Author: Amit Naseri

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The social aspect of Traveling to Ramtek !!!

  • There are lot of Custard Apple  trees deep in the forest. During the season, the kids pickup the fruits from the forest, bring them home and then the ladies collect them in the baskets. These baskets are brought to the market for sale. You will also find lot of ladies selling these fruits on the highways or at the road side shacks. The proper management of the fruit collection and then bringing them to the market shall help the ladies earn a decent amount.
  • The star gazing activity can be an added attraction in the remote forest villages. The girls and boys can be trained to handle the telescopes and share their knowledge about the celestial bodies. This can be a good source of  income generation as it shall involve a special class of guests interested.
  • As mentioned earlier, the girls and ladies can become ideal guides for the showing the village around. They can be trained to communicate, to tell the stories in an entertaining way to the guests. They can show the ancient temples and the stories associated with the village.
  • Lot of girls / ladies train themselves for the naturalist’s role and can be helpful to conduct nature trails in the forests with proper care.
  • They can be an ideal choice to conduct heritage walk in the Ramtek town which houses many temples. There are lot of idols along the slopes of the hillock of temple fort. The area around the fort temple is full of heritage sites and small temples. A combination of heritage walk and naturalist can be appreciated by the guests.
  • The folk and tribal art is yet to get its due. There are lot of artists who can display their skills of performing art at a given time. Perhaps some kind of rural festival can be organized to showcase their talent. This will give the necessary boost to the diminishing art form.
  • The pottery and the bamboo work has lot of takers. But it has not been well introduced or informed or made aware about to the outside world. The guests coming to Ramtek can be shown this art form and this shall give an additional push.
  • The most important site everyone must visit is the Govigyan Anusandhan Sanstha at Devlapar which is a reputed  ‘Desi Cow oriented’ organic farming training and research center.
  • There are lot of apple custard trees deep in the forest. During the season, the kids pickup the fruits from the forest, bring them home and then the ladies collect them in the baskets. These baskets are brought to the market for sale. You will also find lot of ladies selling these fruits on the highways or at the road side shacks. The proper management of the fruit collection and then bringing them to the market shall help the ladies earn a decent amount.
  • The star gazing activity can be an added attraction in the remote forest villages. The girls and boys can be trained to handle the telescopes and share their knowledge about the celestial bodies. This can be a good source of  income generation as it shall involve a special class of guests interested.
  • As mentioned earlier, the girls and ladies can become ideal guides for the showing the village around. They can be trained to communicate, to tell the stories in an entertaining way to the guests. They can show the ancient temples and the stories associated with the village.
  • Lot of girls / ladies train themselves for the naturalist’s role and can be helpful to conduct nature trails in the forests with proper care.
  • They can be an ideal choice to conduct heritage walk in the Ramtek town which houses many temples. There are lot of idols along the slopes of the hillock of temple fort. The area around the fort temple is full of heritage sites and small temples. A combination of heritage walk and naturalist can be appreciated by the guests.
  • The folk and tribal art is yet to get its due. There are lot of artists who can display their skills of performing art at a given time. Perhaps some kind of rural festival can be organized to showcase their talent. This will give the necessary boost to the diminishing art form.
  • The pottery and the bamboo work has lot of takers. But it has not been well introduced or informed or made aware about to the outside world. The guests coming to Ramtek can be shown this art form and this shall give an additional push.
  • The most important site everyone must visit is the Govigyan Anusandhan Sanstha at Devlapar which is a reputed  ‘Desi Cow oriented’ organic farming training and research center.

A cluster of villages covering the natural spots, farms, forest, heritage, pilgrimage can be developed…

There are lots of places…. Unseen, Unheard ……..waiting to be discovered !!!

 But as they say ……a lot would depend on the political will power of the local leaders!!!

 Praying for the best things to happen at Ramtek !!!

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Why Ramtek holds Promise ??

