Samode Village

Samode lies at the distance of 42 kilometer from Jaipur, in the state of Rajasthan in north India. It is located on the way to Shekhawati. This is small and beautiful village of Samode, famous for its fort and haveli. Tour to the Samode village gives you the opportunity to fell the aura of rural life and age old culture and tradition that the Indian families have been following for centuries. Samode is a perfect desert getaway. 

Best Time to visit : 
Samode has an extremely hot climate during the summers and very chilly during the winter months. The maximum temperature during the summers can reach upto 45°C while it drops down to 5°C during the winters. The best time to visit the Samode village lies in between the month of October to March. 

Important Facts : 

• The village is well renowned for the Samode Palace.
• Camel Safari is the most exciting adventure experience which the tourists on the tour to the village must not miss out.
• It is the perfect place to experience India rural life, traditional agriculture farming and cattle miking.

Famous Tourist Activities : 

Camel Ride : 
On the tour to Samode, a camel safari is something that you will remember for the life time. It is good way to explore the village and enjoy its colors and unique customs. On the way enchant with the people of Samode, who are known for their warm and affectionate nature. The guides take you through the historical lanes of Samode giving you the best insights of the forts and palaces. The tourists guide entertain you with the various stories of the royal past on the way. Camel ride in Samode is a complete learning experience about the colourful city of Rajasthan.

Dance and Music :
The visit to the Samode village cannot be completed without the musical evening of the folk dances and the music. Rajasthani bands and musicians with their unique and rare instruments provide one of the best colourful evenings one have on the tour to Rajasthan. The dancers beautifully adorn themselves with the jewelery and colorful dresses. Their dance and music is so soothing and appealing that it never fails to impress the strangers coming to visit the village. The folk music and dances arouse the deserts in all moods. 

Attraction of the Village :

Samode Palace : 
Samode Palace is one of the charming and romantic edifices in Rajasthan. Prithviraj Singhji of Amber, the 17th prince of the house of Kachhawah Rajputs, had awarded this palace to one of his twelve sons Gopal Singhji. It is complete architectural marvel. The wall of the palace are beautifully painted with the designs of birds, animals and flowers. The dining room with its strained glass windows, the durbar with its painted ceilings along with the marvelous chandeliers and intricately carved walls give the Palace the ethnic charm. It has now been converted into the heritage hotel. Well equipped with all the modern facilities, Samode Palace has 43 rooms including 15 deluxe suites, and three royal suites. 

Excursion trip from Samode Village : 
On the excursion trip from Samode tourists can make a visit to the Shekhawati, which is around two to three hours from Samode. Shekhawati is famous for its havelis with murals and exclusive wall paintings. Than you can make a visit to the city of Jaipur. Major attractions of the Jaipur includes Jaigarh Fort, Amber Fort, Choki Dhani, The City of Palace, Hawa Mahal, Jal Mahal and many more.

Chaugan Village

Village of Chaugan is located in the Mandla district of Madhya Pradesh in India. Tour to this village is exciting experience, which takes you through the fascinating forests and mountainous villages. Tucked in the most exotic location, Chaugan Village, consists of 100 households of the Baigas and Gonds, the indigenous population of India. Tourists can plan out the trip to the Chaugan village at any time of the year.

Important Facts : 

• Chaugan Village is the home to the world famous tribals - Gonds.
• The village is also popular for the Mandla Fort, situated in a loop of the Narmada River.
• Tour to the Chaugan Village can be quite educative with the deep knowledge about the magical herbs and flora and fauna.

Occupation of Chaugan Villagers : 
Chaugan Village is mainly inhabited by the by the Baigas and Gonds, who comes under the indigenous section of Madhya Pradesh. There are also some Yadav families in the villages. People of the Chaugan village are mainly dependent on the agriculture and forest produce for their livelihood. Gonds practice cultivation of crops and raise cereals in their fields. Baigas posses good information about herbal plants in the forests. While the Yadav families mainly herd cattle's in the village.

Chaugan art and craft : 

Handicraft work :
Chaugan Villagers are expert in making handicrafts items out of the fiber and bamboo. A famous plant species known as Ram Phul is used to make beautiful wood items. If you are interested in learning the art and crafts work from the villagers you can stay at their houses and learn this unique art. Wood carvings are the another major attractions of Chaugan village which can be collected as souvenir. You can also witness the process of harvesting honey in the dense forests, which can never fail to impress you.

