Page 53 - Connect 2024-25

3. Environmental Volunteer Tourism: Volunteering for Experience,” the Kumaon region of Uttarakhand
the environment is a way to give back to the planet. It has embraced rural tourism. Visitors can take part in
might cover horticulture, planting trees or other plants, neighbourhood events, purchase handcrafted goods
bioconstruction, conservation, cleanups, recycling, from the area, and go on nature hikes in the nearby
and more. A volunteer for the environment makes a hills.
difference and raises awareness of environmental issues.
Great idea for someone who enjoys the outdoors. Contribution of Rural Tourism to India
4. Outdoor Sports Tourism: Outdoor adventure tourism 1. Economic development - Local communities benefit
occurs in non-urbanized regions including deserts, lakes, financially and have job prospects thanks to rural tourism.
rivers, mountains, and other far-off locations. Numerous For instance, the growth of eco-lodges and homestays
activities are available outdoors, including backpacking in Kerala and Sikkim supports local companies and
vacations in rural areas, multi-day mountain climbs, generates employment. Increasing visitor expenditure
rock climbing, summiting volcanoes, kayaking, rafting, on regional goods, services, and crafts supports the
and much more. rural economy.
2. Cultural Preservation - Rural tourism contributes to
Rural Tourism in India the preservation and promotion of traditional crafts and
India’s rural tourism industry is expanding and provides traditions by drawing tourists. Rajasthan’s traditional
visitors with an opportunity to witness the real rural crafts, music, and dance are preserved thanks to
life of the nation. In contrast to traditional or urban tourism, which offers a forum for the continuation and
tourism, which frequently concentrates on landmarks, expression of local culture.
monuments, and cityscapes, rural tourism immerses 3. Community Empowerment - By including the
tourists in rural people’s everyday lives and gives them local community in the tourism process, rural tourism
a chance to experience the rich cultural legacy, customs, strengthens them. Local villagers in Madhya Pradesh
and scenic beauty of rural India. have a stake in protecting their environment and culture
since they are trained as guides and participate in
Opportunities to witness Rural Tourism in India conservation initiatives.
1. Sikkim’s rural homestays - Travelers visiting Sikkim 4. Sustainable Development - Sustainable development
may get a taste of the traditional hospitality and culture and eco-friendly methods are highlighted in many
of the region by staying in rural homestays in villages like rural tourism initiatives. In Kerala, for example, using
Pelling and Lachung. In addition to enjoying Sikkimese traditional houseboats reduces environmental effects
food, tourists can stay with local families and engage in while providing visitors with an up-close look at the
activities like farming and tea plucking. This program native ecosystems.
has assisted in maintaining customs and enhancing 5. Educational Value - Experiences in rural tourism
local livelihoods. are instructive for both guests and hosts. While locals
2. Madhya Pradesh’s Chambal Safari - Situated in learn about international tourism trends and hospitality
Madhya Pradesh’s Chambal Valley, the Chambal standards, tourists learn about rural life and customs.
Safari gives visitors the chance to discover the area’s 6. Reduction in urban-rural Disparities - Tourism aids
rural beauty and distinctive wildlife, which includes the in addressing the disparity in development between
endangered gharial. In addition, the safari includes urban and rural communities by drawing attention to
excursions to nearby villages where visitors can engage and providing resources for these places. It promotes
with the locals and discover more about their customs. the development of local economies and infrastructure,
3. Kerala’s Kumarakom Village - Keralan village which leads to more equal growth.
Kumarakom is well-known for its backwater tourism.
Travelers can take a look at traditional houseboats, or Challenges and Considerations for Rural Tourism
kettuvallams, along the Vembanad Lake. In addition, the in India
hamlet provides chances to partake in regional farming 1. Infrastructure Development - To properly promote
practices and savour Keralan food. tourism, many rural communities need to make upgrades
4. Rajasthan’s Rural tourism initiatives - Camel rides to their infrastructure, including roads, sanitation, and
and desert safaris are available in Rajasthan’s desert connectivity.
villages, especially those close to Jaisalmer and Bikaner. 2. Cultural Sensitivity - To prevent exploitation and
Here, traditional Rajasthani homes are visited, folk music commercialization, it is crucial to approach rural tourism
and dance are performed, and heritage sites offering with respect for the customs and cultures of the area.
a genuine taste of desert life are stayed in. These are 3. Environmental Impact - To keep rural tourism
examples of rural tourism efforts. sustainable, it is essential to make sure that tourism
5. Uttarakhand’s Kumaon Region: Offering immersive doesn’t damage natural ecosystems or landscapes.
stays in traditional Kumaoni homes, such as the “Kumaon

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