Tourism is one of the most profitable industries in the world. It not only increases people’s inclination towards wandering, travelling, and being adventurous; but also it has an acknowledgeable impact on society through job creation, economic growth, and infrastructural development. Let’s dive right into how cultural tourism is enriching rural development.

The synergy of culture and tourism

Travelling is almost everyone’s passion and need nowadays mainly to have a nice little break from the mundane, monotonous life. And, for tourists who are already a part of a westernized smart lifestyle; the pastoral, natural, and rural ambience is quite an unseen, untouched concept. Therefore, more and more of tourists are attracted towards the rustic charm of the rural world. Travelling through remote areas makes an individual experience the actual and authentic culture in a rural setting. In India, it is declared by the ministry of tourism that any form of outing by a customer that associates itself with rural life, art, culture and heritage at rural locations is called cultural tourism that benefits the local community economically and socially. Also, the interaction between the rural communities and the tourist enriches the whole travel experience. 

Briefly, rural tourism can be portrayed as the jubilant involvement with native arts and heritage in a natural habitat; whilst communicating with the residents and communities of the area. Taking into consideration the journey of a tourist in a rural area; they can experience the allure of farms, culture like festivals, heritage like monuments, and nature to the fullest, unlike conventional tourism that imparts knowledge about the region. Thus, cultural tourism offers a tourist a much-needed break from fast-paced, enslaved life through a one-of-a-kind vacation with the roots of a place. 

Explore Bhuj: https://indiachalk.com/blog/bhuj-exploring-the-city-beyond-hotstar-special/

Enchanting cultural experiences to attain in India

Bathe in colours and joy, ITS HOLI!

India celebrates this festival that is a lure of colours namely Holi during the month of Phalguna to celebrate the feeling of love, joy, forgiveness, and onset of spring. The festival is an auspicious and fun cultural event played by natives and foreigners. So, pack your bag with one cheapest T-shirt and drown in colours at one of the most holistic cities- Vrindavan. The fragrance of incense stick with healing chanting will be unforgettable for you. 

Aaaaaaaa!!!! There comes the water gun.

Know more about the vibrant festivals in India: https://indiachalk.com/blog/where-to-celebrate-the-most-vibrant-festivals-of-india/

Get fascinated by Varanasi

The learning and burning tour of Varanasi is successfully attracting more and more tourists. The calmness of holy men’s abode known as an ashram, the journey of visiting cremation ground, temples and ponds is one of the most decorated beliefs followed in the region that exhibits the notion that death and cremated along the banks of the river Ganges allows your soul to break the cycle of rebirth, leading to salvation. So, if you are looking for tranquillity, go to Varanasi. 

An Indian cooking session 

Indian food is a huge part of the country’s cultural identity. Taking a cooking class is a great way to immerse yourself in exotic flavours and grasp the methods used in cooking Indian cuisine. Not only will you learn how to make some popular Indian dishes, but you’ll also share the experience with new people.

Visit the land of Kamasutra temples

India is definitely full of surprises and one of the surprises that it can offer you while vacationing is the Khajuraho monuments. Nestled in the midst of Madhya Pradesh, these temples and monuments are the purest depictions of erotic scenes. 

The list does not end here, it’s just a sign for you to experience rural India. 

How cultural tourism helps communities and tourists

The residents of rural areas experience things in their favour like swift and holistic development, interaction with the outside world, skill development and job creation, improved rural economy, and enhanced quality of life. For tourists, it offers a time span to experience a different lifestyle and also to get closer to nature. Rural tourism is, thus, an emerging concept, attracting the attention of government, organisations as well as individuals. Schemes like these are not only an attractive investment but also a sustainable move towards the development of rural areas. A viable alternative to the prevalent practices detrimental to the environment, rural tourism could be one of the most advantageous among the numerous forms of tourism, benefitting the society, the residents, the visitors and the environment! 

Government’s role in promoting cultural tourism

Although, the present government aims to improve the living standards of farmers. It cannot prevent the growth of urban sprawl, nor can it exercise control over the agricultural produce in case of detrimental weather. Rural Tourism can come to the rescue of the rural economy. There is more to explore and utilize in rural tourism. Authorities must take advantage of the concept, which is a source of revenue while also being a harbinger of economic progress and social development.