Kalimata's Temple, Ramtek. (An ASI Site)

Have been observing and saying this for past six months !!! There is a Shift in Priorities of Celebrating Holidays ……

Looking at the positive aspect, people would now like to visit offbeat destinations which are not crowded but full of scenic beauty. They shall rather not like to disturb others or in turn get disturbed in the post Covid19 scenario.

There is a likelihood that people will prefer rural areas for a change of taste. Especially, remote villages surrounded by forests, hillocks, nearby rivers, lakes, reservoirs or mountains will be in demand. This is a blessing in disguise as the rural economy through rural tourism may get a boost if farm tourism and nature tourism are addressed pragmatically.

Ramtek Tehsil in the Nagpur District forms an ideal ground for carrying out all these activities

Challenges

The Covid19 is still not over hence all need to follow the guidelines and SOPs formulated by the Government of India majorly social distancing, washing hands regularly and temperature checking with thermal guns.

It will become mandatory for the rural community to take lead in training themselves in first aid, hygiene, sanitation and emergency procedures of evacuation.  

We also want to take utmost care and ensure that the tourism activity does not disturb the local life of the rural community and have a negative impact.

Further….

As of now a softer form of tourism will begin where guests will come in their own vehicles, enjoy the environment, and the farm stay, take a stroll in the field, taste the rural cuisine and return with pleasant memories.

As time progresses, the demand for home stays in rural areas will rise. But, we need to be cautious as the accommodation should be such that the local people could manage it.

The supplementary sources of income for the locals…. A Sustainable way!!!

  • Both women and men in rural areas can contribute to this concept and earn a respectable supplementary income from tourism
  • They can train themselves to be a guide and can help guests during nature trails. It is often found that the people residing especially in the tribal areas are well aware of the trees, shrubs, flowers, and roots of medicinal origin
  • Bird watching is another such activity which can be done by the local community. Some of them may be well aware of them with local names. A simple training with the technical know-how on the local birds and their habitats can be helpful for them
  • There are water bodies at remote locations which attract migratory birds for breeding during the winters here. A piece of simple knowledge about such birds can again be helpful in the long run
  • A thick forest covers the major part of the tahsil. The local people can be trained as a naturalist by updating them with information on herbivores and carnivores. The forest forms an important corridor for the migration of wildlife – tigers !!!
  • These guides especially girls can be a good source for sharing information about the welfare activities being carried out by the local government
  • The numerous waterbodies have local sweet water fishes and prawns adored by many. Special cage-based fishing is done in Pench reservoir and has a high touristic value. This can be a good way to introduce the guests to the special traditional ways local fishermen rely on to catch the fish. Truly an experience in itself
  • The villages have a welcome feel here. Many of them have very old houses which can serve as a homestay for the guests provided proper sanitation is done. Some of the villages are in remote scenic locations surrounded by green hillocks and thick forests. Heritage properties or ‘Wadas’ are still existing in many villages. Some of these wadas are constructed with wood and it’s worth a visit  
  • The Ramtek tehsil is full of heritage spots. There are forts, a revered temple fort, and excavation sites where mysteries are still being unfolded and experts are spellbound about the treasure of information coming out. The area is full of stories and each excavated site brings out a new story.  Local people can be trained to be a guide to share information about the history, entertain guests with stories and in turn get a decent amount.  Nagardhan fort and Dongartal fort are the special mentioned sites which can be visited by the interested ones. Mansar excavations are already attracting heritage lovers
  • The knowledgeable farming community grows varieties of paddy. In the well-irrigated region of Ramtek, a lot of paddy varieties are grown and have a bumper yield. They can be a good source for our guests to understand how the paddy is cultivated. There are a lot of rice mills where the actual processing of the paddy can be observed
  • Depending on the availability of the water for irrigation during winters, some of the farmers also take double crops of the paddy which often gives a higher yield. This is called summer paddy as it is harvested during June
  • There are a lot of farmhouses constructed on these farms near forests which can double up as a stay for tourists. Normally there is no light pollution during the night here, hence an ideal spot for star gazing. There are many such spots where you can  enjoy star gazing. The only thing you need is a good-quality telescope. 
  • These farmhouses can also serve as an ideal Agri tourism place for the guests. Pure rustic experience is an understatement. Guests can enjoy farm-cooked food, and on-field fruit and vegetable picking. Guests can also involve themselves in the farm activity during the transplanting of paddy. You need to get down in the puddle and do the transplanting. It is observed that while transplanting the ladies sing and it’s a treat to watch.
  • The soft adventure activity also finds a place here in Ramtek. Just behind the fort temple hillock, there is a site- Cherry farms, which is an ideal place for adventure  beginners. They organise special treks up the hillock called Sindhuragiri trek or near the Khindsi lake. Once the water recedes, it forms an ideal ground for conducting parasailing. They also conduct training in rescue operations for the disaster management government bodies. They organized a para motoring tournament here some time back. Some years back Hot air ballooning activity was also conducted here. The most recently organized Full Moon Treks have been a HIT among the participants !!!
  • The boating activity has been done in the Khindsi lake and has been attracting locals from Nagpur for a day outing.
  • Ramtek town is full of heritage sites and temples. The Bhonsle period fort temple has its glorious history and the adjoining Ambala lake is a renowned place for all. The place is full of trees of medicinal value.  You can go on counting the temples on the banks of Ambala lake.
  • These temples form an ideal site for the numerous photographers who regularly visit for their assignments. A lot of Vakataka period idols are spread over the hillock many of them are in dilapidated condition
  • The guests coming for the wildlife safari can opt for staying at the nearest farm stays or home stays in the vicinity of the gate for the experience’s sake 
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Caravan Vacay: You best chance to Enjoy Outdoors !!!

