Get to know India better: The art of slow travel and why it matters

In today’s fast-paced world, where ticking boxes on a travel checklist has become the norm, the art of truly experiencing a destination often gets lost. Welcome to the concept of slow travel—a mindful approach to exploring places, cultures, and people. And if there’s one country where slow travel becomes not just a choice but an experience of a lifetime, it’s India.

This is not your typical “10 places to visit” guide. Instead, it’s an invitation to dive deeper, step off the tourist trail, and truly get to know India in a way that will leave you changed forever.

So, why is slow travel the best kind of travel?

India is more than a country; it’s a living mosaic of cultures, languages, cuisines, and landscapes. Trying to experience it all in a week or two is like attempting to read an epic novel in one sitting. To put it simply, impossible. Slow travel allows you to savor the nuances, soak in the vibrancy, and truly connect with its people and traditions.

The joy of doing less

Forget the idea of visiting 15 cities in 10 days. Instead, pick one region, one city, or even one village, and stay put. We often tell ourselves (and others) that we’re going on holiday to relax and spend quality time with family or close friends. But do we actually do that? Highly doubtful. Unless you intentionally book a holiday in a place with no network coverage—or accidentally end up in a destination that forces you to go off the grid—chances are, you’ll either be on your phone checking what’s happening in the world or answering emails. That’s not quite what you told everyone you’d be doing on your holiday, is it?

What happened to not doing the usual, and just relaxing? We say, don’t even have an itinerary. Take a day or two for yourself, relax, eat good food, enjoy the hotel or resort you are staying at, read a book, and sleep. Yes, no matter what the world says, it’s perfectly fine to go on a holiday and sleep peacefully.

When you are finally relaxed, meet the locals, strike up a conversation with the hotel staff, ask them what’s most popular in the area. You will be surprised by the treasure of information you will come across. And since these people are locals, most probably they will guide you to hyper local activities. You see, the experiences tailored for tourists will always have superficial touch to them. Go slow, go local, and you will walk away with unforgettable experiences.

Live like a local

And by that, we mean, ditch the big hotels and resorts (if you can), and go for homestays. This one move can redefine your experience. Whether it’s staying with a family in a Ladakhi village, renting a cottage amidst Coorg’s coffee plantations, or a homestay in a remote village in Arunachal Pradesh, living with locals gives you a front-row seat to India’s everyday life. What they eat, how they eat, what are the local customs and traditions, you will have a far better understanding of all these things if you decide to live like a local when you are travelling.

What we find incredibly interesting is the fact that each state, each city, and even each household has its own way of cooking the same dish. Slow travel also means ditching the touristy restaurants and indulging in home-cooked meals or roadside dhabas.

Sometimes it’s good to wander off the beaten path…

Slow travel isn’t about chasing famous landmarks—it’s about discovering your own hidden treasures. And speaking of treasure, an electrical engineer by profession, Mr. Lummei Kamson, shares the kind of unexpected gems we miss out on when we don’t venture off the beaten path. Highlighting one such offbeat gem, Benreu village in the Peren District of Nagaland, he explains, “One will never know how people live literally on the edge until they visit Benreu village. Houses in this village are neatly arranged along the foothills of Mt. Pauna. The cleanliness is impressive, and the locals have unanimously decided to paint the roofs of their homes green. The trek to Mt. Pauna is an added feature for any adventure enthusiast.”

For many of our readers, Nagaland might be a familiar name, but Benreu village would likely be a new discovery. Why not go explore this gem of a place? The village is inhabited by the Zeliangrong Naga tribe. They are famous for their vibrant traditional dances and attire.

Engage in local crafts and traditions

One good thing about slow travel is that it allows travellers the freedom to explore a destination at their own pace. Now, this also means travellers can explore the beautiful world of local arts and crafts, instead of just a quick souvenir purchase from a “touristy” shop. Slow travel lets you not just buy these crafts but also witness their creation. For instance, during a visit to the pottery village in Khurja, Uttar Pradesh, one can try their hand at the potter’s wheel. Or join a block-printing workshop in Bagru. These experiences connect you to the land and its heritage in a way that no souvenir shop can.

Also read: National Tourism Day: 10 beautiful Indian villages that deserve global attention

Travel by train

If there’s one mode of transport that embodies slow travel in India, it’s the train. Sure, flights are faster, but they don’t come with chai sellers yelling “chai, chai.” Now that’s something that is unique to India, and to be honest, we all find it fascinating.

India has some of the most scenic train journeys in the world. From the expansive desert in Rajasthan to the lush forests of Dima Hasao in Assam, and stunning Konkan route along India’s western coastline, train journeys in India will transport you to another world, one that is more dreamy.

Also read: 10 unique train journeys in the world; the Indian one will shock you

You see, slow travel isn’t just about moving at a relaxed pace; it’s a mindset. It’s about staying curious, asking questions, and learning from every encounter. But it’s also about respecting the culture, environment, and traditions of the places you visit. And just when you start to feel bored, slow travel will test your patience as well, followed by surprises and challenges. Keep you on your toes, in a way. Embrace it with an open heart, and you will be rewarded with lessons and memories that will last a lifetime.