Grassroutes

Grassroutes aims to help rural communities find livelihood and sustenance by promoting eco-tourism in the villages. It arranges for experiential stays Read more in villages not very far from metro cities. The villagers are part of operating the tours and are involved in each step of interaction with the tourists managing their stay, food and rural experiences. It intends to create responsibility in the society by bringing rural and urban populations close to each other and also help the villagers earn an income and sustenance through the venture. It offers curated trips to the villages of Purushwadi, Dehene, Walvanda, Bajarwadi, Srikalahasti, Venkatagiri and Madhavamala which feature fishing, fitness sessions, visits to village schools, participation in rural games, off grid living and local art workshops. Trips are also conducted based on seasonal activity like Diwali, Rice growing, Cattle fairs and the season when fireflies are found in abundance. The villagers are helped through opportunities of employment, an increased income, reduction of migration to cities, encouraged to protect the environment, restart creation of lost handicrafts and also an opportunity to meet the urban community. It has received the National Tourism Award for the Best Rural Tourism Project, 2017, is active in four states, providing livelihoods to 500 families in 15 villages and received the silver honour at Indian Responsible Tourism Award, 2016,