Have you ever dreamt of experiencing a day in the life of a fisherman or a potter, or a blacksmith, or even a farmer?
Their trails are very different from yours, their joys are simple, success is measured differently and contentment finds a new meaning here – the smile on their face despite the obvious drudgery is fascinating. What powers them? Do their children wish to follow in their footsteps? What dreams to they pursue? How about heading out to experience another a rural person’s way of life - if that’s something you wish, then livelihood holidays offer a pristine peek into lives of ordinary people whose way of life and livelihood is different from yours.
Envisioned as a bridge to bring about more rural and urban harmony, these holidays are mutual learning experiences as you share life with people who only imagine urban people/lifestyles in stereotypes. These are valuable opportunities for both the traveler and the host to understand that people operate from different contexts in life and neither is better or worse than the other. These holidays require you to have an open mind to learn, enjoy and live life the way the host does. Brace up to bear the sun, rain and wind on these holidays; the hospitality and warmth will be worth everything. Fascinating insights and worthwhile learning indeed!
Fisherman: While fishing is a source of livelihood for many in rural areas, join a local fisherman in his country made coracle (wearing a life jacket of course!) on a day’s fishing trip. Usually the fishermen lay the nets in the evening and head out again in the wee hours of the morning to pull up the catch. Bring home the catch with the fisherman, and allow his family to cook the fish if you would like!
Livelihood holidays are based in the Sharavathy valley, Sagar taluk, Shimoga district. The main town center is Sagar (which his about 360km from Bangalore), Shimoga district. The exact location various depending on your choice of livelihood – but they are all located within a 50km (about 1 and half hours travel time) radius from Sagar.
Getting there:
By Road: From Bangalore, the ideal route to Sagar is via Shimoga (270kms). From Shimoga drive to Sagar (75kms). Our trip leader will reach you at Sagar and guide you further on.
There are direct KSRTC luxury, deluxe (Rajahamsa) and even Airavata buses from Bangalore. There are also comfortable non-AC overnight sleeper buses, run by KSRTC, Sea Bird, Gajanana, Kamat etc. All buses going towards Gokarna, Karwar, Honnavar, Sirsi, Jog, Bhatkal pass via Sagar town.
By Rail: Nearest Railway Stations: Sagar, Talguppa (22km); Honnavar (70 km on Mumbai to Mangalore - Konkan line), Shimoga (98 km), Birur junction (118kms on Bangalore - Pune main line). There are daily trains from Bangalore to Shimoga. The Talaguppa - Shimoga line has been temporarily shut for conversion to broad gauge. The overnight train to Shimoga is a convenient alternative. From Shimoga, there are local buses to Sagar or you could hire a taxi to Sagar. For those heading from Mumbai, Mumbai - Birur is a good option. From Birur it is a 2 and half hour drive. You could also come down Konkan route to Honnavar. From Honnavar it is an hour and a half drive up the Ghats.
By Air: Nearest Airport: Hubli (110 km) Mangalore (200 km)