The Folk Tales - Sustainable Tours in India

02/03/2024

Well well... For those who don't know Hindi, the tea stall in second photo says 'Bewafa Chai'. Find out its meaning - It'll be worth making the effort. 😁

We Indians are creative, aren't we?

25/02/2024

So many amazing people - academicians, wildlife enthusiasts, RT practitioners, chefs, and state representatives leading Responsible tourism globally.

Had an interesting chat with Gergana Nikolova, CEO @ BehaviorSMART who shared that small steps like adopting steel bottles and not changing the towels at hotels each day make a huge difference, and how we must understand customer behavior.

I have observed that a traveller does not ask for things like daily linen and towel change. So, it is the onus of tour operators and hotels to take the lead and make sustainability fun and easy to adapt for visitors.

It was fun to meet my good friend Mariellen Ward and interact with many small enterprises that are adding value to travel experiences.

24/02/2024

'The best thing we can give back to the world is compassion, and we learn to do so through travel'.

I resonate with these words from Adil Hussain. 12 years ago I started two Journeys, one outside wherein I explored remote parts of India and another within wherein I worked on my spiritual wellbeing. Both the Journeys are still on, and I feel privileged to meet people from all walks of life.

After a break of 4 years, it was great to be back with the community where we won the Gold Award in 2018 for cultural immersion in India, and for the quality of experiences we give through storytelling.

I feel gratitude for this day, for the people who have stood with us over the years and wish them a good life.

This is what I said today in daily morning gratitude. I am curious to know - Share with me, what are you grateful for today?

02/12/2023

In Jaipur's embrace, three women stroll,
Anklets shimmer, stories untold unfold.
Amidst palaces and hues of royal grace,
They dance with history in this vibrant space. 🌻
--

Sharon and her daughters, Molly & Kaitlin travelled with us to India on a 3 week holiday. Their biggest concern was safety as 'only women' traveller's and the quality of facilities. I won't explain further but just share a link to Sharon's review for us on Google. 😄

We are on a mission to transform 1 million lives with exceptional and transforming life experiences in India.

If you or your friends/family are looking for a 'bespoke' life transforming experience in India, write to us through www.thefolktales.com 😇

02/12/2023

😊Thank you Outlook Traveller for sharing about our work. I am truly blessed.

My team and I are on a mission to transform 1 million lives through enriching and life-transforming travel experiences in India. I am so happy to share that we have built and nurtured relationships both with our clients and communities. With all the challenges and successes over the last decade, the journey has been very exciting. 🌻🌻

Here is an invitation to those who are planning a holiday in India. Whether you are solo or with family, or a couple, write to us at [email protected] for a personalized holiday. 😊



https://zurl.co/MYER

Gaurav Bhatnagar worked in the corporate sector for a decade after completing his studies in engineering. His travels in rural India led him to launch The Folk

23/11/2023

Sometimes people ask me - 'Why do you travel with tourists? 😊 You should be working from an office.' Yes, as the business grows I have to balance my time between strategy and being with our guests. I love meeting and interacting with them; that is where my true self shines. I am also aware that I cannot meet everyone, but still, my team does not leave any stone unturned to make your experience special. 😊

Kelly and Maria were the first guests who enrolled for several tours with us, when we asked them about their areas of interest, they said 'Surprise us! We want to go where you take us.' I absolutely loved spending time with them. 😊

¡Nos Vemos, chicos! 😊

12/11/2023

✨🪔 Diwali Chronicles: Unveiling the Cultural Tapestry 🪔✨

Hey globetrotters! 🌎✈️ Join me in celebrating Diwali, where every flame tells a story and every tradition whispers tales of ancient wisdom. 🕊️🌟

📜 The Festival's Origins:
According to Hindu scriptures, Diwali has roots in the epic Ramayana and celebrates the return of Lord Rama, his wife Sita, and his loyal companion Lakshmana to Ayodhya after 14 years of exile. The people of Ayodhya lit butter lamps to welcome them, symbolizing the victory of light over darkness/truth over ignorance. 🏰🔥

🕉️ Symbolism of Light:
Diwali is more than just a festival; it is a cosmic expression of the victory of divine forces over those of chaos. Lighting lamps during Diwali invite the blessings of deities and dispels ignorance. 🙏💫

🪔 Diwali Puja:
The Diwali celebration starts with a ceremonial puja, where families gather to pray to Goddess Lakshmi, the symbol of wealth and prosperity. It is time for reflection, gratitude, and the renewal of one's spiritual journey. 🌺🌼

🎉 Tradition of Giving:
Diwali is also a time for generosity and sharing. In the spirit of the festival, people exchange gifts and sweets, reinforcing the bonds of love and friendship. 💖🎁 Do not forget to do a random act of kindness. 😊

Have you celebrated the festival in India? Share your favorite Diwali traditions and stories in the comments below. 📖👇 🌐🎇

23/10/2023

Today is the last day of Navratri when Hindus celebrate the change of season by fasting and worship the nine forms of Godess Durga.

The fasting helps the body slow down and adapt to the change in season and the mind to become focused.

Most families invite 9 girls and 1 boy to their homes wherein the girls are considered the forms of Goddess Durga and boy is Bhairav. The children are worshipped, given meal and gifts, and the elders touch their feet as a custom.

27/09/2023

What does World Tourism Day mean ? 🤷🏻‍♂️

For us, it means a commitment to sustainability, making travel safer and nurturing for all, and bringing its benefits directly to the communities. 🏘️

16/07/2021

Our good friend Philippa shared this beautiful piece for her - The People of India project. I have shared few thoughts on , how it started, challenges that India faces in terms of tourism and other aspects and much more. Thank you Philippa for always bringing out the positive aspects from India.

https://memsahibinindia.com/the-people-of-india-project-gaurav-bhatnagar/?fbclid=IwAR0_pj9-_lHDqaR8zvwvnZjtfi5TLZ0mnp-j7JR1TqtK3k_q_XhbfkMsR8Y

I first met Gaurav at the Outlook Traveller Responsible Tourism Awards in Delhi where he was a gold medalist! He is the inspirational figure behind The Folk Tales, which started in 2013 with the aim of offering travelers a chance to experience life in rural