What Is an Ethical Sanjay Colony Slum Tour in New Delhi?
The bustling city of Delhi, India is home to over 19.9 million people, hundreds of tourist attractions and a vast number of slums that provide inexpensive housing for migrant workers coming from all across India. Despite the lack of conveniences in the slum dwellings, the Sanjay Colony Slum in south east Delhi has become popular in recent years for educational and cultural tours, known as ethical slum tours.
These tours provide perspective about the Indian way of life for those outside of the country, and how the average person living in a slum functions on a daily basis. The tours are run by responsible parties, and have been organized by registered tour guide companies in recent years. Each tour is typically 3 to 4 hours long and includes a stop at the Sanjay Colony slum, where visitors can get an inside look at the daily life and routines of slum residents.
What Are Some Benefits of Designing an Ethical Sanjay Colony Slum Tour?
Ethical slum tours have been implemented to promote positive relations between the local people and the country’s economy, as well as to bring much needed income to the slums. Tour companies, registered with the Indian Government, run the tours in accordance with the rules and regulations set by the administration. This ensures that local people are respectful towards visitors, as well as protecting visitors from any harm or exploitation.
Organized ethical tours also provide a more transparent means of understanding how slum society works in India. Rather than simply observing from afar and making assumptions, tours provide an opportunity for outsiders to experience day-to-day life and learn about what slum residents do to make ends meet. This helps to dispel incorrect assumptions about the lives of people living in poverty and provides a more complete view of their situation.
Ethical slum tours are beneficial to tour participants as well, providing a way to see another perspective on life and gain authentic insight into India’s culture. Participants learn about the issues that affect marginalized people while simultaneously supporting the local economy with their participation.
How Can Participants Find a Reputable Sanjay Colony Slum Tour?
It’s important to only participate with companies that have been registered with the Indian Government and practice ethical tourism. This ensures that travelers are not running into any legal issues while on tour and ensures that property owners are not taking advantage of them.
The easiest way to book an ethical Sanjay Colony Slum Tour is through a reputable travel website such as GetYourGuide.com. With plenty of reviews from previous customers for each tour offered, tourists can safely choose a company that delivers an authentic personalized experience for its participants.
GetYourGuide works with tour guides for an array of activities all spanning India, providing detailed descriptions of the services offered and pictures from prior visitors’ experiences. Customers can easily view each guide’s comments from other travelers and pick the one that best suits their needs. In addition, they offer great customer service and even host special offers on longer tours.
What Can Participants Expect During Their Sanjay Colony Slum Tour?
Most Sanjay Colony Slum Tours begin with a drive around the outskirts of the city, allowing visitors to be immersed in what life is like for locals living in low income communities. After passing through shantytowns where locals make their homes out of metal scrap debris and exploring more prosperous parts of town, travelers then head to the bustling market near Sanjay Colony where people can buy a variety of items from food to fabrics.
At the heart of Sanjay Colony itself is a community that embodies resilience and hard work while managing its scarce resources. Depending on the tour provider and the duration of time tourists spend here, they may get to experience things like morning yoga classes taught by local residents or see women performing weaving demonstrations using bamboo looms. There may also be time to visit local shops to purchase handmade embellishments crafted by entrepreneurs or stroll along small streets observing daily life.
The ongoing goal of SLUM Lab (Social Lab Uttam Nagri Mahila Movement) is one of uplifting local residents over time, rather than giving handouts or charity. Many slum tours are organized in collaboration with locals who are provided with training on how to provide services geared towards tourists. This helps create jobs for people who live in these communities and provide a valuable source of income for their families.
The Bottom Line Through ethical Sanjay Colony Slum Tours, travelers from all over the world can gain an insight into the lives of those living in poverty in India. Participants can safely book these types of tours through reputable companies like GetYourGuide for a memorable, eye-opening adventure which will hopefully change their attitudes towards public service and philanthropic work for the better. As businesses like GetYourGuide continue to promote these types of ethical tours, marginalized peoples’ lives may become enriched gradually over time with job opportunities and tips from travelers.
If you’re looking for an unforgettable adventure while supporting locals, consider booking an ethical Sanjay Colony Slum Tour with GetYourGuide today!