How to enjoy a personalized travel? Is Caravan Travel worth It?

  1. Do you want to travel…..?!!
  2. Do you wish to visit your favourite destination….?!!
  3. Do you want to explore at your convenience…..?

But scared to stay in a hotel or a homestay……?!!Relaaaax !!!

I have a solution and it’s SAFE !!! Go for Motor Home or Caravan or an RV as they say………. and they are our future for safe travel.

This type of travel gives you an additional choice of enjoying the journey as you move on and subsequently the destination. It’s a moving home on wheels.

Once you book, You get a vehicle thoroughly sanitized and disinfected along with the mattresses, utensils, kitchenette, and barbecue arrangement…….. 

Once you leave the vehicle it’s again fumigated, sanitized and disinfected for further use ………

As I have mentioned earlier…I am not surprised !!! The demand for Caravan Vacations in India……. is on an exponential rise !! The pandemic has only necessitated it !!!

The reasons for the growing popularity of the Rental Caravan Va cay are….

  • They come with self-contained space and everything you need is available
  • The flexibility of the schedule is in your hands
  • I must say, you will enjoy it more if you do not go as planned !!!😜
  • It helps to maintain social distance….as you will always be away from the crowd
  • Only you will be using the toilet and the utensils
  • Travel at your free will….all over the country !!!
  • I shall say….this is the best way to reconnect with nature.
  • Ideal for Young couples, Honeymooners, Retired Senior Citizens, groups of friends…….
  • and last but not least …..the vehicles are pet friendly

Our state government has come up with the Agritourism and Adventure tourism policies…  

It also has come up with the Caravan tour Policy so that we have proper parking places – clean, secured, hygienic with Wifi and power backups…..to have a safe travelling experience in the future……But how things turn out is to be seen !!

To enjoy more….. travel light……..keep only those things which are necessary.

These journeys are best enjoyed when you do not go as per plan…….!!! Yes…….You read it right !!!  The unplanned and uncertain schedule adds more value …more enjoyment… 

As you tend to discover on your own…… It certainly brings out the explorer in you…… Just try it once…..the roads are waiting… You won’t be disappointed…

Get in touch with your nearest Caravan Tour Operator….

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Caravan Vacationing: Slow and Steady

'What's the big deal travelling in a Caravan?’

Continuing  from my previous article on Caravan tourism, many of you may ask above question….

