Cultural and rural tour of North East India

Description of Cultural and rural tour of North East India

Have you ever seen a bridge that was alive before? Living root bridges – made from the intertwined roots of rubber trees – are common in Meghalaya state in Norther East India. And bridging the gaps between interesting cultures is common in this fascinating tour.

This tailor made tour can be changed to suit you, but why not start in Kolkata – touring the city by its history, its cuisine, its artisan markets or its temples? As you’ll be travelling without a group, you have the freedom to choose what most interests you about Bengali culture in West Bengal.

Next you’ll move to Meghalaya, getting to know the state first by the markets of its capital, Shillong, and then by its nature: the East Khasi Hills and the sacred forests of Cherrapunjee, spanned by living root bridges and full of walking trails, waterfalls and caves.

This trip is fantastic for immersing you in a different culture to your own, thanks to its careful use of community based tourism. Many tribes in the state of Meghalaya operate in a very rare matrilineal society, meaning that women have a dominant role, inherit the property, and pass down their names.

There are plenty of opportunities for hands-on experiences, whether you want to learn to weave, or participate in agricultural activities on the small farms, or shop for food in the markets – but there’s also time spent simply meeting people and speaking to them about their lives.

On your route you’ll be staying with families in homestays. Living with a family, you’ll get to know the rhythms of day-to-day life. The families rotate their hosting duties, so that the profit, and the effort, is shared. Ten percent of your trip fee goes direct to the community.

Departure information