The Local Culture

If at all, Large Bus Tour operators tend to create contrived, faux, sanitized, Americanized, faux ‘authentic’ restaurants, home & village visits which may be the ‘only ‘ taste Large Bus Tour tourists will actually get unless they opt for ‘free (free time) times’ self-guided walking tours thru local communities, restaurants & non-tourist stores. free time

OTOH, small tours with greater accessibility & relaxed schedules may offer truly authentic visits to a family home or farm too small for large groups.

ANECDOTE: Nawalgarh, India’s small farm visit: After a full day of visiting the painted havelies (residences) of ancient Silk Road merchants in small Indian towns riding behind my motorcycle guide, we visited a small family farm for an hour or so. A truly authentic local culture.