For more than three months people have been held up at home. The lockdown has been released slowly – slowly in stages. Looking at the trends and demands being received by me and similarly by my travel industry friends, people want to travel at the earliest to their favorite places provided they should be secured. 

Firstly, there is no replacement for Resorts and Hotels as many of them offer luxury, comfort and security. During the pandemic everyone has been concerned about the health and hygiene of their esteemed guests.

The importance of enjoying outdoors, being in nature are the buzz words……

People are ready to go on a road trip in their Car or SUV’s. 

Still, they would need to stay in a hotel or resort. 

Right now due to the health concerns they may avoid….

for the time being of course !!!

Before this gets into an ugly debate, let me clear the point…..

The difference of staying in a hotel and a caravan is the ‘Experience’ !!!

  • You are staying in the outdoor……the more you are in the nature its more relaxing
  • You can stop at the location, a scenic place of your choice…that’s freedom and flexibility
  • The caravan is equipped with the cooking utensils, gas/stove and groceries……any thing self cooked is more hygienic
  • The Caravans or the RV’s as they are popularly called are equipped with music system, radios, LCD TV, have bathrooms with WC, wash basin and shower
  • The vehicles are also equipped with camping gears, chairs, hammocks
  • There are companies providing caravans on rent. Normally, the services include driver and a helper. Hiring a caravan is affordable and cheap
  • During these Covid times you can get fully sanitized caravans
  • The  companies providing caravans on rent have places already marked for parking and its secure. The cost of the parking is actually less than staying at the hotel or resort
  • The caravan becomes your mini-home away from home !!!

It gives you and your family more time for bonding….

More memories…

as you cook together, stay together, and enjoy the scenic beauty around.

We are blessed with numerous places in the central region – natural, heritage, rural, wildlife and pilgrimage. 

We also have hill stations where families can enjoy !!

Depending on the need of a client, that can be customized.

A circuit of agritourism centres specializing in crops, floriculture, poultry, and medicinal plants can be another option. I shall be introducing you to some of the GEMs……keep reading !!

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Caravan Vehicles: For an Enjoyable Travel Experience !!!

The ongoing pandemic has sprung up something unusual……the demand for Camper Vehicles !!!

During the past several months, there has been a heavy dose of government advertising – the need for face masks, use of sanitizers, following social distancing norms, and what not on television, radio, newspapers, social media, etc.Normally, people who would ignore such messages about cleanliness and hygiene pre-pandemic have suddenly become conscious. It may seem that they were just waiting for Covid19 to happen !!!

Jokes apart, the point is…..

The Guests…

  • Do want to travel…..
  • Feel relaxed at a  tourist destination…..
  • Enjoy outdoors at free will….
  • Go for a nature trail or a hike …….
  • Have healthy and tasty food…….
  • Wish that the  accommodation should be clean and sanitized…….
  • They would not wish to get infected or in turn should not infect the people at the destination….
  • Want an out and out Hassle-free travel experience !!

The guests have severe trust issues with cleanliness and hygiene is taken care of the hotels or resorts at the destination.

Many hotels and resorts have accepted this challenge and have been coming up with innovative ways of luring the guests.

But, I am here to address this issue ……..with a  delightful solution…..

What if the guests who want to travel have all the facilities given onboard??

To put it in simple words, the travel vehicle itself shall have all the facilities of staying, cooking, onboard bathroom and toilet facility, relaxing, and most important, the feeling of being secured and taken care  ……we call this as Motor homes or Caravan Vehicles or Recreation Vehicles (RV) !!

It’s a practical solution for those longing to travel !!!

There are many service providers of Camper Vehicles or RV’s  across India and I am not surprised as they are gaining importance and why not??

It addresses the basic need of a traveling family with fully sanitized vehicles….in a secured way !!!

Once you have booked the Caravan you can enjoy nature as and when you feel, go on easy pace, cook your food, take rest when you wish……. 

For me, family becomes priority during such travel.Those interested to go with family should get in touch on below cell no  …….

Follow this series !!!