here!

With the winsome treasure of dense deciduous forest and smoking waterfalls elating the jungle trails, a trip to Chhattisgarh’s villages is no less than a feast for the senses. Inhabited majorly by tribes, this plush estate has some unique culture and food habits to share with the world.

Be it the tangy ant chutney with actual red ants or be it hammocks sprinkled over overgrown gardens, the driving force of this beauty is indeed supremely magnetic.

The people living here too acknowledge the fact that what they have is extremely valuable. That’s why they protect it with all their heart and soul. In fact, they do not even plow the ground as according to them this too can hurt Mother Nature.

Rural trips in Chhattisgarh will bring you closer to many such tribal traditions and customs. Named Gond and Baiga, these tribes can be easily spotted wearing the colors of the rainbow and tattoos on feet. As much as they are capable of enticing people with their way of living, their craftsmanship hits another zenith of finesse.

The experience attached with rural tours of this state is never the same. Why? That’s because they feature different villages at different times to cause minimal disturbance to the life of the locals. Don’t worry! An amazing homestay and uniquely bizarre platter of food will still remain a constant for you. So brace your heart for it’s going to experience the wild village bazaars known as Haats bedecked with some unique tribal performances. Woohoo!

Side note: You can find some beautiful pieces of art made out of terracotta, stone, bamboo, and wood here, and that too at dirt cheap prices.

Best time to visit: March and April

What to enjoy:

● Nature at its very best with n-numbers of caves, waterfalls and more.
● Wildlife, Chhattisgarh has quite a long ongoing list there.
● Distinct tribal costumes and dance forms that are quite out there for the visitors to revel in.
● A homestay in Kondagaon-the craft village. Check out the bell-metal, terracotta, and wrought-iron crafts items that are famous worldwide.

Assam may be the revered wildlife heaven famous for its very endemic great one-horned rhino. But it is still very much a tea estate, a World Heritage site as it is a rural utopia whose treasure trove is still unveiled.

Discovering such hidden gems is what the rural eco-holiday tours in Assam are all about. In its spotlight are the charming villages of Manjuli, Durgapur, Dehing-Patkai Kshetra, Sualkuchi, and Asharikandi.

The Assamese village tours in India proudly present Manjuli, world’s biggest river island. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is home to the missing tribe of Arunachal Pradesh.

Witness its amazing sunset views and learn the local’s exemplary art of mask making. Not enough for your travel appetite? Then, how about a magical experience in the village of black magic, Mayong? It may sound spooky at first but hear us out; it’s the village of wizard and witches who help people in healing. So, there is nothing to worry about.

Are you crazy about handloom products? Then, we have some astounding pieces of Patta -Moga Silk is waiting for you in Sualkuchi village of Kumrap district. More into the terracotta craft? Then a walk through the Asharikandi in Dhubri district will be your muse.

Assam is filled with such exciting experiences hidden behind the drapes of its inaccessibility. If you are a true traveler who wishes to explore the unexplored boulevards, then you will find no better place than this.

Best time to visit: October- March

What to enjoy:

● Enticing country boat rides
● The flavor of local rice beer and tribal food

Welcome to the kingpin of Indo-Tibetan household amidst a landscape that seems too good to be true. Rural tourism on this monochromatic stretch lights up with the vibrant colors of its inhabitants lifestyle. The sparse population that finds a home in this difficult terrain is a majority of farmers. Adding to which, you will always find them working on their beautiful patches of land farming for apricots, apples, mulberries, walnuts, poplars, grapes, and oleaster.

Ladakh is a scenic wonder and Dras, Likir, Turtuk, and Merak are few top villages (popular for homestays) that proves this right. Tracing the trajectory of Buddhism, these villages showcase utmost merriment when it comes to celebrations and festivals.

If you are under the impression that Ladakh serves a homogenous culture, then, it is better you hold horses now. Why? That’s because the village of Turtuk (border-lining Pakistan) beating all the odds, showcases a different culture altogether.

Located on the edge of the Nubra Valley and home to the Balti people, Turtuk has another piece of Ladakh’s heart that’s much inclusive of its fused Iranian and Tibetan culture.

The locals here speak a different dialect that’s a beautiful blend of Old-Tibetan and Persian lingos. Furthermore, learning about their indigenous art and architectural styles while munching on the endless supply of apricots, are some of the state’s sheer pleasures. Wait, are you intrigued already? Well, needless to say, we saw that coming!

