Is rural tourism in india still a myth ?

In the west, and other developed countries, they call it Farm Tourism, as it largely offers a 'back to nature' experience. Rural Tourism, the nomenclature India has adopted, goes far beyond the western concept. India, it has been aptly said, lives in its villages, and that is where a visitor can get the feel of the real India. The official booklet on the subject says it succinctly. “The rural heartland of India”, it points out, “is home to an array of endowments, each distinctive, with lifestyle redolent of art, craft, culture and natural heritage. Rural tourism thus connects the visitor from the frenetic present with the traditional assets of communities whose domain lies off the beaten track. It recognizes the role of women in civil society, the primacy of human development and the preservation of heritage”. This country has more compelling reasons to aggressively promote rural tourism. One, is the immense potential for employment of rural youth, the other, is that it could check the rapid rural migration which is having an adverse effect on cities. Besides, rural tourism could not only revive pride in rural life-styles, but also help improve the quality of life in villages. And so, this segment of tourism, though new to India and well established elsewhere, fits in with the government's avowed policy of improving the lot of the rural masses.

The tourism ministry has since launched a major rural tourism project, covering the whole country, in association with UNDP (United Nations Development Fund). Some fifty villages have already been chosen, where access and basic infrastructure like accommodation, food and guides are being provided. To quote again from the official booklet, “virtually every corner of rural India possesses a craft or traditional skill, preserved and passed on by the gurus to their pupils……Patachitra painting and Gotipura dance in Raghurajpura, Ikat style weaving in Pochampally, metal mirrors and Vaastu Vidya in Aranmula, the Chanderi weave in Pranpur, embroidery in Hodka ….. the list is endless”. “For the visitor”, it adds, “rural tourism will add value through packaged programmes in art and craft, imparted by skilled local artisans. And village entertainment groups will unveil local history, and cultural, natural and oral treasures.”

Even before the tourism ministry had stirred in a big way, Haryana State, bordering Delhi, had made a pioneering effort. It came out with a colour brochure and an evocative theme. Opening with the famous quote from poet Rabindranath Tagore on his brush with nature, it asked, “When was the last time you chased chickens, roamed in the fields with pure wind on your face…found yourself jiggling up and down to the thrills of a bullock cart or a tractor ride?” “Rural tourism,” it added, “seeks to awaken the child in you …to experience the unforgettable whiff of the countryside…to plant baby seeds…enjoy the delights of organic food and experience many spontaneous joys of nature that you may never have known before.”

Initially, Haryana tourism began its foray into rural holidays in association with a dozen or so farms around Delhi. They are located in the Faridabad, Gurgaon, Rohtak and Karnal districts. To take just one example, there is the Surjivan Farm, close to the Classic Golf Resort, 50km from Delhi. Spread over fifty acres, it is based on the concept of 'back to nature', which the Haryana brochure says “includes nature living, nature food, nature care and nature farming, with a breathtaking variety of plants.” For accommodation, it has ethnic huts, a dormitory and even conference facility. There are day packages, overnight stays and group tariffs. Activities include a choice of organic farming, herbal park excursions, orchards and vegetable gardens, a village safari, cattle feeding, cow milking, camel rides and bonfires. Golf and rock climbing can also be arranged.