Study Tours
BuDa Folklore conducts study tour programs for schools and colleges to create a learning community that explores folklore knowledge and its application in the contemporary world. These student visits provide an opportunity for the few remaining tribal communities to share the wisdom of their heritage.
We designed this unique model for sustainable development based on endogenous and educational tourism that aims to leverage the inherent strengths of the region and its people and simultaneously brings awareness to the urban youth about a host of issues. By leading people through experiential learning activities, we aim to inspire the urban population to question their own attitudes towards rural communities and catalyse them to be more inclined towards sustainable development and community living.
We invite students and interested individuals to come and learn at first hand from the ethnic people themselves. All resource personnel are from local and tribal communities.
Students study and understand the rich folk culture and people of this region, which include the Halakki, Gamokkalu, Gondas, Siddhis and Kareokkalu tribes. They study their food, art and craft, music, dance and architecture by analysing how the environment and landscape influence their lives, and how they adopt their lifestyle according to their surrounding.
Students will also get the opportunity to appreciate the beautiful landscape, islands, waterfalls, estuaries, hills, rivers, thick forests and the sea.
River Route (5–6 days)
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Following the Sharavati River down to the Arabian Sea, students on this route will discover the close tie between the river’s ecology and its people. Along the journey, we visit historical islands where we explore Jain ruins and listen to local storytellers while camping under the stars. Students will meet Gamokkalu tribal teachers who will teach them mat weaving and the Shedi art form.
Forest Route (7–15 days)
The Forest Route is a 7–15 day immersive experience in the Angadibail forest of the Western Ghats. It offers hands-on learning through nature-based living, farming, and interaction with local communities.
Participants stay in a shared farmhouse without electricity, surrounded by forests, hills, and streams. Life here is simple—days are guided by the rhythms of nature and community. Meals are vegetarian and cooked together in a shared kitchen.
Daily activities include farming based on the season—planting paddy, tending vegetable patches, or working with sugarcane. Everyone contributes to chores like collecting firewood, caring for animals, cooking, cleaning, and lighting lanterns.
Field visits and treks take participants to waterfalls, beaches, and forest trails, with overnight camping that brings in elements of adventure and exploration.
The programme includes close interaction with the Halakki, Siddi, and Kare Okkalu communities. Participants learn from their music, crafts, farming knowledge, and traditional ways of life.
We encourage the use of natural bath and cleaning products to protect the forest ecosystem. Phones and digital devices are not allowed for participants under 18, supporting a more grounded and mindful experience.
