Vacations have always meant going to sunny beaches or camping up in the hilly mountains for people across the country. However, in recent times, this trend has begun to change. People are ditching luxurious hotels and the fun adventure sports in the lure of something called "farm stays". Farm stays are rising in popularity and a lot of Indians are opting to spend their holidays going green rather than basking in the lap of luxury.
What Are Farm stays?
Farm stays are accommodations made for guests on a working farm. The concept of farm stays is not new, but it has gained popularity in recent times. Farms allow tourists and travellers to stay in huts, cottages or barns and take part in farm life. Some farm stays are interactive; as they allow travellers to milk cows, partake in the process of growing crop and take an active part in other farm-related activities. Others are not as interactive - they aim at providing the peaceful respite and serenity that comes with a farm.
So why are Indians opting for farm stays lately? The reasons are aplenty and here are six of them:
Budget-Friendly
Vacations are expensive. Most middle-class Indian families have a hard time budgeting for the purpose of travelling. As a result, their trips are often limited to the same beaches and hill stations rather than trying something new. Farm stay not only allows for a brand new experience but also is a cost-friendly option. They offer an economical weekend getaway. Jaykrishan Shinde, who started the Shinde Wadi farm stay almost 25 years ago, told Deccan Chronicle, "we are less about the money and more about establishing a human-nature connection."
The concept of farm stays is not new, but it has gained popularity in recent times. Farms allow tourists and travellers to stay in huts, cottages or barns and take part in farm life.
Going Back To One's Roots
India is such a diverse country that most Indians who live in metropolitan cities are as unaware about Indian farm life as foreigners. However, options like farm stays allow the modern, urban Indian to get in touch with his or her roots. Chances are, our own ancestors were engaged in agricultural ventures. Visiting a farm and observing how it works is a humbling experience and helps us understand our own past.
Understanding Where Our Food Comes From
Food is something that we often take for granted. However, for food to reach our plates everyday, millions of people are working on farms. Staying at a farm gives one direct insight into where our food comes from, and the work that goes into providing it. Interactive farm stays that let travellers learn how to grow crops or milk animals are a beautiful, humbling way of appreciating the people who work so hard for us.
READ ALSO: My Journey From A High School Teacher To An Organic Farmer
Peaceful And Serene
Farm stays are one of the most peaceful vacation options. Luxurious and expensive hotels often have a lot of people around, several activities and so much more. If you want a vacation that is quiet, calm and provides you that much-needed respite from busy city life, then a farm stay is what you should go for. The animal sounds, the gushing of water and the cool breeze will be the only things around you, making the experience one of total calm.
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Eco-tourism as well as agro-tourism are gaining a lot of popularity in recent days. People are becoming more and more conscious of sustainability. They want to abandon synthetic products and go organic.
Simplicity
What draws people to farm stays is the simple living they get to experience. Farm stays give you an insight into how people live without the things we've gotten addicted to. Experiencing farm life makes you grateful for the blessings you've been given, as well as teaches you to live more simply, without endless material possessions. It acts as a sort of digital detox as well.
Agro-Tourism
Eco-tourism, as well as agro-tourism, are gaining a lot of popularity in recent days. People are becoming more and more conscious of sustainability. They want to abandon synthetic products and go organic. As a result, staying on a farm and growing your own produce has an unbeatable appeal, especially to millennials. Vinod Saharia, owner of Sahariya Organic Farmstay in Rajasthan, told Deccan Chronicle, " From sowing the seeds, tilling the land, watering the plants to cooking your own meals on natural gas or chulha, guests can be a part of the organic movement too".
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READ ALSO: TravelHer: Travelling Is Much More Than Seeing New Places
Image Credit: Farm2Kitchen
Prapti is an intern at SheThePeople.TV.