1. Camel riding at Chhotaram Prajapat’s Homestay – Rajasthan The staff at Chhotaram Prajapat’s Homestay decided to take the cultural experience for tourists a little further and have started a camel safari in the Thar Desert.

Watching the sand dunes around you atop a majestic creature — isn’t that enough to make you feel like you’re on top of the world? Location: Salawas Village, Kumharon Ki Dhani, Near Gosala, Jodhpur, Rajasthan 342013.

2. Salt harvesting at Casa Menezes Homestay – Goa Located in the Batim village of Goa, this homestay is a quiet and tranquil break from the hustle of the rest of Panaji.

When you’re not exploring or marvelling at the 300-year-old ancestral home, here’s something to try — salt harvesting from the pans taught by the locals. Location: 304, Gaunkarvaddo, Batim, Tiswadi Ilhas Goa, PO, opposite 304 kitchen & tavern, Goa Velha, Panaji, Goa 403108.

3. Organic farming at Vembanad House – Kerala At the Vembanad House, you can learn about and try your hand at organic farming, and maybe even cook up a little something!

They have their own farm where they grow produce that is free from any chemicals and the hosts will engage you in conversation about the farming methods they use. Location: Puthankayal, Muhamma.p.o, Alappuzha, Kerala 688525.

4. Archery at Aura Kalari – Karnataka At Aura Kalari, the motto is “you’ve done everything to make a living. Now do nothing to get a life”. Pay for the silence is what they ask.

While there are many activities to enjoy during your stay here, archery sessions seem to be a favourite. You will be taught the basics of the sport along with precision, right angle, and how to aim your shot. Location: Gurukulam Road, Chikkagubbi Village, Bengaluru, Nadagowdagollahalli, Karnataka 562149.

5. Pottery at Off The Grid – Karnataka At the Off The Grid homestay, nature is infused into every aspect of the day, whether you are simply relaxing or trying out daring activities.

If you aren’t in for something arduous, try your hand at pottery. In a 1.5-hour engaging session with the potters, you will learn how to keep the clay workable, trim the clay once done, and also the alchemy of turning a lump of clay into a beautiful urn.

6. Birding at Martam Village Homestay – Sikkim If you are a nature enthusiast, consider this your paradise. The Changey Waterfall is a 5 km walk from the homestay, and on your trek to the spot, you will see a variety of birds.

For those who love birding and watching butterflies, this trek will do you good. Take along a pair of binoculars that will aid you in spotting the birds easily. Location: St. Joseph's School, Road, Gankha, Martam, Sikkim 737134.

7. Trekking at Malay Lyang – Sikkim A name that translates to ‘The Hidden Land’, this homestay offers you something that is unusual and even a little daunting. The locals say there are treasures behind every tree.

During your stay at Malay Lyang, treks are arranged to the different villages and peaks. You’ll come across Lingthem, Kusong village, Tholung, and many more such spots. Location: GGH7+F9R, Passingdang, U.Dzongu, Sikkim 737116.

8. Yoga at Shahpura Bagh – Rajasthan In the evenings, there is a village expert who teaches yoga and meditation by the pool and you will be guided with the asanas (meditation poses).

Yoga is an intricate practice that, if not done carefully, can end up causing you discomfort. But rest assured, you will have the best-guided session here. The ambience of the place elevates the mood of peace and calm. Location: Shahpura Bagh Rd, Rajasthan, Shahpura, Rajasthan 311404.

9. Wakeboarding at Vaayu Vision – Goa Since it is by the beach, this village has a ton of activities that tourists can enjoy. The waves make for great surfing.

Wakeboarding is a stand-out for tourists. Unlike surfing, wakeboarding does not involve you having to wait for the waves to come to you. Instead, your board is tied to a motorboat that goes at a high speed through the water, and the board is pulled along. Location: S.No 268/1 Junnas Vaddo, Mandrem, Mandrem, Goa 403527.

10. Cooking at The Retreat Bhimtal – Uttarakhand One of the best parts of this homestay is the food. Continental, Indian — you name it, and they can cook up a feast. They also offer gluten-free, Jain and diabetic meals for those who wish.

It seems only right that if you get to binge on these delights, you get a chance to learn how to prepare them too. Cooking classes are arranged for those who would like to go back from their trip with a few cooking skills up their sleeves. Location: Jones Estate, Bhimtal, Bhowali Range, Uttarakhand 263136.

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