Rural Tourism

Villages of Rajasthan

The villages in Rajasthan have their own unique charm. You can observe the simplest form of lifestyle here. It is rather difficult to spot a village till you actually step upon it.

One in a village, holiday makers observes that the people in the villages learn to survive even in the most difficult situations of life. They follow simple living pattern that has been unchanged over the years. The people live in circular huts with thatched roofs and walls covered with plaster of clay, hay and cow dung.

Assortments of people from different communities living in the villages are divided on the basis of their profession. Gas fired stoves have not yet reached the village doors. Though electricity is available but it is an interrupted supply. So, the kerosene lamps still illuminate in the nights of the village. The government has made provisions of telephone lines even in the smallest villages. Television is a new marvel in the village homes. Villages are connected to nearby places through a network of roads.

About People of Villages

In villages Women usually cover their faces with an odhni or dupatta and wear thick, full-length skirts with innumerable pleats and a blouse with colorful designs. "Tie and dye" is a home industry and the colorful head-wear (pugdi or rumal ) of men and the gaudy dresses of women provide a wonderful contrast to the bleak environs of the state, which is bereft of trees and vegetation.

The heavy Jewellery made mainly of silver, tinkles and jingles when the women grind grain, pound spices or draw water. Villagers are friendly and helpful, but wary of strangers. Men and women never mix or talk in public except for business. Amusements for the people are in plenty but are enjoyed in segregated groups. Weddings, the births of children, and festivals are great opportunities to find women dressed in their finery, visiting village temples with pitchers on their heads. For the slightest reason they break into song.

About Hamlets or called “Dhani”

The typical village has always been difficult to spot till one is actually upon it. Its simplest hamlets, the most basic form of civilization with a way of life that has probably remained unchanged since centuries, consists of a collection of huts that are circular, and have thatched roofs. The walls are covered with a plaster of clay, cow dung, and hay, making a termite-free (antiseptic) facade that blends in with the sand of the countryside around it. Boundaries for houses and land holdings, called baras, are made of the dry branches of a nettle-like shrub, the long, sharp thorns a deterrent for straying cattle.

Village Tour in Rajasthan

The ideal way that enables a tourist to explore the rustic side of the state is a jeep safari or a short walk. Make halts while you enjoy the true taste of Rajputana village life. A tourist can also go for a camel ride.

The most interesting sights that grab the attention of tourists are the women around the community well. Dressed in colorful attires, these women present a more lively attitude of the Rajasthanis. Children either studying in an open air school or running around with complete freedom. Men will be seen discussing important topics or general issues.

These sights do not sound as attractive, however, they have a genuine innocence hidden beneath that is heartening. And, the gesture of the villagers towards their guests is extremely hospitable. Tourists can get a better insight into the life of rural Rajasthan by interacting with these people. Genuine innocence and warm hospitality of the villagers stands above any attraction seen in the city.

In the evening, sit with the 'panchayat' (older people) and listen to the tales of their struggle during the earlier days. You can even come across interesting legends related to that particular village that dates back to quite a few centuries. Experience the melody of 'sarangi' (a stringed musical instrument) slicing the silent heart of desert and beautiful village girls dancing to the rhythm of chords. At the time of dinner, splurge on a delicious array of freshly baked bread and porridge along with yoghurt curry (kadhi) and vegetables like dried beans.

Some of the prominent villages in rajasthan that are a must see include villages in the Shekhawati region and typical villages around Jaisalmer and Bikaner.

Indeed, that makes for a memorable holiday, far from what you have expected from the royal state of Rajasthan.