Best time to visit: April – September.

What to enjoy:

● A trip to the Sand dunes and three-humped camel ride.
● Visit the monasteries for your share of sheer bliss.
● Homestays with fresh food right from the gardens.

The abundance of nature at every step and unlimited hideaways compelling one to lose completely into the wilderness, if it’s not the place to surrender to, then, there is none other.

Uttarakhand, with its wildly beautiful hamlets and vibrantly colorful culture, is the perfect destination to fall in love with. Intricate art right at the doorsteps in the form of Aipan and Geru, and local dialects oozing the rhythms of folk music adorns Uttarakhand’s share of rural travel in India.

If you are wondering what all the activities you can enjoy in its limitless boundaries, then trust us, the sky’s the limit here (we mean literally!). Come learn some basics of life science and enjoy life in a high altitude terrain.

If it’s still not enough to get you going, then, cozy stays in mud/stone houses, beautiful treks and the company of the folktales under the star-studded sky will give you enough reasons to shout, “Shut up and take my money!”.

Rural tourism in Uttarakhand has a long ongoing list, with villages like Jeolikot, Sankri, Khirsu, Kuflon, Malari and Sitlakhet shining with their concoction of eco-tourism and rural tourism.

These beautiful locations overlooking either snow clad mountains, emerald hills or sparkling rivers are the rustic beauties that are much capable of winning every heart.

From a village like Mana, the last inhabited village on the Indo-China border famous for its sheep wool to a trekker’s paradise like Kalap basking in the glory of pine, deodar and wild lavender forests, the bliss of Uttarakhand rural tourism has no shortage of pristine remote beauties.

Best Time to travel: May-Nov

What to enjoy:

● Learning Aipan and Gheru Designs.
● Cooking with wood on mud stoves.
● Trying authentic cuisine that’s different in both except Aloo ke Gutke and mint chutney. Yum!

Want to travel to the remotest areas of Himachal of rural travel in India? Then, let Lahaul and Spiti be your muse with little strolls through primitive oak-brown forests. It is here that the population enjoys all the perks of nature while basking to the hymns of Buddhism.

Home to the Lahaul people and Spiti Bhotias, the estate is seen showcasing a beautiful mélange of culture and religion. The co-existence of these Tibetan and Indo-Aryan descent with nature can be seen in high spirits in the villages of Khoksar, Sissu, Gondhla, Tandi, Keylong, Jispa, and Darcha.

Sangla is more culturally sound and out there. Although the inhabitants are a majority of farmers, hues of folk music and dance have a good hold over its rural mass.

A trip to this region is accorded with apple orchards, snow-clad peaks, and wooden houses. Still, the major highlight of a trip to this region remains a trip to the highest motorable villages Hikkim & Kibber.

Some of the most beautiful villages you can visit from here are Nichar, Wangtu, Karcham, Rakcham, Reckong-Peo, Puh, Kalpa and Kibber.

Best time to visit: April – September.

What to enjoy

● A visit to the highest motorable village
● Homestays at Kaza
● Scenic treks.
● Riding two-humped camels in Nubra Valley

Have you ever been so spellbound in your life that just getting off from that cloud-9 has become cumbersome? If not, then now is your chance.

Come live in the gleaming golden sands, with long mustaches and long veiled ghagras. Dance to the tunes of Kavelias and Mirasis or take long camel rides across the Thar. The Rajasthan village tour is just getting started here.

The cultural spectacle of rural Rajasthan is quite diverse and very amusing for any first-time traveler. The tribal arts and crafts, local customs and of course a different dimension of foodgasm are all wonderful.

Still, it all narrows down to the very friendly rural mass and their hospitality. Speaking of which, Rajasthan rural tourism is about its tribes too, and one such tribe that rules the region is Meena.

Meena tribe finds its roots in Chittorgarh and is famous for its unique Jewelry style Kundan Meena. So, the next time you feel like shopping bling, you know where to go.

Interested in learning a new skill? Then, meet the Bishnoi tribe of the Bishnoi village for learning a thing or two about block painting and pottery.

