How about stepping off the traditional tourist trail and sampling a little of the real India, as lived by Indians in their homes and going about their daily lives? This tour can be tailor made to fit in with which cities you would like to visit or as add-ons to the advertised tours.
Lunch – feast on a traditional Rajasthani meal in the home of an Indian family. Families in India tend to live in multi-generational households, taking care of their elderly and young within this support network. You will be hosted by an Indian family who will warmly welcome to in to their home to eat with them and look around their house, including the home shrine or Ghar Mandir, so important to Hindus as an intrinsic part of their faith. You may even be invited to help prepare some of the food!
Chai making workshop – you will have a lesson in making the traditional drink of India: masala chai. Recipes vary from region to region, home to home and even person to person and you will be taught to make this spiced, milky tea by the experts themselves – householders who start their days with this infamous drink. As they say: “One sip of chai and all is right in the world!”
Visit to a Hindu Temple – Faith permeates every aspect of Indian life. Almost 80% of the population is Hindu and religion is evident everywhere – the sacred cows that roam the streets, the traditional Namaste welcome (the literal meaning being: ‘I bow to you!’), the clothing, the traditions and rituals. Visit a typical Hindu temple (visitors from all faiths are always warmly welcomed) with an Indian guide and learn a little more about this ancient and fascinating religion. Whatever your religious persuasion (or not), few will fail to be moved by the absolute faith and devotion on display.
A School Visit – Visit a local government school and see how Indian children learn. Again, a warm welcome awaits you and you will be touched by the smiles you will receive in abundance, whilst finding out more about the educational system in this vast country. The staff will be delighted to explain how they teach, especially in mixed age groups. What a privilege to see a school in action!
Village Tour – See how people in more rural areas live and get the grand tour of a ‘typical’ village. Visit homes and talk to the local people (your guide will help with translating if necessary) and experience the warmth and kindness of Indian people, proudly showing you their homes and surroundings.
