Bengaluru: Siddi Community Tourism attracts global visitors

Bengaluru: The “Siddi Community Tourism” initiative, started to showcase the unique culture and traditions of the Siddi tribal community in the forest areas of Uttara Kannada, has been gaining traction among domestic and international tourists. Following its success, plans are underway to expand community (eco) tourism across Karnataka.

The Siddis, originally brought to India from Africa during the Portuguese era, primarily reside in Yellapur, Haliyal, Mundgod, and Ankola regions of Uttara Kannada. Known for their distinctive lifestyle, food habits, and traditions, the Siddi community in Idagundi village, Yellapur taluk, is central to the tourism project.

Launched in March 2024 under the National Rural Livelihood Mission (NRLM) and Sanjeevini Self-Help Groups, the initiative features four home-stays run by Siddi women. Tourists from Goa, Meghalaya, Bengaluru, and even Russia have visited to experience their culture, environment, and the unique flora and fauna of the region.

Tourism Activities

Visitors are offered opportunities to cook local cuisine, trek through forests guided by the Siddis, and learn about medicinal plants and wildlife. The evenings feature “Damami Dance” performances by the community’s women. The experience combines forest exploration with an introduction to the community’s lifestyle.

Statewide Expansion

Following the pilot project’s success, NRLM plans to roll out community tourism across Karnataka, adapting it to the cultural uniqueness of various regions. Women from self-help groups will be trained in hospitality and supported with required funds,  said Srividya, NRLM Director.

Teams from Goa, Meghalaya, and other states have visited to study the initiative and explore implementing similar projects.

Interested visitors can register for Siddi Home-Stays on www.damami.in by paying the requisite fee. Each Siddi woman involved in the project is trained in hospitality to ensure a seamless experience for guests.