For years, a vacation for middle-class Indians meant a trip to a hill-station or a beach resort. But with rising affluence and evolving taste, there is a growing inclination to explore the "other India" and return to their roots.

Their prosperity has not yet trickled down to rural areas. Many villages still do not have access to electricity, sanitation or clean drinking water and this has led to the emergence of starkly different lifestyles as per a Reuters report.

While city dwellers are increasingly westernised, Indian villages still abide by centuries-old agrarian customs.

Rural or farm tourism is a relatively new concept in India, allowing urban Indians and foreign tourists get a taste of rustic life. They can live with a family or independently, and assist with day-to-day village activities, while learning about agriculture, wildlife, traditional art and culture.

The Ministry of Tourism website says it supports over 150 such rural projects in the country.

"The aim is to not let the rural lifestyle die," said Subhash Verma, president of the Association of Domestic Tour Operators of India. "Also, to showcase and economically support village handicrafts and artists."

Urban Indians are keen to embrace village life, but few such tourists leave the city behind entirely. The gap between the city dwellers and their hosts has caused friction, and the impact of the flood of tourists is worrying for some. It is not just village pride that is threatened by tourists. The business can also jeopardise the ecological climate if not managed properly.