The phrase farm visits are directly related to agro-tourism. To understand the terminology, we can say that Agritourism is a hybrid of Agriculture and Tourism. While agriculture denotes a simple and rural scenario, tourism is directly related to the urban populace. Agro-tourism bridges the gap between the rural and urban populace. It benefits the 90 million farmers, living in 6.25 lakh villages in India; by generating additional income and offering the tourists, the required fun, pleasure and entertainment.

Many Farms & agritourism centers in India aims at promoting agro-tourism to alleviate poverty enhance rural income and employment, and boost economic stability in rural communities in India. These agritourism centers boosts a broad range of activities, services and amenities provided by farmers for attracting urban tourists to go back their roots.

Facilities Offered by Farms

The farms offer to pick your crowd; pick-your-own produce; open-pen animals; train rides; picnic facilities: swimming; rural games; bullock cart race, camel and horse riding; buffalo riding; farm fresh processed foods; tree climbing Sheep shearing; wool processing, fishing and hunting, Bed & Breakfast; educational tours; herb walks; cooking demos; rent an apple tree; pick-your-own pumpkin patch; fantasy land; farm themed playground for children and many more.

Tourists can have a new experience of rustic life by staying in designated farms that are as below:

Nirvana Organic Farm, Rajasthan

Managed by a farmer and his wife, this organic farm offers an opportunity for experiencing rustic stay for overnight. You can enjoy the folk and farm culture in simple, yet cozy thatched roof huts. You can look after the cattle; get involved in harvesting, watching birds by stretching over a khatiya (cot), take cooking lessons on an open Chullah (clay stove). You can pick your fruits and vegetables and eat them ‘farm fresh’.

Prakriti Farm, Punjab

The village Rail Majra is located near Ropar, Punjab, in the gentle backdrop of the Shivalik Hills. The owner of the organic farm, Kaushal is educated in cities and had corporate stints abroad. He has developed the keenu orchards, seasonal crops and herbs. Prakriti farm offers you weekend stays with the typical Punjabi cuisine ‘makki di roti’, ‘sarson da saag’ and ‘daal handi’. The farm is just an hour’s journey from Chandigarh.

Tathagata Farm, Darjeeling

This is an organic tea estate, in the backdrop of the Himalayas. Additionally, cardamom, ginger, oranges, vegetables and other seasonal crops are grown here. It is just an hour’s drive from Darjeeling. Staying the nights in huts or tents, you can get the refreshing Himalayan breeze in the morning and can stroll around the hamlet for getting acquainted with the rustic life.

Dandapani, Uttarakhand

This organic farm is located in the foothills of lower Himalayas. You can spend few days of natural life; working on the vegetable gardens or grazing the cattle. You can have the farm products at a reasonably lower price. If you chance to be there during the Kumaoni fare, you can have a glimpse of the life and culture of the Kumaonis.

Agritourism Center Palshi, Baramati

This agro-tourism center started functioning since 2004 under the direct superintendence of Pandurang Taware; also known as the Father of Agritourism concept in India. By 2014, Agritourism Development Corporation (ATDC) has 218 affiliated farmers who operate their Agritourism center in Maharashtra state, in their respective villages.

Saguna Baug, Neral

It is the Neral district of Maharashtra and promotes, encourages and organizes ‘Krishi paryatan”. You can either cover the entire tour or stay in the wilderness for a couple of days to have a countryside experience.