As Europe’s over-polished cities and meticulously managed vacation spots continue to bore adrenaline seekers, a growing trend is quietly taking root among those craving something… a little more primal. While traditional extreme sports like skydiving and rock climbing have long been popular with thrill-seekers, a new type of “extreme tourism” has emerged: open defecation tourism in the fields of rural India. Yes, you read that correctly. European tourists are flying halfway around the world for the chance to experience a practice that many local Indians are eager to leave behind: relieving oneself in the great outdoors.
And what a great outdoors it is. With panoramic views of wide-open fields, warm sun on your back, and the gentle rustle of nature surrounding you, it’s no wonder that some Europeans are flocking to these remote regions for what they consider to be the ultimate escape from their tightly regulated, closed-off lives.
The Birth of a New Tourism Trend
The idea started innocuously enough. A group of forward-thinking European travel agencies, always looking for the next big thing, realized that their clients were becoming jaded with run-of-the-mill vacations. Beaches? Boring. Skiing? Overdone. Bungee jumping? Yesterday’s news. But then someone had a brilliant revelation: what if we offer them the chance to, quite literally, let it all go?
In a recent press release, an anonymous spokesperson from ExcreTourism Inc., one of the pioneering agencies, explained the concept. “We wanted to offer something raw, something real. In Europe, everything is so controlled. People are looking for an experience that connects them with the basics of life, with nature. And frankly, what’s more natural than this?”
It’s a sentiment that seems to have struck a chord with a specific subset of thrill-seekers. Far from the urban cafes of Paris or the scenic wine tours of Tuscany, these tourists are finding an altogether different type of freedom in India’s rural fields. Local Indian farmers, meanwhile, have reportedly been bemused by the sudden influx of foreigners squatting among their crops — but for the most part, they seem content to let the tourists have their fun.
“The Thrill of the Unknown”: Anonymous Tourists Speak Out
One might expect such an experience to remain firmly in the realm of the eccentric, but the tours have proven surprisingly popular. We at PoopsNews managed to track down several participants who agreed to speak with us anonymously, sharing their experiences.
“Back home, everything’s so structured”, explained a tourist from Germany, whom we’ll call ‘Hans.’ “You can’t even go for a walk without knowing exactly where the nearest bathroom is. Here, it’s different. It’s wild. You have to find your own spot, dodge the cows, avoid stepping in things… there’s an element of danger, you know?”
Hans went on to describe the adrenaline rush he felt upon realizing that a large, particularly territorial bull was watching him during one of his open-air moments. “It’s like camping, but more visceral. You’re not just out in nature, you’re part of it. It’s exhilarating”.
Another tourist, a woman from Sweden who requested we use the pseudonym ‘Ingrid,’ described the emotional impact of the experience. “In Sweden, everything is so clean, so sterile. It’s almost too much. Here, there’s a certain beauty in the simplicity of it. No fancy bathrooms, no scented soaps — just you, the earth, and a strong gust of wind. It’s spiritual in a way. Very grounding”.
Ingrid later confessed that she initially booked the trip as a joke, but by the third day, she found herself genuinely appreciating the practice. “You become one with the land”, she said. “Plus, it’s a fantastic conversation starter at dinner parties”.
A Movement Toward “Naturalism”
While it might be tempting to dismiss this trend as nothing more than a passing novelty, some experts believe it speaks to a broader societal shift. Dr. Lavinia Bottomsworth, a sociologist specializing in modern tourism, has been studying this phenomenon closely.
“In Europe, particularly in wealthier countries, people are becoming increasingly disconnected from the more basic aspects of human existence”, Bottomsworth explained. “The appeal of these tours lies in the return to something more elemental. People want to step outside the bounds of their carefully curated lives and experience something unfiltered. For some, that means testing the limits of their physical comfort in the most unexpected ways”.
The rise of “open defecation tourism”, as it’s now being called, is perhaps the inevitable result of this search for authenticity. After all, when you’ve already checked off climbing Machu Picchu and swimming with dolphins, where else is there to go?
Local Reception: A Mixed Response
Not everyone is thrilled by the influx of foreigners seeking this very particular thrill. While some locals have embraced the trend, recognizing the economic benefits of tourism, others are less enthusiastic. “I don’t understand why they come all this way for this”, one farmer remarked when asked by PoopsNews. “They could do it at home, no?”
Despite the confusion, the locals have largely adopted a “live and let live” attitude. “They’re not hurting anyone”, said another farmer, chuckling. “Though I do wish they’d stop leaving their toilet paper everywhere”.
Local guides, meanwhile, have found a new niche market. Many offer “premium” field tours, showing tourists the best spots for their, ahem, activities. One guide, who asked to remain unnamed, proudly told us about the variety of field locations he offers, each with different terrain and weather conditions to simulate “as many bowel-challenging environments as possible”.
“We have the all-weather experience”, he said. “Sun? No problem. Rain? That’s part of the fun! And if it’s windy? Well, that just adds a new layer of complexity”.
A New Extreme Sport?
For those who thrive on pushing their limits, the appeal of open defecation tourism seems to extend beyond mere novelty. Participants describe it as a kind of mental and physical endurance test.
“It’s not just about going outside”, explained another anonymous tourist. “It’s about overcoming obstacles. Finding the perfect spot, getting your timing right, staying out of sight — it’s like an extreme sport. You’re constantly on edge. And when you finally succeed? There’s no feeling like it”.
Some have even compared the thrill of the experience to skydiving. “It’s that same rush”, insisted ‘Patrick,’ a British tourist we interviewed. “Your heart is pounding, you’re racing against the clock, and then… relief. It’s addictive”.
The Future of Open Defecation Tourism
As bizarre as it may sound, open defecation tourism seems to be gaining traction. What started as a niche offering is quickly growing into a full-blown industry. European tour operators are reportedly expanding their packages to include guided trips to other countries where open defecation remains a common practice, such as Nepal and parts of Africa.
Whether this trend will have long-term staying power remains to be seen, but for now, it’s safe to say that it has struck a chord with those looking for a break from their neatly ordered lives.
For those brave enough to venture into this new realm of travel, the rewards are profound — and the experiences, unforgettable. So if you’ve ever found yourself bored with the usual vacation options, perhaps it’s time to embrace your wild side, leave the luxury resorts behind, and squat your way through the Indian countryside.
After all, when nature calls, why not answer it in style?
