Regarded as holy and the guardian of the eastern Himalayas, Kanchendzonga, the third-highest mountain in the world, is a massive presence felt from all corners of Darjeeling
I personally believe that there is a difference between a tourist and a traveler. On the one hand, a tourist visits a country, a monument and checks the box: India – check, UNESCO World Heritage Sites – check. On the other hand, a traveler seeks experiences. Yes there will always remain a bit of that ‘check-box syndrome’; however, this time there are a great many check boxes, at times so many that another visit to the country is warranted. And because there are so many experiences, some of them are local experiences, which become part of the travel sensibility that brings people from distinct countries and communities together. This is a dynamic and ever-changing subject.
Changing times: going local
When I started guiding tours years ago, the only ‘local’ representing the country was be the ‘local guide.’ In other words, the guides didn’t initiate interacting with locals because tourists (as opposed to travelers) would feel awkward. Now, times have changed. It’s not just about the local monument guides anymore; local interaction is more than just meeting a random local person on one of your journeys. Rather, it is about meeting genuine people and communities, getting that rare glimpse into their normal lives and perhaps even becoming part of it. Travelers have become a keen bunch of people: they like to know more about the people of the land, the history, the lifestyle; they want to share this amazing feeling of bonding.
In low lamplight, a girl looks for grains with her mother for dinner during cold winter months of a remote village of the Darjeeling hills (Singalila Wildlife Sanctuary)
Responding to this has been the main focus of Tathagata Journeys. We also love facilitating this because we know of the passion for sharing and experiencing that comes from the local people. They too like to know more about the travelers and their lives.
Knowing locals
One thing I learned from my years of experience leading tours is that knowing locals from every corner of India was an enormous advantage. I knew local tuk-tuk drivers with knowledge of quirky little local restaurants; the restaurant owners knew local homestays; and the links carried on. During my travels around India, I met some great local personalities – with whom I am still in touch – each with a fondness for their own roles in their home cities. I remember Raju Bhai in Mysore for his incredible biryani (a local dish), Baby Bhai for his great driving skills and Stefen for his passion for the local orphans.
It takes years to build this kind of local network, something that’s virtually impossible for the first-time traveler. So I thought: while it would be very difficult to do all over India, I could at least share what I know in my native town of Darjeeling, the famous mountain town in the far northeast of India.
A village a heart
The first time I visited Mineral Spring was with my brother, Navin, who was already engaged in community development with a local nongovernmental organization. Mineral Spring, known locally as Aapbotey, has been hailed as one of the best small-farmer producers of Darjeeling tea, I was swept away by the beauty of the place, the warmth of the local farmers and being in Darjeeling yet away from the hustle of the town. My passion instantly grew stronger to get travelers to see this unique region and meet these friendly local farmers.
During a village orientation walk for visitors to Mineral Springs, little girls enjoy a much-awaited break from their small, Darjeeling nursery school
Two years later I bought a small piece of land myself and formally became a member of the community. Soon after, I started inviting friends and then, later, individual travelers interested in interact with locals and being part of their lifestyle. Travelers came away with unforgettable memories. It is these memorable moments and experience, carried in people’s hearts, that are so infectious.
This is the word I hope to spread far and wide. Darjeeling, Tathagata Journeys and Mineral Spring welcome travelers to share their passion for local travel and the Local Travel Movement.
Very nice read…I agree with your definition of a traveller and a tourist.
Its so unfortunate that coming from Darjeeling I’ve not been able to visit some of the beautiful places there. Mineral Water seems worth visiting.
Keep it up,
Regards,
Saaz
Posted by Saaz Rai | December 6, 2010, 1:38 pmA great article ….I agree entirely with the view expressed, not least with the ability of locals to unlock true local experiences.
Darjeeling sounds like a place I must experience.
Cheers…….. Len
Posted by Len Cordiner | December 6, 2010, 9:28 pmReal sustainible tourism that must spread around the world.
Great Article.
Fernando
Chaskatours
South-America
Peru
Posted by Chaska_tours | December 6, 2010, 10:10 pmWell said bro… let the World know there are a lot to experience in Mineral Spring…Darjeeling…
Posted by Navin | December 9, 2010, 2:33 pmGreat to know that you are not only developing as a photographer but also as a traveloguer as well.
keep up the good work as well as the belief and conviction you have.
Cheers!
Vishal
Posted by vishal chemjong | December 10, 2010, 10:26 amVery well said Pravin, this is the best way to travel and to promote Responsible tourism.
I always wanted to travel in Darjeeling, so will surely travel in local style and would like to experience real life in Darjeeling.
I wish all the best and bright future to Tathagata Journeys.
Cheers!
Harpreet
Posted by Harpreet Malik | December 14, 2010, 9:48 amreally enjoyed reading your piece Pravin about Darjeeling. I have very fond memories of Darjeeling since it was the first place I visited in India after landing in Calcutta. Having always sort to “travel locally”, I have many memories of the people I spent time with in your beautiful Town. For me travel has always been about the people and culture not the places. Keep up the great work!
When I visit again I will plan to visit Mineral Spring with Tathagata Journeys.
Posted by Candice Sunney Ali | December 14, 2010, 2:41 pmPerfectly said and that is what we believe in growing sustainable tourism.I am sure your ideas like this will bring you to the everest of the industry which will be beneficial for the whole local community.
Wish you good luck for future endeavours with Tathagata Journeys. We all are with you.
Posted by Ravi Shekhawat | December 15, 2010, 11:00 amGreat write up Pravin. It surely propels a real Traveller to experience the the Local Life and cherish the People who make it all so special. Great innitiative i hope this would spread the word around for Sustainable Tourism…….. All the Best for all the efforts and Endeavours.
Posted by Akriti Wadhwa | December 15, 2010, 11:47 amThumbs up bro for the work that you are doing. Only a few can really think about and follow through on their solemn desire to do something for the people and the place they come from. And I see that you are all set for it.
I feel being associated to this Industry for such a long time you have really delved into the mind of the travelers to give them a true feel of a place.
Darjeeling is proud of you !
Posted by Babin Chettri | December 17, 2010, 9:27 ampravin,you write-up makes me want to come over.depends on how things go in January, we want to come over in April/May. best wishes don and rekha
Posted by rekha | December 30, 2010, 9:47 pmGreat article Pravin and demonstrates your commitment and passion for the region. Your GDF (Geotourism Deveopment Foundation) project in Mineral Spring will undoutedly bring travelers and locals closer together, to the benefit of all……launching soon….
Cheers, Will
Posted by Will Turner | February 4, 2011, 5:50 pmGreat article Pravin and demonstrates your commitment and passion for the region. Your GDF (Geotourism Deveopment Foundation) project in Mineral Spring will undoutedly bring travelers and locals even closer together, to the benefit of all……launching soon….
Cheers, Will
Posted by Will Turner | February 4, 2011, 5:51 pmA wonderful article and you indeed have put your heart here. Your knowledge you earned every passing day conveys how you value and understand the importance of tourism in the Life around you.
Good work, Pravin.
My best wishes for more success’ ahead,
Yogesh Pagar
Posted by Yogesh Pagar | March 29, 2011, 8:22 pm