Indian Immersion

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…

- Lyn Hughes

"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.

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