If you are considering an alternative ecotourism holiday, then a holiday visit to a suitable farm might appeal. The link to farm holidays and ecotourism is usually made through references to the farm's local cultural heritage. Where the local population has relied on the farming industry throughout it's generations and where it has retained or preserved it's buildings, equipment, agricultural or animal stocks and particularly it's traditional farming practices, then these are of historical and cultural relevance to the local community and when farm holidays ecotourism applies.

In addition, if the farm and farming community have shown to have put something back into the environment, replenished original flora and fauna or assisted in returning the land to how it was originally, then the farm may be considered worthy of an farm holiday ecotourism visit by the true ecotourist. Also, if the farm has shifted some of it's emphasis over to catering for ecotourists, then this good divergence practice may have been assisted financially by local governments who have recognised the changing face of modern day farming. These farm holidays ecotourism arrangements will have made good business sense for the farmer.

So, look for an agent who can recognise the ecotourism link and identify which farm holidays are suited to your true ecotourism ambitions.

Examples of farm holidays ecotourism

One particular farm in Chattupara Adimali region of India offers the following :

During the harvesting season ie. November to March a visit to the farm will be especially interesting.There are crops of spices along with coffee, pepper, cardamom, vanilla and a number of other spices are grown here. A lake about two hundred metres long is also part of the farm where fish are grown. Canoeing facilities are also available. Guides will be provided for a team of not more than five members. A herd of cross bred Boer Goats can also be seen on the farm. Trecking to the high hills and forest on both sides of the Valley where the farm is situated could be arranged on prior booking.

farm holidays ecotourism

It is also recommended that you visit farms in the area producing giant sized Amorphophallus (Elephant foot yam some times upto 100 Kgms), Kaachil (more than 100 Kgs), Tapioca (Sometimes weighing upto 200 kgms per bunch) and many other agricultural produces are grown in the area.

farm holidays ecotourism

You can enjoy angling in the farm lake and also in the nearby Deviyaar (Deviyaar = River of the Goddess). The Temple of Goddess Saraswathi (the Goddess of letters & knowledge) is situated just next to the farm providing an opportunity to learn the history, culture and people of the locality.

farm holidays ecotourism

You can visit the Kudis (hamlets) of the clans of the Mannan and Muduvan Tribes. Watch the Vaarikuzhi used for trapping wild animals for food and the Kuthirayala (large cave made specially for resting horses). Watch the Lemon grass cultivations in the high altitudes of the Chattupara kudi.

farm holidays ecotourism

responsible travel has links to farm holidays - examples of agriturismo holidays in Italy

Enjoy your visits to farms and your farm holidays ecotourism and farm heritage sites in Tuscany, Chianti, Florence, Dorset and Italy.

Farm holidays ecotourism