If this is making you crave for more, then, villages like Khuri providing unique housing experiences with stargazing and bird-watching activities will be your muse. Also, villages like Bijaipur offers cool horse rides and treks to pamper the adventure buff in you.

Best time to Visit: October- March

What to enjoy:

● Watching Kalbelia dance performances and joining forces with them.
● Ballooning over the desert on a hot air balloon.
● Tribal dance shows at the ethnic village, Chokhi dhani!
● Camel rides across the Thar.

Pivoting cultural medleys on a wide-ranging topography is the oyster of our next destination, Gujarat. You must have known this state as an A-lister in industrialization but ignoring the potential of its rural households, a bad move, Why?

Well, that’s because the state’s economy or for that matter landscape is not enough for handling the tourist rush it experiences throughout the year. It needs its villages and its culture to back it up, and they do that in high spirits making a journey here worthy of your time and money.

Rural Tourism in Gujarat acquaints you with some of the must-visit villages and towns in India. The villages in focus showcase a large range of topographies covering beaches, salt marshes, and alluviums.

One of the top names on this list is Vathua village nestled at the confluence of seven rivers. It is here that you will get familiar with the gypsy culture and festivals like Vautha Mela.

Is heritage the key to your heart? Then, the historical village Tera in Bhuj surrounded by splendid architecture will turn out to be your one true ticket to happiness. Learn the art of Bandhani here or block print your boring attires. If still, it doesn’t work for you, mirror work and Jat’s embroidery will help you develop a new skill to take back home.

Best time to visit: November-February

What to enjoy:

● Try your hand in mud crafts, or watch the artisans make some at the pottery village Khavda.
● Ring some copper bells or buy some at Nirona village.
● Learn the age-old fabric arts, including bandhani, block painting etc at Ajrakh.

The land of superstars and slums, is that all you know about Maharashtra? Then, let’s change the travel game for you and introduce you to the blessed abodes of the state that can take you by awe.

So, keep your hunger for more, alive and kicking because a stay in mud huts and a meal from rural gourmet food platter is to cross your path soonish.

To begin with, let’s start from the jewel of Maharashtra’s rural tourism, Purushwadi, an obscure village that’s lit by the light of a million fireflies.

Being an outlying village, this little paradise is all decked up in rural motifs for you to enjoy and learn some survival skills. Learn how to make fire, forage for food and built a basic shelter. Let’s sign up for some more real adventure like this and in the course ditch all your tech gadgets.

Do it with the perks of plucking mangoes right from the trees. It’s not an everyday affair, you know.

Shifting from one zion to another, let’s talk about remote beaches and palm trees which are a staple at the Gorai village of Maharashtra. The sight of this beautiful sanctuary is all about farmers working hard on lands, bullock carts taking courses and a domeless Gompa.

Art attack! Just being a little dramatic here, but the chance for you to learn the most revered art form of the region in the vicinity of Wavanda village is worth the hype.

Learn this tribal art from a local artisan that will teach you the basics and details. Make your own canvases from branches, earth, and red bricks. Furthermore, paint your emotions in ivory with a bamboo stick.

Best time to visit: October to March

What to enjoy:

● Eating juicy mangoes plucked right from the trees.
● Serving the community by participating in the activities and organized by them. No charity needed!
● Spending hours on trees and playing rural games with the children.

Meghalaya is a dream drawn in golden motifs on the rustic chapter of India. Here, the jungle trails are chained to the rhythms of tribal music with dances and culture guiding the way of living.

These Meghalaya tribes, who identify as Khashi, Garo, and Jaintia, grandstand a matrilineal system where inheritance is traced through the women of the family.

Meghalaya is famous for its natural caves as it is for its ecotourism. And it makes complete sense, all thanks to the vast stretch of forests, water bodies, and wildlife it has in its vicinity.

Boasting some of which, the Sasatgre village of the Garo hill wins hearts. Nestled at the foot of Nokrek peak, the households of this village are built in authentic Garo pattern- firm, airy and spacious.

The villagers here are still tied to their age-old customs and there will be an abundance of oranges that you can pluck right from the trees within its not-so-wide stretch.

Lalong is a small village housing a handful of families belonging to Jaintia tribes. While lapping up to the perks of high terrain-rural life here, you can also bask in many adventure activities like forest trails, spelunking, and rock climbing.

Pro in hunting and agriculture, these lodgers of the wild are known by several names some including Syntengs, Jayanti as, and Pnars.