Rural Dance of the Chaugan Village : 
On the tour to the Chaugan Village you can be a part of the indigenous dances performed by the local tribal villagers. Karma, Shaila and Dadariya are the main form of dances performed in the village. You can simply enjoy the dance and music or you may also wear the traditional costumes and participate in the dance.

Tourists interest : 

Village Exploration : 
Tourists who are interested in experiencing the tribal life, Chaugan village is a absolutely right place for them. You can converse with the indigenous people in the village and know about their lifestyle. You can also take a walk around the village enjoying its beauty. Explore the forts, palaces and tribal dynasties of the village.

Village stay : 
If you are planning to stay here for the longer time to can also hire the cottages in the village. During the day time you can venture in the fields. You may glimpse the villagers working hard in the fields. If you want you can also work with with the tribals in the farms.

Forest Safari : 
Tourists can also take the forest safari along with the forest officials. Notice the various herbal plants in the jungle, pluck the Mahua and Tendu leaves as well as collect fresh honey from the forest. The taste of pure jungle honey is really yummy.

Kanha National Park : 
Apart from all this tourists can also make a excursion trip to the famous Kanha National Park. Sambar, Gaurs, Tigers, Sloth Bear, Gray Langur, Mongoose, Hyena, Jungle Cat and Leopard are major attractions of the park.

Hodka Village

Hodka Village is located in the district of Kutch in the state of Gujarat in India. It lies at the distance of 63 km from Bhuj. The name Hodka is derived from the Gujarati word 'hodi' which means boat. The colourful attrire of the people, rich art and craft and strong cultural background of the village is what enchants the tourists most. The village is slowly becoming hot as the rural tourism destination.

Important Facts : 

• Hodka is first believed to have inhabited around 300 years ago by the Halepotra clan.
• Tourists are recommended to take the overnight camel safaris, the most famous attractions in the village.
• The village is most popular for the leather work, which you can take back home as souvenir.

Hodka Art and Craft : 

Traditional art work 
Hodka village is quite famous for its art and craft work. Every hamlet in the village have their own distinguish designs and patterns. The area is famous for its leather craft. As part of the tradition every girl in the village is taught to embroider at an age when the other children usually prefer going to the school. Slowly they learn the running stitch, making purses, skirts, cholis, quilt, covers for cattle horn, door hangings, embroidered items embellished with mirrors, shells, beads and tassels and so on.

Houses of Hodka Village :
The structure and pattern of houses in the Hodka village never fail to impress the visitors. Hodka village consists of typically mud houses. The people of Hodka village use dung and natural dyes in the earth tones to decorate their houses. All the houses are nicely decorated and finely painted. They usually construct their houses using mud which helps in keeping the interior cool.

Tourists Activities : 

Visit around the Village : 
You can make a visit around the village accompanied by the local bhomiyas or guides, who give you the proper insight of the village. You get to learn about the lifestyle of the villagers in Hodka. Witness the making of finest embroidery work and leather craft. Converse with the families of the different artisans and discuss about their livelihood. See how the ancient people used to dig out water from the well or virda known locally.

Bird Watching : 
On the excursion trip from the Hodka village head out towards the wetlands of the Chhari Dhand, where you can find the great variety of resident and migratory birds. So do not forget to carry the binoculars and video cameras along with yourself. Covering an total area of around 10 sq. km, Chhari Dhand is a home to more than 50,000 waterfowl's and 55 distinct animal species. Some of the mot endangered species recorded in the area include Dalmatian Pelican (Pelicanus crispus), Oriental Darter (Anhingia rufa), Black necked stork (Ephippiorhynchus asiaticus) and Indian Skimmer (Rynchops albicollis). Apart from bird watching, you can notice 32 species of raptors along with the large number of common cranes found in this region.

Nepura Village

The village of Nepura is located at the distance of 6 km from Rajgir in the District of Nalanda in the state of Bihar in India. Traveling to the Nepura village is an awe inspiring experience. The village is renowned for the popular Buddhists sites called Rajgir and Nalanda, which lies on the outskirts of the village. The ideal time to visit the village lies between the month of October to February. 

