Village Ways with Explore Routes

To say that 2020 was a year we all would like to forget would be an understatement. But the eternal optimists we are, there is also a lot that 2020 taught us. One of which was gratitude towards what we have. For the clear skies, clean air, and of course once the lockdowns were lifted, the ability to explore our beautiful country like never before. Aren’t you glad for the sights of snowcapped mountains in Uttarakhand or Himachal as against those European trips you’d otherwise make?

Being explorers at heart, we at Explore Routes are passionate about experiences. And what better way to discover those that also bring you closer to the community. Here we bring you an initiative in community tourism in Uttarakhand.

Village Ways is one such social enterprise based in the hill state of Uttarakhand in the Himalayan region, lies the Binsar Wildlife Sanctuary – this is where they started their work in 2004. With the specific aim to promote rural livelihoods through community tourism. And with the belief that the business of tourism strongly benefits from being driven by entrepreneurial involvement. At all levels, from the community outwards.

With a mission to sustain village life in remote, beautiful, and often vulnerable regions around the world, Village Ways is creating viable Village Tourism Enterprises. They are helping these communities survive and then thrive, while creating meaningful, and enjoyable travel experiences. For guests from all over the world. For them to experience the warm hospitality of these communities in a responsible way.

The benefits of this ‘gentle’ kind of community tourism in Uttarakhand go far beyond the financials. When children and young people in the villages learn to value what lies around them – their culture and environment, valued by guests. It become more precious to them, too.

What to expect on a holiday with Village Ways:

Off beat destinations

Beautiful stays in off beaten rural locations

The holidays offer one of most beautiful stays in off beaten rural locations, and therefore these are very unique experiences where you are hosted by the local communities. You get a very close glimpse of local life in the rural areas, and also an opportunity to participate in the day-to-day activities of the village communities, and interact with people.

Experience authentic local hospitality

Contact with the local people is an integral part of these holidays. You will stay in the purpose built guest-house, and during their stay in each community, different families take turns in hosting their stay. Different holidays might feature – local cooking, work in the fields, daily village routine, cultural and religious customs, the fauna and flora of the hills. Local school visits are arranged, and throughout their stay guests are accompanied by guides and porters from the communities. Villagers prepare the food for guests in the guest-houses, which are equipped with traditional style kitchens. Guests are encouraged to watch the preparation and cooking of the food. They serve the food to the guests and are taught basic vocabulary to explain what is being served.

So if you are seeking a connect with the roots, with genuine, warm hospitality and honest experiences – give this a shot.

We vouch that you will be glad that you took that trip! As we say at Explore Routes – This is raw, but in the lap of luxury!