Best Time to visit: October- June

What to enjoy:

● Visit Asia’s cleanest village Mawlynnong
● Listen to the music of gushing waterfalls at Cherrapunji
● Walk the 1000-year-old Living root bridge
● Climb bamboo watch towers for some panoramic

Green, clean and all organic, this next destination on our list is an epitome of beauty that needs no conformance or validation.

A rural trip here will take you to the dense forest where nutty trails will guide your way and crushing twigs will mark your arrival. This mountain kingdom strings a plethora of different customs, together making a heritage that’s appreciated by traveler around the globe

Your rural trip here will be tucked in lush meadows and will be bejeweled with the humble lifestyle of its people. Oh! Speaking of which, your time here will be spent in the company of Lepchas, Bhutias, and Nepalese. So, get ready for a torrent of festivals and a vivid platter of narratives, myth, and folklores that awaits.

Sikkim will bring you closer to villages like Lachung and Lachen which are capable of sweeping anyone off their feet. These suburbs have an abundance of natural charm with glacial rivers, sparkling waterfalls and lofty mountains adorning the scenery of its establishment.

Furthermore, a rural trip here will take you to Kaluk that’s much like a paradise, and where the existence Gurung Monastery and sights of Kanchenjunga can charm every inch of your being.

Best Time to visit: October- June

What to enjoy:

● Wildlife treasures of Shingba Rhododendron Sanctuary.
● Mask Festiva at Lachung and Lachen.
● Meetings with tradition village healers.
● The sight of the very beautiful Bhim Nala (waterfall).
● Day hikes to famous local pilgrimage sites.

Madhya Pradesh might have mind-boggled travelers with its extravagant forts and palaces. But behind the shimmering drapes of this estate, still exists a kingdom that’s untouched by many. Madhya Pradesh is brimming with such places that surely need more recognition.

Although traveling to these suburbs is rough and exhaustive, the destinations it adds to your travel journals have the potential to drop jaws.

Rural tourism in Madhya Pradesh introduces you to the lives of weavers that have been weaving stories for centuries now. It also makes you the taste the timeless cuisine while teaching you its tribal and Mandana art.

The locals you will come across here will surely make you never want to leave. Still, it will the madness of tribal culture that will make you want to stay.

Orchha is probably the best of rural travel in India and in Madhya Pradesh. The ways in which this rural land displays the amalgamation of history and nature is beyond anyone’s explanation.
Bhedaghat, a village on the banks of Narmada River has a unique gift from nature in the form of marble rocks. What’s so exciting about it you ask? Well, for that you need to enjoy the sight of it in the moonlight where its spectacle looks dreamlike.

Best Time to travel: June – September

What to enjoy

● Unique heritage and cultural Melange at Orchha
● Bagh Painting (block painting) workshops

Odisha village tours bring you closer to the tattooed faced tribal community, brave Bondas, bizarre rituals and many other unique traditions that will fill your heart with glee.

The atmosphere, culture, and infrastructure of the Odiya villages have a different story to it. It’s not just about the natural fresh air, green fields, village temple, pond etc. it is also about the unique customs and traditions that have made its way into the roots of this community.

Come, drench in excitement while participating in the festivals and events of the village like a real villager. Don’t worry, you will gel in perfectly because the people in Odiya villages are very friendly. In fact, they invite tourist to their home treat them like guests making them feel like a royalty or even better a deity.

This region is a mix and match of vivid topographies that helps you transition swiftly from seas to mountains and forests. It is this amazing range of terrain which takes you to villages like Puri that impresses tourist with its quaint charms.

The small shrines, traditional bazaars, and cave jaunts at sunset and sunrise here are worth a lifetime. Nuapatna is another village of traditional weaver where the unique Mahima sadhus offer the holy prayer for the sake of universal peace. Still, Odisha’s rural trip holds no good without its international star Pipli, that’s famous for its unique appliqué art.

Best Time to travel: June – September

What to enjoy:

● A walk in the fisherman and pottery villages of Puri.
● Evening drives to Khandagiri/Udayagiri for exploring natural caves.
● Visiting Jordana unique monasteries.
● Buying metal works from Dhokra.

