Vital work is being done to aid rural communities in India’s northern state of Rajasthan. As new cultural trips to the region launch, we meet the locals…
"Ommm...” Sitting cross-legged on the yoga mat, my eyes closed, all I could hear was a soundtrack of dawn birdsong. From the adjacent lake came the insistent piping of a tiny duckling calling its mother. The morning was cool, a heavy dew glittering on the grass. Then, as we finished the session with a salutation to the sun, a perfectly cued golden orb rose over the hill in front of us, casting a warm glow on our faces.
Stretched and energised, we sauntered over to breakfast. Although we were in Rajasthan in the north of India, the chef liked to showcase dishes from different regions at each meal. This morning, the iconic southern Indian dish of masala dosa was available, along with eggs, pancakes, fresh juice and more.
It was a glorious start to the day, but Araveli Cottages and Tented Camp, to give its full name, was more than just a tranquil place to stay. It was also the base for trips into India’s heartland with WE Charity, an international sustainable development charity that partners with communities to help them lift themselves out of poverty. The charity was founded by the then 12-year-old Canadian Craig Kielburger, after hearing the story of the life and death of Iqbal Masih, also 12 years old, who was murdered for speaking out against child slavery.
WE Charity works with several communities in Rajasthan and, to help finance its work as well as increase awareness, offers ‘ME to WE’ trips. These can involve either volunteering alongside the local communities on construction projects, or simply having an immersive cultural experience as part of your holiday. Whether you choose to roll your sleeves up or not, you have the opportunity to meet and interact with local people on a personal level. This is what I and four other guests had come to sample, eager to learn more about the people of Rajasthan and their everyday lives.
Back to school
هذه القصة مأخوذة من طبعة June 2017 من Wanderlust Travel Magazine.
ابدأ النسخة التجريبية المجانية من Magzter GOLD لمدة 7 أيام للوصول إلى آلاف القصص المتميزة المنسقة وأكثر من 9,000 مجلة وصحيفة.
بالفعل مشترك ? تسجيل الدخول
هذه القصة مأخوذة من طبعة June 2017 من Wanderlust Travel Magazine.
ابدأ النسخة التجريبية المجانية من Magzter GOLD لمدة 7 أيام للوصول إلى آلاف القصص المتميزة المنسقة وأكثر من 9,000 مجلة وصحيفة.
بالفعل مشترك? تسجيل الدخول
Vermont, USA
The Wanderlust team relocated to New England for part of this issue, as we explored a lush state filled with outdoor escapes, historic towns... and lashings of maple syrup
Unique North America
See a side to the USA and Canada beyond the big cities and discover incredible stories and special wildlife with our pick of the trips
The call of the Rockies
From historic ski lodges to rustic backcountry cabins and a mock-Scottish castle, we pick the stays in Canada's Rocky Mountains that make the most of their setting
A new dawn for the Garifuna community
When the Garifuna people settled in Belize, they had to carry their traditions and culture with them; now a new trail is inviting visitors to explore this heritage through local communities
On the edge of history
In south-west Colorado lies the largest archaeological preserve in the USA, a series of vast cliff dwellings whose residents 'vanished' overnight. But was the answer to their disappearance in plain sight?
Tigers burning bright
As India celebrates 50 years of its Project Tiger conservation scheme, we visit the reserves of Madhya Pradesh to see how its success has impacted a tiger population that once looked in danger of disappearing
SEASON'S GREETINGS
From fiery fall foliage to art fairs and harvest festivals, opens up a wealth of across the USA and Canada autumn experiences
Waking a sleeping GIANT
A slow drive along the North Wales Way, from the English border to Anglesey, reveals not only a land of incredible local food and castles, but a region that is slowly reimagining itself
The rebirth of old JEDDAH
As efforts to restore Al-Balad, Jeddah's historical district, take hold, we get an exclusive peek at how art and culture are taking centre stage
Star-studded escapes
Wilderness, history and wildlife combine at some of Britain's most iconic stargazing sites, as more and more travellers are looking to the heavens