Important Facts : 

• The village is known for its history of Tussar Silk weaving.
• It is the same place where Lord Buddha gave his important discourses to his disciples.
• The major attraction of the place is Chath pooja, celebrated twice a year.

Nepura Art and Craft : 

Tussar Silk Weaving : 
Villagers of the Nepura are expert in weaving Tussar silk. Especially the people belonging to the Tati community are engaged in the occupation. They get this auspicious Tussar silk from the special variety of cocoons raised from the Sal and Arjun trees. Tusar silk is known for its purity and texture. It is available in all natural shades of gold, dark, honey, tawny and cream. The use of Tussar dates back to the hundred of years into traditional Indian Textile Industry. The weavers make numerous designs out of the fabric, tailored by the trained and expert womens. 

Occupation : 
Apart from weaving, people of the Nepura village are engaged in agriculture. They cultivate potato, rice, wheat and mustard in their fields. Some of the families in the villages also keep cattle to earn their livelihood.

Local Culture :

Nepura Village boosts of a rich culture, history and heritage displaying some of the most inspiring Buddhists monuments of the world. Weather one is on a spiritual trip or looking for something different, Nepura village has something to offer to every single traveler.

Cuisine :
Savor the tantalizing cuisine of Nepua on your travel to the state of Bihar. As in most other parts of Bihar, people of Nepura village prefer eating vegetarian food. Rice, pulses and various vegetables are the staple food of this region. The people here love to eat, cook and feed. 

Fairs and Festivals : 
Chhath pooja is the most important festival celebrated in Bihar. It is celebrated with great fervor and every individual take part in this huge festival. The festival is celebrated in the month of October and March every year. Pilgrims not only from Bihar but from all over the world gather all together on the banks of the Ganga river and worship the Sun God – Surya. Preparations for this festival starts before one month. Womens decorate their houses, fast for two days and offer fruits and flowers to the Sun God. Locally the festival is known as Surya Shashti.

Malmas Fair : 
On your tour to the Nepura village you can also be a part of the Malmas festival celebrated at Rajgir, every forth year. Legends say that during this event all the Gods and Goddess of the Hindu pantheon gather at Rajgir and thus visit to this place is considered as extremely precious among the devotees. 

Excursion from Nepura Village : 

Rajgir : 
On the excursion trip from the Nepura Village tourists can plan out the trip to the famous Buddhist pilgrimage center, Rajgir. It was once the capital of powerful Magdhan Kingdom ruled by the King Bimbisara. While in Rajgir you can visit the famous Japanese temple Nipponzan Myohoji. Hot springs around the Hindu and Jain temples at Rajgir are worth seeing. 

Nalanda University : 
Tourists can also make a visit to the famous Nalanda University, founded in the 5th century AD. Nalanda is the oldest university in India. It was the largest learning center that the world has ever known. It played the central role in the development of Buddhism.

Jyotisar Village

Jyotisar village lies at the distance of 12 kilometer from the city of Kurukshetra on the Pehowa road. It is located the distance of about 8 km west of Brahma Sarovara. It is one of the holy places of Kurukshetra. The word Jyotisar is combined of two words 'Jyoti' means light and 'sar' means tank.

Important Facts : 

• Jyotisar is the birth place of the holy book of the Hindus called Bhagwad Gita.
• Legends say it is the same place where Lord Krishna had delivered the message of Gita to Arjun the hero of the Great Indian epic Mahabharata.
• Tourists from all around the world make a visit to this village, especially during the solar and lunar eclipses, when pilgrims take the holy dip.

Jyotisar as a tourism Destination : 
Ministry of Tourism is slowly working out to make Jyotisar into a developed tourism center. Certain provisions are made to provide training to the local artisans and workers. Tourists who are interested in learning craftsmanship will also be provided the home stay facility in the village. They are also planning to establish the shopping complex in the village.

Art and Craft :

Dari Making : Local villagers are expert in making colourful dari's, which they have been practicing from generations. Apart from that they are also engaged in traditional poetry, wood carving, and folk painting .

