Local sightseeing is mostly you showing your relatives from out of town, the so to say “touristy places worth seeing “in one’s own city. But beyond this,are the several facets of cultural traditions, heritage as well as history that gives a particular place a soul, mostly of which the local resident are ignorant of. Becoming a tourist in your own city has many a charm. Places you never knew existed, stories you have not heard, reveal themselves. Tourism shouldn’t be confined just to travelers but should include its city’s citizens too. In addition to the exploring factor, local communities can partake in aiding in the preservation of the city’s history, heritage and culture through promoting local tourism.
While a visit to the local museum or palace is a definite must there are several ways to immerse oneself in their city. New people and new experiences are on the bucket list of every ardent traveler. At home, a simple change in perspective can allow you this. Visits to a different religious place, attending a sporting event, a visit to a café of your parent’s time are some examples. Heritage walks and nature walks are options one can avail in most cities. These walks prove great as not only do they allow you to meet likeminded people but also offer insights to the familiar in a more detailed manner.
A peek into a city’s history, architecture and diverse communities (with their specific ways of living,) encourage an understanding of the very people and places we think we know well but actually don’t. Eachcity has a history embroiled in a cultural structure. A small search into the history books would help you to recognize the oldest buildings, temples, schools, cafes, gardens or even restaurants. There will be some places you have never been to. What better way to see the old than with new eyes?
A very simple way to change the perspective of a familiar place is to walk the route that you travel on every day by car, allowing yourself to stop whenever you please, for a cup of tea or quick bite at a street side shop and a chat with the chaiwallah. The familiarity of your own city allows you to travel on your own so visit the local wholesale markets, vegetable, fruits, flowers or even textile. Every extensive marketplace has a charm of its own. When abroad, everyone seems to have this on their itinerary but back home not many venture into their own back yards. Sit in a local bus till the last stop…and see where you land. Create your own adventure!!
Arati Desai