Terraced fields, wildflowers, mighty Jungles, and a mystique ambiance, well, that’s Nagaland for you, friends. This nature’s abode that’s majorly inhabited by tribes is a fantastic rural destination to put all your bets on.

The perks of drinking rice beer out of bamboo mugs and eating snails for lunch adds up to the list of unique experiences which the state offers.

Strolling through the boulevards of the villages here you will realize that the main occupation of Naga people is irrigation.

Yet dexterity runs in their blood as each Naga woman knows how to turn ordinary metals into exquisite jewelry. They not only do this with metals but beads too. So, pamper yourself with some tribal armlets, neckbands, and bangles you all!

The rural tourism in this part of the country flamboyantly boasts the essence of its festivals, for travelers to get amazed by, yet seek comfort in.

Tsungremmong celebration at the Longsa village in Mokokchung district is now one of the permanent features of a rural trip here. The Ao tribe of Naga sets new benchmarks of festivity during the festival. It is organized for a good harvest and an even better life.

Best Time to travel: June – September

What to enjoy

● Tribal culture and bizarre food.
● Jewelry making workshops.
● Homestay in Tuophema Village.
● A trip to Intanki Wildlife Sanctuary.

With green mountains, coastal charms and the sea, this rice bowl of India has some rural tricks rolled up its sleeves. It is one of the most educated states of the country; hence the showers of literature, music, and arts here are unrivaled.

Andhra Pradesh is famous for its tribes and dolls made of muds and soft stones. You too can try your hands on making these while on a trip here.

Boasting some beautiful pieces of this art is the village of Durgi, famous for idols in soft stone. Taking pleasures of its unique art form Kalamkari, which hand paints or block print motifs on cotton fabric are another treasure of a rural trip here.

Andhra Pradesh teaches its visitor’s life lessons of what’s life without amusements and luxuries. Many of Andra’s tribes follow small businesses while others contribute to the cottage industries by making beautiful mat items and gorgeous bamboo items.

Best Time to travel: October- February

What to enjoy:

● Learn the art of Doll Making.
● Farming in the paddy fields.
● Adding colors to life with block painting and hand painting.

Stunning tropical beaches, lush green hills and a spiritual ride topped with the beauty of age-old customs, if this isn’t the cultural paradise worth visiting, we wonder what is.

Tamil Nadu- the South Indian delight, has a rural heartland that’s more captivating than any of its other hues.

The hamlets that the state flaunts are not just about the flavor food or for that matter age-old structure but about the distinctive lifestyle of the people living in the continuous array of villages.

Kadambadi is probably one of the most beautiful villages in India that has every ingredient making it a rural paradise. Adding to its charms, are the Ayurvedic massages and boat riding experiences that sprinkle a dash of luster to the rustic outlook of this village.

Thandarai village is another, that’s famous for its natural gardens, Irula tribe, and knowledge of medicinal herbs. The flavor of festivals that you’ll taste here will be one of a kind.

Kuranrangi on the Western Ghats will be your model for the spice tourism in India. Perched on the top of Kurangani Kolukkumalai, the highest tea estate in the world, this village will accord some mesmerizing eye shots that you can capture on your lenses.

Want a little association with the divine? Then, head to Devipattinam and Thirukkurungudi for your share of mythology and spiritual bliss.

Best Time to visit: November- February

What to enjoy:

● 8-century Jain rock carvings and sculptures at Kazhugumalai village.
● Architecture and historical heritage of Athala Nathar Temple at
● Wash away the sin of the present and past life at Theerthamalai.

West Bengal is famous for all the right reasons and rural tourism is one of them. The authenticity of the craftsmen and artisan in this state can be best experienced with the rural tourism of India.

How? Well, rural travel in India brings you closer to villages like Shantipur and Bolepur that resonates with the art and talent that exists here.

The village of Bolepur has its name in history for being the most mesmerizing hideaway for the literary hero of India, Tagore. Nestled amidst the Kopai River with red stoned river banks, the village and its tribal culture is no less than a dream for an avid traveler.

The festivity that rests in every inch of this estate and different fairs the people of the village organize makes this rustic destination as a serene getaway. Speaking of festivals, Poush Mela and Basanta Utsav are two major events of this suburb which flaunts activities such songs of the spirits and color play.

Shantipur, on the other hand, is famous for its traditional Bengali saree called Tant. But, that’s not the most amusing things the village tour offers in this state.