Famous Attractions of Jyotisar Village : 

Temples and Museums : 
The main attraction of the Jyotisar village is is the marble image of the Lord Krishna and Arjuna. The image depicts the scene from the Mahabharata war in which Lord Krishna explains to Arjuna, the doctrine of Karma through Gita Updesh. A banyan tree, which is believed to be an off-shoot of the original tree under which Krishna gave his sermon gives shade to this area. Tourists can also make a visit to the small temples, bathing ghats and fine water bodies in the area. The old Shiva temple is quite popular in the area. Moreover you can make a visit to the Shri Krishna Museum depicting the life of Krishna and Mahabharata episodes. It is a cylindrical structure. It has a 34ft high depiction of the Mahabharata battlefield. The battle of Mahabharata comes alive with special acoustic effects.

Light and Sound Show : 
On the tour to Jyotisar, tourists can be part of the entertaining light and sound show every evening. The main attraction of the show is message of Lord Krishna and his philosophy of life. Local people are seen performing on the Mahabharata scenes.

Shopping : 
While in Jyotisar you can shop for the handicrafts work made by the villagers of that region. The most famous items you can look for in the market includes carpets, soft toys, shoes and pottery.

Lachen Village

The village of Lachen lies at the distance of 126 kilometer from Gangtok. It is located at the height of 9920 feet. The numerous hot springs, pristine lakes and exciting trekking routes is what makes this destination truly appreciable. The best time to visit Lachen lies between the month of March to early July and from October to mid December. 

Important Facts : 

• World's third highest mountain, the Kangchendzonga, is the main attraction of the Lachen village.
• Legends say that Lachen was first placed on the chest of of the Goddess Dhomai Rhee who in turn start feeding the villagers with perennial source of water
• If you want to see the making of yak and sheep wool Lachen village is the best place to be in.

Village Overview : 

Lachen Village Pattern : 
Lachen village comprises of total 150 houses. They were inhabited by their owners in the winter months, who use to spend their summers on the alpine pastures along the Tibet border. 

Occupation of the Lachen Villagers : 
People in Lachen village are mostly sheep and Yak herders. Some of them have been converted into agriculturists yielding potatoes, vegetables and coarse millets. Womens weave carpets from yak/sheep wool. 

Famous Tourists Attraction : 

Lachen Monastery : 
On your tour to the Lachen village, do not forget to visit the most exotic attraction of the Lachen -the Lachen Monastery. The Lachen Monastery was built in the year 1844 that belongs to the Nyingmapa order. Tourists can venture into the apple orchards and vast fields. 

Art and Craft : 

Cuisine : 
Food of the Lachen people is mostly rice and pork. Rice and Potato is the staple diet and is eaten in various forms throughout the year. They eat huge variety of noodles, local bread, corns and momos. Authentic Lachen dishes are simple yet delicious. 

Fairs and Festivals : 
Losoong is the major festival celebrated in Lachen. Lo means year and Soong means celebrate. The Bhutia festival marks the end of the harvest season and also the end of the Tibetan Year. The main attractions of the festival are religious dances (chaams) in the monasteries of Tsug Lakhang, Phodongand Rumtek. Villagers adorn themselves with the traditional dresses and perform Kagyed dance. The families of the village gather all together for the grand feast. It is celebrated in the month of December every year. Yak race and archery competition are the main highlights of the year.

Aranmula Village

Discover the age old culture and tradition of India, on the tour to the Aranmula Village. Located in the state of Kerala in India, Aranmula, is a small fascinating village with all the characteristics of the rural India. It is closely situated near to the Changannur, on the left bank of the river Pampa. Whose soever you are a leisure traveler, a scholar, a professional or simply a tourist the village of Aranmula will never fail to disappoint you.

Important facts : 

• Aranmula is considered as the birth place of Lord Ayyapan.
• It has been declared as the heritage village of India by the India natioanl trust for Art and Cultural Heritage (INTACH).
• The village is world famous for its metal mirrors called 'Aranmula Kannady'.
• It is the venue for the renowned Snake Boat Race.

