Page 62 - Connect 2024-25

stay with local families, share meals, and participate in is done, and how renewable energy powers these small,
daily activities. In the highlands of Sikkim, for example, self-sufficient communities. As you experience this way
you can stay with the Lepcha or Bhutia tribes, learning of life, you’ll begin to see how these practices can be
about their farming practices, their weaving traditions, applied in your own life, wherever you call home.
and their spiritual beliefs.
These experiences are more than just a break from the Finding the True Essence of India
ordinary—they’re a bridge between worlds. For the local In a world that’s increasingly driven by speed and
communities, tourism provides much-needed income convenience, rural tourism invites us to slow down, take
and helps preserve their way of life. For travellers, it’s a breath, and truly experience the essence of India. It’s
an opportunity to slow down, connect with people on an invitation to explore not just the famous landmarks
a deeper level, and gain a new perspective on what it and bustling cities, but the quiet, hidden corners where
means to live a fulfilled life. the heart of the country beats strongest. So, the next
time you’re planning a journey through India, consider
Sustainability in Action: Eco-Villages Leading the stepping off the beaten path. You might just find that the
Way true essence of India isn’t in its crowded streets or grand
In an age where sustainability is more than just a monuments but in the simple, everyday moments of life
buzzword, rural tourism offers a model for how we can in its villages.
travel more responsibly. India’s eco-villages are leading
the way, showing how tourism can benefit both people Challenges and Opportunities: Looking Forward
and the planet. Mawlynnong in Meghalaya, known as Of course, rural tourism in India isn’t without its
Asia’s cleanest village, is a shining example. Here, the challenges. Infrastructure in many villages is still
community has embraced eco-tourism, ensuring that developing, and there’s a need for more awareness and
their pristine environment is preserved even as they support for these destinations. But the opportunities are
welcome travellers from around the world. immense. Rural tourism has the potential to transform
Visiting an eco-village isn’t just about escaping the India’s tourism landscape, offering unique experiences
chaos of city life—it’s a lesson in living sustainably. that go beyond the typical tourist trail. It provides
You’ll see how waste is managed, how organic farming economic benefits to rural communities, helping to
reduce migration to cities and preserve cultural heritage.

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