The exotic mountains and valleys of the Himalayas are home to several indigenous tribes such as the Bhutias and\u00a0Lepchas. While vacationing amidst snow-clad retreats, engage with these original inhabitants of the Himalayan kingdom\u00a0across Darjeeling, Gangtok and Sikkim. Having a strong influence of the erstwhile Tibetian kingdom, the Bhutias are avid\u00a0dressers. The women wear quintessential chunky jewellery and intricately embroidered silk gowns. The men flaunt their\u00a0colourful bakhus, a type of comfortable and stylish woollen jacket. The Bhutias are a warm and friendly community who are\u00a0always delighted to share their culture with travellers.\u00a0The Lepchas are more local to Sikkim and refer to themselves as \u2018citizens of the mountains\u2019. This community has a deep\u00a0reverence for the mountain peaks and offers special prayers to the Mountain Gods. If travelling to Sikkim during the\u00a0monsoon, don\u2019t miss out on the Phang Lhabsol celebrations in Gangtok. Dedicated to Mount Kanchenjunga, this festival\u00a0marks the \u2018Treaty of Brotherhood\u2019 signed between the Lepchas and the Bhutias. Shake a leg with the locals as they\u00a0perform the Chaam dance, a musical re-enactment of how the treaty was signed, keeping guardian deities as witnesses.<\/p>\n
Southern sojourn<\/strong><\/h2>\n![\"shutterstock_138626375_Kodai_small\"](\"https:\/\/www.sterlingholidays.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/07\/shutterstock_138626375_Kodai_small.jpg\")
<\/p>\n
While vacationing in the hill stations of South India, take a tour to experience ethnic tribal lifestyles. The Paliyans are Adivasi\u00a0people inhabiting the rain forests of Tamil Nadu and Kerala. Up until the 20th century, the Paliyans lived a nomadic life in\u00a0rock crevices and caves. Being honey merchants, the Paliyans can give you an insight into their \u2018buzzy\u2019 trade of honey\u00a0collecting and processing. While journeying towards Kodaikanal, take a tour of the Grizzled Squirrel Wildlife Sanctuary near\u00a0Madurai with the Paliyans, who play an important\u00a0role in conserving these squirrels and many other\u00a0endangered species.<\/p>\n
This Dravidian tribe also has an adept knowledge of herbs and their medicinal applications. Spending\u00a0some quality time with the Paliyans amidst the serenity of Mother Nature can be an enriching experience.\u00a0The Nilgiri mountain ranges are a treasure trove of tribal cultures \u2014 the Todas, Kurumbas, Paniyas, Irulas, Kattunayakans\u00a0and Kotas \u2014 each of them speaking a distinct dialect and living their own definite lifestyle. In this melting pot of tribal\u00a0culture, you will find some of the most unique professionals in the country \u2014 snake catchers, metal craftsmen and\u00a0sorcerers. In order to enhance your experience of the Nilgiris in the monsoon, go on a long walk with the Toda men as they\u00a0graze their cattle. Explore the characteristic thatched huts of the Toda families and learn to create an embroidered shawl\u00a0with the womenfolk of the Toda community.<\/p>\n
The best way to explore a new destination is to get to know its indigenous people and\u00a0their culture.<\/em><\/p>\n Discover some of India\u2019s unique tribes with Sterling Holidays.<\/em><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"India is home to a large number of tribes with some of the world\u2019s most exciting and distinct cultures. Living in close\u00a0proximity to nature and having their own set of customs and traditions evolved over centuries, tribal communities across\u00a0India offer travellers a new perspective on life. Head out to some of these exotic destinations and…<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n Discover some of India\u2019s unique tribes with Sterling Holidays.<\/em><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" India is home to a large number of tribes with some of the world\u2019s most exciting and distinct cultures. Living in close\u00a0proximity to nature and having their own set of customs and traditions evolved over centuries, tribal communities across\u00a0India offer travellers a new perspective on life. Head out to some of these exotic destinations and…<\/p>\n