Aranmula Art and Craft :

Aranmula Metal Mirrors of Kerala : 
Aranmula is also quite famous for its metal mirrors with no refraction. They are made of a kind of bell metal and are popularly known as the 'Aranmula Kannadi Kannadi', which means mirror in Malayalam. The specialty about these metal is that they are not found anywhere else in the world. This unique art is made by the craftsmen in the village and is held secret passed on from one generation to the other. It is impossible to make an duplicate item of the Aranmula Kannadi. It is one of the eight auspicious items like the Astamagalaya set, which is usually used for the functions like marriage. The British Museum in London houses the eighteen inch tall Aranmula Metal Mirror.

Dance and Music :
If you want to enjoy the true colours of the rural life of Keala, be a part the extremely popular Kathakali dance performed by the local villagers. The villagers wear the heavy make up and costume to perform this dance. The dance depict scenees from the famous Hindu epics Ramanayana and Mahabharata.

Important Tourists Attractions : 

Aranmula Boat Race : 
Celebrated on the last day of the Onam festival, Aranmula Boat Race is one of the most popular event celebrated in Kerala. Every year the event is organized at Sri Parthasarathy temple where large of tourists gather all together to cheer up the candidates, who participate in the boat race. The back end of the boat called 'Amaram' curves upward while the front portion of the boat tapers gradually. The event of boat race continues for two days. The snake boats are about 100 feet long, that can accommodate 100 oarsmen, around 25 singers and 4 helmsmen. The boats move in pairs to the rhythm of full throated singing, resembling the unity among the people of India.

Aranmula Parthasarathy Temple : 
Aranmula is famous for its ancient temple dedicated to Lord Krishna. The temple boost of the fine murals from the 18th century. The temple dates back to the time of Mahabharata, when war between the Pandavas and Kauravas took place in the Kurukshetra battlefield. It is one of the oldest temple in south India. Pilgrims from all around the world come to pay homage at this temple especially on the occasion of the Onam festival celebrated every year in the month of August or September.

Vijnana Kalavedi at Aranmula : 
On the visit to the Aranmula village you can make a visit to the Vijnana Kalavedi, an arts training school. The credit of starting the Vijnana Kalavedi goes to Ms. Louba Schild in 1968. The institute imparts training in the traditional art like Kathkali, classical dances, classical music as well as Kalaripayattu. Tourists from all around the world stay here for longer times to learn more about the art and culture of Kerala.

Ballavpur Danga Village

Ballavpur Danga Village is located in the state of West Bengal in East India. The village is quite simple and mainly comprises of Santhal tribal community. The natural surrounding and unique lifestyle of the Santhal tribe is what makes this village different from others. It is the only village which has preserved rich tribal culture and age old traditions from generations. Tour to the charming village of Ballavpur Danga can be truly exciting as well as educating too. The best time to plan out the trip to the Ballavpur Danga village lies between the month of October to April.

Important Facts : 

• Ballavpur Danga is home of the India's Nobel prize winner in economics Amartya Sen.
• It is also the home to the famous Nobel laureates Rabindranath Tagore, who was a great poet, a philosopher and the great composer.
• The village is mainly inhabited by the tribal people called Santhal.

Ballavpur Danga art and Craft :

Handicraft work : The village of Ballavpur Danga is known for the handicrafts work made by the local artisans to earn their livlihood. The tribals of the village posses the rich art and craft culture. They are expert in mat weaving, broom binding, musical instruments, baskets, batik, leather work and making ornaments with date leaf, palm leaf, and bena grass. They pass this talent from generation to the other.

Santhali Dance : 
You can simply enjoy the performance or you can be apart of the vibrant Santhal Dance performed by the Santhali women, dressed up in the red bordered white saris. The artists paint themselves with the different colors in order to depict the various mythological character and dance gracefully on the beats of the traditional music using the sticks.

Ballavpur Danga Culture :

Cuisine : Fish is the staple food of the villagers. They are also fond of rice, pulses and various vegetables grown in their fields. The most famous drink in the village is called Hariya, made from the rice grain and a fruit seed called bakul.

Fairs and festivals : 
Karam is the most important festival celebrated among the tribals in the village. This festival falls in the month of September and October. On the auspicious day tribals thank their God and Goddess for every things they have and worship to have more. Another festival celebrated among the tribals in the village is called Chabbish Prahar. Villagers do not worship any idols. They follow the Sarna religion. The God and Goddess worshipped among the tribals in the village are Marangburu, Jaheraera, and Manjhi. They also pay respect to the ghosts and spirits like Kal Sing, Lakchera, Beudarang etc.

