September 5, 2014

12 Reasons To Escape To Villages

I have many reasons to escape to villages. I’m absolutely fascinated by a countryside life. For a townie like me, it’s like slipping into a different world. The quiet of nature, the lushness of flora, and the rusticity of living – all of it mingled together exudes something very potent for a traveller. Besides, exploring villages is also a sustainable way to travel.

I’m fortunate to have had a plum share of village sojourns, which has made me experience travel in a much deeper way. Although I enjoy my city breaks, there’s something more meaningful about rural travel.

“You need a village, if only for the pleasure of leaving it. A village means that you are not alone, knowing that in the people, the trees, the earth, there is something that belongs to you, waiting for you when you are not there.” – Cesare Pavese

Darap village near Pelling, Sikkim

In fact, villages are the roots of Indian tradition and culture. I think it’s time to go back to roots and give travel a new meaning. We should look beyond the big cities and the over-hogged tourist destinations, and get curious about the hidden villages of India.

Reasons To Escape To Villages

You get fresh air to breathe. The ‘freshness’ in the air is worth a million dollars. I wouldn’t trade it for anything else. There is a sense of freedom when you have clean environment to breathe in. You can go for long walks, loiter around, or simply sit for hours in the midst of nature and immerse yourself into its purity.

Villages give you fresh air, which you don’t get in your cities. Right?

You get to eat organically grown food. It’s no surprise to us anymore that we eat all adulterated stuff in our cities. Thankfully, our villages are still into cultivating crops without any pesticides or chemicals. Everything they serve on your plate – milk, butter, fruits or vegetables are organically produced. So, even if you don’t plan to move to a village permanently, you can relish ‘straight from the farms’ meals for a few days.

My experience of having organic and delicious meals in Kumaon is close to my heart. It inspired me to focus on having more of locally grown fresh veggies.

There is less traffic. Perhaps one of the bargains for a city-dweller is seeing no vehicles, no honking and no traffic. Villages do not have many vehicles on the roads, which reduces both air and noise pollution. People mostly walk miles and miles for all their chores. And, you don’t get tired soon, which motivates you to walk more and explore places on impulse.

And, it helps you shed some kilos, too! I love exploring the mountains on foot.

People are warmer. Yes, country folks are friendlier and more respectful. They always have a smile on their faces. Since nobody is in a hurry, they have more time to talk to you. The best part is everybody knows everybody in a village, which makes you feel you live in a small world and life can be simple, too.

Dilaram village near Kurseong, Darjeeling

You can expect good old hospitality. People who have lived all their lives in a countryside don’t mix hospitality with business. They don’t count every penny. They extend genuine warmth, courtesy and respect to their guests, which is so precious.

I have received the warmest hospitality in the villages.

You get to witness more natural beauty. There are unhindered landscape views to enjoy. Also, there are virgin forests and verdant farmlands to explore. It’s like wherever you lay your eyes, nature beckons you for a rendezvous.

Village folks are nature lovers. They understand the value of preserving the environment and keep their surroundings beautiful.

Also read: My Slow Travel Indulgences In Bhamaria, Gujarat

Farmlands in Assam Linzey

You spend less, experience more. It’s comparatively cheaper to travel in a village than in a city. Be it food, accommodation or transport, everything is within a modest budget. Therefore, you can stay longer, explore places at a slower pace and absorb more. It’s also a great way to combat over-tourism. You don’t feel the urge to tick off places.

Villages are less crowded. It’s easier to enjoy a place if it’s peaceful and devoid of the tourist bustle. You can go anywhere with ease, because you know you won’t be pushed or elbowed. You don’t have to hog a picturesque view with a bunch of other photo enthusiasts.

You get exclusive sights and experiences in a village.

Also read: Get Mesmerized By The Monpas, Arunachal Pradesh

Huts in Darap village

You don’t need to buy tickets to be amused. The most underrated benefit of travelling in a village is that you get to see so many interesting things without spending a penny. You can simply take a walk, stop by anywhere at your own leisure and enjoy the unusual stuff that you don’t get to see in your city life.

Serendipity is your constant companion in a village.

You get to be more spontaneous with your interests. You can follow your heart. You don’t have to follow any specific itinerary. You get the freedom to explore random things at your own pace. You can choose to hike through the forests, swim in the lake or simply gaze the mountains.

Travel finds a new meaning in a village.