Rather, it is the tribal dance form that grips every spectator with its splendid costumes and role plays of mythology.

Best Time to visit: October – March

What to enjoy:

● The finger licking food.
● A boat ride on River Ichamati, in Taki.
● The tea gardens of Samsing.
● A meet with the wildlife at Duarsini

Next up on our Rural Tourism in India list is a state that’s gifted with nature’s bounty. With ponds, paddy field, banana plantations, this destination never fails to bedazzle its visitor with what all is in its treasure chest. Karnataka’s rural tourism pivots around two such villages Anegundi and Banavasi.

These villages have many stories to narrate to its visitors. Why? That’s because they were mini-kingdoms in the past. So, historically this place is sheer gold for any history buff. Furthermore, the jewels of its habitat have been highly talked about, and what’s now left is its culture, which too is rich.

Best Time to visit: October – April

What to enjoy:

● A serene walk on Gokarna beach.
● A shower in Jog Falls.
● A meet with the Bengal Tiger.

Kerala, the showstopper of our list and rural tourism, in general, has bedazzled the entire world with its Yoga and Ayurveda. Little do people know, the state is the flagbearer (that too leading one) of the rural tourism in India.

It has paved a way for all the other states to put their rural treasures out for display.
Kerala, in particular, has a very tranquil rural aura to offer its visitors, which is quite chilled and laid back. Calm backwaters, untouched hamlets and no chaos of the city is basically what you will sign up for on a rural trip here.

That’s pretty much the reason why huge numbers of travelers are making their way to these suburbs.

The scenarios of Kerala are filled with amusing visions. Be it the dawn scenes of fishermen returning home or that of its one-of-its-kind paddy cultivation style called Koottu-Mundakan. Still, it’s always and always the rich rural platter including items like Prawn Mappas, Appam with stew and Kerala Thalassery Chicken, that takes away all the appreciation.

A rural trip in Kerala puts in spotlight villages like Kuttanad, Cherai, Kovalam, Kumarakom, and Wayanad which are unique in their own way.

Where on hand Wayanad is famous for its tribes that are far from the tentacles of urbanization on the other Kovalam is set on a different tone. It is solely experiencing a gush of tourist for its activities like coir manufacturing, coconut leaf weaving and fish farming.

Best Time to visit: March-August

What to enjoy:

● Backwater boat rides
● Ayurveda
● Tea Gardens
● Watching artisan live in action.

Safety has no defined paradigms. The chances of getting mugged on the streets of a city are equal to that of getting robbed in the vicinity of a village.

But the sense of community and hospitality villages offer, cities, in general, don’t. This argument makes the rural mass more particular about their actions than the urban mass.

Although, it finally boils down to the indulgence and safety checks done by the organization with whom you are traveling. And also on the briefing and training, they have provided to the locals. So, do your researches well on the travel agency before traveling to the remote parts of the country and ask questions on the same.

No, that’s completely not the case. Rural destinations are too remotely developed. Not all villages can suddenly turn into rural retreats. It takes a lot of effort and years of training for them to achieve this tag.

So, don’t worry the cases won’t be that extreme to cause any sort of discomfort to you. Moreover, we expect little adjustments from your end as well. Still, you won’t be asked to sleep on the floor or cater to the nature call in nature itself. So, chill!

Note: If you have any query or confusion regarding the same, just confirm it with your rural travel provider. Trust us, they will provide you in hand information and solutions which will help you plan accordingly.

Food and water provided won’t be hygienic

Okay, now this is one myth that needs to shut down now, literally. Yes, it can happen that your body won’t feel at utmost ease (keeping in mind it will be a different universe for you) but hygiene will never be an issue.

Just give it a thought before you come to a conclusion. If you cannot just answer these questions in your head, where will you find deadly diseases, in cities or in villages? In Cities, right? Who is healthier, a lodger of the city or that’s of a village? Of the Village, any day, right? Then, still, why is there any room for confusion?

This myth holds no good. As we have told you before, each rural India trip is unique. You will not find similar experiences even if you pan through the villages of the same states.

Why? Then the answer is simple. The culture and living conditions vary drastically within a stretch of a few kilometers in India.

As a result, the inhabitants have developed their own ways of dealing with the situations and topography, which finally turned out as a culture.