Jaydev Kenduli mela, Sriniketan Krishi mela, Chadi Das and Pous mela are some of the major fairs that held every year in the village of Ballavpur Danga. Villagers of Ballavpur Danga love dance and music. They play great music using Tirio (bamboo flute with the seven holes), Dhodro banam (which consists of belly called lac covered with an animal skin on which rests the bridge(sadam, lit, horse), an open chest( korom), a short neck (hotok)and a head( bohok), Phet banam (a fretless stringed instrument with three or four strings), Tumdak, Tamak, Junko and Singa.

Excursion trip from Ballavpur Danga : 
On the excursion trip from the Ballavpur Danga village you can plan out the tour to the Deer park, which lies at the distance of 2 km from the village. Than y7ou can visit Jaydeb Kenduli, which houses an old temple. Than you can pay a vist to the Vishwa Bharti University, located at the distance of 3 km.

Banawasi Village

Banawasi Village lies in the district of Uttar Kannada in the state of Karnataka in India. Located deep in the forests of Western Ghats, this beautiful pristine village is a is becoming a hot tourists destination. Tour to this village will definitely transport you to the good old days of the rural India. The region not only presents the rustic rural beauty, but also offers an enriching cultural experience. The best time to plan out the trip to the Banawasi village lies between the month of September to March.

Important Facts : 

• Banawasi Villlage has remained the ancient capital of the Kadamba Kings.
• The Madhukeshwara Temple in the village is the most popular tourists attractions, built by the legendary Hindu architect Jakanacharya.
• The village is the venue to the most famous festival called Kadambotsava, organized by the Karnataka Government in the month of December every year.

History : 
Banawasi was one the capital of the Kadamba Kings who established the first Kannada Empire in c.e 345AD. It is the same place where Pampa, the poet of Kannada, wrote his epic poems. It was also the ancient place of learning where scholars from other states used to came and settle down here.

Occupation of the Banawasi Villagers :
Most of the Banawasi villagers are the artisans who have learn this unique art from generation to generation. They are expert in making sandalwood carvings, baskets, pottery, black smithy, shoe mending, rangoli, basinga making and many more. On the tour to the Banawasi village do not forget to purchase the famous yakshagana mask. Most of the villagers have now also turned into the agriculturist. Some of the famous crops grown in this area includes rice, sugarcane, arecanut, and various spices.

Famous Tourists Attractions : 

Madhukeshwara Temple :
Built around 1500 years ago, Madhukeshwara temple is the major attraction of Banawasi. It is around this the village has grown. The temple provides the earliest evidence of the architectural splendor of the ancient times of the Kadamba dynasty. It is dedicated to the Lord Shiva.

Gudavi Bird Sanctuary :
It you are a bird lover, than Banawasi village, is the right place to be at. You can make a visit to Gudavi Bird Sanctuary, located at the distance of 12 km from the village. You can carry the pair of binoculars to engage yourself in bird watching and taking pictures of its scenic beauty.

Festivals of Banawasi Village : 

Car Festival : 
Car festival is the biggest festival celebrated in the Indian state of Karnataka. It falls in the month of March every year. People pray to God to get peace and prosperity. It is an attraction for thousands of people outside and within the state. The merry making of the festival includes grand feast among the villagers. They adorn themselves with the new dresses, women wear heavy jewelry and men wear traditional dresses. It is one such festival in karnataka which unites the people irrespective of their caste and religion.

Mahashivratri : 
Another major festival celebrated in the Banawasi village is Mahashivratri. People from all around the world gather at Madhukeshwara temple to celebrate this grand festival. Mahashivratri fallson the sixth night of the dark Phalgun (Feburay or March) every year. It is the same night when Lord Shiva performed Tandava. People keep fast on this day and offer prayers, milk, sweets and flowers to the idol of the Lord Shiva. It is also believed that on this day Shivaji and Parvati tied knot.

Kadambotsava : Kadambotsava is a cultural festival celebrated for continuous two days in the month of December. It is feted every year by the Karnataka Government in remembrance of the Kadamba Empire. Musical bands and folk dancers all gather at Kadambotsava to celebrate this grand cultural festival.