Community tourism in India – adventures you’ll never forget
A trip to India is full of unforgettable experiences. On our walking holidays in the Himalayas, you can revel in the chaotic bustle of Delhi; follow winding stone paths against a backdrop of mighty, snow-capped peaks; watch the rising sun bathe the Himalayas in orange and pink light from a tented camp at 3,000 metres; and ride on the back of an elephant in search of tigers and other iconic wildlife in the world-famous Corbett National Park.
Choose to explore Rajasthan, and you can marvel at Jodhpur’s imposing Mehrangarh Fort and jumble of blue-painted houses; contemplate the mysterious beauty of the vast Thar Desert while riding a camel through the dunes; witness the remarkable feeding frenzy of thousands of demoiselle cranes; and admire the architectural grandeur of Jaipur, the ‘city of victory’.
Alternatively, our journey through south-west India is full of sensory delights, from the calls of tropical birds to delicately spiced curries, and from the vibrant greens of the forests to the aroma of spices wafting on the breeze – the exoticism is almost tangible.
Remarkable as all these experiences are, the most enduring memories that you are likely to come away with are those relating to the people whom you meet and the warmth of the hospitality you encounter. Thanks to our collaboration with Village Ways, pioneers in community tourism in India, our holidays offer a privileged insight into rural life. Whether you choose the Himalayan foothills, the deserts of Rajasthan or the spice hills and backwaters of the south-west, you stay in community-run accommodation and explore in the company of one of the villagers, who will act as your personal guide and interpreter. In this way, you might help a farmer harvest watermelons, watch women cook with spices, play cricket with a group of children or take chai (tea) with a family.
Combine these unique encounters with the awe-inspiring scenery, exotic flora and fauna, and captivating cities, and the result is a truly memorable adventure.
For further information about community tourism in India, call our expert reservations team on 01653 617033.